The Unsuspecting Mage: The Morcyth Saga Book One

  Over the next two days James took it easy, sleeping through most of the first, only awakening when Mary brought a plate of eggs and potatoes. During breakfast of the second day, he spied the girls peeking through the doorway. Their giggling alerted their mother who immediately shooed them away. “Let the boy eat in peace!”

  “Rest,” she said. “It’s the best thing for you.”

  He nodded and closed his eyes.

  As she passed through the doorway, James heard Mary berate her girls again for bothering him. Apparently they hadn’t shooed very far. He couldn’t help but grin. He had come to like Corbin and his family. They had definitely done everything they could to make him feel welcome while he stayed with them.

  The redness and welts caused by the black cloud had all but disappeared. He felt much better after having rested the day before. He managed to fall asleep again and remained so until Mary brought lunch. The sound of her approaching his bedside prompted him to open his eyes.

  In one hand she carried a bowl of soup and in the other, a cup of water. When she saw he was awake, she asked, “How are you feeling?”

  “Better,” he replied as he sat up.

  She set the glass of water on the nightstand, then handed him the bowl and a spoon.

  The aroma coming from the soup made his stomach growl. He took the spoon and eagerly scooped out a portion. “Very good.”

  Mary beamed at the praise.

  Taking a seat on the edge of the bed, she inspected his injuries. “We were worried. Corbin said that when they found you, he thought you were dead.”

  He gave her a grin. “I can imagine.”

  “Sad about Hern; and Joshua, he was a joy to have around,” she said sadly. “At least you were able to help Leanna.”

  “Is she alright?”

  Mary nodded. “Her father says that she is much more subdued than what she used to be. Our priest thinks after some time has passed, she will gradually regain much of her youthful exuberance.” A pause, then…“She used to be such a happy girl.”

  “After what she went through,” began James. “I can imagine it taking some time for her to recover.”

  She sighed and nodded. “Yes. We are just thankful she is alive.”

  His bowl was soon empty. She took it, and as she left the room, told him to get more sleep.

  He lay in bed for a while but sleep was unattainable. It wasn’t long before he concluded that he was not going to fall asleep any time soon. Thankfully, the throbbing in his head which was unbearable the day before had now subsided to a dull ache. He started to think that he might enjoy living again. Tired of being stuck in bed, he decided to get up and stretch his legs, wobbly though they were.

  Moving slowly, he swung his legs over the bed and attempted to stand. When he gained his feet, dizziness came on abruptly and he had to sit down on the bed. He held his head in his hands to calm the dizziness, and the slight increase in pain. He took several deep breaths. The dizziness subsided after a minute or so, and he again attempted to get to his feet. He managed it without the sudden onslaught of dizziness and worsening of his headache. Feeling only slightly dizzy and unsteady, he refused to give into weakness and shuffled to the chair where his clothes were and got dressed.

  Once he was dressed, he walked out into the front area. He found Mary sitting at the table mending a pair of trousers. “Where is everyone?” he asked, coming to the table.

  “The kids are out in the fields, and Corbin went to the house to help the others raze it to the ground.” She put the trousers down and eyed him. “Can’t sleep?”

  Shaking his head, he replied, “Not tired. I’m feeling much better too. Your soup really hit the spot. I think I’ll take a little walk to stretch my legs and get some fresh air.”

  “Cyanna’s outside playing with the dogs.” As she picked up the trousers, she added, “If you should see her, tell her I would like her to come help me.”

  “Sure will,” he agreed and went outside. He looked for Cyanna but there was no sign of her or the dogs.

  Enjoying the warmth of the summer sun, he decided to find a comfortable grassy spot near the pond where he could sit and relax. The ducks had since traveled on, so he just laid back and watched the clouds go by, enjoying the peace and quiet. The warm sun soothed his weary body. Before he even realized it, he fell asleep.

  Plunk! Plunk!

  The sound of stones striking the pond’s surface awakened him. Thinking Cyanna had joined him, he opened his eyes and glanced over to greet her. The whimsical greeting he was about to say died on his lips. Not three feet away sat the little creature with the blue vest and crazy felt hat he met when he first arrived in this world.

  “Awake, are we? Enjoying yourself?”

  Not sure how to respond, he replied, “I’ve had better days than the last few.”

  The creature chuckled. “I’m sure you have. But you’ve done well. My master is pleased.”

  Curious, James asked, “Just who might your master be?”

  “I haven’t been directed to tell you that as yet.”

  Plunk!

  Another struck the water, sending ripples across the surface. Holding up his hand, the creature said, “Nor have I been given permission to answer any of your questions.”

  Reaching into his vest pocket, the creature removed a silver medallion on a chain and tossed it to him. “This is for you. Consider it to be a gift of sorts.”

  James caught the medallion. He examined it and found one side had a raised pattern that looked like a stylized star. Turning it over, James discovered the back to be smooth, without design.

  “What is this?”

  “Like I said, a gift. Though should you desire, you may give it away or sell it, though I’d advise against that at this time. You may need it later on.”

  Plunk!

  “What do you mean, ‘later on’?” James did not like the prospect of what that phrase foretold.

  “Later on, as in a future time,” explained the creature with a grin.

  “What am I supposed to do now? Obviously I’m here for some purpose. Would you care to enlighten me?”

  “Just do what you feel is right and I’m sure everything will turn out for the best.”

  “Yeah, and if I think it feels right to toss this medallion into the pond, should I?” he demanded irritably. He wanted some answers, not all this cryptic stuff.

  “Not supposed to answer questions, remember?” The creature stood up, “You should be fine. I’ll see you later on.” With that, he hopped in the air and disappeared just like he had before.

  James stared at the spot where the creature had just stood for a moment before lying back on the grass. He examined the medallion more closely and mulled over his choices. The design looked to be the same as the one that had been on the cover of the book he inexplicably lost back in the forest. The loss of that book still bothered him. He could sure use it now.

  He wondered, again, why he was in this world, not to mention what forces had brought him there. It was difficult to believe that it was for nefarious reasons. The creature had told him to “do what you feel is right.” Hardly the advice one would expect a minion of evil to give. But still, one never knew.

  He wasn’t sure how long he spent mulling things over. But before long, he heard Mary’s voice calling everyone to dinner. Coming to his feet slowly, he made his way back to the house. He put the medallion around his neck for safekeeping and tucked it inside his shirt. When he returned to the house he didn’t mention the little creature or the medallion.

  That night after dinner as he tried falling to sleep, he couldn’t stop thinking about the medallion and why it was given him. There must be a reason, he insisted. There must! Sometime before drifting off to sleep he concluded that answers needed to be found for the many questions that plagued him. He also believed that the answers would most likely not be uncovered in the sleepy village of Trendle.

  Early the next morning he found Corbin and family eating breakfast
.

  “Good morning all,” he said as he approached the table.

  “Feeling better this morning?” Corbin asked.

  Mary brought a plate for James and he helped himself to the eggs and biscuits. “Much better, thank you. It was probably Mary’s cooking that did the most good.” James flashed her a smile.

  He sat quietly at the table, absentmindedly picking at his eggs and biscuits while trying to come up with the right words to say.

  “Something on your mind, James?” Corbin asked. “You seem a bit preoccupied, barely even touched your breakfast.”

  Realizing that he had been pushing his food around, he said, “Well, as much as I have enjoyed your hospitality, I think it’s time for me to be moving on. I wondered if you could come into town with me and help me select traveling gear?” He took a bite of his eggs while waiting for Corbin’s reply.

  Corbin eyed him for a moment, then nodded. “I guess I could do that. Where are you planning to go, if you don’t mind my asking?”

  “I’m not sure where anything is in this area. Where is the nearest major city?”

  “The closest city of any size is Bearn. It lies two days south along the Kelewan River. Three days further you’ll find Castle Cardri out on the coast. It’s our capitol. A week’s ride to the east is Trademeet, a bustling city where merchants of many nations meet. It lies at the foot of the mountains separating Cardri and Madoc.”

  “Do you think Castle Cardri would have a library or something that I could use?”

  “Most likely. Though it’s unlikely you would be permitted inside. Only nobles or known scholars are allowed entry. Or so I hear.”

  “Well, it wouldn’t hurt to try.”

  He finished his breakfast and together they went to saddle their horses. James did a decent job this time, proud that he hadn’t required Corbin’s help. He climbed into the saddle, and directed his horse out of the barn. The kids were there with Mary as he neared the house. She came up to him and handed him a sack filled with bread, dried meat and fruits. He took the sack and gave her his heartfelt thanks.

  Devin brought out James’ spear and backpack. James grabbed the backpack but told him to keep the spear. “I don’t think I will need that. You keep it.”

  Devin smiled and nodded, admiring his new spear.

  He looked to Mary. “I appreciate your hospitality and have enjoyed being here more than you know.”

  “Goodbye, James; and be careful.”

  “I will,” he assured her.

  With a chorus of goodbyes, James turned his horse and followed Corbin down the lane. Looking back he saw Elizabeth and Cyanna still waving goodbye. He raised a hand and waved back, then turned and caught up with Corbin. The dogs followed, barking and jumping until the end of the lane. He and Corbin rode side by side as they continued on into town.

  Upon approaching the outskirts they saw a column of soldiers marching eastward along the main road.

  “Who are they?”

  “Cardri soldiers,” Corbin replied. “They must be headed east to reinforce Dragon’s Pass. The siege is still raging at Saragon, at least that’s the rumor. If it falls, the Empire may swing our way. Doubtful, but best to be prepared.”

  “I suppose so.”

  Once the soldiers passed, they made their way to Alexander’s. They found Alexander at the counter dealing with an elderly woman. They waited a few moments until she concluded her business.

  When she was done and turned to leave, James stepped to the counter. Alexander grinned at his approach. “Why, it’s James. How may I be of service?”

  “I’m leaving town so I need to withdraw the rest of my money.”

  “Very well,” Alexander said. “A thousand gold pieces is a lot to carry around with you. If you prefer, I could give you a letter of account. Such a letter would be honored by any money lender in Cardri. It would be less bulky than a chest full of coins that any robber would surely take an interest in.”

  “That sounds like a good idea. Give me another hundred gold to take with me and the rest in a letter of account. That should last me until I get to Cardri.”

  “You’re heading to the city of Cardri then?”

  James nodded. “I plan to head in that direction.”

  “My brother has a money lender establishment in Cardri,” he explained. “I’m sure he would be more than willing to cash this for you. You can find him in the merchant’s quarter of the outer ring.”

  “I’ll look him up when I get there.”

  “Very good. I shall be but a moment.”

  Alexander disappeared into the back. It didn’t take long before he returned with a pouch of coins and the letter. Together they counted the money. Both verified that James was indeed receiving the correct amount.

  Handing the pouch and the letter to James, Alexander said, “Protect this letter carefully. If you lose it, you’ve lost your money, understand?” James nodded that he understood. “And if you see my brother, tell him all is well here.”

  “I will be sure to do that,” James assured him. After signing a few papers that stated Alexander was no longer responsible for his money, he and Corbin left.

  Next to Alexander’s was the Chandlers’ Shop where a variety of equipment and supplies for travel were sold. Inside, they found items like bags, cloaks, and belts, displayed throughout the shop. An open counter lined most of one wall and a portly man stood behind it.

  When they entered he said, “A good day to you, Corbin. How may I help you?”

  “Not for me, Burl, but for James.”

  Burl’s eyes widened as he appraised Corbin’s companion. “James? Not the same James who rescued Jake’s little girl?”

  James nodded, “I guess so. I need some equipment.”

  “What are you looking for?”

  He described the items he thought he was going to need. Then Corbin and the chandler proceeded to tell him what he would really need, including several sets of clothes. Together, they compiled a list of travel essentials. When asked how much for the lot the chandler replied, “Jake came in here yesterday and told me that if you wanted anything, that I was to charge him for it. He said it was the least he could do to repay you.”

  Turning to Corbin, James looked questioningly at him.

  “While you recovered, he stopped by to talk to you but we thought it best not to disturb your rest,” he explained. “He said he wanted to repay you in some way. I explained that you would need equipment and supplies when you left, seeing as how you didn’t have anything when you arrived. He must have come down here and set this up with Burl.”

  “That’s right, he did,” agreed Burl.

  “Okay, I got it.” Collecting his new equipment he said to the chandler, “Thank you for your help.”

  “You are most welcome.”

  With arms full, he exited the shop and began packing and redistributing his new acquisitions upon his horse until he had a balanced load. As he got ready to mount, Corbin stopped him.

  “Here.” He offered James a knife in a simple leather sheath. “This has been collecting dust the last few years and I’d like you to have it. You will need it more than I.”

  He took the knife, pulled the blade from the scabbard and found the metal well-polished with a sharp edge. He reinserted it into the scabbard and hooked it on his belt. Once his belt was buckled securely around him, he positioned the knife’s scabbard in a comfortable position. Having it on his hip made him feel pretty darn good.

  “Thanks, Corbin.” He reached out his hand and shook Corbin’s. “I appreciate all that you’ve done. I’ll drop by if I’m ever back in the area again.”

  “You are always welcome,” Corbin told him. “You take care now.”

  James mounted, turned the horse in the direction of the south road and cantered out of town.

  Traveling down the road along the Kelewan River was peaceful and enjoyable. The road had been well maintained and made for easy riding. It was a clear and sunny day with a slight breeze, t
oo warm for more than a shirt. James rode along and covered the miles quickly. According to Corbin it was two days to Bearn. As the day progressed, he passed several travelers, some alone and others as a group. Late in the morning he encountered one caravan with ten wagons and about as many guards. The teamsters waved as he passed, while the guards only glared. The lead wagon was not the same flatbed as the others, but a wagon covered with a deep blue canvas. A four horse team pulled it, which made him think of the covered wagons in the old western movies.

  The wagon was being driven by a young lady who looked about sixteen. On the seat next to her sat an older man, most likely her father. As James pulled abreast of the wagon, the lady said, “Good day to you, sir.”

  Smiling his most charming smile, he replied, “And a nice day to you too, ma’am.”

  The man looked him up and down. His expression suggested that he found James somewhat lacking. He nodded a greeting but didn’t say anything.

  “Where are you bound?” the lady asked him.

  “South to Bearn, then perhaps to the coast,” he replied. “By the way, my name is James.” He gave her a slight bow.

  “I am called Celienda.” Gesturing to the man next to her she added, “This is my father, Meredith.”

  Bowing slightly, this time to her father, he gave his respects. “Are you heading to Bearn?”

  “Oh, yes. Our home is there but we transport goods to various towns, depending on the markets.”

  “Could you perhaps tell me of a good inn where I might stay? I have never been to Bearn.”

  Thinking a bit, she said, “The Flying Swan is good and well priced. The owner is a friend of ours by the name of Jillian. If you should stay there, tell him Celienda sends her wishes.”

  “I will, and thank you for your help. Maybe we’ll run into each other while I am there?” suggested James with a grin. Her father gave him a cold look that said such was not likely.

  “You never know,” responded Celienda with a cheerful smile.

  He gave them another slight bow, and said, “May your travels be profitable and safe.” He sped his horse up to a canter and pulled away from the caravan.

  “Fare you well, James,” he heard Celienda call after him. It didn’t take long before they vanished in the distance behind.

  When the sun reached its apex, James stopped to let his horse graze while he had a bite to eat. He found a shady spot not far from the river, removed the sack Mary gave him and settled against the bole of a tree.

  His posterior had been complaining for the last hour from the saddle, but he would have to get used to being in the saddle all day. In this world, it seemed to be the preferred mode of transportation.

  While he ate, he thought how peaceful and calm it was by the river. Pulling the medallion from beneath his shirt, he again contemplated the design upon its face. Questions and still more questions with very few answers. He sighed, replaced the medallion beneath his shirt and finished his meal.

  The rest of the afternoon was a repeat of the morning, except that the pain in his bottom grew more pronounced as the day wore on. When the sun was but an hour away from the horizon, several buildings appeared in the distance. Two looked to be houses or storage sheds while a third stood two stories tall with smoke coming out of the chimney. Another long building sat behind it.

  As he drew closer he made out a sign of a river turning a bend which hung in front of the large, two story building. Must be an inn. Since night was quickly approaching, he figured this would be a good spot to stop. He secured his horse to the hitching post and entered.

  The smell of unwashed bodies and smoke took his breath away. His eyes started to water and he could barely breathe. Pausing there in the doorway for a second, he slowly acclimated to the stench. Looking around he noticed several tables in the common area. One was unoccupied. A long bar ran along the wall. To the rear of the room a stairway climbed to the second floor.

  Fortunately the unoccupied table was near an open window. He took a seat which enabled him to sit with his back to the wall so he could view the entire common room. He leaned his head against the wall near the open window for the fresh air coming through. He didn’t have long to wait until the serving girl came over.

  “Hi, I’m Melinda. What can I get ya?”

  “What do you have?”

  “There are two choices for dinner,” she explained. “Mutton stew or roast beef. The stew is two coppers, the roast beef three. I’d take the roast beef. Some have said the mutton is a bit on the tough side.”

  “I’ll take the roast beef then, and some ale. How much for a room? I also have a horse.”

  “A silver a night and two coppers for the stall. If you need feed for your horse, that’s another copper.”

  Reaching into his travel purse, he pulled out two silvers and handed them to her. She took them and said, “I’ll be right back.” She walked to the man behind the counter and his coins changed hands. The man handed her back several coppers and she gave him his change.

  “The stall for your horse is the third from the right. If you need feed for your horse just give a copper to Ferric when you stable your horse. He’s the stableman.” Gesturing to the stairs, she added, “Your room is up the stairs; second on the left.”

  Despite being in close proximity to the window, he couldn’t stand the stench in the common room any longer. “I’ll take care of my horse first then retire to my room,” he explained. “Would it be possible for my meal to be delivered to my room after I’m finished settling in my horse?”

  “Certainly,” she said. “When you return from the stable, let me know and I’ll bring it up myself.” She gave him a wink and knowing smile before walking to another table where a customer was signaling for her.

  James hurried out the door into the cool refreshing evening, taking a couple deep breaths. Haven’t these people ever heard of baths? I suppose I better get use to it. They’re not very hygienic here.

  He untied his horse and led him around the side to the stable. He found a man filling the feed bins in several of the stalls. “Are you Ferric, the stableman?”

  “That’s me. What can I do for you?”

  “Melinda said I was to have the third stall from the right.” Digging into his travel purse, James handed him a copper, “This is for feed.”

  Taking the copper, Ferric took charge of James’ horse. The stall was roomy and filled with clean straw. At the rear was an area for storing the tack and saddle. James took down a brush hanging on the wall and proceeded to brush his horse’s coat. When he finished, Ferric arrived with a pail of feed.

  “He’ll be fine,” assured Ferric as he poured the grain into the feed bin. “My room is at the end of the stable so I can hear if there is any trouble. Should trouble or a problem arise, I will send for you.”

  Giving him another copper, James said, “Thank you.” He turned to his horse, patted him and said, “I’ll see you in the morning.” With one last rub along the neck, he left the stable and headed for the inn.

  James signaled to Melinda upon his return, indicating that he would like his dinner brought up. Nodding, she finished with a customer and hurried into the kitchen.

  He climbed the stairs and found a long hallway which stretched the length of the building. Four doors lined each side and an oil lamp burned at either end. The flickering of the small flames did little to banish the growing shadows. Coming to the second door on the left, he opened it and went inside.

  The room was somewhat dark. The window faced east and the sun had begun dipping below the horizon. A single candle sat in a candlestick on the middle of a small table. He tried a simple spell to light the candle’s wick.

  Candle wick,

  Light quick.

  A barely perceptible surge of power flew from James and the wick burst into flame, giving off a comforting light. He set his backpack and travel bags in the far corner and then sat on the bed. It was sort of soft with a few lumps. The sheets and pillows were stained and not entire
ly clean. The room, though small, didn’t feel cramped. Aside from the bed there was a small table with two chairs.

  Getting up from the bed, he opened the window to let in fresh air. He found that it overlooked the stable and courtyard below. The window now open, the noise from the common room was more pronounced. It was not long until he heard a knock.

  Opening the door, he found Melinda carrying a tray of food balanced on one hand with a flagon of ale held in the other. He took the tray and set it on the table. She brought his ale and asked if there was anything else he would like.

  “No, not right now, thank you.”

  “I’ll be back in a while to remove the tray.” With that she left him to his dinner.

  The roast beef was surprisingly good, not too tough and a little juicy. The half loaf of bread that came with the roast beef was somewhat fresh, with a hint of nuttiness about it. It didn’t take him long to finish the meal. After sopping the last bit of juice with a chunk of bread, he stretched out on the bed. He lay there awhile, thinking about the last few days and where the next ones would take him.

  Knock! Knock!

  Not wanting to get up, he hollered, “Come in.”

  The door opened and Melinda entered. “Is there anything else you require?”

  “Nothing, thank you.”

  Coming over, she sat on the bed next to him, “Are you sure there is nothing else that you want?” She put her hand on his leg and gave him a look that left little doubt what else was available.

  With the state of personal hygiene that he had seen since coming to this world on his mind, he said, “No, not tonight I’m afraid.”

  She got off the bed and gave him a disappointed look as she went to gather the dinnerware. “I’ll be around all night if you should change your mind.” Turning, she walked out the door, closing it behind her.

  James got up and hurried to secure the lock. He blew out the candle and then got undressed before crawling into bed. He fervently hoped there would be no biting bedbugs as he slowly drifted off to sleep.

  The morning dawned bright and sunny. The sunlight came through his window and awakened him from a dream of home. Getting up, he quickly dressed and gathered his things. He then headed downstairs for breakfast. There were a few people eating. He made his way to the same table where he sat the night before.

  It didn’t take long before he was enjoying a breakfast of ham steak, potatoes and eggs. While he ate, he noticed two gentlemen at a table in the midst of a friendly conversation. One was in his mid-forties and the other was a younger man, perhaps early twenties. They looked like father and son, both dark haired and dressed well.

  James noticed another man sitting alone at a table in the corner. He wasn’t eating, just having a drink. He soon realized that the man in the corner was taking an unusual interest in the two men. His clothes were a bit ragged and his face unshaven, his hair uncombed. His eyes never stayed on the two men for any length of time, but James noticed that they returned to rest upon them often.

  Finishing his meal, James sat back and took his time with his drink. Wondering what the man in the corner was up to, he relaxed and waited. Sipping his ale, it was almost gone when the two men finished their meal and headed out the door to the stables. James saw the man’s attention completely focused on the two men. As they exited, the man got up and followed them out.

  Curious, James peered through a door to see what was going on. The two men entered the stables, while the single man made his way to a window on the side of the stable and looked inside. The man glanced through the window and then quickly looked around the courtyard. James ducked from the doorway and then peered around again a second later. He saw that the man was walking around to the stable door where he slipped inside.

  James hurried across the courtyard to the stable’s door. Coming from the stables he heard hushed voices, unable to make out the words. Nearing the entrance, he began to make out what was being said.

  “…Now!” said a menacing voice.

  “Here, take it! Just don’t hurt us.” James recognized the voice of the older of the two gentlemen. Watching cautiously, he saw the older man handing a purse to the robber. The robber stood with sword drawn, the point scant inches from the chest of the younger man. Taking the purse, he gauged the weight of the coins then placed it inside his tunic.

  “Thank you, gentlemen,” the robber said. He began backing slowly toward James, his sword still leveled at the two men.

  James quickly looked around and saw a pile of broken boards next to the stable. He took a two foot piece and then stood ready to wallop the robber as he exited.

  He heard the robber come closer. When he judged that the robber was close enough, James swung the board with all his might and felt a soft thud as it connected with the back of the robber.

  The man stumbled forward from the force of the unexpected blow, his sword sailing out of his hand. His foot caught on something and he lost his balance. Falling to the floor, he quickly rolled and regained his feet, knife drawn.

  The two men, though surprised by James’ attack, drew swords and advanced on the robber. The robber realized his advantage was lost and left his sword on the ground. Making a quick leap through the side window, he hit the ground on the other side.

  “Thief!” the older man yelled. The younger man started running for the door where James stood and gave chase to the robber.

  James glanced toward the robber as he gained his feet and for a short second, their eyes locked. He could see the hate behind those eyes, directed at him. Then the robber ran to a saddled horse tied to the hitching post. The younger man rushed through the door and raced after, but not fast enough before the robber mounted his horse. Spurring him to a gallop, the robber quickly raced between the buildings and was soon out of sight.

  The older gentleman came to James and held his hand out, “Thank you, sir.”

  “You’re welcome. I’m just sorry he got away.” Taking the hand, he shook it.

  Holding up the pouch, the man said, “When you struck, our money fell from his tunic. We are in your debt.”

  “Did you know him?”

  The younger one replied, “No.” Looking at the older man he asked, “Have you seen him before, father?”

  “No. But I’ll know him if I ever see him again.” Looking around, the father stared at the courtyard, empty except for themselves and James. No one had bothered themselves to come and give aid when he called “Thief!”

  “I guess we are lucky not all people are cowards. My name’s Renlon, this is my son Kinney. We’re headed north if you would care to travel with us.”

  Smiling at the offer, James shook his head. “No thank you. I’m on my way south to Bearn. My name’s James.”

  “Well, James, if you are ever in Illion, you are welcome to our hospitality. We own and operate an iron mine and smelter. Maybe you have heard of us, Renlon’s Iron?”

  “No, sorry, never heard of it. I’m new to the area,” he explained. “I will definitely stop by should I be that way.”

  Digging into his purse he handed James two gold coins. “Here, take this with our gratitude.”

  Taking the gold, he said, “Thank you.”

  Placing the gold with his other coins, he went to check on his horse. Finding him having been well cared for, he saddled him and walked him to the hitching post near the front of the inn. He returned to the inn to gather the belongings he left by the table. Leaving the inn, he spied Renlon and his son and waved goodbye. James soon put the inn far behind as he continued his way south.

  On the road again..., he began singing one of his favorite songs. Spirits once again high, he brought his horse to a trot and exhilarated in his freedom. No demands, no tests, no grandparents pushing him to get a job. What could be better? The rest of the day went by uneventfully. Long before Bearn appeared on the horizon, the untamed countryside turned into farmland with hardworking farmers out in their fields. By the time Bearn finally appeared in the distance, evening was on
ly a couple of hours away. Two days, just as Corbin said.

  He found Bearn to be much larger than Trendle. The city stretched for over a mile to the east of the river and probably half as much on the west. A large bridge spanned the river near the center of the city and a smaller one further to the south.

  An encircling wall gave the city a measure of security and protection. The road passed through a gate in the north wall which allowed entry into the city. Several guards at the gate maintained order, occasionally pulling aside travelers and asking questions. As James approached, one came over and stated, “Welcome to Bearn. Please state your name and reason for visiting.”

  The guard looked bored, as if he had asked this question a thousand times today.

  “My name is James. I am just passing through, though I plan on staying the night at the Flying Swan. Maybe a day or two at the most.”

  The guard nodded, made a quick notation on a piece of paper, and then waved James on through.

  On the other side, merchant stalls lined the street, each with a loud proprietor enticing passersby to buy their goods. Some stopped to inspect the goods while others pointedly ignored them as they attempted to get by without being hassled.

  Several street boys came up to James, each pitching where they could take him.

  “Come with me, sir. I can take you to the prettiest girls in town,” one lad offered.

  “His girls are the ugliest,” yelled another. “Come to Banif’s and you’ll see the best.”

  Holding up his hand for quiet, James asked, “Can one of you take me to the Flying Swan?”

  Several hands flew into the air and he pointed to one of about thirteen. The boy headed off with James following close behind.

  The boy took him down several streets and then headed west, crossing over the big bridge seen earlier. The boy occasionally glanced back to make sure that he hadn’t lost him. They arrived at a building bearing a colorful sign depicting a white swan in flight over a lake. The boy stopped in front of the Flying Swan and said, “Here you are, sir.”

  James reached into his pouch and took out two coppers and tossed them to the boy. Catching the coins the boy seemed satisfied. “Do you need more help sir?”

  “Not right now and thank you for your help.”

  “If you ever have need of a guide while you’re here, come to the gate where we met. My name is Miko.”

  James considered the offer. “Maybe tomorrow morning you could meet me here. I have a few things I need and maybe you could help me find what I require?”

  Smiling, the boy replied, “Ok! I’ll be here, bright and early.”

  “I’ll see you then, Miko.”

  The boy turned and scampered back into the crowd. In a flash he was gone.

  Nice boy, James thought to himself. He tied his horse to the hitching post and walked into the Flying Swan.

  Chapter Seven

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