Finishing their meal, the two men paid and left. Kasumi could only just refrain from staring at all the metal he could see everywhere, a lifetime’s riches on Kelewan. Just the cost of the meal in silver could support a Tsurani family for a year.
They hurried along one of the city’s business streets, heading to the south gate. Near there, they had been informed, a reputable trader in horses would sell them mounts and tack for a fair price. They found the man, a thin, hawk-beaked fellow by the name of Brin. Laurie spent the better part of an hour haggling with the horse trader for two of his better mounts. They left him expressing concern over their ability to sleep nights after cheating an honest businessman out of the money he needed to feed his starving children.
As they rode through the gate that put them on the road to Ylith, Kasumi said, ‘Much of this land of yours seems odd, but as you haggled with that merchant, I was reminded of home. Our traders are much more polite and would never think of raising their voices in such a manner, but it is still the same thing. They all have starving children.’
Laurie laughed and spurred his mount forward. Soon they were out of sight of the city.
South of Quester’s View they passed more troops on the road, this time Kingdom regulars and auxiliaries trudging along on foot while their officers rode. Laurie and Kasumi had stopped to untack and graze their horses while the column moved past. The fighter watched the soldiers passing with an expert’s eye. Red-uniformed soldiers marched in tight formation, while the more ragged auxiliaries still managed a look of organization. The baggage train moved in good order, experienced cart drivers keeping the animals in proper intervals. When they passed, Kasumi said, ‘Those soldiers are better than any I’ve seen so far on your world, Laurie. Those in red look like professionals. They march well. And those others seem experienced, despite their motley look.’
Laurie nodded. ‘I recognize the standard. That’s the garrison of Shamata, in the Vale of Dreams. They have had their fair share of fighting Kesh’s dog-soldiers and are a veteran outfit. Those others are auxiliaries, Valemen mercenaries; a less tender band of lads you’d be hard pressed to find.’ Laurie started to resaddle his horse. ‘They’re as seasoned a force of men as your countrymen will have faced, in truth.’
When the horses were tacked up, Laurie and Kasumi remounted and rode on. Soon they could see the Bitter Sea, as the road rounded the hills of Questor’s View.
Laurie pulled up his horse and stared out to sea. ‘What is it?’ asked Kasumi.
Laurie shaded his eyes. ‘Ships! A whole fleet of them sailing north.’ He sat for a moment watching, and at last Kasumi could see dots of white upon the blue of the sea.
‘Where are they bound?’ Kasumi asked.
‘Ylith is the only major point north of here. They must be carrying supplies for the war.’
They resumed their ride. A sense of urgency descended upon them both, as everything they saw pointed to an intensification of the war, and the longer they tarried, the less likely the success of their mission.
Fourteen days later, they reached the northern gate of Krondor. As they rode through, they were regarded suspiciously by several guards dressed in black and gold. Once beyond earshot of the gate guards, Laurie said, ‘Those are not the Prince’s tabards. The banner of Bas-Tyra flies over Krondor.’
They rode slowly for a minute, then Kasumi said, ‘What does it mean?’
‘I don’t know. But I think I know a place we can find out.’ They rode through a series of streets bounded on each side by warehouses and commercial enterprises. Sounds from the docks, several streets away, could be heard. Otherwise the district was quiet. ‘Strange,’ remarked Laurie, as they rode on. ‘This part of the city is usually busiest at this time of day.’
Kasumi looked around, not sure of what he expected to see. The Midkemian cities, compared to those of the Empire, seemed small and dirty. Still, there was something strange about the lack of activity here. Both Zun and Ylith had been teeming with soldiers, traders, and citizens at midday, even though they were smaller cities than Krondor. As they rode, a feeling of disquiet visited Kasumi.
They entered a section of the city even more run-down than the warehouse district. Here the streets were narrow, with four- and five-story buildings hugging closely to either side. Dark shadows abounded, even at noon. Those in the street, a few traders and women going to market, moved quietly and with speed. Everywhere the riders looked, they could see expressions of caution and distrust.
Laurie led Kasumi to a gate, behind which the upper part of a three-story building could be seen. Laurie leaned over in the saddle and pulled on a bell rope. When there was no answer after a few minutes, he pulled again.
A moment later a peek window in the door slid aside, two eyes could be seen, and a voice said, ‘What’s your business?’
Laurie’s tone was sharp. ‘Lucas, is that you? What is happening when travelers can’t gain entrance?’
The eyes widened, and the peek window slid shut. The gate swung open with a creaking protest, and a man stepped out to push it wide. ‘Laurie, you scoundrel!’ he said as he admitted the riders. ‘It’s been five – no, six years.’
They rode in, and Laurie was shocked by the condition of the inn. Off to one side was a dilapidated stable. Opposite the gate a sign hung over the main entrance, depicting in faded hues a parrot of many colors with wings spread. They could hear the gate close behind them.
The man called Lucas, tall and gaunt, with grey hair, said, ‘You’ll have to stable the animals yourself. I am alone here and must return to the common room before my guests steal everything there. I’ll see you and your friend inside and we can talk.’ He turned away, and the two riders were left to tend to their mounts.
As they removed the saddles from the horses, Laurie said, ‘There is a lot happening here that I don’t understand. The Rainbow Parrot was never a showplace, but it was always one of the better taverns in the Poor Quarter.’ He quietly rubbed down his animal. ‘If there is any place we can find out what is truly going on in Krondor, this is it. And one thing I have learned over my years of traveling through the Kingdom is when gate guards are watching travelers closely, it is time to stay somewhere they are not likely to visit. You can get your throat cut quickly in the Poor Quarter, but you’ll rarely see a guardsman about. And if they do come, the man who was trying to cut your throat will more than likely hide you until they are gone.’
‘And then try to cut your throat.’
Laurie laughed. ‘You learn quickly.’
When the horses were cared for, the two travelers carried their saddles and packs into the inn. Inside they were greeted by the sight of a dimly lit common room, with a long bar along the rear wall. On the left stood a large fireplace, and on the right a stairway leading upward. There were a number of empty tables in the room, and two with customers. The newcomers were given a quick look by the guests, who then returned to their drinks and quiet conversation.
Laurie and Kasumi crossed over to the bar, where Lucas stood cleaning some wine cups with a less than clean rag. They dropped their packs at their feet, and Laurie said, ‘Any Keshian wine?’
Lucas said, ‘A little, but it is expensive. There has been little trade with Kesh since the trouble started.’
Laurie looked at Lucas, as if weighing the cost. ‘Then two ales.’
Lucas drew two large tankards of ale and said, ‘It is good to see you, Laurie. I’ve missed that tender voice of yours.’
Laurie said, ‘That’s not what you said the last time. As I recall, you likened it to the screeching of a cat looking for a fight.’
They chuckled over that, and Lucas said, ‘With things so bleak, I have mellowed toward those who were true friends. There are few of us left.’ He threw a pointed look at Kasumi.
Laurie said, ‘This is Kenneth, a true friend of mine, Lucas.’
Lucas continued to regard the Tsurani for a moment, then smiled. ‘Laurie’s recommendation counts heavily. Welcome.’ He ex
tended his hand, and Kasumi shook with him, Kingdom fashion.
‘I am pleased at your welcome.’
Lucas frowned at the sound of his accent. ‘An outlander?’
‘From the Vale of Dreams,’ said Kasumi.
‘The Kingdom side,’ added Laurie.
Lucas studied the fighter. After a moment he shrugged. ‘Whatever. It matters not a whit to me, but be wary. These are suspicious times, and there is little love wasted on strangers. Take care who you speak with, for there are rumors that Kesh’s dog-soldiers are ready to move north again, and you are not far from being Keshian.’
Before Kasumi could say anything, Laurie said, ‘Is there to be trouble with Kesh, then?’
Lucas shook his head. ‘I can’t say. The market has more rumors than a beggar has boils.’ His voice lowered. ‘Two weeks back, traders arrived with word the Empire of Great Kesh was again fighting far to the south, seeking to subdue their former vassals in the Confederacy once more. So things should stay quiet for a while. They learned the folly of a two-front war over a hundred years back when they managed to lose all of Bosania and still not beat the Confederacy.’
Laurie said, ‘We have been traveling for a very long time and have heard little news. Why is Bas-Tyra’s banner over Krondor?’
Lucas quickly looked around the room. The drinkers seemed oblivious to the conversation at the bar, but Lucas motioned for silence. ‘I will show you a room,’ he said loudly. Both Laurie and Kasumi were a little surprised, but picked up their belongings and followed Lucas upstairs without comment.
He led them to a small room, with two beds and a nightstand. When the door was closed behind, he said, ‘I trust you, Laurie, so I’ll ask no questions, but know things have changed greatly since last you were here. Even in the Poor Quarter there are ears that belong to the Viceroy. Bas-Tyra has the city under his boot-heel, and it is a foolish man who speaks without seeing who is listening.’
Lucas sat down on one of the beds, and Laurie and Kasumi sat across from him. Lucas continued, ‘When Bas-Tyra came to Krondor he carried the King’s warrant naming him ruler of Krondor, with full viceregal powers. Prince Erland and his family were locked up in the palace, though Guy calls it ‘protective custody.’ Then Guy came down hard on the city. Press-gangs roamed the waterfront, and many a man now sails in Lord Jessup’s fleet without his wife or children knowing what became of their old pa. Since then, any who speak against the Viceroy or King simply vanish, ’cause Guy’s got a secret police listening at every door in the city.
‘Taxes increase each year to pay for the war, and trade’s drying up, except for those selling to the army for the war, and they’re getting paid in worthless vouchers. These are hard times, and the Viceroy’s doing nothing to make them easier. Food is scarce, and there is little money to pay for what there is. Many farmers have lost their farms for taxes, and now the land lies fallow for want of someone to till it. So the farmers wander into the city, swelling the population. Most of the young men have been drafted into the army or the fleet. Be careful you aren’t picked up by the guards, for whatever reason, and be wary of the press-gangs.
‘Still,’ Lucas said with a chuckle, ‘things got lively around here for a time when Prince Arutha came to Krondor.’
‘Borric’s son? He’s in the city?’ asked Laurie.
A twinkle of pleasure showed in Lucas’s eyes. ‘No longer.’ He chuckled again. ‘Last winter, as bold as bright brass, the Prince comes sailing into Krondor. He must have taken the Straits of Darkness during the winter, or he never would have reached the city when he did.’ He quickly told them of Arutha and Anita’s escape.
Laurie said, ‘Did they return to Crydee?’
Lucas nodded. ‘A trader in from Carse a week ago was full of news of this and that. One thing he heard was some Tsurani were acting up around Jonril, and the Prince of Crydee was ready to come down to help if needed. So Arutha must have made it back.’
Laurie said, ‘Guy must have been fit to burst at the news.’
Lucas’s smile vanished. ‘Well, he was, Laurie. He’d tossed Prince Erland into the dungeon to get his permission to marry Anita. He kept him there after he heard of Anita’s escape. I guess he thought the girl would come back rather than let her father stay in a damp cell, but he was wrong. Now the word’s on the street the Prince is near death from the chill. That’s why the city’s in such a state. No one knows what will happen if Erland dies. He’s well liked, and there might be trouble.’ Laurie looked at Lucas with an unspoken question. ‘Nothing like rebellion,’ Lucas answered. ‘We’re too dispirited. But a few of Guy’s guards may turn up missing at muster, and there’ll be many inconveniences getting supplies to the garrison and palace and the like. And I wouldn’t wish to be the Viceroy’s taxman when he’s next sent into the Poor Quarter.’
Laurie considered what he had heard. ‘We are headed east. What about conditions on the road?’
Lucas slowly shook his head. ‘There is still some traveling done. Once past Darkmoor, you should have scant trouble, I’m thinking. We hear that things in the East are more as they used to be. Still, I’d move carefully.’
Kasumi asked, ‘Will we be troubled leaving the city?’
‘The north gate is still the best way. It is undermanned, as usual. For a small fee, the Mockers can see you safely through.’
‘Mockers?’ asked the fighter.
Lucas raised his brows in surprise. ‘You are from a long way off. The Guild of Thieves. They remain in control of the Poor Quarter, and the Upright Man still has influence with the merchants and traders, especially along the docks. The warehouse district is their second home, after the Poor Quarter. They can get you out, if you have any trouble at the gate.’
Laurie said, ‘We will keep that in mind, Lucas. What of your family? I have not seen them around.’
Lucas seemed to shrink into himself, ‘My wife is dead, Laurie, of the fever, a year ago. My sons are both in the army. I have heard little of them in a year. Last time I received a message, they were in the north with Lords Borric and Brucal.
‘The city is full of veterans of the war. You can see them everywhere. They are the ones with missing limbs, or blind eyes. But they always wear their old tabards. And a pathetic sight they are, too.’ He got a faraway look in his eyes. ‘I just hope my boys don’t end up like that.’
Laurie and Kasumi said nothing. Lucas came out of his reverie. ‘I must return downstairs. Supper will be ready in four hours, though nothing like I used to serve.’ As the innkeeper turned to go, he said, ‘If you need to contact the Mockers, let me know.’
After he had left, Kasumi said, ‘It is a hard thing to know your country, Laurie, and still look upon the war as glorious.’
Laurie nodded.
The warehouse was dark and musty. Except for Laurie and Kasumi and two fresh horses, it was empty. They had stayed at the Rainbow Parrot the night before and had purchased new mounts at great expense, then had tried to leave the city. When they had reached the city gates, they had been stopped by a detachment of Bas-Tyra’s guards. When it was obvious that the guards were not likely to let them leave without trouble, Laurie and Kasumi had broken away from them, and a mad dash through the city had followed. They had lost their pursuers in the Poor Quarter and had returned to the Rainbow Parrot. Lucas had sent word to the Upright Man, and now they waited for a thief to guide them out of the city.
A whistle broke the silence, and Laurie and Kasumi had their swords in hand in an instant. A high-pitched chuckle greeted them, and a small figure dropped from above. In the dark it was difficult to see where the figure sprang from, but Laurie suspected their visitor had been hiding in the rafters for some time.
The figure stepped forward, and in the dim light they could see it was a boy, no older than thirteen. ‘There’s a party at Mother’s,’ the newcomer said.
‘And a good time will be had by all,’ Laurie answered.
‘You’re the travelers, then.’
‘Yo
u’re the guide?’ asked Kasumi, taking no effort to hide the surprise in his voice.
The boy’s voice was filled with bravado. ‘Aye. Jimmy the Hand is your guide. And a better one in all Krondor you’ll not find.’
Laurie said, ‘What’s to be done?’
‘First there’s the matter of payment. It’s a hundred sovereigns each.’
Without comment Laurie dug out several small gems and handed them over. ‘Will these do?’
The boy turned to the warehouse door and cracked it slightly, admitting a shaft of moonlight. He inspected the gems with an expert’s eye and returned to stand before the two fugitives. ‘These’ll do. For another hundred, you can have this.’ He offered a piece of parchment.
Laurie took it, but couldn’t make out what was written on it in the dim light. ‘What is it?’
Jimmy chuckled. ‘A royal warrant, allowing the bearer to travel the King’s Highway.’
‘Is it genuine?’ asked the minstrel.
‘My word. I nicked it myself from a trader from Ludland this morning. It’s valid for another month.’
‘Done,’ said Laurie, and the minstrel gave the boy another gem.
When the gems were safely in the thief’s pouch, he said, ‘Soon we’ll be hearing a brouhaha at the gate. A few of the boys will put on some mummery for the guards. When everything’s up in the wind, we’ll slip through.’
He returned to the door and looked out without further comment. While they waited, Kasumi whispered, ‘Can he be trusted?’
‘No, but we have no choice. If the Upright Man could show a larger profit by turning us in, he might. But the Mockers have little love for the guards, and now less than usual, according to Lucas, so it is unlikely. Still, keep your wits about you.’
Time stretched on interminably, then suddenly shouts could be heard. Jimmy signaled with a sharp whistle, which was answered by another from outside. ‘It’s time,’ he said, and was out the door.
Laurie and Kasumi led their horses out after him. ‘Follow closely and quickly,’ their small guide said as he set off.