Azure bonds - Kate Novak [96]
They could have ridden into Yulash before sunset if it had been a more peaceful season. Instead, they camped a quarter mile away, using an overturned wagon to shelter them from view of the forces defending and attacking the town's main citadel. Even if they could get closer without being hit by a stray arrow or magic spell, they could be caught by an army and executed as spies.
They were close enough to hear metal clashing on metal as some of the combatants met in swordplay, commands barked out by captains, cheers from men who'd just managed to kill someone or something, and cries of horror from men who had seen their last battle.
After dark, a great, glowing whirlwind spun around the top of the mound, igniting members of the attacking force. As their bodies scattered down the slope, they looked to Alias, from a distance, like sparkling seeds falling away from a flaming dandelion.
"Well, it certainly is more amusing to watch than your standard campfire," Olive commented. "Though it lacks a certain warmth."
They hadn't dared light their own campfire for fear of being discovered by a foraging patrol, so after a cold dinner, the four adventurers sat huddled against the overturned wagon as the night air grew more and more chill. Olive shivered, wrapped beneath her own cloak and two of Akabar's. The mage affected a pose of calm unconcern, but Alias caught him blowing into his cupped hands, trying to keep them warm. Dragonbait kept peering around the side of the wagon, fascinated by Yulash mound. The horses, tethered nearby behind the one remaining wall of an ancient farmer's cottage, whickered uncomfortably. Dragonbait echoed the sound, though whether he was trying to comfort them or agreeing with them Alias could not tell.
In the soft glow of the finder's stone, Alias could not escape the halfling's accusatory stare or Akabar's expectant one. "When I led us up here, I had no idea the area would be so unsettled." Each intermittent flash from the city's ruins drew her attention. I feel like a moth, she thought, trying to get into a lantern, beating against the glass. Somewhere in that maze of ruins lies the answer to my curse-I'm sure of it.
"I had assumed the city would be firmly in the hands of one side or the other. Then we could use the same trick we used in the dragon's lair. Akabar would scout ahead with his wizard eye trick, Olive would accompany me to help with locks, traps, and other tricky parts, and Dragonbait would remain behind with the gear."
Olive muttered something about "thief's tricks," and Dragonbait scowled, but Alias ignored them both. "However," she continued, "that was all assuming we only had to elude a sleepy city guard. With two active forces looking for enemy troops, our chances of sneaking in unnoticed are…" she hesitated, trying not to sound falsely optimistic.
"Slim," Akabar suggested.
"Try nil," Olive retorted. "Humans. Always fighting over who gets the better view."
"They don't battle over it just because it's the only major terrain between the forest and the river," Akabar lectured. "Remember, it sits on the route south from Zhentil Keep. If Hillsfar should take and hold the city, they would effectively blockade Zhentil Keep's bulk trade."
"And there's probably more gold and treasure left in the wreckage, in hidden cellars and dungeons, than in the active mines of the dwarves," Alias added.
Olive perked up a little, cheered by the thought of treasure. Dragonbait stood and walked over to the horses to stroke Lightning. All the while the lizard's eyes remained fixed on the glowing hill.
Akabar followed the lizard.
"Where are you going?" Alias called to him.
"To help Dragonbait with the horses."
"You've been fussing over him ever since we left Shadowdale," the warrior noted. "Helping him fetch wood, keeping watch with him. He can take care of himself." She tugged on the mage's robes until he was forced to sit back down beside her. "Now, what do you think our chances would be if we contacted one side or the