Fires of Prophecy_ Book Two of the Morcyth Saga - Brian Pratt [102]
Throughout the day as they continue down the road, they come across little hamlets and villages with increasing frequency. At one point, they have to pull over to allow a long column of soldiers to pass on their way north.
“Must be heading to Madoc,” Yorn says, commenting to Jiron as they watch them pass.
“Probably,” states Jiron. “Hope they get cut to pieces,” he says, barely above a whisper.
Several heads nod in agreement.
Once the column has passed, they’re able to bring their wagons back onto the road and continue on their way. The amount of traffic on the road slowly increases as the day progresses, and soon James can smell the familiar scent of the sea. “We’re getting close to the ocean,” he tells them.
“Azzac, the Empire’s capitol, is on the ocean,” Roland says.
“Must be getting close to it then,” he figures.
After another mile, the great city of Azzac comes into view before them. Larger than any city they have yet seen, it sprawls along the river for over a mile before it meets the ocean. A large wall surrounds the city as it stretches miles in both directions down the coastline.
Upon the water beyond the city are dozens of ships tied to the long line of docks. More are out upon the sea, some leaving and some preparing to dock. “This place is massive!” he exclaims.
“Unbelievable,” he hears someone mutter from behind him.
“Hopefully we can get in and find out where Miko is fast, then be on our way,” Jiron says.
“Man that’s right,” agrees Shorty.
“James,” Delia says, “it looks like there’s a place for caravans to the north of the city.”
Looking to where she’s indicating, he sees the caravansary and angles in that direction. At the caravansary, an official looking man flanked by two guards comes forward to greet them. “Welcome to Azzac, strangers,” he says. “If you could show me your letter of travel?”
James takes it out and offers it to him and the man takes it. The official looks at it, sees the name and seal at the bottom and then returns it to him. “There’s a tax of three coppers per wagon to stay here,” he tells him.
Taking the coins out of his pouch, he hands them over to him.
“Thank you,” the official says. “Find any place you like to set up camp.” He then turns and walks back to a tent set up along the road to the caravansary.
They find a good spot near the river and set up camp. Delia takes Roland with her to deliver several packages that are marked for here. She takes Scar and Potbelly along as well.
“You be careful,” James warns her. “If there is anyplace we’re most likely to be discovered, it’s here.”
“Don’t fret,” she assures him. “I’ll be in and out fast.”
James watches as she drives the wagon into Azzac, worried about the ‘what ifs’ and ‘maybes’ running through his mind.
After they’ve finished getting everything settled in, James takes out his mirror and tries to locate Miko. Jiron and Tersa come over and sit by him as he makes the attempt. They look at the mirror and watch as Miko’s face begins to appear. As he broadens the scope, they discover that he’s still riding in a wagon. As he expands the scene even further, they’re able to see a large expanse of ocean off to his right.
“So he’s still following the coast south?” Tersa reasons.
“It looks like it,” agrees James. “At least he’s alive and appears to be doing okay.”
“As long as he’s not dead yet, there’s still hope,” Jiron adds.
“That’s right,” he says. “Let’s get Delia’s deliveries done and get the heck out of here.”
Stig comes over and asks, “Do you think we might be able to go in and have a drink?”
James just looks at him and says, “After the last time? I don’t think so.”
“We’ll be careful,” Stig says.
“No,” James tells him, “not here. Down the road maybe, but not here. Too dangerous.”
“James’s right,” Jiron says.
Disappointed, he goes back to his fellows