Fires of Prophecy_ Book Two of the Morcyth Saga - Brian Pratt [133]
“Me too,” agrees James, his throat still a little raspy. “Do we have any food?” he inquires.
“A little,” he replies and then moves over to one of the saddle bags. He takes out a cloth containing some rations and brings it over to James. “I figure we have a day’s worth left,” he says, “maybe more.”
James takes it and when he takes his first bite, his stomach lets out a large growl and he begins eating in earnest.
“Are you going to need more rest?” Jiron asks him.
“I think so,” James replies just as a yawn escapes him. “Most likely another day at the most, then I think I’ll be okay to travel.”
“In that case I better go and find us more food or we’ll be out by morning,” he tells him. “It looks like you’re going to be needing a lot.”
“I usually do after major magic like I did back at Al-Kur,” he explains.
Jiron looks to him and asks, “Will you be okay by yourself?”
He shrugs and says, “If no one shows up, yes. I doubt if I could do anything to defend myself now if someone should come by.”
“I won’t be long,” he says as he goes over and begins to saddle one of the horses.
James finishes eating and already his body is telling him it’s time to rest. Trying to stifle another big yawn he says, “Hurry back.”
“I will,” he assures him. Leading the horse outside the cave, he mounts and glances back inside to James before he leaves. Already, he’s fallen asleep.
Jiron quickly leaves the cave behind as he makes his way through the hills, away from the beach area. The rolling hills give him some cover as he follows the coast south, hoping to come across a town where he can acquire some food.
The light begins to fade as the sun drops below the horizon. The approach of darkness makes Jiron more at ease, in the dark is when he’s most effective. Before the sun slips completely beyond the horizon, he comes across a small fishing village. A couple dozen huts and one main building is all there is to it. A small dock extends into the water and several small boats are tied to it.
Satisfied to have found a town so readily, Jiron turns around and leads his horse away from the village. He finds a place back in the hills that will keep his horse hidden while he goes in search of food. Taking the reins, he ties him to a scrub tree in a hollow between two hills. Patting him on the neck before returning to the village, he says, “I’ll be back soon, boy.”
Working his way back to the village on foot, he stops when he begins to see the light coming from the outlying buildings. He waits there, hidden in amongst some trees and bushes as he observes the inhabitants, thankful that there are no soldiers or guards patrolling the streets. This place is just not big enough to warrant any.
Once darkness has completely set in, he stealthily makes his way to the outskirts of town and over to one of the houses that remains dark. Hoping that since the house is still dark, there would be no one within, he creeps to a window and looks inside.
It’s a small home and appears that there isn’t anyone currently inside. Going to the door, he slowly opens it and slips inside, closing it behind him. Moving around in the dark, he finds the kitchen area and starts looking through the shelves and cupboards for food. Removing the sack he brought with him, he places a loaf of bread and some vegetables within it.
Moving to another shelf, he finds a few strips of dried fish and other dried meat which he takes as well. Figuring he’s taken enough to last them for a few more days, he takes out two silver pieces and lays them on the table.
Stealing from those who have plenty has never bothered him. But taking from those who obviously have nothing, that’s something he could never do, so he leaves the coins. Slipping back out the door, he quickly leaves town and heads back to where he left his horse.
As he approaches the area where he’s sure he left his horse, he begins to see a light coming from up ahead. Wary of danger, he draws one of his knives and slips closer. Passing between the hills, he sees four