Fires of Prophecy_ Book Two of the Morcyth Saga - Brian Pratt [23]
“I see,” he says, a small smile playing across his lips. “And what kind of ‘fun’ would bring you to this area?”
“We we’re camping up in the mountains and had come down to get some more supplies,” he explains. “We ran out.”
“Ah, yes,” the leader says. “And what town were you heading to for the supplies?”
“We don’t actually know where any are,” he admits. “You see we’re from Lornigan over in Cardri…”
“But,” Jiron jumps in, “we figured if we were to follow this road, it would eventually lead us to one.”
The officer nods his head and signals the crossbowmen to lower their weapons. “Then you’re in luck,” he says, “we were just on our way to a town just south of here. You’re more than welcome to accompany us and purchase your supplies there.”
“That would be great,” James says. “Just give us a moment and we’ll be ready.”
The officer nods his head and takes his men a short distance away, where he speaks to one of them in a language that none of their group understands. After a few short words, the man turns his horse and races off to the south.
The officer sees James looking at the departing rider and says, “He’s just gone ahead to keep a lookout for rogues.” Giving James a disarming, charming smile he continues, “You can’t be too careful.”
James comes over to his horse and gets ready to mount, when Jiron places his hand on his arm and whispers, “Are you crazy?”
James gives him a look of desperation and replies in a hushed whisper, “We’ve got no choice. We’d never be able to stop the crossbowmen before they fire, someone could get killed. Let’s just bide our time, and see what opportunities develop.” He mounts his horse and continues, “We can’t risk having the girls hurt.”
Not happy about it, Jiron mounts his horse as the officer and his men approach again. “Ready, are we?” he asks.
“Yes, we are,” James replies. “We appreciate the escort, though it’s not really necessary.”
Smiling a charming smile, he says, “Not a problem, really. As I said, we were already heading in that direction.”
The remaining man without a crossbow heads out first, leading the way. The officer rides next to James while his three crossbowmen take up position at the rear behind the girls.
James is very uncomfortable with the ‘helpfulness’ of the soldiers. Having three crossbowmen behind the girls doesn’t leave much opportunity to get out of the situation. Trying to appear nonchalant, he asks the officer, who’s riding next to him, “So what are you doing out in these parts?”
“Just on a routine patrol,” he replies, “making sure no one makes mischief, that sort of thing.”
“What town are we going to?” James asks.
“The locals call it Mountainside,” he explains. “Not a very original name if you ask me.”
“No,” comments James, “I suppose not.”
They ride for a short time before the town comes into view. “Ah,” he says to James, indicating the town up ahead, “there it is.”
Sitting at the base of the mountain is a rather small town, even though it’s at a junction of roads. A little over two dozen buildings are apparently all there is to it. As they approach, James begins to realize there are no people out amidst the buildings, just more of the Empire’s soldiers. As they pass a few houses, he can see faces peering out from windows. Faces full of fear and worry.
Suddenly very nervous, James glances back at his companions and can see his fears mirrored in their faces. But with the three crossbowmen behind, he dares do nothing yet.
They are led to a large, two story building on the edge of town, where several soldiers are standing around outside. One says something to the officer, who answers back in the same language. James sees them smile and one even laughs a little.
The officer stops his horse in front of the building and says, “You can get what you need inside, I am sure.” He gets down, handing the reins to a soldier who’s standing there and starts toward the door, where he pauses. Glancing back at them, he asks, “Coming?”
James gets down and the rest of them follow suit. Then the officer goes in through the front door, leaving it open behind