Fires of Prophecy_ Book Two of the Morcyth Saga - Brian Pratt [69]
Looking in the mirror when he’s done, he once again resembles the man he was oh so long ago. Quite pleased with the results, he starts whistling as he cleans up and then puts away his shaving kit. That’s when he notices the two lads watching him, whispering to one another.
When they realize he’s noticed them watching him, they smile at him and then resume the game they’ve been playing, a game with sticks and dice.
A half hour later, the others return and when Delia sees James, she says, “My, don’t we look nice.”
Cassie takes a closer look and ads, “You do look good.” At which Tinok gives her a look of annoyance.
“Couldn’t stand it any longer,” he tells them. “How was the food?”
“Pretty good,” answers Roland. “But don’t have the goat, it’s a bit tough.”
As James prepares to head over there, he says, “Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind.”
Leaving them behind, he walks over and enters the Broken Egg. The place isn’t that crowded, probably since only one other caravan is here. Having his pick of seats, he takes one by a window overlooking the road outside.
A girl comes over and asks what he would like.
“What is there?” he asks her.
“There’s roast goat or our specialty which is eggs and ham with a spicy sauce,” she explains.
“I’ll try your specialty and some ale if you have any,” he tells her, remembering what Roland had said about the goat.
Nodding her head, she says, “It’ll be just a few minutes for the special, but I’ll bring your ale right over. That’ll be a silver three.”
Once he’s handed the silver and three coppers over to her, she returns to the kitchen, returning momentarily with his mug of ale.
While he’s waiting for his dinner, he sits and looks out the window. He’s surprised when Delia, along with Tinok who’s carrying a box, comes into view. Curious, he watches as they go into the store across from the inn. Wonder what that woman is up to?
His meal arrives shortly after that and while he eats, he keeps an eye on the store. Finally, he sees them leave and Tinok is no longer carrying the box. Curious.
Before he’s done with his meal, which is surprisingly good if a bit spicy, a group of enemy soldiers ride up to the Broken Egg and tie their horses to the rail outside.
Upon entering, the soldiers cross the room and sit at a table not too far from where James is. The serving girl comes over to them and begins taking their order.
Nervous, James finishes his meal quickly and then gets up to go. As he crosses the room, one of the soldiers addresses him in their language. Frozen with fear, James pretends that he doesn’t realize he’s being addressed and continues to the door.
One of the soldiers gets up and comes over to him, stopping him by grabbing his arm.
James looks at him and says, “Sorry, were you talking to me? I didn’t understand what you’re saying.”
The soldier looks back to his officer, who asks him, “What is your business in these parts?”
“Just part of a caravan coming through,” he replies. Taking out the letter, he walks over and gives it to the officer.
Taking it, the officer scans through it and when he gets to the signature at the bottom, returns it to him saying, “Very well.” He nods to the soldier who has a hold of his arm, who then releases him. “Sorry to have bothered you, but you can never tell.”
“I understand,” James assures him and then proceeds to the door, exiting the Broken Egg. Legs shaking, he makes his way back to the camp. What does that letter say? he can’t help but wonder.
Returning to camp, Tinok comes and greets him before he even reaches the wagons. “Can I ask you a question?” he asks him.
“Sure,” James replies.
“Can you show me how you got the hair off your face?” he asks, somewhat embarrassed.
“Doing it for Cassie?” James asks, trying to keep the smile off his face.
Nodding his head, he says,