Fires of Prophecy_ Book Two of the Morcyth Saga - Brian Pratt [82]
Smiling, Delia says, “I just thought you would want something other than slave rags to wear.”
Jiron gets up and hugs Delia, saying, “I never even thought about clothes for her, thank you.”
Returning his hug, she pats him on the shoulder as she says, “You’re a man. I figured you wouldn’t.”
Tersa turns to her brother and asks, “Are we going back home?”
“I don’t think there’s any home to go back to,” he says, hating the words even though he knows they’re the truth.
“But,” she says, apprehensively, “what are we to do?”
“First thing is to get you out of those rags,” Delia says as she leads her over to a wagon where she has a couple blankets already set up for privacy while Tersa changes.
“Just what are we to do now?” asks Tinok while Tersa is changing.
“Miko is still heading south,” James replies and then he explains how he figured that out. “I plan to continue south and find him.” He looks around at everyone else before adding, “You needn’t feel obligated to accompany me, now that your sister is back with you.”
Jiron gives him a look and says, “We’re not about ready to turn our back on you, James.”
“That’s right,” Tinok joins in. “Besides, where would we go?”
“Right now, we’re together and being together gives us security,” Roland adds. “No point breaking it up just yet. I figure as long as we act the part of traders, we will be left alone.” Looking around at the group he says, “We don’t exactly look the part of spies or invaders.”
“True,” agrees James. “I’m not sure how far my quest for him will lead us, though.”
“Doesn’t matter,” Jiron replies. “We’re standing by you till you see it through.”
“Thank you,” James replies, “I was hoping you would.”
Just then, Delia returns with a much changed Tersa. She had brushed out her hair and cleaned her up. The guys catch their breath at the vision of feminine beauty walking toward them.
“Tersa,” Jiron exclaims, “I can’t believe that’s you.”
“Do I look alright?” she asks.
“Alright?” Tinok says with a smile. “You’re gorgeous.” Cassie gives him an annoyed look. “But not as gorgeous as you,” he tells her which softens her expression.
James can only nod his head, words escape him.
“Thanks,” she says, blushing slightly.
“But I think we need to get her other more practical, traveling clothes,” Delia says. “This dress will hardly be suitable for the road.”
“Good idea,” James says, “we all could use a change of clothes. We’re not leaving until after tomorrow anyway.”
“Then it’s settled,” Delia announces, “Roland, Ezra and I will go in and purchase more clothes.” Turning to Tersa she says, “It would probably be best for you to stay here.”
Tersa nods her head in agreement, “I would prefer that.”
“When we get back,” she says to the others, “then you guys can go and get some extras for yourselves as well.”
“Maybe we should get equipment for the guys we’re going to buy tomorrow?” Tinok asks.
“Might not be a bad idea,” agrees James. “Do you know what we’re going to need for them? And the sizes?”
“I think so,” says Jiron. “I know who three of them are, so we can at least get those three set up and then just see about the rest once they’re here.”
“We have six additional horses,” James says. “Will they be able to ride?”
Jiron and Tinok look at each other and laugh.
“What’s so funny?”
“I don’t think they’ve ever been on a horse before,” Jiron says.
“Yeah, they’re going to be sore!” Tinok exclaims and then commences laughing once again.
Delia and her group head out toward town to do their shopping while the rest just hang around the wagons, waiting. Jiron and Tersa swap stories of what’s happened to them since the last time they were together. When he mentions James and his ability to do magic, she looks over to him with wide eyes, a little fearful.
“You’ve nothing to worry about,” her brother assures her. “He’s nothing like the stories of mages that we grew up on, he’s okay. Besides, without him I wouldn