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“So am I,” states James, “at least he won’t bother me again and the town appears to be quite happy with the outcome.”

“Yeah, one girl came and hugged him,” Uther says with a guffaw.

“Better not let Meliana hear about that,” says Miko.

“I’m sure she would understand,” replies James. Meliana has been on his mind of late. Maybe after this business in Madoc is over he’ll be able to arrange a visit, either he go there or she here.

Mounting, he says, “Let’s head down the road a couple hours before we stop. Don’t want any of his men to seek vengeance for tonight’s affair.” Heading out, he takes the road leading eastward toward the Sea of the Gods. He plans to take the northern route around the Sea seeing as how the Empire controls the southern shore. With any luck, they should reach Pyrtlin by day after tomorrow. It’s a major town sitting on the northern shore and they should be able to resupply there.

Chapter Two

______________________

The road to Pyrtlin is a fairly straight shot from Illion, heading mostly due southeast. Traffic is heavy as most are fleeing to the safety of the northern kingdom. From what they’ve managed to learn, the Empire has made probing attacks on Madoc’s defenses, both around Lythylla that is situated to the east of the Sea, and the line to the west between the Silver Mountains and the Sea.

The mood of the people is one without hope for a future for their country. The southern half has already been swallowed by the Empire and by all accounts, they mean to take the rest by the time the snows come in winter.

“Think he made it?” Jiron asks James near the end of the first day after leaving Illion.

“Who?” he asks, not sure just who he’s talking about.

“Qyrll,” Jiron clarifies. Qyrll is a Parvati they met earlier in Cardri where Jiron saved him from an ignoble and dishonorable existence bound to one who used him as a fighter for sport. Though his people are part of the Empire, he and Jiron had become fast friends. Qyrll had decided to travel with them until he could repay the Shynti in kind.

During the battle for the Star in Ironhold, he saved Jiron’s life and considered the debt paid. Just before James and the others left for Madoc, he began heading back to his homeland, deep within the Empire.

“Don’t see why not,” James replies. “Cardri isn’t at war with the Empire, and though relations are strained, he isn’t considered an enemy. He should be able to just walk across the border with little problems.”

“I hope so,” he says. Jiron holds an odd position with the Parvatis. He is a Shynti, which is a rare designation they give to only the best and bravest of warriors. It basically makes him one of them.

“With what’s coming ahead, you know we are going to have to do battle with Parvatis at some point,” James reminds him. The last time they were at Lythylla, the Parvatis were a sizeable force within the Empire’s army.

“I know,” he replies. He hates to think they may kill friends and relatives of those they met while in the Parvati homeland, but such is the fortunes of war. Though the fact that he was a Shynti worked to their advantage the last time they were in Lythylla, he seriously doubts if it would have the same effect as before.

They ride on until close to dark before setting up camp. With this many, it takes some doing to get everyone in their proper position. Illan was most adamant that each of the groups set their tents together in the same area. But as the journey has progressed, so has the ease with which everyone finds their place. It’s almost reached the point of becoming routine.

In the hour before they stopped, they passed one of those traveler’s stopovers with an inn. Though most were hoping for the comfort of a bed, it was decided to pass it by. James doesn’t want to let on, but he’s afraid one might talk while among other people. He would like to minimize their contact until the battle is joined. Less chance of a spy or rumor alerting the enemy of their intentions.

A quick meal and then right to sleep, with sentries posted. James, Illan