The Mists of Sorrow_ Book Seven of the Morcyth Saga - Brian S. Pratt [176]
It takes them three hours of riding before the trade route leading to Zixtyn comes into sight. Periodically during that time James uses his mirror to scan for hostiles in the area only to find it clear. Long before they come to the road, James finds it in his mirror. Many wagons, riders and people on foot are upon the road traveling in both directions.
After he tells the other what he saw, Perrilin nods and says, “It’s one of the main roads in the Empire. It’s the most direct way from the Empire’s southern territories to those in the north.”
“We shouldn’t have much problem getting lost in the crowd then,” James states.
When those traveling upon the road finally come into view, the others agree with his statement. Pressing forward, James and Reilin lead the others over to the road. As they approach, those upon the road give them curious looks. A group of riders coming in out of the desert, two of the horses having two riders upon their backs, all in all a rather odd occurrence for this area. None of those traveling upon the road do more than look however, and they soon leave them far behind.
During the rest of the day, Perrilin keeps the hood of his cloak tight about his face. It’s unlikely that anyone upon the road will recognize him, but you never know. When they reach the town of Hyrryth a couple hours before sundown, he tells them that they need to stop here for the night.
“Why?” asks Jiron. His anxiousness in reaching Zixtyn is written plainly upon his face.
“I need to remove Kir and don another face,” he says. “There is a shop here in Hyrryth where I can procure the needed materials.”
“Very well,” decides James. “Aside from that we can all use a rest.” Glancing to where Stig rides with Potbelly, he can see him drooping in the saddle. Although it’s true the Star healed him, such healing always takes a toll on the strength of the one healed. The magic of the Star uses in part the energy of those it heals, and only time and rest will replenish it.
Jiron acquiesces and when they reach the walls of Hyrryth, Jiron leads them through the gates and into the city.
“Best if I lead here,” Perrilin says. Moving past Jiron, he takes the lead. He continues down the street leading from the gate for several blocks before turning down a smaller side street to the left. Not too far down this street he stops before a two story building with a sign depicting a skewered scorpion.
Dismounting, Perrilin says “I’ll be right back.” He then goes up the stairs and in through the front doors.
“Shouldn’t he worry about someone inside recognizing him?” Reilin asks in a whisper to James.
“I would think so,” he replies. “But I’m sure he knows what he’s doing.”
A few minutes later, he emerges with another man. Both are talking in hushed tones as they leave the inn. They pause a moment just outside the door and Perrilin hands the man a small pouch, which from the sound it makes when it exchanges hands is filled with coins. The man glances to James and the others then turns and begins walking down the street.
When James makes to ask Perrilin what’s going on, Perrilin puts his finger to his lips and gives a slight shake of his head. Then he says, “Stable’s around the back.” Taking the reins of his horse, he leads the others down a side alley and then into the rear courtyard. Once they have the horses settled in for the night with a pail of oats the stableboy supplied for each, they leave the stable and make for the rear door to the inn.
Inside, they pass through the common room and then into a hallway leading to their rooms. “I was able to get six rooms,” he says. “I hope that will be enough?”
“It will be fine,” James assures him.
They each get settled into their rooms and then gather in James and Jiron’s room. “So who was the man you left the inn with?” asks Shorty.
“Just someone whom I’ve dealt with before,” he replies. “He went to get the items I need to remove Kir from the world.”
“Been