The Mists of Sorrow_ Book Seven of the Morcyth Saga - Brian S. Pratt [65]
Moving to the stairs, they pass up to the second floor and turn down the hallway. Two lanterns hang from hooks in the ceiling to light their way as Reilin takes them all the way to the end. “Thought being on the end might afford us a little more quiet,” he says.
“Probably will,” agrees James. He and Jiron take one room while the others divide themselves among the others. Brother Willim and Miko take a room for themselves. Seems Miko has taken to having discussions with Brother Willim about being a priest as well as other things dealing with the priesthood. Aleya’s room, which she gets all to herself, is situated in between the one James and Jiron are in and the one Miko shares with Brother Willim. The others are on the opposite side of the hallway.
Once settled in, Reilin goes down and has a meal of roast goat, bread and a variety of vegetables sent up to their rooms. After the meal they are soon to bed for they plan an early start in the morning. James hits the bed, glad not to have to sleep again on the ground. No matter how many times he does, he will never find it even remotely comfortable. Jiron blows out the candle before getting to bed and they are soon asleep.
Chapter Twelve
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The opening of the door awakens him. Sitting up in bed he sees a shadow standing in the hall outside his door. A floorboard creaks as Jiron makes his way from his bed toward the door, the glint of reflected moonlight from outside says he has a knife in hand.
“James,” whispers Miko urgently.
His orb suddenly springs to life and they see Miko there at the door, Brother Willim’s face peers over his shoulder. From where Jiron stands halfway to the door, James hears him mumble under his breath as he replaces his knife back in its sheath. Sitting up on his bed, James waves them inside.
“What’s up?” he asks.
“Trouble,” says Miko. “There’s been a death here in the inn.” He glances from James to Jiron then back again. “It wasn’t a normal one.”
“Normal?” questions Jiron. “What do you mean by that?”
“I think someone’s been murdered,” he explains.
“When?” James asks.
“A few minutes ago,” he explains. “Remember how I told you that ever since what happened in the City of Light I’ve been able to feel when people near me pass on?” When James nods he continues. “Thankfully there haven’t been many, it still unnerves me when it happens. But this time, it felt…wrong.”
“Like the one back at Al-Ziron?” he asks.
Miko nods affirmatively. “Yes,” he replies. “Just as wrong.”
James can see the worry behind his friend’s eyes. He turns to Jiron and says, “Go get the others.”
“Right,” he replies then moves to the door and passes through into the hallway. Shortly, the sound of a door opening and closing can be heard.
“Could you tell where it happened?” James asks.
“I’m pretty sure it was above us on the third floor,” he states. They grow quiet as each listens for any noise that may indicate someone is moving around above them. Just as Scar and Potbelly arrive looking quite tired, they hear the creak of a floorboard in the room directly above James’.
“They must still be there,” concludes James as Jiron and the rest finally join them. He quickly fills them in on what Miko believes happened.
“Maybe we shouldn’t get involved,” Stig says. “Could lead to complications.” He looks to James for his reaction.
“We have to,” James says. “There could be more people up there in danger.”
“Alright then,” Jiron says. To Scar, Potbelly and Shorty he says, “Whoever it is, is above us. You three go outside and keep a lookout for anyone leaving or acting suspiciously.”
As they leave to do as requested, he turns to Stig and Reilin. “You two stay at the stairs here on the second floor in case they get by us,” he says. “We’re going up.”
“Right,” replies Stig with a nod.
Jiron turns to where Aleya