The Mists of Sorrow_ Book Seven of the Morcyth Saga - Brian S. Pratt [99]
Excited, Jiron says, “Can you tell us where he is?”
Shaking his head, Ohan says, “Sorry, that would be against the rules I’m afraid.”
“Can you at least tell us if he’s here in town?” Stig asks.
“I am not sure to tell you the truth,” he replies, “haven’t seen him in a couple days. Although many of the members don’t always drop by here on a daily basis.”
Jiron looks at the man, frustrated by his lack of help despite his friendly and accommodating nature. “Is there any way in which you can be of help?” he finally asks.
“Oh yes,” he replies. “You could leave him a message that I will be more than happy to deliver to him as soon as he puts in an appearance.”
“Which could be a long time?” asks Jiron.
“I’m afraid so,” Ohan answers.
Stig looks to Jiron and says, “It’s better than nothing.”
Jiron thinks for a moment and then says, “If that’s the best you can do, so be it. Tell this Azku that we are staying at the Soaring Eagle and that this regards a certain incident that happened back in Inziala. Tell him the woman in question is with child and we desire to settle this matter forthwith.”
Ohan’s eyes widen at that. “Is the parentage of the child in doubt?” he asks.
“As for that,” replies Jiron. “It might be best if I take it up with Azku.”
Nodding, Ohan says, “That may be the wisest course.”
“So do I,” replies Jiron. Standing up, he says, “We thank you for your time and if you should see him, also tell Azku that we are leaving on the morrow. It would be best for all parties to have this settled before that time.”
“Should I see him, I will most assuredly let him know,” he states.
“Excellent,” says Jiron. Indicating for the other two to stand, he gestures for Ohan to escort them out.
“I must say,” he begins as they leave the room, “you gentlemen certainly have laid waste to the monotony which is the life of a Caretaker. Thank you very much for coming.”
“Any time,” Stig says.
Out in the main room, Kozal is still at the table reading. His eyes flick up and remain on them until they enter the hallway with the suits of armor. Stig definitely does not like the man’s attitude.
Once they’ve reached the door leading outside, Ohan opens it for them and bids them good day. Jiron and the others leave the Order of the Scarlet Sword and pass back into the plaza. He stops abruptly when he notices something he hadn’t before.
“What?” asks Stig.
Indicating the statue atop the fountain, he says, “Look at the way it’s facing.” When the others look, they see what he means. The statue is facing directly toward the door leading into the Order of the Scarlet Sword.
“So?” asks Reilin. “It has to face somewhere.”
“I don’t know,” he replies. “It just struck me as odd that a statue of a soldier is facing the entryway to a guild of soldiers.”
“Think there could be some connection?” asks Stig.
“Maybe. But right now I’m not really concerned about it.” Turning toward the other two he says, “All I care about right now is talking to Azku.”
“He may not even be in the city,” says Reilin.
“Perhaps,” states Jiron. “Although after the message I left, if he is we will know soon.” Stepping out, he leads them back to the Soaring Eagle to wait for Azku’s appearance.
Chapter Eighteen
_________________________
Back at the inn they tell James and the others about what transpired at the Order of the Scarlet Sword. At the description of the red banner that hung by the door, Scar interrupts by saying, “I think there was one in the City of Light.” All conversation ceases as every eye turns toward him. “If you described the banner hanging out front correctly, then there was one just like it on Copper Street.”
“Wasn’t that within the merchant’s district?” asks Stig.
“That’s right,” replies Scar. “I met a patron in that area for some reason, I forget exactly why, but I do remember seeing a banner just like the one you mentioned hanging on a building there.” He can see the doubt in some of their eyes. “I’m telling the truth.”
“I believe you,” says Shorty. “I saw it too.”
“What can it mean then?” asks Reilin.
James