• Choose a category
• All
• Classic-Fiction

“Might be a good time to find out what to expect before we start through the pass,” James says. “Whether we should expect trouble or not.”

“We should always expect trouble,” states Jiron. “As soon as we become complacent and think we’re safe, that’s likely when the Empire or others will strike.”

Sighing, James nods his head and says, “You’re right.”

They make good time, but the road is fast becoming a muddy mess and they all have a coating of mud from where the horses have kicked it up on them. Jiron isn’t as bad as the others since he rides point for the most part.

The road continues to follow the base of the mountains and as the miles pass, the trees become increasingly denser. When noon has come and gone, and Uther has begun to complain about the lack of sustenance in his stomach, the town of Feld finally appears through the trees ahead of them.

They find an inn and after securing their horses, make their way inside. The inn is fairly clean and orderly, they find an empty table to the side of the room large enough to accommodate them all. A serving girl comes over once they’ve taken their seats and soon has them all set with a platter of their special, roast squirrel. Bread and a few vegetables, as well as ale, rounds out the rest of the meal.

Two men who have the look of locals are seated at the table next to them. James turns in their direction and says, “Good day gentlemen.”

They glance at him but make no other comment.

“We are planning on heading through the pass,” he tells them. “Would either of you know how the conditions up there are?”

One of the men, the older of the two nods his head and says, “This time of year it shouldn’t be too bad, the snows have yet to fall. That usually doesn’t happen for another month or so.” His friend grunts in agreement.

“How long will it take to make it through?” Miko asks.

“Two days, roughly,” the younger of the two states. “But we’ve heard tales of travelers being accosted going through lately.”

“Accosted?” James asks. “As in robbers?”

“That’s right,” the older gentleman replies. “Not everyone who goes through is troubled however.” He eyes their group a moment and then adds, “I doubt if anyone would bother a group such as yours.”

“True,” agrees the younger. “It looks like you know how to take care of yourselves.”

“We appreciate the information,” James tells him.

“No problem,” the older man says. “Good luck.” He then turns back to his meal.

“He’s right you know,” Jorry says. “No one in their right mind would tackle a group such as ours.”

“Especially not one with as scary mug as you’ve got,” Uther says with a grin.

Jorry gives him an annoyed look before breaking into a grin himself.

All through the meal, James takes notice of a couple sitting near them, a young man and woman. Neither of them could be more than sixteen or seventeen. From the way they sit close to one another, it makes him think they may be newlyweds. She keeps laying her head on his shoulder and snuggling close.

Once lunch is over and they begin heading to their horses, the couple gets to their feet as well and follows them out. When they’re outside the inn, the young man approaches and says, “Excuse me.”

They all stop and turn toward him. “Yes?” asks James.

The girl is attached to his arm as he says nervously, “I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation with those other gentlemen.” His eyes flick first to James then to the others, finally coming to rest back on James. “Am I to understand you are planning on taking the road through the pass?”

“That’s right,” he replies. “Why?”

Jiron draws close as do the others which only makes the man more nervous. The girl says, “Maybe we shouldn’t bother them, dear.” She pulls on his arm as if she wants to move away.

Turning to her he pats her arm and says, “It’s alright.” Then to James he asks, “We were wondering if you would allow us to accompany you over the pass. It’s just the two of us and I’m afraid of what might happen if we go it alone, what with all the talk of troubles.”

James glances