The Star of Morcyth_ Book Five of the Morcyth Saga - Brian S. Pratt [15]
“Sad when something gets lost,” he tells James. “When you lose something, you always hope an honest person will find it and work to get it back to you. All too often though, you never see it again. Such is life.”
Could there be a connection? Something to do with Igor is lost? Or with Morcyth? His mind churns over the idea. Other visitations by Igor have had ulterior meanings, why not that one. He always thought that particular one had to do with Disneyland being a focal point. But maybe it was to do with returning something that was lost.
A shiver runs down his spine as he suddenly comes to the realization of what this could all be pertaining to. The Star of Morcyth! Of course! That makes perfect sense. Taking out the medallion bearing the symbol of the Star, he holds it up and looks upon it. Could that be why I’m here? To find the lost Star of Morcyth? Then that could mean the second and third stanzas of the riddle could be directions to lead him to it.
He hears Ezra call them for dinner and he practically skips on his way to the dinner table. Excited, he takes his seat and the meal commences.
“What’s got you all happy?” asks Miko from where he’s filling his plate with boiled tubers.
“Oh, nothing,” he says. But the grin on his face belies his statement. He would like nothing more than to talk about it, but too many here don’t know the whole story and it wouldn’t be wise to mention it in front of them.
“Sean said the new house will be ready in a couple weeks,” Roland says. “Maybe when you come back, you’ll be able to move in.”
“That would be nice,” states James.
“If he’s done in time, we’ll be sure to get your stuff transferred over,” Roland assures him.
“Thank you,” replies James.
Dave sits quietly to the right of James as he eats his dinner. The attitudes of the others have begun to mellow, some beginning to realize that he could have actually stumbled into the wrong room as he says. That James vouches for him gives credence to his story as well.
None come right out and really talk to him, and James is worried for his friend. He wants him to become a part of his life here and over time, he’s sure he will.
The evening’s gathering goes by quickly and they soon head to their respective beds. When he and Dave are lying in the dark, Dave asks, “Where is this Cardri?”
“It’s several days away, out on the coast,” he tells him. “The king has a large castle, just like the ones I’ve always wanted to see. Was able to see it up close a month or so ago.” Turning to his friend, he says, “I’m sure you’ll like it.”
“I’m sure I will,” he says. “Thanks for being a friend, James.”
“Always,” he assures him.
“No matter what?” he asks, hope in his voice.
“No matter what. Now get some sleep,” James says as he turns over to go to sleep.
Chapter Four
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The following morning, those heading to Cardri with James rose early and met in the kitchen. Illan is leaving Yern in charge of the recruits’ training in his absence. The last time he left Miko in charge, he won’t be making that mistake again. He’s no good at maintaining discipline or getting them to do what they’re supposed to. When Illan had returned from The Merchant’s Pass, the schedule of training he left with him had barely been done. Yern on the other hand, is a whole lot more apt to get done what needs to be done.
Everyone turns out to see them off, even those whose duty is to patrol through the outlying trees. James mounts his horse and turns to face Roland. “Seems I’m off again,” he says with a grin.
“That’s why Ezra and I are here,” he replies. “To look after things.”
“Everyone’s ready,” Illan announces.
James glances back at those mounted behind him. Miko and Jiron ride next to him and Dave is just behind. He looks sullen at having to be in that position, but makes no fuss. “Let