• Choose a category
• All
• Classic-Fiction

To Illan, James says, “There’s an inn called the Silver Bells located within the second wall. I know the proprietress and it would be a good place to stay while we’re here.”

Shrugging, he says, “One place is as good as another.”

A branch of the Kelewan River flows to the east around the city before emptying into the sea. Just as they are about to ride onto the bridge spanning the river, Fifer points off to the east and exclaims, “Illan!”

In an area adjacent to the river, sits a large encampment of tents. The pennant flying from the largest of the tents bears the Empire’s insignia. “What are they doing here?” James asks.

“I don’t know,” replies Illan as he glances at him, a worried expression upon his face.

“Can’t have anything to do with me could it?” asks James.

“I wouldn’t think so,” he says. “Best to give them a wide berth. No sense looking for trouble.”

“I agree,” replies James. To the rest he adds, “While we’re in town, keep your ears open for what they may be doing here.”

“You got it,” replies Miko.

Just knowing they’re over there gives James a bad feeling. What could they be here for?

The evening crowd moving through the gates into the city is not very busy and they soon reach the gates. After a few brief questions by the guards on duty, they’re waved on through. Somewhat familiar with the layout of Cardri, James takes the lead and they work through the city to the gates in the second wall.

As they approach, the guards have them pause. “What business do you have here in Cardri?” one of them asks.

“I have an audience with the king,” replies James. “Plan to stay at the Silver Bells while I’m here.”

Nodding, the guard steps back and waves them on through. Passing to the other side, he gets his bearings and turns down the street in the direction of the Silver Bells. He’s not exactly sure he went the right way and when he sees the three silver bells hanging in front of the inn, he breathes an internal sigh of relief.

He brings them to a stop when they reach the front and then dismounts. “You stay here, I’ll be right back,” he tells the others. While he moves to the front door, they dismount.

Opening the door, he enters the inn and it’s just as he remembers it. Clean and opulent, expensive too if he remembers correctly. Off to one side, he sees Miss Gilena berating one of her workers over some infraction the poor man made.

“…think they grow on trees?” she asks the miserable looking man. “Next time be more careful or I’ll take it out of your pay. Understand?”

“Yes ma’am,” he says dejectedly.

“Now go about your work,” she tells him. He then turns and leaves, carrying a bundle of tablecloths. Turning, she sees James approaching and breaks into a broad, warm smile. “Well bless my soul,” she says, coming toward him. “I didn’t think to see you again so soon.”

“I have business here and am in need of three rooms,” he tells her.

When she reaches him, she wraps her arms around him and proceeds to give him a big hug. Disengaging himself from her embrace, he steps back a moment and asks, “Has Perrilin been by lately?”

Shaking her head, she says, “No. Most likely up to no good again. I swear that man can’t keep himself out of trouble.” She begins walking over to the counter where she keeps the room keys.

James takes out the golds she’ll need for the rooms and has them ready before she produces the keys for the rooms.

“You remember eh?” she asks with a smile. Taking the golds, she gives him the keys.

“I would be hard pressed to forget my last experience in your fine establishment,” he says.

Laughing, she replies, “True. So, what brings you to Cardri?”

“The king sent a summons for me to appear before him,” he replies.

“Why?” she asks, the smile fading from her eyes. “Nothing wrong is there?”

Shrugging, he says, “I don’t know. I was simply told to present myself before the Royal Court.”

“I hope it goes well,” she says, a worried expression now upon her face.

“Me too,” he agrees. “Be back in a bit,