The Star of Morcyth_ Book Five of the Morcyth Saga - Brian S. Pratt [21]
Jiron joins the fray as he deflects an uppercut from one individual while striking out with his foot at another. Fists and feet flying, he and Fifer mow them down quickly and it’s over before it even begins.
Standing back to back, they look around at the men lying on the floor groaning. When no others move to join the fray, they relax and return to the bar to finish their drinks.
“Sorry about that,” replies Jiron to the barkeep behind the counter.
“That Lonn’s a hothead alright,” he says. “You boys sure know how to handle yourselves.”
“Thanks,” says Fifer with a grin.
“Would you be interested in making a little extra money on the side?” the barkeep asks.
Shrugging, Jiron replies, “Maybe, what do you have in mind?”
“There’s this group of individuals who are looking for someone to fight their champion,” he says. “They would pay pretty well, whether you win or lose.”
“What kind of fight?” asks Jiron, interested. “Fists or weapons?”
“If you fight with weapons, you get more,” he says. “But you can choose either way.”
Jiron looks to Fifer who’s wearing a grin. “When would this take place? I’m not sure how long we’ll be here,” he tells him.
“Tomorrow night,” he says. “Would you boys be interested?”
“Possibly,” says Jiron. “Where would the fight take place?”
Gesturing behind him, he says, “Out back. There’s a small lot behind us that’s fairly clear. We’ve held fights like these out there from time to time.”
Nodding, Jiron says, “How much?”
“Weapons, you get a gold,” he says. “Just fists, two silvers.”
“Win or lose?” he asks.
“Win or lose,” the barkeep replies.
Nodding, Jiron says, “Alright, I’ll do it.”
“Great!” the barkeep says excitedly. “Just two hours after sundown tomorrow night.”
“I’ll be here,” he says. Then glancing to Fifer, he nods his head to the door as he begins making his way out of the inn. Fifer downs his drink and moves to follow. Lonn and the others are just now beginning to get up off the floor.
After they leave, Lonn gets up and moves over to the barkeep who slides a silver across the counter to him. “Thanks,” he says.
Picking up the coin, Lonn grins and says, “Anytime.”
Chapter Five
_________________________
The following morning when they all meet down in the common room for breakfast, Jiron and Fifer tell them of the rumors they discovered the night before. They do not tell of what transpired at the inn or the fight later in the evening. Jiron told Fifer to keep quiet about that, he didn’t think James would like it, much less approve.
“There was no mention of you from anyone we talked to,” Fifer tells him. “Most of the rumors were really quite farfetched. I don’t think anyone really knows what they’re doing here.”
“Miko,” James says after mulling over what they said for a few minutes, “you’re good on the streets. See if you can find out what’s going on.”
“Will do,” he says, glad to be of help.
“What are you planning to do about going to see the king?” Illan asks.
Before James has a chance to reply, Jiron breaks in and says, “About that. The Royal Court convenes in the afternoon, we did find out that much.”
“Afternoon?” muses James. “Good, maybe I’ll be able to track down Ellinwyrd and see if he knows anything before I go.”
“How are you going to do that?” asks Jiron.
“Go to the gates to the castle area and request an audience,” he explains. “Last time I was here he said I could stop by anytime.”
“Want us to come with you?” asks Illan.
Shaking his head, he says, “No, I don’t think that will be necessary. I doubt if anything’s about to happen here.”
“Very well,” states Illan. “One of us will always be here in case you need help.”
“Don’t worry,” James assures him.
After breakfast is over, Miko excuses himself and leaves the inn as he goes to ferret out information on the streets.
Dave gets up and says, “I think I’ll just stay