The Unsuspecting Mage - Brian S. Pratt [108]
Miko hands James a letter, “When I got to the gate, they had me wait while a guard delivered Perrilin’s letter to the Archive Custodian. I sat there and waited for about an hour before they returned with this letter and told me to get out of there.”
Turning the letter over, James sees that it has a wax seal bearing the imprint of a feather. Perrilin glances at it when James shows him the seal and says, “That’s his seal alright, no one else would dare to use it but him. Go ahead and open it.”
James breaks the seal and they quietly wait as he reads the letter. “He says to come this afternoon to the Archives for a meeting,” he announces, then looks up at the bard.
“You will find him a very nice fellow,” Perrilin says, “if a bit of a stickler where his books are concerned.”
Smiling, James adds, “Yeah, I know someone that’s like that too.”
“Did you meet with whoever sent the package?” Perrilin asks.
“Something going on?” Miko interjects.
Turning to Miko, James explains, “Just after you left, a package was delivered. Within it was one of the boards that I used to kill those guys the other night.”
“How did someone get those?” Miko asks anxiously.
James summarizes his meeting with the man for Miko and Perrilin. “So I am not too sure just who they are, or why they are concerned with the goings on of Lord Colerain. At least they seem to hold no ill will toward me however, for which I am grateful.” Just then his stomach rumbles loudly and he realizes he is quite hungry.
“Miko, go downstairs and have them send up some food for us. I’m starving and want to eat before I go meet with Ellinwyrd,” he tells him.
“Alright,” Miko replies, “I’ll be right back.” He gets up and goes out the door, closing it as he leaves.
“So what do you plan to do about Lord Colerain?” Perrilin asks.
“I don’t know,” he replies. “Hopefully I’ll find out what I need to know at the Archives and then can get out of here before he locates me again. I wish I knew why he is so interested in me. If I did then maybe I could get him off my back.”
The door opens as Miko returns. “They will send it up in a few minutes,” he tells them then takes a seat at the table.
“Thanks,” James says to him. Turning back to Perrilin, he says, “Speaking of troubles, just what kind of trouble did I save you from last night?”
“I was wondering if you were going to ask me about that again,” he says. “As much as I owe you, there are simply some things better left unsaid. Suffice it to say that those men from whose hands you rescued me are not interested in anything or anybody other than themselves and their own concerns.” When he sees the look in James’ eye he goes on, “What you don’t know can’t be tortured out of you.”
“I think I understand,” he assures him. “Are you still in danger from them?”
“If they knew where I was, perhaps,” he says. “They most likely wouldn’t try anything again so soon, especially since you wiped out that group.”
“I didn’t get all of them,” James admits. “Unfortunately, one of them escaped on horse back.”
“At least you got me out of there alive,” he says.
Just then a knock is heard at the door, Miko goes over and takes the food from the server, not letting him come in so as to preserve the secrecy of Perrilin’s presence at the Silver Bells. He then closes the door and places the tray upon the table. Taking one of the plates, he puts several pieces of baked chicken and some bread on it before taking it over to Perrilin. He then returns and starts in on his own share.
Not much is said over lunch, each being deep in thought about recent events. When James finishes eating he gets up and grabs his backpack. Miko comes to his feet as well and starts getting ready to accompany him.
Placing a hand on Miko’s shoulder, James says, “I need you to stay here and take care of Perrilin. I’m sure I’ll be fine by myself.”
Miko is obviously disappointed at not being allowed to go to the Archives. He says, “Okay,” but is none too happy about