The Unsuspecting Mage - Brian S. Pratt [115]
“Yes we are,” says Perrilin. “Perhaps you should come back when we are less, exposed?”
Waving away the comment, she closes to the door and says, “There’s nothing here I haven’t seen before, so don’t you be worrying about my delicate sensibilities. I just came to see how you were doing.”
“I am fine thank you,” he assures her. “Just need a few more days rest and I’ll be as good as new.” He glances at James and gives him a look that says, ‘Don’t say anything’.
“Miss Gilena,” James says, “Miko and I will be leaving in the morning, our business here in Cardri is done. We are going to need a second horse for my friend and I was wondering if you knew of a place where we could purchase one?”
Thinking a moment she says, “Lufer sells horses outside the walls near the river. He’s honest and usually has a fair selection.”
“Thank you,” he says. “I’ll be by later this evening to settle what I owe you, after dinner.”
“Don’t worry about it,” she says. Then she looks toward Perrilin and says “Consider it a reward for rescuing him.”
“Thank you again,” James says.
“Well, since all is well here I must go, this place won’t run itself,” she announces then turns to leave, shutting the door behind her.
After she leaves they relax in the tubs for a while longer, until the water begins to turn cold. Once out, they send Miko down to get the staff to remove the tubs, which is a long process as they must use pails to remove most of the water before they are light enough to be carried out.
Shortly after the last tub is removed, their dinner arrives and it’s bigger than any so far. Comprising of two whole chickens, a big platter of vegetables, and three loaves of bread, James didn’t think they would be able to finish it all, but Miko proved him wrong. He continues to be amazed at just how much that boy can eat.
That evening, while Perrilin remained in the room resting, James and Miko went down to the common room to enjoy the evening’s entertainment. The bard performing for the patrons is enjoyable, though in James’ opinion, Perrilin is the more talented of the two. Still, they have a good night and when he catches Miko yawning, they head upstairs to their beds and sleep.
Chapter Fifteen
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Early the next morning, Miko is again sent down to request breakfast to be sent up to their room. By the time the food arrives, he and James have everything packed and ready for travel.
Along with breakfast, Miss Gilena provides them with travel rations; dried beef, a half wheel of cheese, and several loaves of bread.
“I hope you find what you are looking for,” Perrilin says to James while they eat breakfast.
“I really don’t know what I am looking for,” he replies, “I have questions but very few answers. I don’t even know if the questions I do have are the right ones. I just know I need to be doing something.”
“I know the feeling,” he says.
“What will you do?” James asks him.
“Probably enjoy the hospitality here for a while and then go back on the road,” he replies. “I don’t like staying too long in one place. I prefer to travel and see what there is to see.”
Nodding with understanding, James asks, “What about Miss Gilena? She really likes you, you know?”
A wistful look comes over him and he says, “I like her too, but it’s not in my plans to be tied down to one place. I know that is what she would demand if we were to become serious. I am content to just be her friend, at least for right now.” He takes another bite and continues, “Later on, who knows?”
After they finish and while Miko gathers James’ bags, James goes over and shakes hands with Perrilin, “Try to be more careful in the future. I may not be around next time.”
Smiling, he returns the handshake and says, “Let’s hope there is no next time. Good travels to you both. I’m sure we will meet again sometime, someplace.” Turning to Miko he says, “You take care of him.”
“Oh, I will,” he replies in all seriousness.
Opening the door, James lets Miko precede him out