The Unsuspecting Mage - Brian S. Pratt [118]
“Going to need to procure another dozen by fall,” the elder one says.
“I agree father,” replies the younger and then notices James and Miko emerging from the office. “What can we do for you?” he asks. The older man turns to face the visitors.
“Would one of you be Lufer?” James asks.
The father steps forward slightly to say, “I’m Lufer, how can I help you sirs today?”
“Miss Gilena said that we could get a good horse for my companion,” James explains, gesturing toward Miko.
“What are you going to need the horse for?” Lufer asks. “Travel or farm work.”
“We are heading over to Madoc,” James answers.
“We have many fine horses available and for friends of Miss Gilena we will make sure you get the best we have. Follow me,” he says as he goes over to the corral gate and opens it, allowing James and Miko to enter first.
Closing the gate, he says, “We have a mare here,” he says as he comes to a chestnut colored horse, “she’s three years old and in good physical shape. Very gentle,” he stresses, “not one easily spooked.”
James looks at Miko who doesn’t seem to be too impressed by the mare. He’s got his eyes on a black stallion with eyes that seem to dare anyone to come within striking distance so he could bash in their skull.
“I think the mare will be fine,” James says to Miko’s disappointment. “Look,” James says to him, “that stallion would most likely kill you as not.”
As if the stallion understood what was being said, it stomps its foot and snorts.
Miko still looks longingly at the stallion, but realizes he has no choice in the decision. After all, a horse is a horse.
“Would you be interested in a pack mule as well?” Lufer asks. “If you plan on a long trip, your horses will do better without a lot of extra weight. A pack mule can carry much and they are very tough.”
“How much for both?” he asks, realizing that might not be such a bad idea.
“Sixty five golds for the mare and another twenty five for the mule,” Lufer says.
Miko’s eyes bug out at the cost. “Why so much?” he blurts out.
“With the war going on over in Madoc,” he explains, “there has been an increase in the demand for horses, especially from the Horsemaster up at the Castle. He’s been procuring many in anticipation of war with the Empire.”
“Oh,” says Miko, “that sort of makes sense.”
“Yeah, supply and demand,” James reasons. Then he launches into the haggling for the actual price of the horse and mule. He doesn’t enjoy the process but does seem to be getting the hang of it. He works the price down to eighty golds for both and they go into the office where he counts out the money. Luckily the price also includes a saddle and all the required tack for the horse and mule.
He also buys several days worth of grain and two ponchos for inclement weather. Lufer suggests hoods for the horses so in emergencies they can keep them calm. James agrees and adds three of those to the bill. Once their bags have been repacked onto the mule, they mount up and head out, saying goodbye to Lufer and his son. James has the lead rope for the mule tied to the rear of his saddle where a loop has been attached for just that sort of thing.
Miko is in high spirits, sitting tall in the saddle on his very own horse even if it is a mare. James goes over the various commands with him that he’ll need to use in order to guide the horse. It doesn’t take too long before he has the basics down and is able to control the horse adequately.
Following directions Perrilin had provided, they take the road east out of Cardri, hoping to make Trademeet and the Merchant’s Pass in a little under a week. The day is young and the heat of the summer sun is just beginning to warm the air.
Still being within sight of the city, there are many other travelers on the road, including some caravans that they soon overtake and pass. They make good time and it’s not long before they have left most of the other travelers behind. Once Cardri completely disappears behind them, foot traffic has dwindled to almost nothing.
According to Perrilin, the first main city won’t be for two days, at a crossroads