The Unsuspecting Mage - Brian S. Pratt [49]
“I guess I could,” responds Corbin. “Where are you planning to go, if you don’t mind my asking?”
“I’m not sure where anything is in this area,” replies James. “Where is the nearest major city?”
“The closest city of any size is Bearn. It lies two days south along the Kelewan River. Three days further south out on the coast you will find Castle Cardri, our capitol. If you go east about a week, you’ll come to the city of Trademeet, a bustling city where merchants of many nations meet. It lies at the foot of the mountains separating Cardri and Madoc.”
“Do you think Castle Cardri would have a library or something that I could use?” he asks.
“Probably,” he replies. “Though it’s unlikely you would be permitted inside. Only the nobles or known scholars are allowed entry. Or so I hear.”
“Well,” says James, “it wouldn’t hurt to try.”
He finishes his breakfast and together they go to the barn to saddle their horses. This time James does a decent job of it, proud that he didn’t require Corbin’s help. Climbing into the saddle, he directs his horse out of the barn. The kids are there with Mary as he nears the house. She comes up to him and hands him a sack filled with bread, dried meat and fruits. He takes the sack of food and gives her his heartfelt thanks.
Devin brings out his spear and backpack. Reaching down, he grabs the backpack but tells him to keep the spear. “I really don’t think I’m going to need that. You go ahead and keep it,” he tells him.
Devin smiles up at him and nods, gripping his new spear.
He looks to Mary and says, “I appreciate your hospitality and have enjoyed being here more than you know.”
“Goodbye James,” she says, “and be careful.”
“I will,” he assures her.
With a chorus of goodbyes, James turns his horse and follows Corbin down the lane. Looking back he sees Elizabeth and Cyanna still waving goodbye. He raises one of his arms and waves back, then turns and catches up with Corbin who’s already at the road leading into town. The dogs follow them, barking and jumping until the end of the lane where they turn back and race for the house. He and Corbin then ride side by side as they continue on into town.
Upon approaching the outskirts of town they see a column of soldiers marching along the main road heading east.
“Who are they?” asks James.
“Cardri soldiers,” he replies. “They must be heading east to reinforce Dragon’s Pass. The siege is still raging at Saragon, at least that’s the rumor. If it falls, they may swing our way. Doubtful, but best to be prepared.”
“I suppose so,” he agrees.
Once the soldiers pass, they make their way through town to Alexander’s. Arriving at his establishment they dismount and tie their horses to the front post before entering. Within they find Alexander at the counter dealing with an elderly woman so they wait a few moments until she concludes her business.
When she is done and turns to leave, James steps to the counter. Alexander looks up at his approach and says, “Why, it’s James. How may I be of service today?”
“I’m leaving town so need to withdraw the rest of my money,” he explains.
“Very well,” Alexander says. “A thousand gold pieces is a lot to carry around with you. If you prefer, I could give you a letter of account. Such a letter would be honored by any money lender in Cardri. It would be less bulky than a chest full of coins that any robber would surely take an interest in.”
“Alright then,” agrees James. “Give me another hundred gold pieces to take with me and the rest in a letter of account. That should last me until I get to Cardri.”
“You’re heading to the city of Cardri then?” Alexander asks.
“Yes,” James replies, “I plan to head in that direction.”
“My brother has a money lender establishment in Cardri,” he explains. “I’m sure he would be more than willing to cash this for you. You can find him in the merchant’s quarter of the outer ring.”
“That sounds good, I’ll look him up when I get there,” James says.
“Very good sir,