The Unsuspecting Mage - Brian S. Pratt [94]
James settles down on one of the beds just as he breaks into a big yawn. Realizing just how tired he is, he decides to relax and rest until Miko arrives. He lays there for a time worrying about how Miko is making out, but soon exhaustion overcomes him and falls asleep.
Chapter Twelve
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Miko opens the door to find James fast asleep. Keeping quiet, he begins to close the door slowly until a mischievous grin spreads across his face. Realizing such an opportunity may never repeat itself, he opens the door wider and slams it shut with all his might.
Wham!
He watches in amusement as James jumps two inches off the bed and proceeds to fall over the side where he lands on the floor with a thud. Smiling and chuckling quietly to himself, he goes over and sits at the table while a startled James flashes quick glances around the room.
When his gaze settles upon Miko and the way the boy’s grinning, his eyes narrow. “Did you have to do that?” he asks angrily.
“No,” replies Miko before his grin turns into a full blown smile. “I guess I didn’t, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.”
“Don’t ever do that again,” James says sternly, then mellows out and can’t help but smile himself. It was pretty funny.
“I’ve got good news,” says Miko, “and bad news.”
“What’s the good news?” James asks.
“There is an archive located near the castle, past the inner wall. Supposedly it has hundreds of books scholars come from near and far to research.”
Now off the floor, James comes over to the table and takes a seat. “And the bad news?”
“There may be a small problem with gaining access to it,” explains Miko.
“What sort of problem,” James asks.
“Well first of all,” Miko begins, “only those with business in the castle area are allowed within the castle area. If you try, they will at best turn you away, at worst take you in for questioning.”
“I see,” says James. “What else?”
“Since the Empire has attacked Madoc, their security has been doubled. Anyone caught there without a reason will be treated as a spy and taken to the castle’s dungeon for questioning.”
“Alright,” James says, “it sounds like this is the place I need to go. Any ideas on how to get in there?”
“No,” replies Miko shaking his head. “Maybe Perrilin will have an idea.”
“That’s another problem,” James explains. “He was taken by the city watch last night and most likely is in jail.”
“Great,” says Miko, “now what are we to do?”
“After lunch, I plan to go down to the city jail and find out what is going on. Until then, I suggest we adjourn to the common room and see what there is to eat.”
Never one to turn down food, Miko quickly agrees and head downstairs with James who is carrying the ever present backpack. Coming into the common room, they find an empty table next to a window overlooking the street. It isn’t long before a girl comes over to take their order. In less than a minute, she returns with two big steaming bowls filled with chicken stew, a loaf of bread, and two foaming mugs of ale.
Miko eats with his regular gusto, while James takes his time, savoring each bite. Between, and during, mouthfuls of stew Miko offers to ferret out what those on the streets may know about Lord Colerain’s presence in the city, while James finds out about Perrilin.
“Try to draw as little attention to yourself as possible,” James cautions. “We don’t need any more surprises.”
“Not to worry,” Miko assures him as he puts a last bite of stew soaked bread into his mouth, “I’ll be careful.” Getting up, he hurries across the common room and soon has disappeared out the door.
James finishes the last of his lunch while he gazes out the window, watching Miko walk down the street until he’s lost amidst the crowd of people. After downing the remaining dregs of ale he scoots his chair back and comes to his feet. Shouldering his backpack he makes for the door. Once outside he heads further into the city in the hopes of finding