Trail of the Gods_ The Morcyth Saga Book Four - Brian S. Pratt [111]
“Mine too,” he says.
Ten minutes later, they come to where a series of hills rise more steeply. Moving off the road, they find a space behind one of the hills which will prevent them from being spotted by anyone traveling upon the road.
Leaving the saddles on the horses in case a quick getaway is required, they find some grass and water for their steeds before settling in themselves. Taking turns at watch, they rest throughout the rest of the day.
At one point, a rider is heard riding fast from the north. Jiron moves to the top of the hill overlooking the road. The rider turns out to be a lone soldier leading a spare mount. He watches him race past their hiding spot and quickly disappear down the road to the south.
Nothing else of note happens before the sun goes down and they’re on their way once again. Following the road in the dark isn’t too hard, what with the stars overhead and after an hour or so, the moon as well.
They stay to the road as they continue moving through the hills, they need the speed it will afford even though it may mean encountering unfriendly forces. From up ahead, they begin to see lights from a town. “Must be Mountainside,” suggests Jiron.
James nods in agreement as they slow down and approach the town with caution. Before coming close to the outlying buildings they leave the road and make their way around the outskirts.
“Something doesn’t feel right,” whispers Jiron after they’ve progressed a little ways around the town.
“What do you mean?” asks James as he looks around to discover what he’s talking about.
“There’s no one on the street,” he says. “Not even soldiers, and that seems strange.”
“It is the middle of the night,” replies James. “Everyone’s probably in bed or about to be.”
“I don’t know,” he says. “It’s not that late.”
Keeping their eyes open, they continue to circle around the town, leaving plenty of room between them and the outlying buildings. James pays a closer attention to the town and he begins to understand what Jiron’s talking about. Nothing is moving on the streets of the town. The lights coming from the windows don’t even have the occasional silhouettes of those within moving around. It’s as if the whole town is deserted.
Suddenly from ahead of them, shutters of a dozen lanterns are removed and they’re bathed with light. “Stay right where you are!” a voice from out of the lights commands. “Move, and you’ll be fired upon.”
“James?” questions Jiron quietly.
“Wait!” he replies.
A man moves out from the dark, an officer of the Empire’s army and approaches them. “You are under arrest,” he says.
“On what charge?” asks James.
“Being enemies of the Empire,” the officer replies.
James begins laughing. The officer looks at him like he’s lost his mind. “What’s so funny?” he asks somewhat annoyed.
“I don’t think so,” replies James as a shimmering field suddenly springs up around them. To Jiron he says, “Take him, please. Make sure you don’t kill him.”
As Jiron swings down from his horse, bolts begin striking the barrier and bouncing harmlessly off. The officer draws his sword as he begins backing away from Jiron until his back encounters the barrier.
Turning around, he touches it in fear, realizing he’s trapped inside. Spinning around, he stands ready to defend himself.
“Drop your sword,” Jiron tells him, “and you won’t be hurt.”
Light suddenly erupts all around them as brightly glowing orbs appear in the sky, illuminating the entire area. A cry erupts from the gathered soldiers surrounding them. In the light, they can see there are only about thirty or so soldiers surrounding them.
Trapped within the barrier, as well as the display of magic in the sky around him, drains the officer’s will to fight as he looks into the eyes of Jiron. Lowering his sword, the officer remains quiet as Jiron removes it from his hand.
From the back of his horse, James says to the officer, “Tell your men to drop their weapons or I’ll kill