Trail of the Gods_ The Morcyth Saga Book Four - Brian S. Pratt [66]
“I can’t read,” he admits as his face turns slightly red in embarrassment.
“No problem there,” Roland says, jumping into the conversation. “I can help you read it, after that it should be no problem.”
“Thanks,” Miko says gratefully.
“Perhaps I could even begin teaching you to read,” offers Roland.
“Excellent idea,” James says. “In fact, I’d appreciate it if you could start a class with some of the brighter new recruits, as well as Miko.”
Nodding uncertainly at the idea, he says, “I could do that, say with another three or four.” Turning his attention to Illan, he asks, “Know anyone who might be a good candidate?”
Illan glances from Roland and James as he considers it. “The brightest one is Errin,” he finally says. “She would most likely take to it the best. Other than her, maybe Nerrin and Caleb.”
“Okay then,” James says, smiling at Roland.
Roland doesn’t look too happy adding this to his regular workload, but he’ll not gainsay it.
“Make sure you keep my workshop locked and off limits to everyone,” he warns him. “I have a few things in there that shouldn’t be messed with.”
Roland actually laughs before he says, “I doubt if we’ll have anyone going in there. Everyone’s sort of scared of what might be secreted inside the ‘Mage’s’ workshop.” When James looks questioningly at him he continues. “Ever since you had that explosion in there, they keep their distance. Even on patrols they give it a wide berth.”
“Good,” he states.
When he sees Jorry and Uther have finished their second helping of everything, he says to them, “We’ll be leaving shortly, if you two gentlemen wouldn’t mind getting the horses saddled for us?”
“Sure,” Jorry says as he and Uther get up to head out to the barn.
Once they’ve left, he says to Roland, “I’m really not sure how long we’ll be gone, hoping not more than a couple of weeks. Just keep things together here until we get back.” Looking to Illan he asks, “Ready?”
Nodding, he gets up and follows James to his room. He picks up the iron box containing the Fire and asks, “You sure this is going to work?”
“I hope so,” he replies. “We can’t keep it here, it’s too vulnerable. Not to mention the repeated attacks that will come because of it.” Going to his chest, he takes all but a few golds’ worth of coins which he leaves for Roland’s use. Putting the coins in his belt pouch, he says, “Let’s go.”
Illan precedes him out of his room with the chest under one arm. Out front, the horses are already waiting for them. When the others see them exit the house, they begin mounting.
James has a small blanket in his hand and wraps the chest in it before they secure it behind his saddle, effectively hiding it. Once it’s secured, he swings into the saddle and glances at the others, making sure they’re all ready to travel. The recruits who aren’t out on patrol are gathered to see them off.
“While I’m gone, Miko will be in charge of your training,” Illan says to them. A groan can be heard coming from more than one as they realize they’re not going to have it easy while he’s off with James. “Anyone not giving him his all, or causing any troubles will have to answer to me when I get back.” He gives each one an intent gaze before asking, “Understand?”
As one they say, “Yes, sir.”
“Alright then.” Turning to James, he gives him a nod.
Roland, Ezra and Tersa are standing just outside the door. Tersa comes to her brother and gives him a hug saying, “You be careful.”
A little embarrassed over the display of emotion in front of everyone, he replies, “I will. Don’t you be worrying about me.” He then gives her shoulder a soft, reassuring pat.
“We’ll be back as soon as we can, just have a little business up north to take care of,” James says to Roland who only nods in reply. “Let’s go,” he says to those going with him as he turns his horse and begins going down the lane. The construction on the new estate is coming along nicely. Supposedly