Warrior Priest of Dmon-Li - Brian Pratt [100]
“Lord Pytherian may not have that much time!” Miller exclaims. “We go now!”
“Then go!” James exclaims with impatience. “You scout around and we’ll show up later, after sunset.”
“That is unacceptable!” blusters Miller. “When you agreed to join my band, you agreed to follow my orders. I say we go now!”
James gets in his face and shouts, “We did NOT agree to join your band, and we certainly are NOT under your orders! If you want our help, you will have to wait until this evening, I’ll not jeopardize our lives because of your impatience!” Standing there eye to eye with him, James can see his face beginning to turn red, obviously he’s not used to having his orders challenged.
James turns his back on him and walks away.
Shhhhht!
He hears Miller’s sword leaving its sheath. Turning around, he sees Jiron has already moved to position himself between Miller and James. The others of Miller’s band draw their weapons as well just as Fifer steps between them.
“Enough!” he cries out. Looking to Miller, he says, “These are allies! And friends! They’ve agreed to help, but even I can tell they’re dead on their feet. As they are now, they’d be little help in rescuing Lord Pytherian.” He looks Miller in the eye as he says in a calmer voice, “They need to rest. We can scout the city and allow them that time. When they’re able to help us, we’ll know better what to do.”
Getting his anger under control, Miller returns his sword to his sheath. A second later the rest of his band follows suit. “Very well,” he says as he turns his attention to Jiron. “We’ll meet you to the east of the city after sunset.”
“Agreed,” Jiron says.
Miller and his band mount their horses again and then head west toward the city. Fifer gives Jiron a shrug and a slight smile as he follows his leader.
“How did he ever get in charge of a band of men,” James says.
“Probably knows someone,” replies Jiron.
“You get some rest,” he tells Jiron. “I’ll take the rest of the watch.”
Yawning, Jiron replies, “Sounds good.” He spreads out his blanket and lies down under the afternoon sun. Both he and Miko slip into sleep in very short order.
As he sits there waiting for night to come, he shakes his head. Another city, more danger. Will it never end?
He took an instant dislike to Miller. Fifer wasn’t so bad, but that Miller, he could definitely do without.
Shortly after the sun sets, James gets everyone up. After a quick meal, they get mounted and then make for the rendezvous with Miller. It takes them a couple hours before the lights from the city appear on the horizon.
They keep to the east of the city as they hunt for Miller’s band, which is quite difficult in the dark of night. The moon hasn’t risen yet, so the only light they have is that of the stars. Off further to the east of the city, they see a small fire burning and Jiron leaves them behind while he goes to investigate.
He doesn’t get too far before they see the fire being kicked out and extinguished. As he returns with Miller’s band, James can hear Miller saying, “…long enough. What kept you?”
“We slept till dark and then it took us a couple hours to get here,” Jiron replies. “Relax, we’re here aren’t we?”
“What did you discover?” James asks Miller when they reach him.
“There are two main gates, one to the north and one to the south,” he explains. “There are also smaller, auxiliary gates to the east and west. Those may afford us our best chance for entering the city.”
“Do they close them at night?” asks Jiron.
“They closed all but the south gate once the sun went down,” he says. “There’s a contingent of guards there watching all who enter.”
“Perhaps someone could sneak in through the south gate and then go over to the east gate and open it?” suggest James.
“With those guards there?” Miller asks.
“Sure,” Jiron replies. “Just appear like you belong and they’ll most likely not say anything to you.” He glances to James and gives him a grin, “We’ve done it before.”
“True,” James replies, “we have.”
“Okay