Warrior Priest of Dmon-Li - Brian Pratt [144]
The lieutenant just nods his head and then leaves the restaurant.
Once they’re seated, the server says, “There’s not much of a choice, but I’ll bring you some of what we have.”
“We’d appreciate it,” James says as the man moves to return to the kitchen area.
“Man it’s nice to be able to relax again,” Miko says as he leans back in his chair.
“You got that right,” agrees James. “I don’t know how long it’s been since I could completely relax.”
The server returns with steaming bowls of stew and two loaves of bread. He sets them down on the table and then brings over a pitcher of ale and four mugs. “Enjoy,” he says to them.
Miko mumbles something through a large mouthful of food as the server leaves their table.
The meal is surprisingly good, made all the more so by the ability to sit at a table to enjoy it without the worry of being killed at any moment. Before they’re done, the lieutenant returns and says, “I took the liberty to transfer your things from your other steeds to the fresh ones. They’re waiting for you outside when you’re ready to depart.”
“Thank you,” James says appreciatively.
“Is there anything else I can do before you leave?” the lieutenant asks.
“Not that I can think of,” James assures him.
“In that case, I shall return to the captain,” he tells them before turning toward the door and leaves.
It isn’t long before they’re done with their meal. Leaving the inn, they find four good horses outside waiting for them, each with a new bedroll and saddlebags. And when Miko checks the bags on his mount, finds them full of travel rations. A new water bottle hangs from each of the saddles as well.
“Didn’t expect all this,” Jiron says as he climbs into the saddle.
“Me either,” agrees James after he mounts up. He looks at the others, everyone is looking tired and travel worn. Though he doubts if anyone is experiencing fatigue to the degree that he is.
“Tired as we are,” he begins, “we better make for Lythylla before stopping. I’m sure we’ll get plenty of rest there.”
“I hope so,” says Fifer.
“And a bath!” pipes up Miko. He grins at James when he glances in his direction.
“That too,” says James, returning the smile. “Let’s go.” As they move out, they see the wagons with the wounded going through the streets. It doesn’t look as if they’re going to stop here in Colton but continuing on down to Lythylla.
Once past the outskirts of town, they continue passing people on the move as they try to get to safety from the coming armies. James is reminded of the traffic they encountered when they were approaching the City of Light. The faces of these people show the same lack of hope for the future that the others had.
Across the river they see patrols of the Empire riding along. They have complete control over there, the only thing keeping from being on this side is the river. It’s flowing much too wide, deep and fast for them to be able to make it across safely. Especially if there’re soldiers over here picking them off while they’re in the water.
The light begins to fade as they continue along. Riding hard, they pass several small towns along the way, each is in a stage of evacuation, soldiers encouraging and helping the citizens to leave.
When night has finally settled in and the stars have come out, they slow their pace so as not to ride over the people on the road. Even the dark of night isn’t stopping the refugees from fleeing. James feels sorry for them and hates those behind the wars that cause such grief.
Near midnight, they begin to see the lights from a great city appear ahead of them. “That must be Lythylla,” comments Jiron.
“I would assume so,” says Fifer.
As they continue to move closer, they’re able to discern campfires, thousands of campfires on the other side of the river. “There must be thousands of troops over there,” says Miko in awe. “Why are they just sitting there?”
“Might be they can’t get across the river without dying,” suggest Jiron.
“Or they’re waiting for something,” states James.
“Like those armies to the south?” Fifer asks.
“Probably,” he replies. “If so,