Warrior Priest of Dmon-Li - Brian Pratt [183]
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James turns to Illan and says, “Which way would see us to the Sea?”
He points to the northwest and says, “It lies there, about a days ride.”
As they get moving, James asks him, “Think there’ll be any enemy patrols along this side of the river?”
Shrugging, he replies, “Always a possibility in these times. But the bridges spanning the river in this area have been destroyed, all but the one here by Lythylla, and there’re very few spots where an army can ford. Doubt if the Empire would know of them. I hear we have watchers in those areas to give the alarm just in case.”
“That’s reassuring,” says James.
Illan glances over to James, gives him a quick smile with a nod and then continues riding.
Dawn is still many hours away, the sliver of a moon giving some light to dispel the dark, though it doesn’t illuminate much.
They decide to break away from the road that runs along the river, figuring if any enemy were to be on this side, they’d most likely be there. James sets Illan to lead as he knows the area around here far better than anyone else. “There’s a town further north on the Sea at the base of the foothills called Seastar,” he tells them. “It’s not a large city but does have a port that merchants sailing upon the Sea use from time to time. If we’re lucky, we’ll find a ship there that will take us across.”
“Why Seastar?” asks Jiron.
“It’s far enough north that I’m hoping it will be free of any enemy incursions,” he replies. “Plus, I was born there.”
“That might help,” James adds.
“Certainly couldn’t hurt,” he says.
They travel on through the night for several hours, riding fast and making good time. The few breaks they have to rest the horses were short ones, the memory of the man who had been listening at the door back at the inn pushing them onwards.
When the sky begins to lighten with the coming of the dawn, they see a patrol riding their way out of the north. “It’s one of ours,” Illan assures everyone as he turns toward the approaching riders.
“Kylun!” Illan cries out as he recognizes the leader of the patrol.
“Illan, you son of a dog,” Kylun replies as they meet and come to a stop. “I thought you were down by Lythylla?”
“Were, but a lot has happened,” he replies. As James and the rest draw near, Illan gestures to them and continues, “This here is James, Jiron and Miko. The rest you know.”
Nodding, Kylun says, “Good to meet you all.” Then turning back to Illan, he asks, “What brings you to these parts?”
“We’re on our way to Seastar to see about sailing across the Sea,” he replies. “Is the way clear?”
“Yes,” he tells him. “We have the Empire stopped at the river, though at times it’s touch and go. I heard a large force is camped across from Lythylla.”
“It’s still there and looks like they plan to stay for a while,” he tells him. “An attempt was made yesterday to open the gate from within, but it was stopped and the enemy beaten back. Councilman Rillian is rumored to have had a hand in it.”
“Councilman Rillian?” he questions.
“That’s right,” replies Illan. “Though Lord Pytherian doesn’t think there’s enough evidence to move against him, we know he was involved.”
“We’ve heard rumors too,” he says. “Though just vague things about possible dealings with the Empire before the war, things like that. As you say, not enough to do anything about.”
Before Illan can say anything more, Kylun says, “Say hello to my family for me when you get there, okay? We’re on our way to patrol this side of the river, making sure they haven’t managed to cross over.”
“Good to see you again,” Illan says.
“You too, and good luck.” Turning to his fellows, Kylun says, “Move out!”
Illan sits there a moment as he watches the patrol ride away before saying, “We grew up together in Seastar.”
As they begin moving again, James says, “Seems like a nice enough fellow.”
“He is,” says Illan wistfully. Then, coming back to the present, he continues, “At least we have little to fear as far as running into the enemy between here and Seastar is concerned.”
“That’s reassuring,” comments Jiron from behind them.