Warrior Priest of Dmon-Li - Brian Pratt [99]
Jiron gives him a slight bow, “Glad to meet you.”
“You as well, Jiron,” Miller replies. “Fifer here has constantly told us about the pits and the fighters there. It’ll be good to have you as one of the team.”
James is awake and looking anxiously in their direction when they round the hill. When he sees Jiron smiling and unconcerned, he visibly relaxes and returns the rock to his pouch.
Miko starts awake, at first disoriented but then comes to his senses. When he sees the band of men coming toward them he at first fears attack, but then like James, relaxes when he sees Jiron’s calm demeanor.
“James, Miko,” says Jiron as they reach the camp. “This here is Fifer, a friend from the pits.” He claps him on the back and then indicating the leader of the group, saying, “And this is Miller, the leader of this band.”
“Greetings,” James says. Miko remains quiet, unsure how to take all this. “Just what brings you all this way into the Empire?”
“We’re on the trail of a force traveling south,” Miller says. “You wouldn’t have seen them, have you?”
“As a matter of fact we did, earlier today,” replies James. “There’s a town to the east a few hours away, I believe they were heading toward it.”
Miller and Fifer exchange glances that tell James this news was not what they had hoped to hear.
Turning to Jiron, Miller asks, “Now that you know our business, would you mind telling us yours?”
“We rescued James’ friend Miko here from slavers,” Jiron explains. “Now we’re just trying to get out of the Empire.”
“Why are you pursuing that army?” James asks.
Fifer looks to Miller who nods his head. Fifer turns back to them and says, “Several days ago, there was a major battle between the forces of the Empire and those made up of Madoc’s forces as well as allies who’d come to help.”
“Our general, Lord Pytherian, was captured when the Empire made a bold attack on our flanks. A force of cavalry had cut their way through the lines and before anyone could stop them, had broken through to the command area and taken the general.”
“And you’re trying to rescue him?” James asks.
Nodding, Fifer says, “We must. The alliance is beginning to fall apart without him. Most only joined because he was in command. Without him, the opposition to the Empire in this area will simply disappear.”
“It’s worse than that,” interjects Miller. “Suspicion has been growing that one faction or another had a hand in his capture. If he’s not returned, there may be conflict between the different members of the Alliance as they begin accusing each other of the deed.”
“Join us!” exclaims Fifer. “We must get him back or the Empire will expand unchecked until all of Madoc lies under its thumb!”
“What do you plan to do?” James asks.
“Now that we know where he’s been taken,” Miller explains, “we’ll go to this city and find a way to get him out.”
“Give us a moment,” James says as he nods to Jiron and Miko. Moving away from the others, they talk quietly among themselves.
“We should help them,” Jiron says. “If things are as they say, we have no choice.”
“But we don’t know that it is,” James replies. “We just have their word.”
“Fifer wouldn’t lie to me,” Jiron asserts. “We’ve known each other too long.”
“Okay, let’s say what they say is true,” James begins. “Dare we risk what we carry to help?” He points to the pouch at Miko’s waist wherein the Fire lies.
“I know,” says Jiron.
“What do you think Miko?” James asks.
Surprised at being asked, Miko says, “I say we risk it. The Empire is a blight upon this world that must be hindered in any way.” He says it with such conviction that James is taken aback by it.
Glancing from one to the other, he comes to his decision. “Alright, we’ll help,” James tells them. “But we stick together, agreed?”
Miko nods his head and Jiron says, “Agreed!”
Going back over, they tell them that they’ll help them regain Lord Pytherian.
“Great!” Miller says. “Now, show us where this city lies.”
Suddenly, James realizes that they’ve only gotten a couple hours of sleep and that Jiron has had none. “We should wait until nightfall,