Chapter Seventeen

_________________________

While he rides through the night, his mind continues going over the events during the battle with Serenna and her followers, mainly, the shadows which came from the globe. They were identical in look and feel as the ones he encountered that time Igor came to save his butt. He’s still not sure where he was. Whether it was another plane of existence, another world or maybe just a terrifying dream, he’s not sure. But after seeing the shadows appear from the globe, he’s convinced it wasn’t just a dream.

Since coming to this world, he’s encountered several forces, malignant in nature. By far the worst experience was the one on that other world. From the various books he’s read back home, he has a couple theories as to why these things may be happening, none of which will be pleasant if they’re true.

Two hours from Willimet, they come across another of the areas catering to travelers. This one has but an inn and one other building behind it which looks to be the innkeeper’s home. Both buildings are dark.

Illan brings them to a halt before coming very close. He sits there for a moment.

“What’s wrong?” James asks him.

“Doesn’t feel right,” he says. “There’s usually always a light of some kind at an inn.” To Jiron he says, “Go check it out.”

“Right,” he replies and then dismounts from his horse. While the others wait there in the road, he makes his way toward the inn.

The front door is ajar. Removing a knife from his belt, he steps toward the door. Pausing a few feet from the door, he looks inside but all he can see are shadows cast by the faint light of the moon shining in through the windows. Placing his hand against the door, he slowly pushes it open. The hinges of the door squeal slightly, giving an eerie feel to the place.

When the door is open far enough to allow him to enter, he releases the door and steps through. The stench from within hits him like a wall, death has been here. Moving inside, he tries to breathe through his mouth to minimize his reaction to the odor. On a nearby table he sees a candle silhouetted by the moonlight coming in through a window. Making his way over to it, he sets his knife on the table and removes his flint from his pouch. After two tries he manages to get the candle lit.

The candle’s light reveals a macabre scene. Several people lie dead on the floor, another is slumped across a table. A quick survey shows none of the people are still alive. “Hello?” he hollers. “Is anyone here?” Listening for a moment, he fails to hear anything and then makes his way back to the door.

Sticking his head out, he hollers to the others, “I think everyone here is dead!”

The others come to the inn where they dismount and secure their horses to the front hitching post. “James,” Jiron says from the front door, “you better come in here.”

Coming to the door with the others following, James sees the ghastly scene in the common room. “Looks like the work of Serenna’s followers,” he says. When the smell hits him, he takes out a cloth and puts it over his nose.

Suddenly from upstairs, they hear a floor board creak as if someone is walking around. Without hesitation, Jiron moves to the stairs and cautiously ascends to the second floor with Fifer and Qyrll right behind.

“Be careful,” offers James.

Jiron ignores him and continues up. At the top of the stairs is a hallway running the length of the second floor with doors lining both sides. The noise had to of come from either the first or second room on the left. The first door is open, the second one is closed.

Motioning for Fifer and Qyrll to follow, he edges toward the first door and glances through the doorway into the room. Standing in the middle of the room is a person, silhouetted by the light coming in through the window. The smell of death is in this room as well.

“Are you okay?” Jiron asks the person in the room.

Other than shifting its feet, the person makes no reply.

“Are you hurt?” When no reply is forthcoming, he hollers to those downstairs, “Bring up the candle, we need some light.”

Jiron stands there in the doorway and keeps an eye on the individual in the room as James brings the candle up from below. The others follow as well. When the light at last illuminates the room, they see the person is another of Serenna’s followers. The man looks emaciated and has the same lost, dazed look the others had when her hold over them was broken.

Illan comes behind James and when he sees the man, turns to the others and says, “Search all the rooms, there may be more.”

One by one they search the rooms and find five others in the same state as the first man. “What should we do with them?” Fifer asks.

They look to James who shrugs, “I don’t know what we can do. They may snap out of it, or they may not.”

“Are we just going to leave them here?” Jiron asks.

Nodding, James says, “I think that would be the prudent thing to do. At the next town up the road we’ll tell someone who can come back and take care of them.”

“You’re not still planning on staying here are you?” Dave asks from where he stands at the top of the stairs.

“Hardly,” he replies. “Let’s bury the dead and then get out of here.”

Dave stops him at the top of the stairs and asks, “Why?”

James looks him seriously in the eye and says, “I can’t believe you just asked me that.” Brushing past him, he goes downstairs to find a shovel.

They find several out back by the house and commence digging one large communal grave. Once it’s large enough, begin to fill it with the dead from the inn. During the process, the mind dead wander around aimlessly, one actually falling down the stairs and ends up breaking her neck. So they pick her up and add her to the grave.

When at last all the dead are buried, they have a moment of silence and then get mounted. They ride for an hour before pulling off the road and making camp near a small stream. Exhausted beyond measure, James finds a good spot to rest while the others volunteer to see to his horse. He no sooner gets his head on his pack than he falls asleep.

Early the next morning when the sun begins to rise, he wakes to find Fifer on watch. The others are sound asleep and snoring up a storm. He gets up and comes to the fire and sits down next to him.

They break out some of the food which was appropriated from the inn back in Willimet and have breakfast. It isn’t long before everyone is up and eating. Dave is the last one to rise.

“Are we heading home now?” Miko asks him.

Nodding, he says, “That’s the plan. Need to talk to Ceryn about something then may be going on another trip.”

“So soon?” he asks.

“Yes,” he replies. “Have to find out what Ironhold is and where. Ceryn’s been around so I’m hoping he may know something about it.”

“We’re probably two or three days from The Ranch,” interjects Illan.

“Can’t wait to get back,” Jiron says. “Tersa must be worried sick about me.”

Just then from the north, they see a dozen or so riders coming their way. When they get close enough, they see that they’re part of the Cardri cavalry. James comes to his feet as they approach and the officer comes forward and says, “Heard there’s some strange happenings going on around here. Have you seen anything out of the ordinary?”

Nodding, James says, “An hour or so to the south is an inn. We found the occupants slaughtered and several mindless people wandering around. Buried the dead and left the mindless to continue wandering.”

“Slaughtered you say?” he asks.

“That’s right,” he replies. “Same thing was happening down in Willimet. Those people down there need some help that’s for sure.”

The officer waves over a subordinate and has a few quiet words with him which James cannot make out. When he’s done, he turns back to James and says, “Thanks for the information.”

“You’re welcome,” he says.

The officer then calls for his men to begin moving and they double time it down the road.

“Looks like those people are going to get help after all,” remarks Fifer.

“Maybe,” says James, “if they don’t just kill them.”

“True,” adds Illan. “At least it’s not our problem anymore.”

James nods his head as he returns to the campfire and finishes eating.

On the road again, they continue their northerly course, anxious to get home. Setting a quick pace they manage to reach the city of Guellin by the night of the second day. The sheep ranches come into view long before they see the skyline of the town. Shepherds are out among them, minding their flocks. Some wave a hello while others pointedly ignore them.

As the road enters town, a large three story building sits on their right with a sign of a sleeping sheep hanging by the front door.

“Looks like a good spot,” says James. The grounds are relatively free of debris and the inn has an overall look of having been well maintained.

“Shall I see if they have any rooms?” Jiron asks.

Getting down from his horse, James stretches his sore muscles and says, “Sure. See if they have four. I’d like one on at least the second floor.”

“You got it,” he says as he goes up and enters the door.

“Just another day to Trendle,” Illan tells him as he comes to stand next to him.

“Good. I’m tired of riding,” he admits.

Miko gets down and has the last of his tarts in his hand. James can’t believe he’s still eating them. Last night they seemed a bit off but Miko wasn’t swayed by the chance of food poisoning. James tried to explain it to him but the concept was simply too far beyond his understanding. He couldn’t see how something which doesn’t smell or taste bad could be. So James just shrugged and hoped for the best.

“James, look,” Says Miko as he points across the street.

A woman walks along the far side of the street with a small girl behind her. His eyes widen and a smile comes to his face when he sees the little girl carrying what has to be one of Tersa’s teddy bears. He nudges Illan and nods in their direction.

“Guess you really had something there,” he says.

“I’m going to go find out where she got it,” James tells him as he steps into the street. Making a beeline for her, the mother soon becomes aware of his approach and stops. She puts herself in front of her daughter as he comes close.

“Excuse me,” he says and then points to the teddy bear, “but could you tell me where you got that?”

Visibly relaxing, she replies, “Argoth’s down the street has them.” She then points to the right.

“Thank you,” he says and gives her a nod as he leaves.

“Be right back,” he hollers over to the others as he makes his way to Argoth’s. He barely takes four steps before Fifer, Qyrll and Miko join him. When he looks questioning at them, Fifer says, “Illan doesn’t want you out alone.”

He glances back to see Dave standing with Illan, a sullen expression on his face. “Very well then.” They continue down the street until they see a store with a large window. Four of Tersa’s teddy bears are displayed there. He grins to Fifer when he sees them.

Walking in, he finds a portly man organizing small pouches into a neat pile. As they enter, he turns to greet them. “Good day to you gentlemen,” he says with a warm smile. “How may I help you today?”

James gestures to the teddy bears in the window and says, “I saw a woman with a little girl who had one of those and wanted to find out about them.”

“We just got them in a few days ago,” he says. “At first I didn’t really think they would do much, but so far I’ve sold half.”

“People really like them?” he asks.

Nodding, he replies, “The kids do. The trader lady who sold them to me suggested that I give one away and just see what happens. I thought that a rather foolish thing to do so before she left, she gave one to a little girl. After the girl left, she said, ‘If you sell all those in a week, you pay me for the one I just gave away.’ Of course I told her I would, but I didn’t think it would work. But sure enough, I sold three more that day just from people whose kids saw the little girl with hers.”

He looks to James and asks, “Are you interested in buying one?”

Shaking his head, he says, “No. I was just curious. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” the shopkeeper says as they turn to leave.

When they’re back outside the shop, Miko asks, “Why did you want to know about them?”

“Just doing a little market research,” he says. He smiles at Miko’s blank look of not understanding. Who would have thought Mr. Edward’s class on economics would have come in handy here. Unable to stop himself, he breaks into a short laugh.

The others look at him a bit oddly.

Back at the inn, they find Jiron has already arranged for their rooms. Taking their horses around back to the stables, they get them settled in for the night before returning to their rooms.

Later on when they convene in the common room for their evening meal, they take a large table off to one side. The room begins to fill as other travelers as well as locals come to have their meals. A bard sets up and begins playing by the time the server has brought them their food.

“I doubt if they’ve given up yet,” Jiron suddenly says.

“Who?” Fifer asks.

“The people who were interrogating Dave,” he explains. “It still bothers me that one of them got away.”

“True,” agrees Illan. “But if we stay together and keep alert, we should have no problem.”

“Wish they would just stop,” says Miko.

Dave gives a short laugh at that.

Turning to him, Jiron asks, “You got something to say?”

Giving Jiron a sardonic look, he replies, “They’re never going to stop! They will keep at him until they have what they want.” To James he says, “Would it be so bad to give it to them if it would mean living without the fear of being attacked at any moment.”

Jiron gives him a look of barely disguised disgust.

Shaking his head, James says, “Never. They could give me no guarantee that I would believe. Besides, giving it to them may prove more disastrous than the possibility of continued attacks.”

Face turning into a frown, Dave glances at the others and can see them united against the idea of returning the Fire to the Empire. Getting up, he says, “I’m going to my room and go to sleep.”

“Be careful and lock the door,” James tells him.

“You needn’t point out the obvious,” he replies then begins making his way to the stairs and up to the room he and James share.

“Coward,” can be heard though James not sure which one of them said it.

Turning his attention to the others, he says, “You guys should cut him a break.”

Jiron looks at him with a serious look on his face. “Are you sure he’s the type of person you want around? Things are afoot and he’s just a liability.” Around the table others nod their heads in agreement.

Sighing, James says, “I know. But where would he go? What would he do? I’m almost as lost here as he is.”

“But you’re handling it well,” Fifer interjects. “And you sure don’t back down from a fight.”

Shaking his head, James says, “Given the choice, I wouldn’t fight at all and would avoid any conflict to the best of my ability.” He sighs then continues, “But I am not given that choice. I know what’s right and I do it even though sometimes it pains me. He’s just gone through a bad time, worse than any I can imagine. Maybe he’ll find his niche here, but until then, he stays with me.”

“As you will,” Jiron says. “I just wanted you to know how we feel.”

“I understand full well how much you all dislike him,” he replies.

The rest of the evening they sit and enjoy the music and tales the bard relates. When James finally can’t fight off sleep anymore, he heads up to his room. As he clears the stairs and begins walking down to the door, it opens and a girl comes out.

He freezes for a moment as she makes her way toward him and then moves quickly down the stairs. Muffled sobs can be heard coming from her and tears dot her cheek. Confused and speechless, he stands there as she disappears down the stairs.

Moving quickly, he comes to the door to his room and opens it. Dave is lying in bed and turns to look at him as he enters the room. “What happened?” he asks his friend.

“What do you mean?” replies Dave.

“You had a girl in here,” he says.

“So?” replies Dave. “Just because you’re happy being a virgin doesn’t mean I am. Relax, she got paid.”

“She was crying when she passed me by out in the hall,” he says accusingly.

Shrugging, Dave says, “Don’t know why, she enjoyed herself well enough earlier.” Lying back on his pillow, he says, “Now if you’ll excuse me I’m quite tired.” Closing his eyes, he lies there quietly.

James stays standing by the door staring at his friend for a minute then moves over to his bed and undresses before getting under the covers. With a final glance over to his friend, he blows out the candle and tries to go to sleep. Sleep is long in coming, the memory of the sobbing girl keeps him awake.

The following morning, they head out early. “Should reach Trendle by the time it gets dark if we keep a quick pace,” announces Illan as they leave the outskirts of town.

“That would be nice,” James says with a grin.

Breaking into a fast trot they take the road to the northwest. Three hours out of town they come to a crossroads and take the northerly direction which will take them through Osgrin on the way to Trendle.

Ironhold. James ponders the significance of that lone word Ellinwyrd had inscribed on the scroll. What significance does it play? Where is it? He hopes Ceryn will be able to help him in discovering the answers.

Shortly after noon the party makes it to Osgrin where they find an inn to have their lunch. During the meal, Jiron suddenly says, “Wonder if there’re any assassins here?”

The others with him chuckle at that, all but Qyrll, Miko and James. Qyrll doesn’t understand, but Miko and James do all too well. “Enough of that,” James scolds him.

“Sorry,” he replies. The last time Miko had been here he overheard what he thought was an assassination plot aimed at James but which in fact was a betrothal party on their way to a wedding. The others still give him a hard time about it now and then despite James’ efforts to get them to stop. At least it’s fairly harmless jesting and Miko doesn’t seem to mind as much as he had.

After leaving Osgrin, they continue north, next stop hopefully will be Trendle. Illan informs them it’s still many hours away but that they should be able to make it by dark if not before.

As it turns out, they reach the outskirts of Trendle just as the sun hits the horizon. The people on the streets pause as they see him ride through, some offering greetings or well wishes. He returns them and continues on.

Passing the Squawking Goose, the favored inn of most of the townsfolk, they see young Devin coming out in the company of his family. His face turns pale as he sees them riding toward him.

“Why James,” Mary says once she sees him approaching, “thought you were out of town for awhile?”

“I was,” he replies. “I’ll be in town for a short while before I have to be off again.”

Illan is eyeing Devin who’s withering under his gaze. Obviously he isn’t supposed to be in town.

Corbin notices Illan’s gaze and says, “Today’s Devin’s birthday. We went out to your place and asked Yern if we could take him into town to celebrate. He said it wouldn’t be a problem.”

Illan’s face softens slightly as he says, “Just return before too long.”

Relaxing with relief, Devin replies, “I will sir.”

“I wish we could stay to share your celebration,” James says. “But we’ve been on the road for several days and are extremely tired.”

“I understand,” Corbin says. “Nice to have seen you again.”

“You too,” he says. Then to the two girls he adds, “You two, too.”

They just giggle and cast him shy glances.

Kicking his horse into a trot, he heads down the road out of town and to The Ranch. The shack for the guard stationed at the end of the lane leading to The Ranch has been completed. A lit lantern hangs from a post nearby to shed light on any who approach.

“Ain’t you a sight for sore eyes,” Jorry says as he steps from the guard shack.

“How’ve things been?” James asks him.

“Quiet,” he replies. “Still get the curious every now and then but it seems to be tapering off.” He notices Qyrll there but the darkness prevents him from being able to see his features well.

“Good,” he says.

“How did things go in Cardri?”

“Tell you later,” replies James. “I’m for bed.”

“Good to have you back,” he says as he returns to the guard shack.

Heading down the road, he sees Errin and Aleya sitting on the front steps fledging arrows. When they see him coming down the lane, Errin bolts to her feet and rushes into the house. Shortly, Roland and everyone else come out to greet him.

“Welcome back,” Roland says as James and the others come to a stop. He casts a glance toward Qyrll but doesn’t comment. James can see the others taking in his tattooed visage in uncertainty.

Errin and Caleb come to take the horses. James hands Errin his reins and says, “Can’t tell you how glad I am to be back.”

To Errin and Caleb, Illan says, “Take the horses to the barn and get them settled in.”

Taking the reins from him, Caleb says, “Yes sir.” They then lead the horses to the barn.

“Let’s go inside and I’ll give you a brief rundown of what happened,” James says as he makes for the door.

“Something wrong?” Yern asks.

“You could say that,” replies Jiron.

Everyone moves inside the house and takes their usual positions in the front room for when they have the evening gathering time. After settling into his chair, James gestures to Qyrll and says to everyone, “This is Qyrll. He’s a Parvati from a land deep within the Empire. Fierce fighters but loyal to their friends.”

Launching into what happened at Cardri, he as well as the others relate the events which ultimately culminated with the rescue at sea. When he’s done, Yern just shakes his head and says, “You can’t go anywhere without something major happening to you.”

Turning toward him, James sighs and replies, “It looks that way.”

“What are they going to do now?” Tersa asks from where she sits with her brother. She sits next to him on one side while Aleya sits on the other.

“Who?” he asks.

“Cardri,” she clarifies.

“I doubt if they’ll do anything,” he explains. “After all, they did as requested and handed me over. As much as that upset me, I don’t hold any ill will toward them. They only did what they did to insure peace. I can understand that mentality. From their point of view, what happened on the open seas is none of their concern. I don’t think we need fear any reprisals from them.”

“What about the Empire?” interjects Jorry.

“That’s an entirely different matter,” he says. “I expect them to continue in their efforts to do me harm. Since the political maneuver didn’t work I think it’s likely they will try something more direct again.”

Nodding, Illan adds, “I agree.” He then looks around to the others, “We need to be more vigilant from here on out. Assassins or another kidnapping plot may be in the offing.”

“What should we do?” Tersa asks nervously.

“Don’t go anywhere alone,” replies James, “unless it’s close to The Ranch. And by close I mean within sight. If someone goes into town, they take another with them. Tomorrow I plan to go see Ceryn early in the morning.”

“I’ll come with you,” Jiron says.

“Fine,” he says. Suddenly a big yawn escapes him. “Any questions?” He can see they have questions in their eyes but none speak them. “In that case, I’m heading to bed.”

“Good night James,” Tersa says.

“Good night to you all,” he replies and then heads to his room. After he leaves the front room he can hear them beginning to talk in greater detail about what went on as well as the events in Willimet. He finally makes it to his room and closes the door. Getting undressed quickly, he wriggles under the covers and is soon asleep.