The star of Morcyth ms-5 Read online

  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.

  Chapter Eighteen

  The following morning finds Illan out with the recruits putting them through drills. Ever since he moved the practices from outside of James’ window, he has been able to get a good night’s sleep.

  Getting out of bed, he puts on his clothes from yesterday and goes to the kitchen to have breakfast. Ezra has a plate ready for him and he takes a seat next to Arkie who is in his high chair. “Has Dave come out of his room?” he asks her.

  “Haven’t seen him sir,” she replies. While they were gone she had Roland fix an oversized pantry with a pallet for Dave. She felt the master of the house shouldn’t have to share his bed.

  He’s worried for his friend. The last few days on the way back, he had been quiet and moody. He continues to think on his friend until something wet and soft hits him in the side of the face, the side facing Arkie.

  He turns to see Arkie there with a big smile on his face and another handful of his breakfast arched back and aimed at James. “Don’t you dare,” James says to him, amused.

  “Arkie!” his mother cries just as he throws it at James.

  He ducks but not fast enough and a handful of squishiness hits him in the head just above the ear. Arkie lets out with a jubilant squeal as he reaches for yet another handful.

  Ezra rushes over to him, intending to punish the boy for treating the master of the house in such a manner. She begins talking to him rapidly in the Empire’s tongue and the smile on his face quickly disappears. Grabbing the arm which has the handful of food poised to hurl at James she slaps his hand.

  Dropping the food, he looks to his mother, eyes beginning to well tears and lets out with a cry.

  “I’m sorry sir,” she says to James.

  “It’s okay,” he replies, more amused than upset. “I was going to head out for a bath anyway. Don’t be too hard on him.”

  “He has to learn right from wrong now,” she says. Giving her son a stern glare, she sees him reaching for another handful of food. She brings her hand close to the one reaching and holds it over his hand as she gives him that look. The look all mothers give their kids when threatening a punishment if they don’t stop what they’re doing. Obviously Arkie hasn’t learned the subtle nuances of facial expressions yet and takes the handful.

  Slap!

  Her hand comes down and strikes his hard. Not hard enough to hurt, just hard enough for him to know he did wrong. “No!” she says sternly.

  After getting the food mostly out of his hair, he hurriedly eats the remainder of his breakfast as he watches mother and son out of the corner of his eye.

  Crying, Arkie looks to his mother, hurt and upset. His bottom lip is out and tears stream from both eyes. He begins reaching for another handful and her hand again moves to hover over his.

  You better learn kid, James thinks as he puts the last forkful of eggs in his mouth.

  Never taking his eyes from his mother, Arkie moves his hand closer to the food and she raises her hand slightly while at the same time cocking her head to the side. “No,” she says.

  Pulling his hand back, he gives James a hopeful look.

  “Don’t look at me,” he says. “I may be master of the house but she’s your mother.” To Ezra he gives her a quick smile and then gets up from the table. Patting Arkie on the head he returns to his room and collects a set of clean clothes as well as a cupful of soap.

  After he passes back through the kitchen and goes outside, Miko sees him and hollers that he’ll join him. Racing back to get his things, he soon catches up with him at the bathing pool.

  The morning air is crisp, he’s not sure how many more mornings he’ll be able to endure the cold water. Each day seems to be getting colder and colder. The days where he would linger in the water are past. Scooping out some of the soap, he quickly cleans himself as well as his hair.

  “Arkie get you this morning?” Miko asks amused.

  “Twice,” he replies.

  “He nailed me earlier,” he tells him with a grin. “Ezra sure has her hands full with him.”

  “It’s just a stage, I hope,” he says.

  “Coming with me to town today?” James asks.

  Shaking his head, he says, “No. Roland says I’ve missed too much time at the class and am starting to fall behind the others. He wants us all to be doing the same, says it’s easier that way.”

  “I can see where he would want that,” he replies.

  “Seen Dave yet today?” he asks Miko.

  Shaking his head, he replies, “No. He was gone when I got up.”

  “Gone?” he asks, worried.

  “He does that some times,” Miko explains. “I think he likes to get away by himself or something.”

  “Maybe,” replies James, worry for his friend increasing. Dave has never been one to wander off by himself. He would always try to be the life of the party and garner attention. He continues to think on Dave while he finishes his bath.

  “This water is simply getting too cold,” he says when he’s finally done washing. Getting out, he dries himself off quickly. The slight breeze has caused goose bumps to arise over a good portion of his skin. Once he’s dressed, he leaves Miko in the water and returns to his room where he takes out his shaving knife and scrapes off the stubble which has grown scraggly ever since he left. Got to remember to take this with me.

  Once he’s done, he rubs his face and feels much better now that it’s once again smooth. He leaves his room and goes outside where he finds Jiron has already readied two horses. Fifer is talking with him and breaks off when James approaches.

  “How do you feel this morning?” he asks.

  “Fine,” replies James. “Always feel fine after a good night’s
rest.”

  “I think Illan’s going to have us out and bring in some meat to smoke after the morning drills so may not be around when you return,” Fifer explains. Qyrll comes around the corner, swords swinging at his hips and stands beside Fifer. A definite friendship has developed between the two.

  “Running low are we?” James asks as he mounts.

  Looking up at him, Fifer nods. “That’s what Ezra is telling us,” he says.

  “Good luck.”

  “Thanks,” replies Fifer.

  Jiron mounts and then they head down the road. As they make their way up the lane to the main road, James glances over to the construction site of his new house and stables. The stables are complete, except for a few of the interior walls separating the stalls. It should be done by the end of the week. The house still has another two or three weeks to go.

  Sean the master builder in charge of the construction sees him looking his way and gives him a wave. James returns it.

  They find Uther at the guard shack looking bored and tired. As they approach, he asks, “How much longer do we need to have someone out here?”

  “Until we no longer get unwelcome visitors,” James replies. “Have there been any today?”

  Nodding his head, Uther says, “One. He said he would pay you to remove a wart from his face.”

  “Bad?” Jiron asks.

  Chuckling, he nods and says, “Very.”

  “Where are all these people coming from?” groans James.

  “Who knows?” replies Jiron. “They sure are an irritant though.”

  “Tell me about it,” he says. Then to Uther he adds, “Be back in awhile.”

  Uther gives them a nod as they leave the lane and turn onto the road heading to town.

  On the outskirts of Trendle, they find a group of men standing and talking to one another against the outer wall of the last building. As he draws closer he sees it’s the mayor and a few members of the town council along with several other men from town. Corbin is among them.

  “James!” Corbin says as he approaches.

  “What are you all doing here?” he asks as he pulls to a stop. Then he asks jokingly, “Are you hiding?”