Knock! Knock! Knock!
Insistent and unrelenting pounding woke James in the dead of night. Half asleep, he got up and stumbled his way through dark shadows to the door.
Knock! Knock!
Just as he reached the door, he heard Miko say in a loud whisper “James, wake up.” There was tightness, a sense of urgency in his voice. “Wake up and open the door!”
Undoing the lock, James opened the door and stepped back as Miko rushed past. The boy quickly shut the door and threw the bolt. “You gotta get out of here!”
“Why?”
“Remember me saying that nobles like to settle things themselves?”
“Yeah, I remember.”
“It seems Lord Colerain, whose estate we were chased out of this morning, has discovered who it was at his estate today and where you are staying. I overheard a conversation between an agent of Lord Colerain and a group of men who hire out for this type of job. He wants you taken so he can find out why you were there.”
“When?” He hurriedly began throwing clothes on.
“I didn’t wait to find out.” Miko paced nervously. “I came here as fast as I could to warn you. It’ll be soon I think.”
“I better get out of the city now,” James decided. “I planned to leave in the morning anyway.” Now dressed, he grabbed his backpack and handed his other pack to Miko. He moved carefully in the dark as he made his way to the door where he slid back the bolt. He peered down the hallway in both directions.
It was dark and quiet as a tomb. They left the room and made their way to the stairs, where they descended quickly and quietly to the ground floor. The common room was dark and deserted; the small amount of light that came through the windows cast an eerie pall. The floor boards creaked with every step. James thought for sure they would wake the entire inn by the time they reached the door leading to the stables.
He paused a moment at the window looking out over the rear courtyard. Shadows moved near the stables. Some broke off and approached the inn, heading for the door near where he stood. Only the dark of night prevented him from being seen by those approaching. Turning about, he silently indicated for Miko to head to the front. They made it halfway before the front door swung inward.
James immediately ducked under one of the tables, and pulled Miko with him. They kept silent and watched several man-shaped shadows enter while two more came in from the stables.
The two groups met at the base of the stairs. James heard whispers but was unable to make out the words. Four shadows headed up the stairs, while two remained in the common room, just a few feet from where James and Miko were hiding.
From upstairs came the sound of a door opening. The inn was silent for a few seconds and then the door closed. The four shadows returned down the stairs.
“He’s not up there,” one whispered.
“We can’t stay here,” another responded.
“Rolin,” the first one said, “tell the boys at the stables we’re out of here.”
“Right.”
A shadow detached and made its way out the back door.
“Let’s go,” the first voice said, “we’ll find him eventually.” The men then turned and walked quietly out the front door.
James waited for several minutes before he emerged from under the table. “Check the front door.”
Miko nodded and went to peer through a window by the front door while James checked the back.
James didn’t see anybody in the courtyard by the stables so he quietly went and checked with Miko.
“Anything?”
“They left in two parties, one to the right and another to the left,” replied Miko. “I think two of them ducked into that alley across the street. They may be there as a lookout to see if we show up.”
“Probably.”
Miko glanced to James nervously. “How are we going to get out of here?”
“I’m thinking.” He considered the situation for a moment before a plan came to mind.
He pulled Miko close so his voice wouldn’t carry. “When I tell you to, I want you to close your eyes tight and keep them closed until I tell you to open them again. Do you understand?”
“Why?”
Sounding impatient, he said, “Just do it! I don’t have time to explain, okay?”
“Alright,” agreed Miko, though he didn’t sound very sure.
James formulated a spell and directed Miko to look down the street. A small, dimly glowing ball appeared. It rolled toward the alley where the men waited, coming to rest in front. Two men detached themselves from the darkness as they came to inspect the glowing sphere.
“Close your eyes,” James whispered. Then James silently counted to himself, “One, two, three…” and closed his own eyes, turning his head away. The glowing ball flashed into a blinding brilliance that lasted only a second.
“I’m blind!” shouted one of the voices coming from the alley.
When the light disappeared, James said, “You can open your eyes, let’s go.”
They hurried through the front door and left the inn. Even though their eyes had been closed, spots still swarmed in their vision.
The two men who were across the street continued to cry out. One had even fallen to the ground, holding his eyes.
Miko looked at his companion with no small amount of awe. “What did you do to them?”
“I just ruined their night vision is all,” chuckled James. “Maybe I gave them a headache as well, I’m not sure. They should realize that nothing serious was done to them when their vision readjusts again to the dark. I don’t think I did anything permanent, though it’s possible.” He paused, and then asked, “Now, what’s the best way out of town?”
“The main gates will most likely be watched. Maybe the river. We could take a boat and drift downstream.”
“I don’t like stealing but we may have no choice. To the river then.”
Miko led the way quickly with James close on his heels. It wasn’t long before they heard the sound of several men coming up quickly behind them. James and Miko picked up their speed, and broke into a run for the river.
Cutting first across one street, Miko then darted down another. Glancing back over his shoulder, James saw that the men were gaining. The outlines of those in the lead were more pronounced. A glint of metal revealed a naked blade in the hands of one.
From up ahead Miko shouted, “Come on, I found a boat.”
Looking forward to where Miko called, he saw moonlight reflecting off the water. Not far from the water sat a shack. Between it and the river sat a small rowboat; Miko had already begun pushing the rowboat toward the water. As James approached, the door to a nearby shack opened and two men emerged. Both wielded clubs.
“Get away from our boat!” one yelled as they advanced.
“We’ll kill you if you try to take it,” the other threatened. Brandishing his club, he menaced James with it.
Seeing their pursuers coming up fast, James said, “I’ll buy it!”
The club wielding men paused as they drew closer to James. One asked, “How much?”
“Ten golds,” James offered as he pulled out his pouch.
“Ten!” one man exclaimed incredulously. “You’ve got yourself a boat.” They lowered their clubs and one held out his hand for the money.
The rowboat reached the water and Miko jumped inside and grabbed the oars. James didn’t even bother to count out ten golds, merely threw the money pouch toward the two men. He pushed the boat farther out into the water before jumping in. Once the boat cleared the sandy bottom, Miko pulled hard on the oars to put as much distance between them and the shore as possible.
The two men started congratulating themselves on their good fortune until they saw James and Miko’s pursuers, swords gleaming in the starlight. They turned fast, and raced back to their shack where they slammed the door shut.
Thunk!
Something embedded itself into the side of the boat, “Get down!” James yelled. They crouched
low in the boat, trying to stay below the edge for protection. He peered over the side and found the tail end of a crossbow bolt protruding from the wood. Somewhere on the shore the crossbowman took aim again, but the bolt splashed into the water several feet away.
Their boat drifted toward the middle of the river as they put more distance between them and the men on the shore. Their pursuers ran along the shore in an attempt to keep pace, the crossbow firing in regular intervals but failed to find its mark. One broke away from the group and raced up a side street back into town. The boat continued to outdistance the men as it was carried along in the fast current. Realizing they would never catch the rowboat, the men broke off their pursuit.
With the threat from the crossbowman gone, James had Miko move out of the way and took his place between the oars. “I think we made it,” he said with relief as he commenced to row.
“Maybe,” doubted Miko, “but we’re not out of the city yet.” He pulled the crossbow bolt out of the side of the boat.
“That was close,” he said as he showed it to James.
James nodded, put his back into it and rowed with great diligence.
“Think they’ve given up?”
“Doubt it,” Miko answered, “they probably went for horses.”
“You’re probably right.”
James angled the boat toward the shore opposite the one the men had been on.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m letting you out,” James explained. “There is no point in you continuing. They are after me, not you. I wouldn’t want you to get hurt on my account.”
“No way,” objected Miko, “I’m coming with you. Besides, it won’t take them long to figure out that someone had to warn you about them coming for you. Who else in this city could have done it but me? I’m dead once they make the connection. I’ve gotta come!”
“You could end up in far more danger being with me.”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s kind of hard to explain.”
“Look,” pleaded Miko, “I’ve got nothing here. I beg for a living, take menial jobs for little pay. Life with you can’t be any worse than what I have already lived through.”
James gave in to the desperation in the boy’s voice. He turned the boat once more back toward the middle of the river.
“Thank you,” Miko said, with relief in his voice.
“Well, we’ll see if you still thank me later on.”
The river took them to a large span of wall that arched over the water. Miko informed him that they were almost out of the city. The wall extended several yards into the river either side before arching overhead. When the boat neared the wall, they became very quiet and still, not wanting to draw attention should anyone be around. They remained motionless and slowly drifted under the wall.
From the wall above came the sound of footsteps. Once through to the other side, James glanced up to see one of the city guards. He had a heart-stopping moment when the guard glanced their way. He must not have seen them for his gaze left the river and the guard continued his beat along the wall.
James sighed quietly with relief. He watched the guard until the current drew them away and the wall disappeared in the night. He waited until they had floated far enough for the lights of the city to fade. Then he took his place back on the bench. With an oar in each hand, he maintained a rhythm that had them speeding along.
He and Miko rowed in hour intervals throughout the rest of the night until daybreak. Each tried to sleep while the other rowed. When the sky brightened with the morning sun, James woke found to find Miko no longer rowing. Instead, the boy was slouched upon the bench fast asleep with the oars still gripped in his hands. Despite the lack of human direction, their boat had managed to maintain its position near the middle of the river. He glanced to Miko just as a loud snore escaped the boy. He didn’t bother waking him. Instead he scanned the riverbanks for any sign of their pursuers.
The east bank had a road running parallel the shoreline. To the west the land was primarily farmland, with the occasional orchard of fruit-bearing trees. A grove of trees approached which looked to be apples or some similar kind of red fruit. Hungry, James slipped one of the oars out of Miko’s hand and used it as a rudder to bring them to the shore.
The motion of the boat changing direction awakened Miko and James pointed out the approaching fruit trees. “Thought we could do with a little breakfast.”
Squinting to see through the morning sun’s glare, Miko grunted agreement. James did a good job directing the boat, beaching where the grove began. He hopped out of the boat and secured it with a rope that was found coiled in the bottom. Miko joined him and they made a quick search of the immediate area. When no one else turned up, they helped themselves to some fruit.
James located an apple-like fruit that appeared to be ripe and removed it from the branch. He bit into it, and found that the fruit had a taste similar to apples, though the skin was slightly thicker. He filled his backpack as he ate.
Miko picked an armful and took them to the boat and dumped them in the bottom.
“James!”
He turned to see Miko running toward him and pointing across the river.
A single horseman sat watching them. In the man’s hands was a deadly looking crossbow. Motion from farther down the west bank drew their attention; seven riders rode with all speed downriver.
“They must be heading for a bridge to cross further south. Any idea how far it would be?”
Miko shook his head. “Got no idea. I don’t know much of what lies outside of Bearn.”
“Doesn’t matter I guess. They’ll be here soon enough.”
James watched the departing riders until they passed from sight. He looked to the crossbowman where he sat and watched.
“He’s there to keep an eye on us and to keep us from crossing I’d wager.”
Rolling the apple he had in his hand, a course of action sprang to mind. Glancing up and down the road to make sure no travelers approached from either direction. He moved closer to the river and cocked his arm back to throw.
“You don’t think you’re going to hit him, do you?” Miko asked incredulously.
James smiled. “Just watch.” Speaking the words of a variation of his stone spell, he threw.
The apple arced through the air, and to Miko’s surprise, picked up speed. Even though the man attempted to avoid the hurled fruit, the apple altered its course accordingly and nailed him in the side of the head. Miko was stunned when the rider tumbled from his horse.
James waited for several seconds to see if the man would get up. When the rider remained unmoving on the ground, he headed for the boat. “Let’s hurry.” He motioned for Miko to get back in the boat.
“Hurry where?” Miko asked as he climbed in. He was careful not to step on the apples lying across the bottom as he took his seat.
James pointed to the opposite shore. “Over there.” He grabbed the side of the boat and pushed it out into the river, jumping in once the bottom cleared the shore. Then took the oars and rowed hard. He worked to reach the shore where the unconscious man lay.
When the boat ran aground not far from the man, James said to Miko, “See if he’s alive. If he is, tie him up. Also, make sure the horse doesn’t get away. We’ll need it.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I’m going to hide our trail,” he replied and unloaded the boat.
Miko went to the man and discovered that he was not dead, just unconscious. He used a coil of rope found on the man’s horse, and bound him at the ankles and wrists. Satisfied the man would not escape, he turned to find James standing motionless at the water’s edge. About to ask a question, he stopped when he realized James was concentrating on the boat and was in the process of casting a spell. Miko took the reins of the horse and walked quietly to see what he was doing.
The sudden movement of the boat startled him. It rocked back and forth a moment then slid off the shore and into
the water on its own. Mouth agape, he watched in wonder as the boat floated across the river toward the opposite shore. It inexplicably moved against the current and finally ran aground. The boat didn’t stop moving until it rested far enough up the beach that the river wouldn’t pull it back in. When the boat came to a stop, James ended the spell and abruptly sat down.
“You okay?” Miko asked, worried.
James saw the concern on his face. He smiled to reassure the boy. “Magic isn’t easy you know. It takes a lot out of you. I’ll be fine, just need to rest a bit.” He nodded toward the man. “How’s our friend doing?”
“You knocked him out with that apple and he’ll probably have a big bruise on his temple for a while, but I think he’ll make it.” He took a water bottle off the horse, and handed it to James, “Thirsty?”
“Yeah.” He took the bottle and had a long drink. Once he had his fill, he handed it back. “Fill it up again, we need to get going.”
Miko took the bottle over to the river and refilled it. Then he gestured to their captive. “What shall we do with him?” Kill him?”
“Good heavens, no,” James exclaimed. “I wouldn’t kill someone unless my life depended on it. We’ll have to take him with us for a ways and then let him go.”
“Why do we have to take him with us?” he asked as he secured the bottle to the saddle.
“We can’t leave him here to tell his friends we’re on this side of the river. When they return and find the boat still on the other side, I’m hoping they will believe that we are still on that side, trying to escape cross country.”
James heard a groan from their captive. He went and squatted down next to him.
The captive opened his eyes, glancing first to James, then Miko. He flashed Miko an ugly look and tried to move but couldn’t, his arms and legs had been tied. Testing the bonds proved them strong and secure. He settled back down on the ground, all the while keeping an eye on his captors.
“Not sure what to do with you.”
The man gave James a foul look. “Not sure where to dump my body you mean.”
“You’re not going to die today,” James reassured him, “at least not by my hand.”
The man didn’t look convinced that he would be permitted to live.
“We know Lord Colerain hired you and your friends to catch me, perhaps even kill me.” Seeing no change in their captive’s expression, he continued. “Just what were you going to do to me if you would have caught me?”
“Why should I tell you anything?”
“Your cooperation could mean the difference from being left where someone can easily find you, and being put somewhere…,” James paused for effect before saying, “remote.”
“Come on, Torin,” Miko said, “what difference could it make now? We know you’re after us and who hired you, so you might as well tell.”
His face turned grim. He turned his attention to Miko. “I always knew you to be a squealer, Miko, ever since you ratted out Harry’s bunch.”
Indignantly, Miko replied, “I never ratted him out! I didn’t even know what was going down until the news hit the streets.”
“Yeah, yeah, you’ve been singing that tune just so Harry wouldn’t kill ya.”
James waved both to silence. “That doesn’t matter anyway. Miko, secure our equipment on his horse and let’s get out of here before trouble finds us.”
James took out his knife and leaned closer to Torin. Torin’s eyes widened, in expecting to be stabbed or cut. James grabbed the rope that bound the captive’s legs, and cut the rope in two. He threw the pieces over to Miko who put them in a bag on the horse.
“You’re going to have to walk.” When he made no move to rise, James added, “Unless you would rather to be dragged behind the horse? Your choice.”
Torin nodded and James helped him to his feet.
James removed another long rope from the saddle. He secured one end around the rope that bound Torin’s wrists and the other end to the saddle. Miko took up position behind Torin with the knife, just in case. James grabbed the reins, and they made their way south.
They didn’t travel far before a small grove of trees appeared off to the east. James left the road and headed for the grove. Once there, he untied Torin and had him sit with his back to one of the trees. He used the long rope to secure him, then tore off a strip from Torin’s shirt to use for a gag.
“Don’t worry, I plan to let someone know that you are here, but not until nightfall, tomorrow at the latest. If I were you, I would hope your friends don’t ‘delay’ me. You should be free sometime tomorrow.”
Getting up, he said to Miko, “Let’s go.” James took the reins and led the horse back to the road.
An hour or so later, several buildings appeared by the river. A thick rope spanned the water, ending at another set of buildings on the far side. In the middle of the river they saw a flat ferry with four men and three horses. One man pulled on the rope, slowly moving the ferry to their side of the river.
“James,” Miko said, “those are Torin’s buddies. Your trick with the boat must not have fooled them, because they’re coming back.”
Waiting near the cluster of buildings on the other side were the rest of their pursuers, awaiting their turn to cross. The men on the ferry had not seen them yet. James led the horse off the road toward the east. He mounted then helped Miko up behind him. They got the horse up to a fast run and cut cross-country.
Cutting eastward through an open field, James continued for a little over a mile before angling more to the south. Once certain pursuit would not soon develop, he slowed their pace.
They continued south while steadily angling their way west, hoping to eventually intersect with the road. When the road finally came into view, they were relieved to find it deserted; they headed toward it.
“How long do you think they will continue the chase?”
“I doubt if they’ll continue very far,” Miko responded. “They’re just local ruffians. Like me, they’ve seldom been out of the city.”
“Let’s hope so.”
He reached into his backpack and pulled out a couple of apples, handing one to Miko. Once they reached the road, they continued south all the while eating apples and casting glances over their shoulders for sign of pursuit. James didn’t know what he would have done should the pursuit materialize. He was glad he didn’t have to find out.
As nightfall approached, they discovered a likely place to make camp. It was sheltered within a small copse of trees near the river. Within was a small, cleared area where half a dozen men could have camped comfortably. “I guess this spot must be used quite frequently,” he said, indicating a ring of stones that encircled the charred remnants of an old campfire.
“Must be.”
James tied the horse to a low branch and turned to Miko. “Get a fire going and I’ll see if I can’t scare up some fish for dinner.”
“How?”
“How are you going to make the fire, or how will I scare up some fish?” James quipped.
“How you are going to scare up some fish?” Miko asked. James’ attempt at humor was lost on the lad.
James found a five-foot branch lying on the ground. “I’ll just go out to the river and get one.” He took out his knife and sharpened one end.
“Oh,” Miko said. “Uh, good luck.”
“Thanks,” James replied. On the way to the river he tried to remember the spell he used to catch fish the last time.
Miko got the fire started and soon had a fair blaze going. He looked out to the river where James stood motionless in waist deep water. The point of the stick was held a few inches above the water. Seconds passed. Then, with a quick downward thrust, James plunged the stick into the water and held it there for several seconds. When he brought the stick out of the water, a large fish was impaled upon the end.
Casting a triumphant glance to Miko, he raised the fish and flashed a grin.
“Not bad.”
Coming out of the
water, James replied, “Beats a pole and hook.”
In no time he had the fish cleaned and roasting above the fire.
Night had fallen completely by the time the fish had been reduced to little more than bones. Satiated and contented, James lay near the fire and gazed up at the stars. He hadn’t noticed it before, but the constellations that he knew as a boy were no longer there. A sigh escaped him, he truly was a long way from home.
“What are you thinking about?”
James didn’t respond right away, then said, “Just that I’m a long way from home and may not be back for a long time, if ever.”
“How far away are you?”
“I don’t know, farther than you can imagine”
Miko turned toward James. “What made you leave?”
“I didn’t realize I was until it was too late.”
“What do you mean?”
Before he could answer, the sound of an approaching rider came from the road.
“Hello the fire,” a man’s voice cried out. “Can a weary traveler share your camp this evening?”
James came to his feet, and tried to pierce the dark veil of night to see who approached. “If you mean no trouble,” he shouted back, “then you are welcome, stranger.”
As the horse and rider entered the light from the campfire, James discovered the man was the bard they so enjoyed from The Flying Swan.
“A bard is always welcome,” James said.
“I’ve found that to be true, yes,” the bard agreed as he dismounted.
James offered to help remove the saddle and tack. The man refused with a thank you, saying that he could do it himself. Once his horse was secured near theirs, he joined them by the fire. James offered him some of the apples since there was little fish left.
“Thank you, sir,” he said, taking the proffered apples. “My name is Perrilin.”
“I’m James,” he replied, “and this is Miko. We enjoyed your music at The Flying Swan last night and the night before. You’re an excellent musician and singer.”
“Thank you. It is always good to make the acquaintance of someone who appreciates music.” He took a bite of apple then reached into his tunic and pulled out a flask. After taking a long drink, the bard offered it to James who declined. Miko didn’t turn down the flask when it was offered to him; he took a small sip before giving it back.
“Where are you headed?”
“I have an engagement at an inn in Cardri,” Perrilin replied.
“We’re headed to Cardri as well. Would you like to join us?”
“I would like to, but must decline. My engagement starts the day after tomorrow and I must make all speed. And since you only have the one horse between you…”
“Perhaps not.”
“Which inn will you be performing at?” Miko asked.
“The Inn of the Silver Bells. I’ll be there for a week at least. After that, who knows?” Tossing the apple core to the river, he sat back and grabbed his mandolin and asked if anyone would mind if he practiced. James shook his head, Miko of course was eager to hear him play. Perrilin began by tuning his instrument. James placed a couple pieces of wood on the fire to keep it bright and cheery.
The first song was fun and lively with a quick tempo. James soon found himself tapping his knee and by the end of the song, sang along with the chorus. The next was slower and a bit sad. “This one is usually for the ladies.” As the song progressed, James saw why. There was a lot of stuff about love and sorrow, things ladies liked to cry about.
When that song was over Perrilin said, “Now, how about one of you singing a song and I will accompany you?”
Miko shook his head “no” and seemed to shrink within himself.
James considered the request and then said, “I doubt if you would know any of the songs I do.”
Perrilin reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver, “I know one thousand, four hundred and thirty-five songs. If you can sing a complete song that I do not know, I shall give you this.”
James smiled. “You’re on.” He settled back, took a couple of deep breathes and then began to sing:
“Oh give me a home where the buffalo roam and the deer and the antelope play. Where seldom is heard, a discouraging word and the skies are not cloudy all day.”
After the first verse and chorus, Perrilin accompanied James on his instrument. By the third, he sang with the chorus. When James finished the song, Perrilin tossed him the silver. “Here you go. I have never heard that song before. Would you mind if I give it a try?”
Flattered, James said, “Sure, go ahead.”
Perrilin began to sing. From the first note uttered he put the rendition James had done to shame. He sang it straight through, never once faltering. He used the same inflections and melody that James used with only slight modifications. When the last note faded into the night he asked, “How did it sound?”
Miko sat in stunned awe. “You were great.”
“You are truly a great bard,” James exclaimed. “I can’t believe you were able to repeat back the song after only one hearing.”
“Part of the job,” Perrilin said. “Now, I have a couple of questions.”
“Okay.”
“Just what are buffalo and antelope?”
Smiling, James explained and also clarified the other different words that were unfamiliar to the bard. While their discussion went on, Miko lay down near the fire and drifted off to sleep. They continued well into the night. He tried not to let on to Perrilin that he came from a different world, just from a faraway land.
When Perrilin was finally satisfied that he understood the song, including all the words and phrases, he put his instrument away. “I think it is time for me to call it a night. Thank you for the song. Maybe I will use it from time to time.” He lay near the fire and soon the soft sounds of contented snoring reached James just before he, too, nodded off to sleep.
Chapter Ten
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