Disoriented upon awakening, his first thought was that he was laying abed back in his room after coming out of a particularly vivid dream. Unfortunately, reality set in and memory returned; and so too did the pain. It wasn’t a dream.
The room bore little resemblance to the one where he spent the majority of his time the last few years. The walls were fashioned of lengths of timber set horizontally like in a log cabin. There was very little in the way of furnishings, merely the bed, a night stand and a chest with clothes folded neatly across the top. His spear and backpack rested in the corner next to the chest with his clothes. Clothes?
Lifting the covers, he discovered that he was naked as the day he was born; the only exception was the bandage that covered the wound on his leg where the wolf had bitten. Not sure how he came to be in this place, he did vaguely remember someone at the edge of the stream who helped him fight off the wolves.
Daylight filtered through a small window in the far wall. The soft pink tinge in the sky beyond indicated that sundown must be approaching. Or could it be dawn? Beyond the window came the sound of wood being split with an axe. A slightly off-key whistled tune accompanied the chopping.
Lying quietly, he listened to the whack, whack, whack for a short time before the chopping stopped. Footsteps were then heard making their way around the cabin. From the other side of his bedroom door came the squeal of hinges in need of oiling, followed by the thudding of wood being dumped into what James envisioned was a wood-box.
After an anxious moment of silence during which he strained to hear what was going on, nervousness filled him when footsteps started coming toward the door to his room. He listened with growing trepidation as they drew closer.
Will he be friend or foe? Praying for the one who approached to be counted among the former but fearing he may be of the latter; James glanced toward the spear leaning against the wall. For a split-second, he contemplated going for it, but then the footsteps stopped just outside the door; the opportunity had past. He watched with apprehension the turning of the door handle.
In walked the man who had been at the river. Seeing James awake, he paused just within the door and gave him a disarming smile.
“Finally awake, I see. You slept all night and through most of this day. I bet you’re hungry. Yes?”
He was in his mid forties, about six feet tall with brown hair, and quite muscular. Nothing fat about him, he was in very good shape. Dressed in woodsman’s attire, he had a clean if not stylish appearance. Earlier apprehension was soon alleviated by the man’s friendly demeanor.
James gave him a nod. A loud rumbling from his belly answered the question. After a moment of silence, he asked, “Where am I? And who do I have to thank for my life?”
“As to where you are, you are here, in my cabin. My name is Ceryn and I am the Forest Warden in these parts. It was lucky I came along when I did. That wolf pack would have had you for dinner for sure.”
“Ceryn?” James said, hoping to have pronounced the name correctly. “My name’s James. I appreciate you saving me.”
Ceryn’s grin widened. “Glad I was there to help. You can rest for a little while longer. Supper’s cooking and will be a few more minutes before it is ready.” He gestured toward the clothes upon the chest. “I cleaned them a bit, washed out the worst of it. If you have the strength and wish to get dressed, you can join me in the other room. If not, I’ll bring a bowl in here.” He waited for James’ reaction. When none was forthcoming, he mumbled, “Strangest clothes I’ve ever seen,” then turned and without another word closed the door as he left the room. Soon, the sounds of what James’ grandfather called puttering could be heard coming from the outer room.
Not really having the energy to leave the comfort of the bed, but not wanting to eat dinner naked beneath the covers either, James gingerly sat and swung his legs over the edge. The movement caused the throbbing in his leg to increase. He remained sitting for a few moments to gather his courage before braving the pain and stand.
It’s not going to hurt that bad.
Coming to his feet proved how wrong he was. The pain was the worst he’d ever felt in his life. It took every ounce of fortitude and willpower he possessed to cross the ten feet to where his clothes lay. As soon as he came within reach of his spear, he took it and used it for support. Doing so did much to relieve his discomfort.
He found that his clothes had indeed been cleaned. He proceeded to dress himself in his “strange clothes.”
Once clothed, he brought his backpack to the bed and sat. He took inventory of what remained of his meager possessions. Everything was there except the book explaining the workings of magic. He did a visual search of the area where his backpack had been, but failed to find it. It occurred to him that he could possibly have lost it during his flight from, and subsequent fight with, the wolves. But that didn’t seem likely. The backpack had been closed tightly throughout the ordeal and remained closed now. Could Ceryn have taken it? James didn’t want to believe that of his benefactor, but what did he really know about the man?
Deciding to take things one step at a time, he returned his pack to the corner. He hobbled across the room with the aid of his spear, opened the door and peered through to the outer room.
Beyond he found a room three times the size of the one in which he awoke. In the center sat a wooden table with three chairs. One wall held several shelves containing plates and other cooking equipment. Set against another section of wall was a simple wooden desk atop which papers lay in haphazard fashion. An inkwell sat near the stack of papers with a quill lying beside it.
The bow that saved his life hung near the desk along with a quiver of arrows. On the side of the bow opposite the quiver was a sword and shield, both of which had the look of having been well used.
Attention drawn to the opening of the door, Ceryn spied him and gave a nod as the Warden continued slicing vegetables. He indicated the table with a jerk of his head. “Have a seat. This will need to cook a little longer.”
Hobbling to the table, James looked longingly toward the stewpot simmering upon a hook over a gently burning fire in the fireplace. The mouthwatering aroma caused his stomach to growl. Taking a seat facing Ceryn he said, “I haven’t had a good meal for a while.”
Ceryn grinned and chuckled. “Whether this will be good or not, you’ll have to decide.” Finishing with the preparations, he dropped the sliced vegetables into the stew pot. Then moving to the counter, he filled two mugs from a pitcher and brought them to the table.
James took one, looked within and sniffed uncertainly.
“It’s just ale, lad. You look like you could use some.” Giving him a wink, Ceryn tossed back his mug and took a deep draught.
Bringing the mug to his mouth, James hesitantly took a sip. When the liquid hit his tongue, he had to admit it wasn’t bad. A little strong for his taste, but not worse than some of the stuff he had tried at Dave’s. Glancing to Ceryn, James noticed that he was being scrutinized.
“I suppose you have a lot of questions?”
“Yes, a couple. But your business is just that, your business. You seem a nice enough lad. You needn’t feel obligated to tell me anything more than what you want.” Ceryn set his mug on the table and then returned to the stew pot where he stirred it with a large wooden spoon. “Can’t let it burn.”
“That’s what my grandmother always said, too.” Remembered times sitting in his grandmother’s kitchen while she cooked made him a little homesick.
“She must have been a nice woman, a good cook maybe?” He cast a look to James and received a nod in reply. Returning his attention to the pot, he stirred the stew a few more times. Once satisfied that it wasn’t in any immediate danger of burning, he set the spoon on the counter and returned to the table. Grabbing his mug, he downed the rest of it.
“She was the best. Sometimes there would be little in the house, yet she could whip up the most wonderful dinners.” Memories of fine meals made his stomach growl loudly.
/>
“It’ll be just a few minutes longer.”
“Where am I exactly?”
A surprised look came over Ceryn. “You mean you don’t know where you are?”
“Not really.” After taking another sip of the not-entirely-unpleasant ale, he added, “I’ve been lost.”
The Forest Warden studied his face a moment before answering. “You are near the Kelewan River, not far from the township of Trendle. The forest I found you in is called The Dark Forest of Kelewan. Nothing really dark about it unless you come here ill prepared. It’s my job to help people in trouble, like yourself, and if need be get a crew to clear the roads when a tree falls and blocks the trails.”
“I am very glad you were there for me. Those wolves were after me ever since the night before. I took out one that had wandered into my camp and the others seemed to have it in for me ever since.” Pausing for another sip of ale, he then asked. “How far is it to Trendle?”
“About a day and a half’s walk. In your condition you’ll never make it. You will need to rest at least until tomorrow. I’m heading there in the morning and could take you if you like.”
“I’d appreciate that, thank you.”
James was warming to this Ceryn. A rather genial chap, his easy speech and relaxed demeanor put James at ease.
Ceryn went to inspect the stew once again. Using the spoon to take a taste, he nodded approvingly and removed the pot from the fire. After setting it on the table, he crossed to the shelves and selected two bowls and a pair of smaller, wooden spoons. Returning to the table, he handed one of each to James.
Following Ceryn’s lead, James dipped his spoon into the stewpot and proceeded to fill his bowl. The stew had a thick gravy and contained many different vegetables, some unfamiliar, with a little bit of meat. While he filled his bowl, Ceryn fetched a loaf of bread. Using his belt knife, the Warden removed off two thick slices and handed one to James.
Breaking off a corner, James dipped the bread into the stew’s gravy. When the gravy- covered bread hit his taste buds, his salivary glands went into overdrive. This tasted great! He took up his spoon and eagerly scooped as much meat and veggies as the utensil could hold. “Oh, man,” he mumbled appreciatively as he chewed. The meat was flavorful without being tough and the veggies were soft yet still firm. Eating with gusto, James soon emptied his bowl and was scooping a second helping out of the pot.
“Hungry?”
James realized that he was starting his second bowl while Ceryn still had yet to finish his first. Slightly embarrassed at being a glutton, he replied, “Either I am totally starving or this is the best stew I have ever had!”
Ceryn chuckled. “Maybe it’s a little bit of both. Eat as much as you can hold, you look like you could use it.” Scooping out another helping, the Forest Warden re-filled his bowl and then cut another section of bread for himself and James.
Once the meal was over and hunger had been satisfied, Ceryn took the bowls and spoons outside to the river and washed them. Once finished, he set them on the shelf. He then placed a lid on the stew pot before moving it onto a side table.
Night had fallen by this time; the only light was that from the fire. Ceryn settled into a chair and pulled out his pipe and filled it from a pouch. He set a smoldering stick from the fire to it and puffed several times. He leaned back in his chair as pipe smoke began to encircle his head.
James brought a chair and sat next to the Warden. The warmth coming from the flames felt good and quickly relaxed him. He watched the flames dance as they consumed the wood, and thought how his life had changed over the past few days. From home, to the woods, and now a friendly Warden’s home, he couldn’t help but wonder what the next day would hold. Though thoughts of the past two days and what may lie ahead occupied his mind, he had a hard time keeping his eyes open. Repeatedly, his head drooped to his chest only to suddenly jerk back up.
Noticing his problem, Ceryn offered him the bed he awoke in earlier, an offer James was not able to refuse. After thanking his host, he used his spear again as a crutch and made his way to the back room. Climbing into bed, he thought to himself, Lucky to have found Ceryn. Not many would have taken a stranger into their home and fed them. I owe him a lot. A few lingering thoughts about what the next day might hold were all that he managed before sleep took him.
Thud!!!
The bedroom door crashing open startled James out of a deep sleep. Sitting bolt upright, he turned bleary eyes toward the doorway. Three sword-wielding men wearing worn, mismatched pieces of armor entered and did a quick look around. Upon seeing him, one of them hollered out the door, “There’s another one in here, a lad hiding in the bed. Ceryn lied!”
From outside came the reply. “Bring him out. We’ll take care of both of ‘em.”
One of the men headed toward the bed.
The man took him roughly by the arm and hauled him to his feet. Pain from his wound shot up his leg as his foot hit the floor. Crying out, he was given little sympathy as he was propelled through the door with a shove. James stumbled into the front room, his injured leg protesting with every pain-filled step. Another rough shove from behind pushed him toward the door leading outside. Despite the throbbing in his leg, he somehow made it through without falling.
Not far from the front of the cabin were two more men with drawn swords standing next to a bound body on the ground. As James was pushed forward, he discovered the captive to be Ceryn. He was relieved to see the Forest Warden turn his head and glance silently at him. At least Ceryn was still conscious and alert. One of the men who had taken him from the cabin pulled his arms behind his back and bound them together painfully tight. Once his hands were secured, he was shoved to the ground next to Ceryn.
“Don’t move and keep your mouth shut!” one of the four sword-wielding men commanded.
James glanced at the man and nodded.
Seeing that James planned to cooperate, the guard grunted and then turned to his partner.
With their captor’s attention, for the moment, focused elsewhere, he scooted closer to Ceryn until they were less than a foot apart. “Who are they?”
“Outlaws. They’re mad because I brought one of them in and was executed. He killed two women who were traveling through here a while back.”
“What are they going to do with us?”
“They’ll probably torture and kill me. You…” Ceryn paused as one of the guards glanced in their direction. When the guard again focused his attention elsewhere, he continued. “You they may kill or they may take you south and sell you to the slavers. Sorry, lad.”
An outlaw a little larger than the rest and bearing a tattoo of a snake on his left forearm stormed over to Ceryn and kicked him in the side. “I told you to be quiet! Another word and I’ll cut out your tongue.” To emphasize his point he kicked Ceryn hard in the side twice more before walking off.
Two outlaws continued to stand guard over them with their swords drawn and ready. James leaned closer to Ceryn and in a barely audible whisper asked, “Are you ok?”
A sleight nod of Ceryn’s head was his only answer.
“I’m going to try and loosen your bonds.”
Ceryn met his gaze and shook his head. “Too risky.”
“Just be ready.”
Their gazes met and there must have been something in James’ eyes for Ceryn nodded.
Concentrating on envisioning their bonds coming apart, James whispered:
Ropes that bind me and you
Come apart in pieces two.
James felt a slackening in the rope binding his arms together as the fibers parted. Ceryn gave him a look full of surprise as his wrists were once again free.
Whispering so only Ceryn could hear, he said, “Now for the outlaws, be ready.”
The Warden paused only a moment before nodding. He understood.
Looking around he searched for something that could be used to hurt, maybe even kill the outlaws. His gaze came to rest on the fire and an idea took shape. Spea
king softly, he cast his spell.
Fire that’s hot
“Hey, the boss said no talking.”
Ignoring him, James continued,
Fire that’s bright,
The guard took a step toward him. “I said to shut up or I’ll shut you up.”
Send balls of flame
“Ok, you asked for it” Taking two more steps, the guard reached his side, and prepared to kick him in the head.
Before the guard could complete the maneuver, James looked him in the eye and shouted:
To burn outlaws this night!
At the final utterance of the spell, magic streamed from him as the fire erupted in an explosion of shooting fireballs. The outlaws had only a moment to realize their danger. One such fiery projectile nearly singed James’ hair as it slammed into the man standing before him. The resultant explosion knocked the outlaw back and showered James and Ceryn with sparks. Similar bursts flared throughout the area.
The spell used far too much of his unreplenished reserves, draining what strength he had, caused him to lose consciousness. Ceryn saw James pass out but couldn’t take the time to determine if he was okay.
Screams of pain and confusion filled the night. Rolling to the side, Ceryn kicked out with his foot and brought a guard whose clothes were afire to the ground. He deftly avoided the flames as he took possession of the guard’s sword. Upending it, he plunged it through the man’s chest, pinning him to the ground.
Quickly getting to his feet, he placed a foot upon the dead outlaw’s chest and pulled the sword free. A nearby guard cried out as his hair ignited and went up in flames. Moving toward him, Ceryn struck out with his sword and an outlaw’s head went flying. The head hit the ground and rolled like a flaming ball until it came to a sizzling stop.
Another outlaw lay smoldering on the ground. Still another raced through the forest, a pillar of flame in the darkness. The man’s screams echoed through the night. Scanning the area for any others who may have escaped James’ flaming attack, Ceryn found no sign of the leader. Counting those taken out by the fireballs, he realized two of the leader’s henchmen also remained unaccounted.
Returning to James, he found him still breathing but was unable to rouse him. Using one hand, he grabbed his shirt and dragged him toward the cabin. With his other, he retained the bloody sword which had taken out two of the outlaws. He didn’t get far before the man with the tattoo appeared from the direction of the river. Behind him walked the remaining two outlaws, only one seeming to have emerged from the attack unscathed.
“Ceryn,” the tattooed man shouted, “I’m going to gut you and let the animals eat your entrails while you’re still alive to enjoy it. And then I’ll cut the heart out of that demon damned mage.” Covered in burns, clothing charred nearly beyond recognition, he made a frightening sight. The tattooed man came for Ceryn while the other two moved to flank him.
Knowing they would follow him and ignore James as long as he was unconscious, Ceryn left him on the ground and approached the outlaws with sword at the ready. Three to one would be bad odds in a normal situation but after what James had done to them, the outlaws would be slowed by the pain.
Ceryn feinted at the one on the right; out of the corner of his eye he saw the one on his left coming in to his exposed flank. When the one on the left sliced toward Ceryn’s head, Ceryn dropped to the ground and rolled toward him, striking a serious blow to the outlaw’s thigh, opening an artery. The Warden leaped back to his feet as the outlaw gave out with a cry and dropped to the ground.
The leader came in with a swift thrust aimed at Ceryn’s chest which he deftly blocked. He was forced to jump back when Ceryn counter attacked with a slice to the leader’s leg. Unable to avoid his attacker, Ceryn’s sword opened up a shallow cut on the tattooed leader’s upper thigh.
Seeing an opening created by Ceryn’s attack, the remaining henchman leaped in and thrust. Ceryn twisted just in time and managed to receive only a small cut along his shoulder. Ignoring the pain, he feinted at the leader and then came back with a backhanded slice which caused the henchman to stumble backward and trip over the outlaw writhing on the ground, doing his best to keep his life’s blood from leaving his body.
Seeing his chance, Ceryn pressed the leader who was becoming weakened from the loss of blood and the trauma of having been burned. Slash, block. Block, slash. He needed to finish the leader before the remaining henchman regained his feet and rejoined the battle.
Ceryn sliced at the leader’s head, at the arm, the head, back and forth. The leader successfully blocked each of Ceryn’s maneuvers.
“Ceryn, you cannot win. I am the better swordsman!”
Undaunted by the taunts, Ceryn doubled his efforts.
Having regained his feet, the henchman moved to rejoin the battle. Ceryn saw him approaching and with a burst of speed and skill, continued his attacks upon the leader.
The henchman pressed Ceryn hard, which gave the leader time to drop out of the battle to catch his breath. The henchman hammered away. Hack, hack, slash; his attacks had very little skill, trying to bull his way through Ceryn’s defense with naught but brute strength.
Using skill acquired through dozens of conflicts, Ceryn successfully blocked each of the attacks and began to understand the rhythm of the henchman’s attacks. Hack, hack, slash. Hack, hack, slash. Timing it just right, he blocked the next two hacks and when the henchman came in with the slash, Ceryn dropped under the incoming blade and thrust with his own sword, taking the outlaw upward through the chest. Ceryn kicked out with his foot to dislodge the outlaw from his blade and turned to find the leader coming straight for him, a wild look in his eyes.
With a primal scream, the leader charged. Wielding his sword in both hands, he brought it down with all his strength, attempting to hew Ceryn in half. Striking the leader’s sword, Ceryn succeeded in deflecting it away, throwing the leader off balance. Ceryn kicked out with his foot and connected with the leader’s knee. With satisfaction, he heard the bone snap. Off balance and with his knee broken, the leader cried out in pain. He twisted and dropped face first to the ground. Moving to finish it, Ceryn sliced through the leader’s back and severed the spine.
Paralyzed, the leader stared with hate filled eyes at Ceryn as the blood flowed out of him first bringing unconsciousness, then death.
Panting, Ceryn wiped the sweat from his brow as he surveyed the battlefield and found only smoldering, dead outlaws. He tossed the sword down and returned to James. He lifted him off the ground and carried him into the cabin where he laid him upon the bed.
Waking the next morning, James found a blood-soaked Ceryn next to him. Checking to make sure the Forest Warden was still alive, he discovered that most of the blood staining Ceryn’s clothes was not the Warden’s. Even though he had a head that felt like it was being used as an anvil, James managed to rise and investigate the situation outside.
The area in front of the cabin was a scene of carnage. Bodies littered the ground and blood was everywhere. His respect for the swordsmanship of Ceryn was high. He moved from one outlaw to the next. Not finding any that still lived, he returned to the cabin and built a fire to ward off the morning chill. Not with magic for after last night he could not even think of magic without his head hurting. The spell with the fire had been far too draining. In fact, it had almost killed him. He was determined to refrain from using magic for the time being, at least until he regained some of his strength.
He finally got a good fire going. He hung the remnants of last night’s pot of stew over the flames. Taking an empty jug, he hobbled with the aid of his spear to the river and filled it with water. Once back in the cabin he filled a bowl and located a somewhat clean cloth. He brought them into the bedroom and began cleaning the blood off Ceryn.
Not long after beginning, Ceryn awakened. His unexpected grabbing of James’ hand startled him and nearly caused James to spill the contents of the bowl.
“I can take care of this myself, I’m not that weak.”
Smiling, James replied, “Just returning the favor. You saved our lives out there last night.”
“I think we both deserve credit for still being alive.” Sitting up, he swung his legs over the edge of the bed. “You have many surprises about you, yes?” Coming to his feet, he headed for the door.
“I suppose I do.”
James grabbed his spear as he accompanied Ceryn to the river. His leg still hurt badly, but with the aid of the spear, was able to make it without it worsening. Changing the subject, James asked, “Who were those guys last night?”
Ceryn knelt at the water’s edge and commenced to wash the blood that stained his hands and arms, something he was far too tired to do the night before.
“The leader’s name is, or was, Garrett. Some called him Garrett the Snake after the tattoo of the green serpent on his arm. His little band of cutthroats had been raiding this area for a couple years, but no one has ever been able to stop him, until now. There’s a reward for taking him down. I’ve no use for it, and since you saved us last night, you can claim it.”
“Uh, thanks, but I wouldn’t feel right about taking all of it.”
Turning his head, he glanced up at James. “Take it. If you don’t, it’ll just be used to fatten some administrator’s purse. I’m sure you could use it.” After removing all traces of blood from his exposed skin, he got back to his feet and returned to the cabin. Once inside, he inspected the cook pot and used his big spoon to stir it. A sniff and taste later, he pronounced it ready. Removing it from the fire, he carried it to the table.
James lent a hand by taking the bowls and spoons from the shelf, plus a couple of mugs and set them on the table. While he served the stew, Ceryn poured the ale and they set to eating.
After Ceryn finished his first bowl, he looked at James and asked, “So, you’re a mage, eh?”
“In a matter of speaking. I’m sort of new at it.”
“New or not, that was some spell you cast, with the balls of fire. Quick thinking. You would be good to have on one’s side in a fight.”
Reddening slightly under the praise, he shook his head. “Not too good if I pass out before it’s all over.” He still felt ashamed at his weakness of the night before. He felt like he let Ceryn down when he needed him most.
“Now don’t you belittle what you did. Your actions turned the tide in our favor and without your efforts, this morning would have found us dead or wishing we were.” Ceryn let James take a second helping and then scooped out the rest for himself.
James thought about what Ceryn had said, and came to admit that there might be some merit to it. Feeling slightly better, he downed the rest of his ale and let out a loud belch.
Ceryn chuckled. “After we finish here, I’ll hitch my horse to the wagon and take you into Trendle.”
It wasn’t long before their bowls were empty. Ceryn glanced to James and said, “Just rest here while I get the wagon ready. I’ll bring it around front. We need to bring in the bodies if you’re to receive the reward.” Heading out the door, he made his way to the corral behind the house. In a few minutes he had his horse hitched to the wagon and brought it around to the front.
With a strength belying his wounds, one by one he gathered the bodies of the outlaws and placed them in the wagon. After the last outlaw was in, he used a tarp to cover the grisly scene and returned back inside to inform James it was time to leave.
James hobbled to the bedroom where he gathered his few belongings, and carried them out to the wagon where Ceryn waited for him. Tossing his backpack to the Warden, he asked, “You didn’t happen to see a book lying on the ground when you rescued me from the wolves?”
Catching the backpack, Ceryn shook his head. “No, but I wasn’t looking for one either. I was more interested in saving your life. Why? Was it important?”
“Yeah, it was.”
“Too bad. I doubt if we could find it now. If you lost it during the last fight with the wolves, then it’s in the river and no telling where it would be now.”
With a helping hand from Ceryn, James managed to climb onto the wagon and took his seat next to the Warden. “I guess you’re right.” He felt bad about losing the book, but realized there was little that might be done about it now. No sense bemoaning what can’t be changed.
With a flick of the reins, Ceryn got the horse moving. They pulled out onto the dirt lane that led from his cabin. After a short ways it met the main road which ran along the Kelewan River on its way to Trendle.
Not far from where they turned onto the road they found where the outlaws had picketed their horses. Pausing for only a short time, Ceryn gathered the horses and tied them in a line behind the wagon. Once secured, he returned to his seat and got the wagon moving.
For a time they remained quiet as James took in the beauty of the area. To his right was the rolling Kelewan River, well over fifty feet across and flowing smoothly. The sun filtered through the trees and banished the morning chill. It made way for a warm summer day. The birds flittered to and fro and called out in a multitudinous chorus.
“How far is Trendle?”
“About a day’s ride. We should be there by nightfall.”
Glancing at James, he added, “I probably should warn you that mages are not well thought of in these parts. Some bad things happened a while ago and, well, let’s just say that the people haven’t forgotten. They don’t much trust strangers at all, really. It takes them a while to warm up to anyone. They’re good people, just wary.”
“I can understand that. I’ll try not to give them reason to distrust me.”
“There’s a family who has a farm just outside of town. If you like, I could take you there and see if they’ll let you stay with them while you’re recuperating.”
“Yes, I’d like that. I’m a pretty quiet person who tries not to be a bother to anyone.”
Ceryn nodded and chuckled. “I’ve noticed that about you. After we deliver the bodies to the Town Hall and talk to the mayor, we’ll head out there.”
Nodding, he agreed to the plan. “How much of a reward is there for Garrett and his band.”
“I believe five hundred gold pieces for Garrett and another hundred for each of his henchman,” he replied after giving it a moment’s thought. “If I’m remembering that right, you should get eleven hundred gold pieces, a tidy sum. You can also have your pick of their horses too if you like. The rest will go to the town where they’ll be auctioned off at the end of the month.”
Eleven hundred gold pieces and a horse! James couldn’t believe his good fortune. My situation is getting better and better.
“I don’t know too much about horses.”
Ceryn eyed him with surprise. “Truly?”
James nodded.
“Well then, don’t worry, I’ll pick one for you. One that’s not too temperamental.”
“Thanks, I would appreciate that.”
For the rest of the trip, they rode in silence. James dozed on and off, still not completely over the previous day’s exertions and last night’s magical feat. Later that evening when the sun had sunken low in the sky, Ceryn directed his attention to the road ahead. Nestled in among the trees along this side of the river were several wooden buildings. Ceryn nodded when he looked questioningly at him. Trendle.
Chapter Four
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