Part Four

Splitting

44

Placing a Breakfast Order

DeFrantis

The bright morning sun shone through the slightly smoke-tinted windows of the lower level of the village inn. Its lower angle swept the sunbeams across the tables and floor. There was already activity in the common room, even at this hour.

"Hearye, hearyeall!" A man in a bright red jacket shouted. The pubcrier's clothing was vivid, the red cloth trimmed in light yellow piping. His hat had long white feathers sweeping toward his back. His appearance, if not his voice, cried out for everyone's attention, and everyone in the pub turned to give it to him. He lifted a scroll and began reading the day's news.

"King Hastone III, of House Twynham, may he live long, and protect us all, has issued a decree of a tax of 3 coppers for anyone traveling the roads to and from Twynne Rivers. This includes the western road that follows the Greater Wynne River, to our fair village. This tax will allow the king to provide soldiers to protect the merchant caravans and travellers along these roads."

The few people in the common room muttered their complaints and turned their faces back to their breakfasts, or to each other.

The crier continued, "This is primarily due to increased danger from brigands and wizards along the vital trading routes."

As the crier droned on, DeFrantis squinted in the sunlight and looked across the table at Thissraelle. "I don't understand why wizardry is so despised recently." Thissraelle shrugged, as DeFrantis continued, "I guess there are always those who use powers to steal or hurt others." I guess I have, too, but I do try to only use it to protect myself. Still, I'm not really a full wizard.

Thissraelle leaned forward. "I spent my life hidden away in the Twynne Rivers Guild Towers. All I've known is wizards and wizardry. Mages are wonderful people. I don't understand the fear, either."

The front door swung open, flooding the floor with morning sunlight. Just as quickly, the light was obscured by a tall silhouette that stepped into the doorway and ducked through. As soon as she recognized the giant, Thissraelle waved. "Granthurg! Over here!"

DeFrantis was surprised. "Didn't he stay in the inn, too?"

"He insisted on guarding the barge." She waved again. "Here we are!"

Granthurg stepped over to the table and pulled out a chair. It was clearly too small for him, but it was steady enough to support his weight. "Good morning. I trust you slept well."

DeFrantis smiled. "I'm not used to beds. It was..." she paused, thinking of what to say, "...oddly restful. I'm very grateful to you both."

Granthurg nodded and looked around. "Where are the others?"

"I've not seen either of them this morning. Antonerri is still asleep, I suppose. Presumably, the bounty hunter has left to return her capture and collect her pay." DeFrantis hesitated, "She kind of scares me, honestly. I'm not quite sure what to make of her."

The innkeeper interrupted them with steaming bowls of meal and eggs, and set drinking glasses before them. He stood at the tableside for a moment, looking at them awkwardly. It suddenly occurred to Thissraelle what he was wanting, and she dug into her purse for a few silver pieces. "Does this cover the rooms and the meal?"

"Thank you, miss!"

DeFrantis hung her head.

"What's the matter?"

"I'm not used to beds, or.. kindness."

They began eating. After a moment, Thissraelle broke the awkwardness by asking, "Will you begin your search here?"

DeFrantis nodded between bites of egg. Granturg said, "This is the village of Dirae. I heard it's named for one of its founding settlers. It's mostly farmers working the land for a few remote nobles. It's the first trading stop on the westward trip up the Greater Wynne. It's not a big city, but it might be where they brought the children. I've heard there is a dark market here, but I don't know where. They could have tried to sell the kids there. Of course, now there are brigands in the forest attacking the caravans and even the barges. They could be holding them hostage."

The two women paused in their breakfast and just stared at the Giant.

"What? I stop here in this village every time we sail up the north river. Granted, it's not very often, but still, I hear things. People talk, especially the river runners."

"I've been in dark markets before. Maybe I'll begin there." DeFrantis said as she returned to her meal. She didn't see the concerned glances between her table companions.

45

A Very Close Shave

Antonerri

Antonerri awoke disoriented. Morning light fell across his face, making it hard to see. He blinked and rolled over, then rose up on one arm. He was on a bed. A nice one, actually, padded well with what felt like a feather mattress. With real blankets.

Wait. How did I get here?

As he wiped his eyes with his other hand, the memories of the last few days flowed into his head. The last bed he had slept in was in the barracks of the Holy Guard, and it was made of rough straw. That seemed like a completely different world, now.

He sat up, then stood. The wizard girl had gotten them rooms at this inn. For a small town, there was one pretty fancy inn, and she had found it. "We should all get a good night's sleep!" she had said. All but the Giant. He had wanted to stay with the barge. Antonerri had offered to stay as well, but Granthurg insisted he go. The room itself was small, but nicely furnished. The rug felt good on his bare feet. There was a small table with a wash basin and soap. He rubbed his hand across his face and felt the four days of stubble.

He crossed the room again and reached for his pouch. He pulled out a dagger and unsheathed it as he walked back to the table. It was finely crafted and had a good edge. He had picked it up after the fight on the barge. It must have dropped from one of the attackers' belts. He set it on the table and poured water from a pitcher into the basin. He rinsed off his hands, and got them soapy, spreading the foam over his chin.

His hand shook a little as he raised the dagger to his neck. Memories of the accusations of the Confessor Priest flashed through his mind. I am unworthy. I am rejected. I have nothing, and nowhere to go. It would be simple. It would be quick. The wondering would be over.

He stood, transfixed, feeling the cold edge of the blade on his dripping throat. He took a deep breath and shifted the dagger in his fingers. He drew down, scraping away the soap and the beard.

No. Not yet. I have to help find the children, and free them. Maybe then I can find some peace, one way or another.

When he finished shaving, he dressed. He hesitated to put on his tunic, looking at the emblem of the three star lights over the left breast. Finally, having nothing else to wear, he put it on. Then, he stepped out into the hallway, looking for DeFrantis.

46

Well, Now What?

Antonerri

Antonerri stepped down the stairs into the common area of the Inn. It looked much brighter and more welcoming than it had the night before. He could see the activity of the morning picking up, and recognized a table full of his traveling companions. As he approached, he heard DeFrantis say, "I've been in dark markets before. Maybe I'll begin there."

There was an immediate awkward silence after her statement, which Antonneri broke by pulling out a chair and sitting down.

Thissraelle was quick with a smile and a greeting, "Good Morning! How did you sleep?"

The sleeping was fine. The trouble was waking up. "Fine, thanks." He looked over the breakfast food. "Much better than in a jail cell or even an army barracks."

I'll try and keep it cordial. No need to bother them with my own struggles.

"Are you hungry? Have some!"

He nodded. He was quite hungry, and so he reached for a plate and the serving bowl. He glanced over at DeFrantis, who returned his look in a glance with a slight smile. He nodded a quiet morning greeting. As he began eating, he thought about the interesting collection of souls gathered around the table, from so many different backgrounds and experiences. As they had been traveling the day before, they had talked and, to a certain extent, gotten to know each other. He thought it odd that they would all be together at the same table. Just a few days before, none of them had known any of the others.

Oh! I'm being ungrateful! He suddenly dropped his fork and said, "Forgive me and my bad manners. A thanks to whoever provided this meal, and the bed for the night."

Thissraelle had a mouthful of food, but gestured with her hands as if to say not to worry.

"So, what was this about the dark market?" He asked, hoping to restart the discussion.

Granthurg answered, "This village has one, but I'm not sure we should get messed in with it. It's probably dangerous, and, considering how we were run out of Twynne Rivers, it might not be a good idea to be seen here among those who connect that way."

DeFrantis swallowed her spoonful. "True, but since we're already in danger, that wouldn't really make much difference, would it? We really should go where it happens. I mean, children aren't going to be sold in the open square."

Thissraelle wondered, "Doesn't the Church of Three Lights take care of orphans and street kids? Maybe we should ask the local Priest what he might know..." Antonneri and DeFrantis both stopped eating and shared a fearful glance. Antonneri had to shake his head to resume breathing.

DeFrantis finally spoke. "This is my task. These are like my children. I should have protected them. I have to save them now. I can't require any of you to join me in this danger. Each of you have things you need to do. Thissraelle, you're wanting to go to Emberfire. That's a long Journey. Granthurg, you're needing to get the barge upriver. Antonerri..." Here she paused, then continued, "You all don't need more risk and distractions from me."

No one spoke. No one ate. For a moment, the air was decorated with the sounds of glasses clinking, footsteps, and voices mumbling from other tables. Outside, a voice and a laugh drifted through the window. Antonerri saw the elf and the giant looking at each other with questioning glances.

Granthurg cleared his throat. "Well, that's true enough. We all have our own plans. We don't have reason to get involved. Except that there are children's lives at risk." He saw Thissraelle smiling at him. "So, I think we can postpone our journeys and help."

She nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! We can!"

DeFrantis sighed with relief. "Okay, then. We're a team."

Antonerri nodded his assent, then asked, "So. What do we do first?"

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What should they do first? How to find lost kids?

Post a comment and share your idea!