by C S Boyack
"Probably not," Fala said. "That little horn will at least wake us up before someone can steal the horses."
"If we can hear it over Dan's snoring," James said.
"So you're a snorer, Dan?" Fala asked.
"I wouldn't know. I'm asleep. And James snores too."
"That's because I have such a good friend to watch my back. We're far off the road tonight. I say we give Mal's soldiers the watch and all get a good night's rest." James moved to his blankets.
The rest of them called it a night too.
Fala placed more scraps of goat into the oven over night, in hopes they would partially roast on the dying embers. She locked the door and windows then propped the blunderbuss beside the bed before blowing out the lamp.
The next morning, the goat was a bit easier to chew. The tiny monsters all came in. The stumps where their leaves had been were dried into small horns in varying numbers. The dirt was gone from running through the grass all night.
Mal flipped them a piece of the goat, and they fought like wolves over it.
"Wait a minute," Dan said. "We've got to feed them too?"
"No," Mal said. "Dirt. Sun. Water. Meat only helps."
"Look at that box," Dan said. "There's more o' them things growing in there."
James looked at the box, and leaves were already protruding above the rim. "Maybe we'd better take the other goat horn. There might be a tinker in one of the villages who can cut it off for us."
"And you don't have a problem with all of this?"
"We can't do this alone. We need all the help we can get, and Mal will happily tell you he helps."
Mal looked up at Dan. "I help."
"Ugh. Think I'll ride with Fala today. She isn't crazy."
"Other than the time she tried to shoot you, right?" James said. "It's fine. You take the caravan, but keep that blunderbuss behind you on the bed. Mal and I can take the wagon."
Prelonia was a beautiful country of rolling hills and farms. The farm houses were larger than expected and all had new thatch roofs. Flowers were planted out front so travelers could see how well off they were. There was little doubt why the Earl wanted to control this land.
Dan turned to Fala. "I meant what I said last night."
"That I clean up well?"
"Yeah."
"Maybe I do, but it never lasts. The version with weeds in my hair and mud down my front is the true version."
"Well, it was nice while it lasted then."
"Don't go getting interested in me. I'm not a good person, and you deserve someone better."
Dan turned off before the first village to let the animals drink in a stream. He went to the back of James' wagon then brought forward the extra horse so he could drink too. "Pretty country here."
"Beautiful," James said. "Mal and I played, That? The whole way. He's curious about everything. Wondered why the goats were so huge. Guess he thought they'd be like the burrowing goats."
"Guess if he's never seen such things it makes sense. Where are the parsnip brothers?"
"Last I checked, they were sleeping inside the mortars. Looks like you've got a new crop about ready."
"How many of them do we need?"
"No idea, but it isn't a problem until it's a problem. Maybe they don't last too long."
"I hope they get too close to the mule and she munches them down. They give me the creeps."
"We should look around this village. It might take another day to get to the capital. Fala might need coffee, or bacon, or something. Gives us a chance to stretch our legs."
They pulled through town, dropping Mal and Fala off as they passed. A stretch of meadow allowed them to park before walking back.
"Let's get some news, and share a bit of our own," James said. "We want to exaggerate the Hollish soldiers crossing the border. A couple hundred probing into Prelonia ought to get tongues wagging. If another traveler saw even one soldier, our story will spread like wildfire."
"Sounds good to me. A beer sounds good too." Dan slapped his friend on the shoulder.
They found a public house, but the proprietor refused to serve them. Even the pushcart vendors in the square acted frightened.
"Never seen people quite like this," James said. "Always heard the Prelonians were warm and friendly."
Mal tugged at James' sleeve.
"There you are. Did you two find everything?" James asked.
"Fala, pie thing," Mal said. "People scared. Say eye is devil." He pulled the lids back from his own eye to demonstrate.
"Me?" James asked.
Mal nodded his head.
"Heard stories of the evil eye, but never back in Hollish," Dan said.
"Doesn't look like it's going to clear up," James said. "Maybe I should go back to the wagons."
"Fala say, make mask." Mal placed his palms over his eyes.
"Here she comes, and she has a pie alright," Dan said.
Fala met them in the street. "You're going to have a tough time in Airstony with that eye. I bought some felt and some leather. I'll work on a patch in camp tonight. You don't have to wear it around us, but in town it could help."
"Seems like a good idea," James said. "Give me your bundles and I'll go back to the wagons. I want you two to stop at the public house and spread our rumor."
"How, exactly?" Dan asked.
"You're no stranger to taverns and public houses. Be friendly, ask for news. Share news of your own."
Fala grabbed Dan's arm. "We can do that." She turned to James. "Can you get a fire going in the stove? I have something we can let roast while the caravan is moving. I'll even ride back there to watch it."
"It's a plan then." James took the bundles then headed back to the wagons.
When he arrived, the root monsters were throwing goods up from the ground into the covered wagon. They'd gathered a collection of nails, fishhooks, needles, and one ornate feathered hat pin.
"What have you lot been doing?" James asked.
The monsters growled back. The Boss plucked a yellow feather from the pin and stuck it in his hat.
Chapter Seven
Camp was yet another small meadow near water. This time, a duck pond with bright yellow flowers. Huge red butterflies, nearly a foot across, visited the flowers as they unhitched the animals.
Mal repeated his harvest, only this time the little Boss used his spear to remove the leaves. His first swing removed part of the root. That recruit would not be left with any horns. The other monsters all made an evil laugh at its plight.
The first crop all upgraded their weapons, but there were enough bits left for the new recruits to avoid using pointed sticks. Mal sent all eight monsters to protect the camp.
Fala showed James the felt and leather she purchased. He chose the black leather for an eye patch. She went back in the caravan then slid the pie in a warming box beside the stove. Her small pork roast was finished, and the potatoes were soft.
Like always, they ate outside. Dan wolfed his down.
"You eat like you're starving," Fala said.
"I haven't had pie in a long time. I'm hurrying so we can get to it."
"Don't want to keep a man waiting," she said. She brought the pie back with some large spoons. "We're going to have to make due. This caravan doesn't seem overstocked with fancy utensils."
"Smells like heaven," Dan said.
"It's just some baked apples in a crust."
"It's not something too common where I'm from," Dan said.
Fala spooned globs of the pie onto their used dinner plates. She licked her spoon when she finished, and a glob of sugary juice dropped onto her breast then moved toward her cleavage. "Told you, it always gets on me." She used her finger to wipe it clean then licked her finger.
Dan's mouth fell open and he stared.
"It's all nice and warm. Better get to it," she said.
Mal studied each bite before eating. Almost like it was a puzzle he wanted to understand.
"Bet this isn't too common on Malatook
either," Dan said.
"No." Mal shoved another bite in his mouth. "Is good food."
"I'd take that as a compliment, but I bought it. I didn't make it myself," Fala said.
Mal finished his dessert then went into the caravan. When he returned he had the navy blue piece of felt. "This?"
"I don't need it now. James wants a leather patch," Fala said. "You can have it."
James and Dan crawled into their bedding. Fala returned to the caravan, but the light stayed on as she worked on the eye patch. Mal cut the felt into small circles beside the dying embers of the fire.
Hours passed with a cool breeze and the distant song of night birds. Snoring surrounded the fire ring, and the caravan light eventually went off.
A tiny horn sounded in the distance, answered by another one off to its right. A man screamed out from the darkness.
James rolled to his weapons then drew his pistol and cutlass before rushing toward the screams. Dan followed with his own pistol.
The caravan door burst open and Fala covered the camp with the blunderbuss.
A man dressed in a black cape screamed in pain. He was covered with tiny monsters repeatedly stabbing him with tiny weapons. One bit his ear with sharklike teeth shaking its head like a bulldog until a piece came off.
The man flailed at the monsters until he spotted James. He drew his own pistol and fired wide.
James cocked the left hammer of his own pistol then shot the man through the chest. He cocked the right barrel and aimed as the man went to his knees. "Who are you?"
The man knocked one of the tiny monsters away then drew a dagger. He drew back his arm to throw when Dan's bullet hit him in the forehead.
Mal stood beside them with no weapons at all.
James looked at his friends. "What would you do if there were more of them? Where's your saber?" He turned to Mal. "And you have nothing but your bare hands." He made a quick circle. "We need to see if there are more of them."
Mal placed a hand on James' shoulder. He looked toward the monsters. "More?"
The root monsters stopped stabbing the dead man and looked sad. The tiny Boss said, "No."
"Nice work tonight boys." James picked up the man's knife then handed it to Mal. "Keep it with you at all times." He started rummaging through the man's pockets then undressing him.
"What are you doing?" Dan asked.
"I found a key. I need to see if he had a room in the village then search it. Who is he and what did he want?"
"Maybe he was just a traveler and these monsters attacked him." Dan placed a hand over his mouth. "And I killed him."
"And I'm glad for it. I think he was an assassin sent to eliminate us. Word of the bank robbery could have reached LeForge by now."
"But how could he connect that to us? You blew the place to hell. And what does that mean for Bonnie?"
"I don't know. There may be papers somewhere that explain it all. That's why I have to go back."
"You can't. They'll recognize the evil eye and all that."
"Then you have to go. Put on the man's cloak and hat, ride his horse. There was only one public house. Just walk in like you own the place, go upstairs, and learn what you can."
"What'll you do?"
"Mal and I will sink him in the pond and guard the camp. Don't forget to reload your pistol, and never forget your saber again."
Dan tentatively said, "Aye aye."
Mal dropped the felt disks on the ground. "Good work. Watch more."
The monsters fought over the disks, but there were enough to go around. They disbursed into the night once more.
Dan retrieved the man's horse then put on his clothes. "Got some blood on em."
"Unavoidable. I don't think he was coming into camp to surrender." James scooped up the man's pistol then rummaged through his possibles bag. There was no more information on him.
"Brand on this horse matches the others," James said.
"That's bad news. Means he's LeForge's man."
"We have to go back and rescue Bonnie. If he's willing to kill us, he's willing to kill her."
James dropped everything then stood up. "And what should we do? Storm the tower? Two of us? Maybe run LeForge through, batter down the bricks and free her before walking out without a scratch. This man could have been sent to rendezvous with our guards. Maybe he was carrying a message. Nobody should ever find our guards' bodies, so LeForge doesn't know that part of the story."
"You're guessing."
"Yes I am. With all the information I have available." He pointed at the dead man. "He can't tell us any more, but his room might have some clues. Now get..." James calmed himself. "I love your sister with all my heart. If LeForge killed her, I will dedicate my life to his destruction. We simply don't know, and getting ourselves killed can't help her. Our best plan is to keep moving ahead and hope to free her."
Dan climbed on the horse, then headed back.
After sinking the body, Mal and James stoked up the fire then lit their pipes. Fala brought them both fresh coffee and they waited.
The dawn was breaking before they heard hoofbeats approaching. James grabbed one of the muskets then took a position behind the covered wagon. When Dan appeared he put the musket away, then returned to the fire.
"Not much there," Dan said. He dumped a bedroll on the ground. "Guy had a lot of knives. Maybe he was a salesman."
"Or an assassin," James added. "No papers?"
"There's a bag of gold inside the bedding."
"We can use that. It's hard to spend gold bars. Thanks."
"So we don't know nothin more than before."
"I know we have to get rid of these horses. Their brands are a connection we don't want anyone to make. LeForge is the kind of man who makes enemies, and we don't want them to find us any more than his friends or assassins."
"We can just turn them out with the wild ponies," Fala said.
"Can't. We need two for the wagons and only have one mule. Besides, I'm not above a bit of horse trading. They're good animals and ought to be worth another mule or an ox. They won't draw attention and we'll look like any other travelers." He headed back where the fight occurred. "Maybe there's something else we didn't see in the dark."
James circled the site of the fight, but found nothing more. He widened his circle until he came to the edge of the stream that fed the pond. Eight root monsters lounged in a calm area of the trickle.
The monsters all wore crude felt hats. Some had teeth marks where they had been chewed into shape. There was an assortment of bicorns, tricorns, and one with a flat brim. Some had holes where the horns left by dried leaf stalks could protrude through. None matched the skill Mal employed on the Boss's tiny hat.
"I thought you were supposed to be watching," James said.
The tiny Boss pointed at the sun. "Oba flyin. Awa non crunchy." He slapped his belly and splashed water on it.
"I get it. Plants need water, and your shift is over. We'll be leaving soon, so wrap it up." He returned to camp.
Fala fussed over Dan's outfit. "I don't know. You look kind of dashing in black. Mysterious and a bit dangerous. Those fold over boots are very popular and look to be in better shape than your own."
"The cloak suits you too," James added. "But you'll have to keep the black hat to match. Did my bullet go through?"
Dan turned around.
"Nope," Fala said. "You've got no excuse now."
"Can I have your old hat?" James asked. "Mine kind of got destroyed."
"No problem, mate. I'll hitch up the wagons while you grab a bite."
They traded two of the horses for a dappled grey draft mule and a bag of silver coins at the next village. James' eye patch seemed to keep people from being nervous, and the Prelonians turned out to be quite friendly.
Dan hitched the new mule to the covered wagon, then moved the first one to the caravan. "This one's twice the size of the other one. She won't have any trouble pulling those guns up a steep slope."
"She's a
nice animal," James said. "I'm not giving the other horse away, and this stable seems traded out. We can still use a horse, and maybe we can replace him at the next stop."
They passed through village after village. All of them were friendly places with people who seemed to have more than the Hollish people they were used to. James wound up trading the spirited horse for a less obvious pony with a caravan traveling the opposite direction.
Clouds built up as they approached Airstony. By the time they reached the bridge, a moderate rain fell. James pulled off the road and looked at the city. Tall buildings protruded above the walled section of the city. Rows of houses made up the major parts out side the walls, and tall ships creaked at a port alongside the river.
The root monsters jumped out of the wagon and looked up toward the rain.
"Let's get to the library and get out of here," Dan said.
"Not that simple. I need to find the political weaknesses, devise a plan, then stock up on whatever we need," James said. "With this rain coming, I think we'll take a room."
"Sounds good to me," Fala said.
"What about all our stuff? We don't want nobody rummaging through it," Dan said.
"There has to be an honest stable somewhere that we can park. Besides, we have a few guards we can deploy."
James gazed at the ships in the harbor. "They don't have much of a navy, but their merchant trade is phenomenal. Most of them appear to be Hollish. Maybe LeForge was right about them buying food."
"I say we get started," Dan said.
"There is a wonderful public house near the docks. I can take the horse to the library then you three can amuse yourselves however you see fit for a few days." James climbed aboard the wagon. Mal joined him, and the root monsters clambered in the back. "Ready?"
Dan ran to the caravan with Fala. "More than ready."
Chapter Eight
James pulled into a livery near the docks. He made arrangements to treat the animals well, and store their wagons. Before he paid the man, Fala pulled James aside.
"We haven't taken a room, or bought a meal yet. Our coin won't last forever. Maybe we ought to find a bank to convert some of those bars."
"Are you sure?" James asked.
