Jaylen took Petra’s sword to clean for her.
Konik walked over to the open window and looked outside. “The streets are empty. I can go out, and when I signal you can throw the bodies down. I will then take them out behind the stable and dump them.”
“Why do we have to hide them?” Eric asked, “They were thieves. We can just report this, we have done nothing wrong.”
Landis motioned for Konik to leave. “This is not Birhirm, Eric. There is no true law in Chio. We do not know who these men are in league with. If we report this we may find ourselves on the gallows by morning. If we can dispose of the bodies without being seen then they will just be two thieves murdered during the night. If not, we will have to flee town tonight.”
Landis continued peering out the window until he saw Konik step into view on the street below. The big man looked about then motioned that the coast was clear. Trevor and Landis picked up the body of the man Petra had killed and tossed him out of the window. Konik lifted the body off the hard ground where it landed and rushed off behind the building into the darkness. As they waited for his return, Jaylen began cleaning the blood off of the floor. Konik returned, but had to wait until a drunk staggered out of the Ogre’s Lair and stumbled down the street. Once the man had turned out of sight he motioned for the second body to be tossed down. Landis and Trevor dropped it out the window and watched as Konik disappeared into the darkness once more before they closed and locked the window. Only when the plainsman had returned to the room did they breathe more easily.
Jaylen patted Konik on the back, “Well, you did say that you wanted to get out of the room and find a little excitement.”
“That is not the kind of body that I was hoping to spend time with.” The big man returned.
Petra was sitting on her straw man on the floor staring at the window where the two men had entered, alive, and departed, dead. She could not believe that she had taken the life of another human being. Petra did not feel sorry for Leron, or for his accomplice. She felt that they both deserved what they got. But even with the mandatory sword training that her father had insisted she receive under the tutelage of Jaylen, she had never believed that she would be capable of using a sword to kill someone.
“We have other issues to discuss.” Landis informed everyone as he began telling them about his odd encounter downstairs with the Snow-Elf named Zenon that only he had seen. He shared with them the message—and threat—he had received and about the black pearl and the scepter.
“I guess we have more than just assassins to worry about.” Jaylen said after hearing the tale.
“I would suggest that we leave in the morning whether or not Jobez’s contact has found us.” Trevor recommended.
Eric disagreed. “We may have need of whatever information we can acquire. I think that it would be more prudent to wait here until we receive news from my father than to run off into the unknown, especially now that we have invisible elves after us as well.”
Landis agreed with the Prince. “Eric is right. We need as much information as we can get. As long as we are not connected with those bodies then we should be safe. I am certain that this was just a random robbery and nothing more. I am more concerned about this Snow-Elf—Zenon—than I am about the dangers here in Chio. I do wish that Natis had come with us.”
“Well I think that we need to get some sleep.” Trevor put forward. “I will take first watch at the door and keep an eye on Petra’s door as well. Will you still be staying in here, Landis?”
Petra answered for him. “Yes. I am not staying in here alone.”
The rest of the men filed out of the room and into their own. “I will step outside if you need to change.” Landis offered.
“No, please stay in here with me.” Petra pleaded, not wanting to be left alone for a minute.
Petra disrobed as Landis did his best not to watch the beautiful princess as she changed into the nightgown she had packed. It was the only feminine clothing she had brought with her and she was anxious to wear something other than the baggy men’s clothing she had both ridden and slept in for the past few nights. She kept her back turned but did not care if Landis happened to catch a glimpse of her bare body: Worse than that had already happened to her this night. When Petra was ready for bed Landis checked the hall one last time. He pulled his mat by the door so that it could not be opened without hitting his feet. Other than his boots and cloak Landis remained dressed. He placed his unsheathed sword on the floor beside him. His bow was in the corner. A quiver with new arrows provided by Jobez—he would have to make more of his own when he had the time—lay beside the bow. Landis blew out the candle and lay down onto his straw mat ready to sleep. He trusted the others to keep watch and knew that he would be awakened by any disturbance at the window.
“Landis.” Petra whispered to him.
“Yes.”
“Can I sleep with you tonight?”
Landis was confused by Petra’s request. “You do not have to worry, Petra, you will be safe.”
He could hear the Princess sniffling. “I just need to hold on to someone.”
“Very well.” Landis accepted.
Petra crawled off of her mat and onto Landis’, wrapping her arms around him tightly. Feeling secure for the first time in days, Petra drifted off to sleep.
Chapter 17
Petra was once more dressed as a man, complete with her hooded riding cloak covering her head as they sat down for breakfast downstairs. She sat beside Landis, who was feeling uncomfortable after sleeping with Petra curled up beside him through the night. For Petra, the comfort and security that Landis had provided was the only thing that helped her to sleep, while for the half-elf it had been an unwanted reminder of recent nights sleeping with Jandelie in his arms.
The porridge and warm bread rolls they had for breakfast was not any better than what they had eaten for dinner the night before. Several patrons sat around the room eating, but the Ogre’s Lair was no where near as occupied as it had been the night before. They overheard some talk about two dead men being found in the woods behind the stables and Landis had to squeeze Petra’s leg below the table to remind her to pretend that she was not listening. The young woman was terrified that someone would discover that she had killed one of them. People came and went at random as they ate. A tall man with a thin mustache entered the room. He looked their way and then came to sit down at the table next to them. He was a burly man with muscular arms and a reddened face. Other than Petra, it appeared that none of the men at the table had even noticed his arrival, but each had assessed his approach and most of them had already decided on which course of action they would take should he make any threatening move. The newcomer ordered a bowl and waited for it to be served before speaking to them, “Traveling south to visit Jahan before winter sets in, are you?” The stranger asked.
Before anyone could answer Eric replied, “Not to Jahan, but to Sweld.”
The man smiled, “I knew your face, but your father would have my hide if I did not provide the proper code.” He said in a low voice.
“As well he should.” Eric greeted the man before addressing his friends, “This is our contact.”
“Catron Dugee, the town blacksmith,” the big man introduced himself. “I heard that you had arrived late yesterday, but I was waiting on some information and thought it best to linger until it had arrived before greeting you. After you eat two of you can come to visit me in my shop. Use the excuse that you need one of your horses shod, we will be able to talk more there.”
Catron Dugee finished his breakfast and left without saying anything more.
* * * * *
A short time later Landis and Eric sat on a bench while Catron went through the motions of laboring with Eric’s horse. “You had better be careful heading west. There is word that the road between here and Aeth is being watched for travelers. Someone must have figured out your deception.”
“But how is that possible?” Eric asked. “No one other than
my father and King Semmit should know of our plan. And that message was sent in code.”
“Well someone has talked,” Catron explained. “And as a result the Stalkers have eyes on the highway. It is believed that they are sending someone here. I would leave town today if I were you.”
“I agree.” Landis decided.
Eric was concerned, “If we head west to Aeth then we will run head long into whoever may be coming in search for Petra.”
Landis pondered the situation. “We should go to Alexon instead of Aeth. We can travel north. It will be risky as it will take us closer to the war front.”
Catron’s brow furrowed, “You could return to Birhirm and travel to Aeth on the Kings road with a larger escort” The spy suggested.
Landis disagreed, “I am sure that Diabolis will cover the road back to Birhirm. If we stay here we are trapped. The only other way is east, which will take us away from where we need to go. North is the only way.”
Catron disagreed, “There is another approach. You can take the Widow’s Path.”
“What is the Widow’s Path?” Eric asked.
“It is a mining road, “Catron began, “it leads to one of the first, and largest, mines that was dug in these parts back when the mines were still turning a profit. Fifty-some years ago there was a gas explosion that caved in the mine, making widows of all who were in the mine that day. Many of the widows used to travel the road to pay homage to their dead husbands. Some of those unfortunate ladies were so distraught that they took their own lives up there. That mine was drying up at the time so it was never re-opened. The road is dangerous so it was eventually abandoned.”
“How dangerous?” Landis asked.
“That depends on who you listen to. There are many natural risks as part of the road winds through hard terrain. Others swear that the road is haunted and that evil spirits of the widows wait to take the lives of men traveling the road in search of their lost husbands.”
“Children’s tales.” Eric spat.
“Perhaps so,” Catron granted, “but there have been many unexplained deaths up there over the years, and some strange sightings as well.”
Landis shrugged, “Strange sightings and vengeful ghost aside, where does this path take us?”
“It dead ends at the base of the mine.” Catron replied.
Eric was growing irritated, “What good is this dangerous path to us if it only leads to a dead end.”
“The path dead ends at the mine, but there is a way through.” Catron informed the prince.
Landis glared at the blacksmith, “Do you plan on telling us, or do you wish us to guess the rest?”
Catron waved his hand motioning for them to relax, “The mouth of the mine is still open. There are three tunnels, all of which are caved in. However, the tunnel on the far left is accessible for a short distance. Just before the end there is a large bolder that covers another tunnel. The boulder is easily rolled back and forth. If you enter this tunnel it cuts straight through the mountain. It is a long walk, but it eventually comes out on the other side of the mountain behind a waterfall. There is a path that leads along the river into the forest. From there you will find paths leading southwest, northwest and north through the mountains. These are smugglers roads that are used by the Thieves Guild, and some others, to travel from different cities without being seen.”
“Are they safe?” Landis asked of the smith.
“No,” Catron answered bluntly, “at least not on your own. But with the proper guide you can make it through. I would suggest that you travel northwest until reaching the road to Listol. From there you can cross the border to go to Alexon. If you keep moving you should be well ahead of the Stalkers before they know anything.”
“Can you guide us?” Eric asked of Catron.
The blacksmith shook his head, “I am sorry, Prince Eric. I would not do you any good as a guide. I am better used to gather information than as a man of action. However, I have someone in mind that is more than qualified to guide you to Listol.”
Landis was unsure of relying on a stranger, “How can we be certain that he can be trusted?”
Catron picked up his hammer and resumed work, pounding a hot piece of metal into the shape he desired it to be for his use, “Relax, friend. I am loyal to Birhirm and have done my research as King Jobez requested. I know who is in your party and have found someone that I am certain will be the right choice.”
“Where do we find him?” Landis followed up.
“Leave town before noon and ride west to the bridge crossing Little Creek. Be at the bridge at noon and you will find him.”
“How will we know him?” Landis wanted to know.
Catron continued pounding the metal bar, “Do not worry, he will know you. And you will be assured of him by your big friend. Now, go on your way and be sure to leave me my payment in the can over there as you leave.”
“Thanks for all of your help, Catron,” Eric thanked the spy, “make sure to send word to my father so that he can inform the King of Alexon of our plans.”
* * * * *
As the noon sun rose over Chio the companions rode out of town. It was a later start than any of them would have preferred, but a necessary one to comply with Catron Dugee’s instructions if they were going to meet the guide that was to lead them along the Widows Path to—and through—the smugglers road that would take them to Listol. As they approached the wooden bridge crossing Little Creek they saw a man wearing a full-length tan leather cloak and a wide brim floppy brown hat. He was leaning against the rail of the bridge with his head down so that his face could not be seen. His painted horse was at his side. The man was taller than any of them save Konik, and apparently very slender. The black pommel of his sword protruded from the right side of his cloak. A bow and quiver of arrows hung off the left hand side of his horse. Landis observed both of these as signs that the man must be left-handed. They drew near the stranger with caution, waiting for him to act first.
“Greetings, Uncle Konik.” The man said as he raised his head to hail them. His face was wide and clean shaven. His complexion and appearance were obviously those of a plainsman from the Eastland though he was dressed as no plainsman they had ever encountered.
“Jareel?” Konik addressed the tall, thin man standing before them. “What in the Abyss are you doing this far west.” The big man dismounted and rushed to wrap his arms around his nephew in a bear hug.
“Easy, Uncle,” Jareel said as he patted Konik’s back until he was let back down. “To answer your question, I have been living here in the west for nearly four years. I have been helping to guide people through the pass for a while now, among other things.”
Konik looked hard at his nephew. “You have left the clan to become a protector of thieves?”
Jareel looked away, “It was not my choosing to leave. I sort of got into trouble back home and everyone thought it best for me to leave the area for a while.”
“What kind of trouble?” Konik insisted on knowing.
“If you must know, I defended the honor of a young lady.”
Konik’s eyes narrowed, “Since when does defending a lady’s honor cause you to have to flee your homeland?”
Jareel turned back to face his uncle, “When you kill someone who is a member of the House of Royals, they often do not care who was on the right side.”
Konik grunted in agreement, “Why were you defending her honor?”
“Because no one else would,” Jareel said matter-of-factly, “She was a very attractive and innocent daughter of a barkeep that happened to attract the attention of the wrong son-of-a-troll who tried to force himself on her. Everyone else just stood there and let him drag her into the back room, so I took things into my own hands. Unfortunately everyone knew who I was so there was some concern that his family would retaliate, so I was asked to leave until things blew over. I eventually ended up here. And it is a good thing too, as I understand that you need my help to avoid some pretty serious people.”
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Konik slapped his nephew heartily on the back. “It is good to see family again, Jareel.” He turned to where everyone else sat watching the minor family reunion, “Friends, this is my brother’s son, Jareel Grayfeather.”
Chapter 18
After their experience of fleeing Sedau through the Birhirmian Mountains, the Widows Path did not seem nearly as hazardous by comparison as the blacksmith at Chio had implied. There were only a few places where the riders had to walk their horses and, for the most part, they had little trouble maneuvering the path until they had reached the old mine. From there Jareel Greyfeather led them as they walked their horses down the correct tunnel, until they reached the rock blocking what Jareel informed them to be the secret passageway through the mountain. As promised, the rock was easily rolled away and then rolled back into place after they had entered. Using torches to light the way, the eight of them marched through the cavern for more a full three hours. Jareel pointed out that the cavern had been a natural one, but that men had labored for several years to widen it to make it a useful travel route through the mountain in order to provide a secret passageway to smuggle goods, people and whatever else they deemed necessary to and away from Chio. As they neared the end the cavern floor became slick as water seeped down the walls onto the stone covered passageway. The sound of water could be heard in the distance, becoming louder and louder as they continued on until they could see water pouring down just outside of the mouth of the exit. “We are at the end.” Jareel informed them.
The cave opened onto a covered ledge where they could reach out and stick their hands into the waterfall that dropped from the mountain stream above them. The ledge went on to their right, exiting away from the waterfall and providing a solid, nearly level, stone walkway taking them along the edge of the cliff to the banks of the river. When they had reached the shore and mounted their horses Petra turned back to look at the waterfall noting that the cave behind it was invisible. “That is just beautiful.” She said to no one in particular.
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