The Unsuspecting Mage

by Pratt, Brian S.

  Plunk! Plunk!

  The sound of stones being tossed into the pond awakens him. Thinking Cyanna has come to join him, he opens his eyes and glances over to greet her. The whimsical greeting he was about to say dies stillborn on his lips. For there, not three feet away, sits the little creature with the blue vest and crazy felt hat he previously met upon first arriving in this world.

  “Awake, are we?” it asks. “Enjoying yourself?”

  Not sure how to respond, he says, “I’ve had better days than the last few.”

  Chuckling, the creature responds, “I’m sure you have. But you’ve done well, my master is pleased.”

  Curious, James asks “Just who might your master be?”

  “I haven’t been directed to tell you that as yet.” Plunk! Another strikes the water, sending ripples across the surface of the pond. Holding up his hand to forestall any more questions, the creature says, “Nor have I been given permission to answer any of your questions.”

  Reaching into his vest pocket, the creature pulls out a silver medallion on a chain and tosses it over to him. “This is for you. Consider it to be a gift of sorts.”

  Catching the medallion, James looks at it and finds that one side has a raised pattern of lines that sort of looks like a stylized star. Turning it over, James discovers the back to be smooth, without design.

  “What is this?” he asks.

  “Like I said, a gift,” it replies. “Though should you desire to, you may give it away or even sell it, though I’d advise against that at this time. You may need it later on.” Plunk!

  “What do you mean, ‘later on’?” James asks. Not entirely liking the prospect of what that might foretell.

  “Later on, as in a future time,” explains the creature with a grin.

  “What am I suppose to do now?” James asks. “Obviously I’m here for some purpose, would you care to enlighten me?”

  “Just do what you feel is right and I’m sure everything will turn out for the best,” replies the creature.

  “Yeah, and if I think it feels right to toss this medallion into the pond, should I?” he demands irritably. He wants some answers not all this cryptic god stuff.

  “Not suppose to answer questions, remember?” The creature stands up, “You should be fine. I’ll see you later on.” With that, he hops in the air and disappears just like he did before.

  James stares at the spot where the creature had just recently stood for a moment before lying back down on the grass. He examines the medallion more closely and mulls over his choices. The design looks to be the same as the one that had been on the cover of the book explaining magic, the one he inexplicably lost back in the forest. The loss of that book still bothers him. He could sure use it now.

  Not for the first time he wonders why he was in this world, not to mention what forces brought him there. He has difficulty to believe that it is for some nefarious reason for the creature had told him to ‘do what you feel is right’. Hardly the advice one would expect a minion of evil to give. But still, you never know.

  How long he spent mulling things over he wasn’t sure. But before long, Mary’s voice reaches him calling everyone to dinner. Coming to his feet slowly so as not to be overcome with dizziness again, he begins making his way back to the house. He puts the medallion around his neck for safekeeping and tucks it inside his shirt. When he returns to the house he doesn’t mention the little creature or the medallion to Corbin and his family.

  That night after dinner as he lies in bed trying to drift off to sleep, he can’t quit thinking about the medallion and why it was given him. There must be a reason., he insists to himself. There must! Sometime before drifting off to sleep he comes to the conclusion that he needs to find the answers to the many questions plaguing him, and that the answers will most likely not be answered in Trendle.

  Early the next morning when he wakes and goes out to the front area, he finds Corbin and family eating breakfast before heading out to the fields.

  “Good morning all,” he says as he approaches the breakfast table.

  “Feeling better this morning?” asks Corbin.

  Mary brings a plate for James and he helps himself to the eggs and biscuits. “Much better, thank you. It was probably Mary’s cooking that did the most good.” James smiles over to her who then grins back at him.

  During breakfast, he sits quietly at the table, absentmindedly picking at his eggs and biscuits while he tries to come up with the right words to say.

  Corbin asks, “Something on your mind, James? You seem to be a bit preoccupied, barely even touched your breakfast.”

  Realizing that he has been pushing his food around, he says “Well, as much as I have enjoyed your hospitality, I think it’s time for me to be moving on. I was wondering if you could go into town with me and help me pick out some traveling gear?” He takes a bite of his eggs while he waits for Corbin’s reply.

  “I guess I could,” responds Corbin. “Where are you planning to go, if you don’t mind my asking?”

  “I’m not sure where anything is in this area,” replies James. “Where is the nearest major city?”

  “The closest city of any size is Bearn. It lies two days south along the Kelewan River. Three days further south out on the coast you will find Castle Cardri, our capitol. If you go east about a week, you’ll come to the city of Trademeet, a bustling city where merchants of many nations meet. It lies at the foot of the mountains separating Cardri and Madoc.”

  “Do you think Castle Cardri would have a library or something that I could use?” he asks.

  “Probably,” he replies. “Though it’s unlikely you would be permitted inside. Only the nobles or known scholars are allowed entry. Or so I hear.”

  “Well,” says James, “it wouldn’t hurt to try.”

  He finishes his breakfast and together they go to the barn to saddle their horses. This time James does a decent job of it, proud that he didn’t require Corbin’s help. Climbing into the saddle, he directs his horse out of the barn. The kids are there with Mary as he nears the house. She comes up to him and hands him a sack filled with bread, dried meat and fruits. He takes the sack of food and gives her his heartfelt thanks.

  Devin brings out his spear and backpack. Reaching down, he grabs the backpack but tells him to keep the spear. “I really don’t think I’m going to need that. You go ahead and keep it,” he tells him.

  Devin smiles up at him and nods, gripping his new spear.

  He looks to Mary and says, “I appreciate your hospitality and have enjoyed being here more than you know.”

  “Goodbye James,” she says, “and be careful.”

  “I will,” he assures her.

  With a chorus of goodbyes, James turns his horse and follows Corbin down the lane. Looking back he sees Elizabeth and Cyanna still waving goodbye. He raises one of his arms and waves back, then turns and catches up with Corbin who’s already at the road leading into town. The dogs follow them, barking and jumping until the end of the lane where they turn back and race for the house. He and Corbin then ride side by side as they continue on into town.

  Upon approaching the outskirts of town they see a column of soldiers marching along the main road heading east.

  “Who are they?” asks James.

  “Cardri soldiers,” he replies. “They must be heading east to reinforce Dragon’s Pass. The siege is still raging at Saragon, at least that’s the rumor. If it falls, they may swing our way. Doubtful, but best to be prepared.”

  “I suppose so,” he agrees.

  Once the soldiers pass, they make their way through town to Alexander’s. Arriving at his establishment they dismount and tie their horses to the front post before entering. Within they find Alexander at the counter dealing with an elderly woman so they wait a few moments until she concludes her business.

  When she is done and turns to leave, James steps to the counter. Alexander looks up at his approach and says, “Why, it’s James. How may I be of service today?”<
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  “I’m leaving town so need to withdraw the rest of my money,” he explains.

  “Very well,” Alexander says. “A thousand gold pieces is a lot to carry around with you. If you prefer, I could give you a letter of account. Such a letter would be honored by any money lender in Cardri. It would be less bulky than a chest full of coins that any robber would surely take an interest in.”

  “Alright then,” agrees James. “Give me another hundred gold pieces to take with me and the rest in a letter of account. That should last me until I get to Cardri.”

  “You’re heading to the city of Cardri then?” Alexander asks.

  “Yes,” James replies, “I plan to head in that direction.”

  “My brother has a money lender establishment in Cardri,” he explains. “I’m sure he would be more than willing to cash this for you. You can find him in the merchant’s quarter of the outer ring.”

  “That sounds good, I’ll look him up when I get there,” James says.

  “Very good sir, I shall be but a moment,” Alexander says as he turns and disappears in the back. It doesn’t take long before he returns to the counter with a pouch of coins and the letter. Together they count the money, both verifying that James is indeed receiving the correct amount, and then the money is put back into the pouch.

  Handing the pouch and the letter to James, Alexander says, “Protect this letter carefully. If you lose it, you’ve lost your money, understand?” Seeing James nodding that he understands he adds, “And if you see my brother, tell him all is well here.”

  “I will be sure to do that,” James assures him. After signing a few papers stating that Alexander was no longer responsible for his money, he and Corbin leave his establishment.

  Next to Alexander’s is the Chandlers’ Shop where a variety of equipment and supplies that would be useful for travel are sold. Inside, they find useful wares displayed throughout the shop. Bags, cloaks, belts, etc. An open counter lines most of one wall and a portly man stands behind it.

  When he sees who has entered his store, he says, “A good day to you Corbin. How may I help you today?”

  “Not for me, but for James here,” Corbin corrects him as he points to James.

  “James? Not the same James who rescued Jake’s little girl?” asks the chandler.

  James responds, “I guess so. I need some equipment.”

  “What are you looking for?” he asks.

  James describes the things he thinks he’s going to need, then Corbin and the chandler proceed to tell him what he’s really going to need, including several sets of clothes. Together, they compile a list of equipment he’ll need. When he asks how much for the lot the chandler replies, “Jake came in here yesterday and told me that if you wanted anything, that I was to charge him for it. He said it was the least he could do to repay you.”

  Turning to Corbin, James looks questioningly at him.

  “While you were recovering, he stopped by to talk to you but you were sleeping and we thought it best not to disturb you,” he explains. “He said he wanted to repay you in some way, so I told him that you would most likely be needing equipment and supplies when you left, seeing as how you didn’t have anything. He must have come down here and set this up with Burl.”

  “That’s right, he did,” agrees Burl.

  “Okay, I understand,” James says. Collecting his new equipment he says to the chandler, “Thank you for your help.”

  “You are most welcome,” Burl replies.

  With his arms full, he exits the shop and begins the job of packing and redistributing his things upon his horse until he has a balanced load. As he gets ready to mount, Corbin stops him.

  “Here,” he says as he offers James a knife in a simple leather sheath. “This has been collecting dust the last few years and I’d like you to have it. You will need it more than I.”

  Taking the knife, he pulls the blade from the scabbard and finds the metal well polished with a sharp edge. He then reinserts it back into the scabbard and unbuckles his belt, looping it through the openings in the knife’s sheath. Once his belt is buckled securely around him once more, he positions the knife’s scabbard in a comfortable position. Having it on his hip makes him feel pretty darn good.

  “Thanks, Corbin.” Reaching out his hand, he shakes Corbin’s. “I appreciate all that you’ve done for me. I’ll drop by if I’m ever back in the area again.”

  “You’re always welcome,” Corbin tells him. “You take care now.”

  James mounts up, turns the horse in the direction of the south road, and canters out of town.

  Traveling down the road along the Kelewan River is peaceful and enjoyable. The road has been well maintained and makes for easy riding. It’s a clear and sunny day with a slight breeze, too warm for more than just a shirt. James rides along and covers the miles quickly. According to Corbin it’s two days to Bearn. As the day progresses, he passes several travelers, some alone and others as a group. Late in the morning he encounters one caravan with ten wagons and about as many guards. The teamsters wave at him as he passes, while the guards only glare. The lead wagon is not the same flatbed as the others, but a wagon covered with a deep blue canvas. A four horse team pulls it, making him think of the covered wagons in the old western movies.

  The wagon is being driven by a young lady who looks to be about sixteen. Next to her on the seat is an older man, most likely her father. As James pulls abreast of the wagon, the lady greets him, “Good day to you sir.”

  Smiling his most charming smile, he replies, “And a nice day to you too ma’am.”

  The man looks him up and down, his expression seeming to suggest that he finds James somewhat lacking. He nods a greeting but doesn’t say anything.

  “Where are you bound?” the lady asks him.

  “South to Bearn, then perhaps to the coast,” he replies. “By the way, my name is James.” He gives her a slight bow.

  “I am called Celienda,” she responds. Gesturing to the man next to her she adds, “This is my father Meredith.”

  Bowing slightly, this time to her father, he gives his respect. “Are you heading to Bearn?” James asks.

  “Oh, yes. Our home is there but we transport goods to various towns, depending on the markets.”

  “Could you perhaps tell me of a good inn where I might stay while I am there? I have never before been to Bearn,” he explains.

  Thinking a bit, she says “The Flying Swan is good and well priced. The owner is a friend of mine by the name of Jillian. If you should stay there, tell him Celienda sends her wishes.”

  “I will, and thank you for your help. Maybe we’ll run into each other while I am there?” suggests James with a grin. Her father gives him a cold look when he hears that.

  “You never know,” responds Celienda with a cheerful smile.

  Giving them another slight bow, he says, “May your travels be both profitable and safe.” He speeds his horse up to a canter and begins pulling away from the caravan.

  “Fare you well, James,” he can hear Celienda call after him. It doesn’t take long before he’s out distanced them.

  When the sun reaches its apex in the sky, James stops to let his horse graze while he has a bite to eat. Finding a shady spot not far from the banks of the river, he removes the sack Mary gave him and settles against the bole of a tree.

  His posterior has been complaining for the last hour from having to sit in the saddle, but he’ll just have to get used to the rigors of being in the saddle all day. In this world, it seems to be the preferred mode of transportation.

  While he eats, he thinks how peaceful and calm it is there by the river. Pulling the medallion from beneath his shirt, he again contemplates the design upon its face. Questions and still more questions with very few answers. Sighing, he replaces it beneath his shirt and finishes his meal.

  The rest of the afternoon is pretty much a repeat of the morning, except that the pain in his bottom grows more pronounced as the day wears on. When the
sun is but an hour away from dipping below the horizon, several buildings appear in the distance ahead. Two appear to be houses or storage sheds while a third stands two stories tall with smoke coming out of the chimney. Another long building sits behind it.

  As he draws closer he makes out a sign depicting a river turning a bend hanging in front of the large, two story building. Must be an inn, he thinks to himself. Since night is quickly approaching, he figures this would be a good spot to stop for the night. Coming to the inn, he ties his horse to the hitching post in front then enters.

  The smell of unwashed bodies and smoke hits James like a wall, taking his breath away. His eyes start to water and can barely breathe. Standing there for a second, he slowly acclimates to the stench. Looking around he notices several tables in the common area, only one which is currently unoccupied, and a long bar along one wall. A stairway at the rear of the room climbs to the second floor.

  Fortunately the unoccupied table is near an open window. Taking a seat enabling him to sit with his back to the wall so he can see the entire common room, James gets comfortable. Leaning his head back against the wall near the window for the fresh air coming through, he doesn’t have long to wait until the serving girl comes over.

  “Hi, I’m Melinda. What can I get ya?” she asks him.

  “What do you have?” he asks.

  “There are two choices for dinner,” she explains. “Mutton stew or roast beef. The stew is two coppers, the roast beef three. I’d take the roast beef. Some have said the mutton is a bit on the tough side.”

  “I’ll take the roast beef then,” he decides, “and some ale. How much are the rooms? I also have a horse.”

  “The rooms are a silver a night and two coppers for the stall for your horse. If you need feed for your horse, that’s another copper.”