Unsuspecting Mage

by Brian S. Pratt

  “Where do you suggest we go that won’t leave us robbed or dead by morning?” he asks.

  “Out of town a ways,” he suggests. “Perhaps down by the river.”

  “Alright,” agrees James, “let’s do it.” He leads Miko down the street again until they come to a junction with a road heading away from town. They turn down that road and continue for another half hour until they’ve left the outer buildings of Cardri far behind. At that point they look for a spot to hole up for the night. Off the road to the west sits a field of tall grass, James leads them out into it where they lodge some of it to make a camp of sorts.

  Lying down under the stars, they settle in and soon fall asleep. The shadow watches from the road, and once it’s sure they are down for the night, leaves and heads back to town.

  Morning dawns another sunny and soon to be warm day. James’ head still throbs, but nothing like last night. He can still feel a tender lump on the back of his head when he gingerly checks it with his fingers.

  Looking over the tall grass, they see the road to Cardri is already beginning to swell with the traffic of the day. They get up and join the people entering through the gates. The guards pay them no notice, they are simply another set of anonymous faces entering the city.

  Making their way through the streets they arrive at the Dancing Squirrel. Going up to their room, they find most of their belongings still there except of course for the tarts and crumb cake that their captors had taken with them.

  “What do we do now?” asks Miko as he settles down on one of the beds.

  “We do what we came here to do and get out as soon as possible,” replies James.

  “Exactly what are we here for?” he asks.

  James takes out his medallion and shows it to him. Indicating the design on the face of it he says, “I want to find out if this design has any special meaning.”

  Looking closely at it, Miko asks, “Why, what’s so special about it?”

  “I can’t really explain, but let’s just say it’s something I think I need to do,” James explains. “I also want to keep the fact that we’re investigating this medallion a secret, okay?”

  “Sure, I understand,” Miko agrees, intrigued by all the secrecy. “If you like, I could go out in the street and see if there is any place around here where you could do that. Someone like me could get around without arousing suspicion, I’m just another of the street brats.”

  “Okay, but be very careful,” James cautions as he begins to gather the rest of their baggage. “Lord Colerain may yet have other plans in the works for capturing us. I still can’t believe he’s still after us just because we were trespassing.”

  “That’s the way with some nobles,” explains Miko. “Especially, Lord Colerain. I once heard of a boy who on a dare from some of his friends, threw a tomato at his carriage as it was passing through town. Two days later, the boy disappeared and was never seen again. It was never proven that Lord Colerain was the one who took the boy, but that’s the general belief.”

  “Sounds like someone we need to stay clear of,” he says. “I’m planning on moving us to the Silver Bells, the inn where Perrilin said he was engaged to play. When you find out anything, meet me there.”

  “Alright,” says Miko as he opens the door. “I’ll see you there.”

  Once Miko leaves, James changes into a clean set of clothes and then finishes gathering the rest of his things. Going down to the common room he finds Inius there sitting by the front window looking out into the street.

  He turns as James approaches, a sad look on his face. “What’s wrong?” James asks.

  “Furball is missing,” he says. “She was around last night when I locked up, but I haven’t seen her since.”

  “That’s too bad,” consoles James. “I’m sure she’ll turn up.”

  “I hope so,” Inius says, “she’s all I have left of my Eliena. Of course, I have grown fond of her too.” He sees that James is carrying his belongings and says, “Leaving us today?”

  “Afraid so,” James replies as he hands over the room key. “Something’s come up and I need to go. You can go ahead and keep the advance for the next two days, I really enjoyed your inn and your people.”

  “Thank you,” he says. “If you are ever in Cardri again, I hope you will stay with us.”

  “I’m sure I will,” he assures him. “And if I should see Furball, I’ll get her back to you.”

  “I would appreciate that,” Inius says as he turns back and continues staring out the window.

  Exiting out the back, James goes over to the stable and finds that his horse has been well cared for, the straw in the stall looking clean and fresh. He comes over and pats him on the side, “They treating you well, boy?”

  “Of course they are,” a voice answers from behind him. Turning, he sees the surly stableman from yesterday, the man’s disposition apparently little improved. In his hands the man carries a bale of fresh straw.

  “Good day to you,” James greets cheerfully, stepping aside as the man brushes past on his way to deposit the straw in the next stall.

  “I suppose it may be,” the man replies. “You leavin’?” he asks as he grabs a pitchfork and spreads the straw evenly across the floor.

  “Yes, heading out today,” he answers as he continues readying his horse.

  The man looks at James over the stall wall, makes a grunting noise and then walks back out the front.

  “Friendly sort of chap, eh?” he asks his horse. The horse just snorts for an answer. “I agree,” he says as he finishes up with securing all his bags to, and around, the saddle. He then mounts and rides from the stable, keeping an eye out for anyone who might be taking a special interest in him. Since last night he intends to keep on his guard, watching for anyone that may be following him.

  When he arrives at Cardri’s middle wall, he finds but a single, wide gate giving entry here where there had been two in the outer wall. The gate is quite busy with many people passing through, though not nearly the crowd that had bottlenecked the outer one. As James approaches the gate, the guards visually inspect him as he rides by, but make no attempt to approach him.

  On the other side he finds the streets to be much cleaner, and once you get past the immediate area of the gate, the buildings slowly make way for residences and estates. A broad thoroughfare runs left and right from the gate, extending further into the city. Seeing a man walk by with several packages, most likely making deliveries by the modest way he’s dressed, James hails him, “Excuse me sir.”

  The man turns and sees James to be the one hailing him. “Yes sir?” the man asks as he stops to see what he wants.

  “I was wondering if you could tell me where I might find the Silver Bells?” James asks him.

  Pointing down the street to the right, he says “Follow the road that way, you can’t miss it.”

  “Thank you,” James says as the man once again resumes his progress.

  Turning his horse, James makes his way down the road to the right. The buildings are very well kept up and the businesses are of a higher quality as well. Instead of the taverns and more mundane shops prevalent in the outer area, here there are more of the craftsmen type shops, i.e. goldsmiths, artisans, etc.

  After several blocks, he comes upon a very nice, three story building. Instead of a sign as seems to be the norm, this one has a set of four bells hanging out front which look to be made of silver. They make a melodious sound when the breeze hits them just right. This must be the Silver Bells, he thinks to himself. Can’t be real silver or they would have been stolen by now. He ties his horse to the post out front, grabs his backpack and then climbs the four steps to the door standing open at the top.

  Walking inside, he can immediately see that this is an upscale establishment. There are several pictures hanging on the walls, also various pieces of sculpture set in small alcoves around the common room. The tables all have linen tablecloths and are set with plates and silverware.

  A man sees hi
m enter and comes over, “Can I help you sir?”

  “I hope so,” James replies. “I am looking for a bard by the name of Perrilin. He said he might be engaged here.”

  “He was,” the man says.

  “Was?” asks James. “He told me he would be here for about a week.”

  “Yes, he was going to be” the man explains. “But the city watch came in last night and took him away in the middle of his performance. You can probably find him at the city jail.”

  “Do you know why they took him?” he asks.

  “No, they didn’t bother to inform us,” the man replies. “Miss Gilena was very put out that they disrupted her place in such a way. They didn’t even wait until he was finished,” the man continues, “just came up and took him off the stage right in the middle of a song.”

  “Too bad,” says James. “I happen to be in need of a room and a stall for my horse. I have a boy with me, he’ll be by after a while.”

  “The rooms are a gold a night,” the man explains, “and another silver for your horse. Meals are extra.” Gesturing over to the far side where a lady is stacking glasses, he says “That is Miss Gilena, she can get you set up.”

  “Thanks for the help,” he says gratefully and then walks over to where Miss Gilena is busily stacking glasses.

  “Excuse me ma’am,” James says as he approaches her.

  Turning around she says, “Yes, how may I help you?”

  “Looking for a room and a stall for my horse,” he tells her.

  Looking him up and down with an expression bordering on snooty, she says, “It’ll be a gold a night and another silver for your horse.” The expression on her face clearly says that she doesn’t think he will take the room, much less be able to afford it.

  James reaches in and pulls out two golds and two silvers, handing them over to her.

  Upon seeing the money, her mood completely changes. Where disdain once reigned supreme, now smiles and cheerfulness rule. Snatching the money from his hand, she says, “Welcome to the Silver Bells good sir.” Reaching under the counter, she brings forth a room key and hands it to James. “We have one room left. It’s on the third floor, top of the stairs, all the way at the end on the right.”

  Taking the key, he replies, “That will be just fine, thank you.”

  “The stables are out back,” she says, gesturing to a door at the back of the common room. “Gunther should be out there and he’ll find a stall for your horse.”

  “Thank you,” he says gratefully. “There is a young boy with me by the name of Miko who will be coming by a little later. Could you direct him to my room when he gets here?” Seeing her nod yes, he turns and goes back out the front for his horse. Miss Gilena returns to her glasses, placing the last one upon the stack.

  James takes his horse around to the back and finds Gunther who soon has his horse settled in. Taking his belongings, he returns to the inn where a boy comes over to show him to his room. Taking his bags from him, the boy carries them as he leads him up the stairs to the third floor. At the top of the stairs, he proceeds down the hallway to the last door on the right and holds it open, allowing James to enter first.

  The boy then brings in the bags and sets them down by the bed. He stands there looking at James, not making any move to leave. Understanding dawns and James pulls out a couple coppers, handing them to the boy who pockets them and promptly leaves, shutting the door behind him.

  James settles down on one of the beds just as he breaks into a big yawn. Realizing just how tired he is, he decides to relax and rest until Miko arrives. He lays there for a time worrying about how Miko is making out, but soon exhaustion overcomes him and falls asleep.

  Chapter Twelve

  _______________________

  Miko opens the door to find James fast asleep. Keeping quiet, he begins to close the door slowly until a mischievous grin spreads across his face. Realizing such an opportunity may never repeat itself, he opens the door wider and slams it shut with all his might.

  Wham!

  He watches in amusement as James jumps two inches off the bed and proceeds to fall over the side where he lands on the floor with a thud. Smiling and chuckling quietly to himself, he goes over and sits at the table while a startled James flashes quick glances around the room.

  When his gaze settles upon Miko and the way the boy’s grinning, his eyes narrow. “Did you have to do that?” he asks angrily.

  “No,” replies Miko before his grin turns into a full blown smile. “I guess I didn’t, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.”

  “Don’t ever do that again,” James says sternly, then mellows out and can’t help but smile himself. It was pretty funny.

  “I’ve got good news,” says Miko, “and bad news.”

  “What’s the good news?” James asks.

  “There is an archive located near the castle, past the inner wall. Supposedly it has hundreds of books scholars come from near and far to research.”

  Now off the floor, James comes over to the table and takes a seat. “And the bad news?”

  “There may be a small problem with gaining access to it,” explains Miko.

  “What sort of problem,” James asks.

  “Well first of all,” Miko begins, “only those with business in the castle area are allowed within the castle area. If you try, they will at best turn you away, at worst take you in for questioning.”

  “I see,” says James. “What else?”

  “Since the Empire has attacked Madoc, their security has been doubled. Anyone caught there without a reason will be treated as a spy and taken to the castle’s dungeon for questioning.”

  “Alright,” James says, “it sounds like this is the place I need to go. Any ideas on how to get in there?”

  “No,” replies Miko shaking his head. “Maybe Perrilin will have an idea.”

  “That’s another problem,” James explains. “He was taken by the city watch last night and most likely is in jail.”

  “Great,” says Miko, “now what are we to do?”

  “After lunch, I plan to go down to the city jail and find out what is going on. Until then, I suggest we adjourn to the common room and see what there is to eat.”

  Never one to turn down food, Miko quickly agrees and head downstairs with James who is carrying the ever present backpack. Coming into the common room, they find an empty table next to a window overlooking the street. It isn’t long before a girl comes over to take their order. In less than a minute, she returns with two big steaming bowls filled with chicken stew, a loaf of bread, and two foaming mugs of ale.

  Miko eats with his regular gusto, while James takes his time, savoring each bite. Between, and during, mouthfuls of stew Miko offers to ferret out what those on the streets may know about Lord Colerain’s presence in the city, while James finds out about Perrilin.

  “Try to draw as little attention to yourself as possible,” James cautions. “We don’t need any more surprises.”

  “Not to worry,” Miko assures him as he puts a last bite of stew soaked bread into his mouth, “I’ll be careful.” Getting up, he hurries across the common room and soon has disappeared out the door.

  James finishes the last of his lunch while he gazes out the window, watching Miko walk down the street until he’s lost amidst the crowd of people. After downing the remaining dregs of ale he scoots his chair back and comes to his feet. Shouldering his backpack he makes for the door. Once outside he heads further into the city in the hopes of finding the jail and discovering what has happened to Perrilin. It’s not long before he spots one of the city’s constables and questions him as to the whereabouts of the city jail. The constable gives him directions and he’s quickly on his way.

  The city jail lies within the second wall near the gate leading into the castle, not far from where he is now. The jail as it turns out is an imposing three story building with only the barest slits passing for windows on the ground floor. A very solid door stands ajar at the top of three steps,
so he goes on up and walks inside.

  Entering a large room, he sees a man wearing a constable’s uniform sitting behind a desk reading one of many papers stacked neatly before him. The sound of James entering draws his attention. As James approaches, the man sets the paper down and asks, “Can I help you?”

  “Yes,” replies James as he comes to stand before the desk. “A friend of mine was brought in by the city watch last night and I was wondering if it would be possible to talk with him?”

  Setting the paper aside, the constable looks him up and down then asks, “And just who might your friend be?”

  “His name is Perrilin, a bard,” James answers.

  “There’s been no one brought in with that name,” replies the constable.

  “But I heard that several constables came to the Silver Bells last night and dragged him out right in the middle of his performance,” he protested.

  “Yeah, I heard about that,” the constable replies. “Nevertheless, he’s not here, sorry.”

  “Where can I find him?” he asks.

  “Don’t know,” the constable replies. He holds up a hand to forestall any more questions. “I am not privy to all that goes on. I just know he’s not here and I don’t know where he would be.”

  James looks at the constable in quiet frustration. He can tell there will be no more help forthcoming. After a moment, he turns about and leaves the jail.

  He walks across the street to an alley and takes a moment to make sure he won’t be observed. Reaching into his backpack, he draws out the compass he made earlier in Trendle. Using a variation of the spell he used while looking for Hern, he watches in surprise as the pointer turns and indicates a direction down the street. He had thought for sure it would point toward the jail.