“Good. Do we have ships secured?”
“Two. One for us and one for the Byzernians. The ships are owned by the same man. The price is reasonable and best of all he’ll organize the sale to pay for the ships after inspecting the goods we hauled with us.”
Jonrell looked over at Cassus who had yet to sit down. “What kind of shape are the ships in?”
Krytien answered though Jonrell had directed the question at Cassus. “Although they’re traders, both ships are strong and in fair enough shape.” The old mage glanced nervously about. “Given that we may have to improvise in open water if pirates attack, we spoke with the captains as well. Both are well-seasoned men.”
“Can we trust them?” asked Jonrell, as he watched Cassus pace the room.
The old mage gave a tense chuckle and fidgeted in his seat. “I learned a long time ago not to trust anyone, Jonrell. You know that.”
Cassus’s face held a far-away stare. The commander set his cup down. “Cassus, you haven’t said a word. What’s bugging you? Do we need to be wary about the captains?”
“The captains are fine.” He looked up and cleared his throat after a long pause. “I’ve decided to go on with the Byzernians.”
Jonrell felt like the chair was taken from under him. He looked to Krytien. “Is he serious?” Silence. Jonrell turned back to Cassus. “I don’t believe this.”
“They’ll need help,” said Cassus. “The ships we procured are going in opposite directions. You’ll be heading north while the other is entering a southern port near one of their islands. They won’t have any protection on their journey home.”
“Protection? You’re one man,” said Jonrell.
“One is better than none.”
“This is crazy. Do you have any idea how long it will take you to secure a ship from there back to Cadonia to meet up with us.”
“I’m not going to Cadonia.”
Jonrell’s mouth hung open. I’ve lost my mind. That’s the only thing that could explain what I’m hearing. I’ve gone mad.
Cassus cut in. “Look, I know this is a surprise.”
“A surprise?! I’d call it more of a slap in the face. We’re going home. I need you with me.”
Cassus laughed, shaking his head. “You’ve never needed me. I was the one who needed you. And you made sure to look out for me. Now I have the chance to do the same thing for these people as well as others.”
“What do you mean others?”
“There are slaves all over Mytarcis, most are from the Byzernia Islands. I want to stay and help them.”
Jonrell looked up and mumbled to himself. “One Above, what have I done to deserve this?” He snorted. “Cassus, Hero of Slaves. What about your parents?”
“What about them? Don’t pretend that they ever cared for me. I doubt they even remember they had a son.”
“I can command you to stay,” said Jonrell, trying a different approach.
“Not if I quit.”
“I can command to have you restrained and loaded on the ship to Cadonia.”
Cassus smiled and stepped forward, placing a hand on Jonrell’s shoulder. “You can. But you won’t.”
Jonrell felt the fight leave him. He knew his friend well enough to know there was no changing his mind this time.
To continue reading the rest of Rise and Fall - Book One of the Blood and Tears Series, click here.
Resurrected Soldiers: The Tyrus Chronicle - Book Three Page 43
