“We’ve just come from Commander Eathan,” James says to him, “and would like to talk with Captain Kurk.”
“It’s okay,” a voice from inside the inn says. “Let them come in.”
Stepping aside, the soldier allows them to pass. The men that had been pouring over the map are now looking at them as they enter the common room. James steps up to them and says, “I bring word from Commander Eathan. I was supposed to deliver it to Lord Pytherian but since he’s no longer here, I’ll give it to Captain Kurk.”
One of the men says, “I’m Captain Kurk, what’s the message.”
“He said, ‘When you see Lord Pytherian again, tell him Commander Eathan will hold the southern flank as long as possible. I’ll keep the bastards off them as they march to Lythylla.’” James tells him.
“The bridge he was defending is no longer standing, and the enemy that had been trying to cross is now heading south,” he goes on to explain. “Another force had appeared on his side of the river, apparently coming around the forest where Captain Alerin’s forces are defending. They were successfully beaten back and I believe the commander had planned to follow the river south, pacing the enemy army, in order to prevent them from crossing over.”
Nodding, the captain says, “Good, I was wondering what was going on down there. The enemy has patrols on this side of the river and they’ve been intercepting our messengers.”
“There are several wagons of wounded coming to Colton as well,” James tells him. “They’re an hour or so behind us.”
Captain Kurk glances to one of the men near him and says, “Take care of that.”
Nodding, the man turns and leaves the room.
Turning back to James, he says, “You’re not with our forces are you?”
“No, I’m not,” he answers.
“But I am, sir,” Fifer pipes up. “I’m with Miller’s band, or was until we got separated from them.”
“Ah yes, the group from the City of Light,” he says. He glances around the others at the table before continuing, “They went with him when he moved on to Lythylla.”
One of the other men standing near the captain asks, “Are you James?”
Somewhat surprised, James nods, “Yes, I am.”
Pulling up the map, the captain reveals the message he’d written in the table to warn of the approach of the army. When he looks questioningly at James, James nods his head, “Yeah, that was me.”
“Intriguing,” Captain Kurk says. “Lord Pytherian said you might be coming this way and to give you any aid you may require. He also told us to ask you if you’d meet him in Lythylla as soon as possible.”
“Thanks,” replies James. “We were planning on doing that anyway.”
Captain Kurk says, “Lieutenant Rolger will see to your needs.”
A man steps forth and says, “If I may be of any assistance?”
James, feeling like he’d just been dismissed, turns to leave the inn with Lieutenant Rolger following behind. Once outside the inn, he turns to the lieutenant and says, “We could use fresh horses and some supplies, food and the like.”
“Sure thing,” he says. “Follow me and we’ll get you what you need.” He takes them down several buildings before entering one with a crossed knife and fork embossed on a sign hanging in front.
Within, they find a nice restaurant. “This is the main mess for the troops while we’re here,” he explains. Many of the tables have soldiers eating their meals, or just taking it easy and talking with each other.
Lieutenant Rolger waves down one of the servers and says, “Get these gentlemen something to eat. They’re our guests.”
“Yes sir,” the man replies.
“I’ll see about fresh horses and some supplies while you’re eating,” he tells them.
“Thank you,” says James as the server leads them to a vacant table.
The lieutenant just nods his head and then leaves the restaurant.
Once they’re seated, the server says, “There’s not much of a choice, but I’ll bring you some of what we have.”
“We’d appreciate it,” James says as the man moves to return to the kitchen area.
“Man it’s nice to be able to relax again,” Miko says as he leans back in his chair.
“You got that right,” agrees James. “I don’t know how long it’s been since I could completely relax.”
The server returns with steaming bowls of stew and two loaves of bread. He sets them down on the table and then brings over a pitcher of ale and four mugs. “Enjoy,” he says to them.
Miko mumbles something through a large mouthful of food as the server leaves their table.
The meal is surprisingly good, made all the more so by the ability to sit at a table to enjoy it without the worry of being killed at any moment. Before they’re done, the lieutenant returns and says, “I took the liberty to transfer your things from your other steeds to the fresh ones. They’re waiting for you outside when you’re ready to depart.”
“Thank you,” James says appreciatively.
“Is there anything else I can do before you leave?” the lieutenant asks.
“Not that I can think of,” James assures him.
“In that case, I shall return to the captain,” he tells them before turning toward the door and leaves.
It isn’t long before they’re done with their meal. Leaving the inn, they find four good horses outside waiting for them, each with a new bedroll and saddlebags. And when Miko checks the bags on his mount, finds them full of travel rations. A new water bottle hangs from each of the saddles as well.
“Didn’t expect all this,” Jiron says as he climbs into the saddle.
“Me either,” agrees James after he mounts up. He looks at the others, everyone is looking tired and travel worn. Though he doubts if anyone is experiencing fatigue to the degree that he is.
“Tired as we are,” he begins, “we better make for Lythylla before stopping. I’m sure we’ll get plenty of rest there.”
“I hope so,” says Fifer.
“And a bath!” pipes up Miko. He grins at James when he glances in his direction.
“That too,” says James, returning the smile. “Let’s go.” As they move out, they see the wagons with the wounded going through the streets. It doesn’t look as if they’re going to stop here in Colton but continuing on down to Lythylla.
Once past the outskirts of town, they continue passing people on the move as they try to get to safety from the coming armies. James is reminded of the traffic they encountered when they were approaching the City of Light. The faces of these people show the same lack of hope for the future that the others had.
Across the river they see patrols of the Empire riding along. They have complete control over there, the only thing keeping from being on this side is the river. It’s flowing much too wide, deep and fast for them to be able to make it across safely. Especially if there’re soldiers over here picking them off while they’re in the water.
The light begins to fade as they continue along. Riding hard, they pass several small towns along the way, each is in a stage of evacuation, soldiers encouraging and helping the citizens to leave.
When night has finally settled in and the stars have come out, they slow their pace so as not to ride over the people on the road. Even the dark of night isn’t stopping the refugees from fleeing. James feels sorry for them and hates those behind the wars that cause such grief.
Near midnight, they begin to see the lights from a great city appear ahead of them. “That must be Lythylla,” comments Jiron.
“I would assume so,” says Fifer.
As they continue to move closer, they’re able to discern campfires, thousands of campfires on the other side of the river. “There must be thousands of troops over there,” says Miko in awe. “Why are they just sitting there?”
“Might be they can’t get across the river without dying,” suggest Jiron.
“Or they’re waiting for something,” states James.
“Like those armies to the south?” Fifer asks.
“Probably,” he replies. “If so, they’ve got a long wait.”
He hears Fifer give a chuckle at that, “Especially if Commander Eathan has anything to say about it.”
To the east of the city are hundreds of fires and tents of those allies who’ve come to help defend Lythylla. The wall of the city itself comes right to the water’s edge. Anyone trying to cross the bridge there will face a massive barrage from those defending the walls.
“Looks pretty defendable,” says Fifer.
“That’s what they thought back at the City of Light too,” counters James. “And we know how that turned out.”
The area around the city is well lit with torches and campfires. No one could possible sneak in or out without being seen.
James thought they’d at least stop them and ask them some questions, but the guards at the gate just wave them on through with the other refugees entering the city.
“Should we go in search of Lord Pytherian?” Fifer asks.
“Yeah,” replies James. “He’s probably up at the castle.”
Moving through the streets, it isn’t hard to find their way to the castle. It towers over every other building in the city and they’re able to follow the streets that head in its general direction. Eventually they make it to the curtain wall which surrounds the castle area.
The guards at the gate leading into the castle area are not nearly as lackadaisical as the ones at the outer wall. When they approach, one of the guards moves to block them. As they come to a stop, he says, “No one is allowed within the castle area.”
“We’re here to see Lord Pytherian,” James tells him.
The guard looks him up and down and then glances at the others, obviously questioning the voracity of what James is saying.
“And why would you be here to see Lord Pytherian?” the guard asks him. “In the middle of the night?”
“I don’t see how it could possibly be any of your business,” replies James. “Just send a runner up to the castle and inform Lord Pytherian that James is here to see him.”
“James huh?” the guard asks, the other guards get up and come over. “You’re the third ‘James’ that has been here to see him today. Are you claiming to be the one who helped to rescue him from the clutches of the Empire too?”
James glances at the others, and sees them mirror his doubt and confusion on their faces. Turning back to the guards, he starts to reply when the guard continues, “The first one was brought expeditiously to Lord Pytherian and was soon exposed as an imposter. The other ‘James’ tried to attack him and kill him, his body now lies in a garbage heap somewhere.” Giving him a suspicious look, the guard asks, “Now, why should I believe you? I’ll not disturb his lordship again until I am sure.”
“I don’t believe this,” complains James.
“What’re we going to do?” Jiron asks him.
“Well, we’re definitely not going to fight our way through,” says James. “They’ll need every ‘fool’ on the walls when the Empire attacks. I’m just too tired to do anything about it at the moment.”
Turning back to the guard, he says, “I am the real James. With me are Jiron, Miko and Fifer who’s a member of Miller’s band, the irregulars out of the City of Light. When someone asks you if we’ve shown up, please inform them that you turned us away.”
James turns his horse back toward the city and says to Jiron, “Let’s find a room somewhere and get some sleep. I’m about ready to fall off my horse. We’ll deal with that,” he says, indicating the guards behind them, “tomorrow morning.”
Moving away from the gates they head back into the city as they try to find an inn to spend the night. The first several they come across are all full, refugees have taken every available space.
They finally end up finding an empty warehouse with enough room for them and their horses. Bringing them inside, they shut the door and spread out their bedrolls.
“What do you think he meant when he said that two other ‘James’’ have been here?” asks Jiron.
“I don’t know,” replies James. “But it can’t be good.”
“Who would know?” Fifer asks. When the others turn their attention to him, he continues, “I mean, who besides us would know to come here and say that?”
“I haven’t the faintest idea,” says James from where he’s lying down. “But we’ll worry about that tomorrow.” Before he falls asleep, he glances over to where Jiron is looking out one of the windows. Glad he’s decided to take the first watch. Unbeknownst to him, the others are going to allow him to sleep through the night without a turn at watch.
The following morning, when everyone but James is awake, they sit on the other side of the warehouse from him as they talk quietly so as not to awaken him.
Jiron says to Fifer, “Think you could go and find someone from Miller’s band who could help us get in to see Lord Pytherian?”
“Maybe,” he replies. “I’m not sure if they’re even in the city.”
“I know,” says Jiron. “But it might be our only way without something spectacular.” He nods over to James, “If you know what I mean?”
Fifer flashes him a grin as he remembers the trip back and all the things James has done. “I understand,” he replies. “Better try to keep this low key unless we have no other option.”
“Exactly,” Jiron agrees.
“Need me to go with you?” asks Miko in the hopes of escaping the warehouse.
Shaking his head, Fifer says, “No, I better go alone. It’d be quicker that way.”
“Okay,” says Miko, disappointed.
Fifer gets up as he says, “I’ll meet you back here in a couple hours, whether I’ve found someone or not.”
“We’ll be here,” replies Jiron.
Fifer turns and walks over to the door and leaves the warehouse, closing it behind him.
“Now what?” asks Miko, sighing.
“Now, we wait,” replies Jiron who almost can’t stop himself from smiling at the despondent sigh Miko lets out.
An hour later the door to the warehouse bursts open and three members of the city watch come in.
The sound of the door slamming open startles James awake and he sits up groggily as they enter the warehouse.
“What?” he asks, still not completely awake.
Jiron moves over to meet them as the first guard asks in a surly tone of voice, “What are you doing here?”
“We couldn’t find any inn with space for us,” replies Jiron. “We had to stay somewhere and since this was empty, we came in here.”
“Damn refugees,” one of them says.
“Well, you can’t stay here,” the first watchman tells him.
“But we’re waiting for the return of a friend,” Miko blurts out. “If we leave, he’ll never find us!”
“Be that as it may,” the watchman says, “this is a private building and it ain’t yours. So you’ll have to go.”
Now completely awake, James gets up and comes over to join the conversation. “Surely there must be some way that we can stay here?” he asks as he digs in and pulls out three silvers. “Maybe you could find the owner and give him this for us. Three should be enough for a days rent, wouldn’t you say?”
The watchman gazes at the coins in James’ hand a moment before reaching out and taking them. “Alright, I’ll get these to the owner. I’m sure he won’t mind if you stay here a few more hours to wait for your friend.” He quickly puts the coins in the pouch at his waist.
“Thank you,” James says. “We do appreciate it.”
“But don’t be thinking you can stay here forever,” the watchman tells them. “You better be out by sundown at the latest.”
“We will,” James assures him. “Rest assured, we will.”
“Okay then,” he grunts at them. Turning to the others of the watch, he says, “Let’s go.” They move toward the exit and are soon through it, the door shutting with a ban
g behind them.
“He’s not going to give that money to any owner,” Miko states.
“I know,” James replies. “I just wanted to stay here a little longer. I assume the friend we’re waiting for is Fifer?”
Jiron glances at him and says, “Yeah, it is. He went looking for someone from his unit that might help get us past the gate.”
Nodding, James says, “Good idea. Though should he come back without finding anyone, we’ll try the gate again. There’ll probably be a different set of guards there and we might get lucky.”
“Might,” agrees Jiron.
They wait for over an hour before the door opens up and Fifer walks in. The smile on his face says he’s got good news.
“You found someone?” asks Jiron hopefully.
“Ran into Shyn, he was with us when we found you that first time in the hills,” he explains. “He said the rest of the group is out on patrol and that he’d taken an injury and is recuperating.”
“Did he say if he could help us?” James asks him.
Fifer nods before replying, “He said to meet him at the gate in an hour and he could be there to vouch for us.”
“Fantastic!” exclaims James. Then he turns to Jiron and says, “There’s something I want you and Miko to do while I go to the castle.”
“What?” Jiron asks.
“The last time I was in a city on the verge of attack,” he explains, “things went bad fast and we couldn’t get out.” He glances to Miko who nods his head. “I would like you two to first get an idea where all the gates are, then see if there may be another way out in the event of an emergency.”
“Think they’re going to attack?” Miko asks.
“They’re not sitting over there just to get a tan,” replies James. “At some point, this city will be attacked. It’s not a question of if, but when, and I want us to be prepared.”
“I understand,” Jiron tells him. He glances over to Miko and says, “Up for a ride?”
Miko nods his head and says, “Anything to get us out of here!”
James laughs at his enthusiasm. “What time is it anyway?” he asks.
“The sun’s been up for several hours,” replies Fifer. “Jiron thought it best if you slept as much as you could.”
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