The next morning Thibalt woke with the same dreadful feeling. He kissed Miera on the cheek then headed downstairs. Knocking on Estallion's door, he found it empty and went to the kitchen. He took a long drink of water and wandered around, but could not find his friend. "That's odd," he muttered to himself.
Hearing a knock on the front door, he moved back to the hall. But Harrinus had already left his room and, rubbing his tired eyes, had opened the entrance dressed only in his breeches.
Estallion walked in from outside followed by another man with greying hair and a thick beard. "I believe you're missing a shirt," said Estallion to Harrinus, who shrugged away the remark with a tired yawn.
Thibalt approached them as Harrinus returned to his room. "Where have you been?" he asked.
"Out and about," replied Estallion, with a wink. "I have found you a new recruit. Meet Robeld Horty."
Thibalt stared into the man's eyes and was surprised. "Oldus," he said remembering the face of the man standing before him.
The old storyteller whom Thibalt had paid for a story on the road from Andron to Precedin smiled. "That is a name I use on the road, Thibalt."
Thibalt eyed the man and realised that he looked completely different compared to the last time that they had met. The hunched stature and ancient look was replaced by one that showed strength. But it was Robeld's eyes that had made Thibalt realise that he had met this man before. They still held the same astute glaze that suggested wisdom. "You look so different," Thibalt commented.
"It is always good to put on an act when travelling alone. You never want others to know your true identity." Robeld replied with a suggestive smirk.
Thibalt knew he was referring to the fact that he had placed his Miirvkin upbringing at their last meeting.
Estallion, who was confused by the conversation, remained silent, scratching his chin.
"I used to be a tracker in the King's army until I retired five years ago. Had a go at farming and did not take kindly to it. I was in Precedin before it fell and saw you in a tavern yesterday. So when I heard Estallion talking about this job, I thought you might need a hand."
"That is good news," said Thibalt. He had felt a moment of apprehension towards Robeld, but it had passed. There was something about him that Thibalt found trustworthy. "If you could report to the garrison in the eastern quarter tomorrow morning I would be very grateful."
"You will see me there," replied Robeld.
"Where did you find him?" Thibalt asked Estallion.
"Why, he was the man who sold me this house," replied Estallion.
Thibalt fixed a questioning gaze on Robeld. This man's sudden appearance and help seemed too good to be true. "What has sparked this sudden bout of generosity?" he asked.
Robeld's sudden smile betrayed a hidden secret. After a small chuckle he held his hands up. "Very well, I might as well tell you," he began. "Your father is a very old friend of mine, Thibalt. We grew up together in the streets of Andron. When you and your brother left the ranch he asked me to follow you to ensure that you didn't run into any trouble. When your paths split I chose to follow you as you were heading east. Generally there is more chance of running into trouble on the eastern highway."
"How did you manage to follow me without drawing my attention?" wondered Thibalt.
"I wasn't a tracker in the King's army for show," he replied. "Though after I lost your whereabouts in Precedin, I picked up your trail in Dunhelm and followed you here. My family has owned this house for a very long time and sadly there are few of us left. As I have no further need for it. I thought that you could use the space."
"In that case I do not know how to show my thanks," responded Thibalt.
"Don't concern yourself. I owe your father more favours than I care to mention. It is the least that I can do... Now I must go, I have a few things to sort out before I join you," said Robeld, turning with a wave and heading down the busy street.
Thibalt was amazed. "What a mysterious man. I will have to remember to thank him again," said Thibalt.
Estallion stretched his muscles and slapped Thibalt on the back. "Well, only three left."
Thibalt closed his eyes with a cringe. He did not want to think about finding three more soldiers, but he had little choice. "Well, we had best make a move. It's going to be difficult to find three more willing men."
"It would be less difficult to find two," called a voice from the hallway.
Thibalt swung around to find Borrin standing against the door frame. "I want to join your squad, Thibalt," he announced. "I was going to join the army anyway."
"And what does your mother have to say about this?" queried Thibalt.
"I think that I would rather have him under your watchful eye than some rash commander," called Evelyn from the kitchen.
Thibalt smiled. Though an overarching concern for Borrin's safety played on his conscience, he knew that both Miera and Evelyn would sleep more soundly knowing that he could keep an eye on the young man. "Thank you Borrin. I will speak with you later tonight."
Borrin returned the smile and stepped away.
Estallion patted Thibalt on the back. "See, it won't be as difficult as you think."
Thibalt let out a grunt, showing he was less than confident and then walked out the door. They headed through the streets, working their way amongst the crowds, offering work to any man who looked fit enough for it. Most men replied with annoyed grumbles and groans, a few even through punches for being bothered.
At midday Thibalt and Estallion moved into the market district in pursuit of a midday meal. Since the fall of Precedin, the crowds had grown uncontrollably and they were forced to push their way, often violently, through the throngs of people searching for food. The local guards that maintained order within the markets now hopelessly stood to the sides.
Passing a stall selling roasted spring lamb, Estallion impulsively sensed something out of the ordinary and moved to grab his purse. As he touched the small pouch on his belt he felt a thin hand and quickly took hold of the wrist. He swung around and found a small man that he was now holding tightly by the arm. He wore simple clothes, stained in many places, and had unkempt hair that had seen many nights without a wash. The rank odour leaking from the man caused Estallion to draw back in disgust.
"You little thief!" cursed Estallion. "Did you think that you were going to get away with that little sleight of hand? I know almost every thieving trick in the book."
The thief looked up at Estallion with loathing as Thibalt moved up to them. "Well I had to try. A man needs to eat," he replied in an uncouth, yet squeaky voice.
"Try working for your money rather than stealing it from the innocent," replied Thibalt.
"You think you know what it's like to live in the streets?" shot back the thief. "I live every day not knowin' whether today is the day I die or am thrown into prison. I've gone weeks without food and been beaten within an inch of my life. Don't tell me to work for money, I've been cast away by the gods."
"Then work for Captain Steelfist," replied Estallion, shaking the thief's wrist. "You want to be fed and clothed and have a dry straw bed to sleep on. Then work for the Captain."
The thief cast a suspicious look at them both. "You're trying to fool me."
"This is your last chance," said Estallion harshly. "Work for him or return to the streets to find your death among the rats."
The thief cast his eyes down. He looked as though he was about to curse, but then his shoulders slouched and his features turned resigned. "If you can guarantee me money...I'll work for you."
"What is your name thief? Or did your mother not deem you worthy of one," asked Estallion harshly.
"Skiddle," he replied. "That's what they call me in the streets."
"Do you know where the garrison in the eastern block is?" shouted Estallion, shaking his wrist once more. Skiddle nodded hastily. "Then show up there tomorrow morning. If you're not there I will comb this city to find you, and when I do, believe me that you will wish you had
been thrown into prison."
Estallion let go of the man's wrist and pushed him back into the crowd. They watched him run off down a side street and disappear into an alley.
"Will he show up?" asked Thibalt.
"I am sure of it," replied Estallion. "A man that desperate will not give up a chance to get some warm food and shelter."
"Yet can we trust him?"
"That's not my problem, Captain," Estallion replied smugly.
Thibalt rolled his eyes and followed Estallion to the stall where the irresistible aroma of lamb called to them. They continued their search throughout the day, scouring every inch of the city.
By nightfall, Thibalt once again grew disgruntled and was ready to give up. Realizing the futility in continuing their search, they both trudged back home and entered the house solemnly. Miera guided them to a feast of pork and bread in the dining room and left Estallion, Thibalt and Borrin to talk amongst themselves.
"Well that is it. I have only five men," said Thibalt with annoyance in his voice.
After a long silence Estallion spoke. "Well my good friend, I thought this might happen. So there is obviously only one thing to do."
"What are you thinking? Give up and try our hand at pottery," replied Thibalt plainly.
Estallion grinned. "Now that would be something...What I actually meant is that I will have to join your squad."
Thibalt looked up hopefully. "Do you mean it?"
"Of course," replied Estallion. "I could not let my friends charge into battle without me by their side. What would have happened to you at the ruins of Gastonile had I not been there?"
"But you told Harrinus that you would not fight."
"I told Harrinus that I would not become a captain. I never said that I would not fight. But there is one condition." Thibalt's face turned wary. "I will have to be your second in command."
Thibalt smiled. It seemed as though he had managed to find six recruits. And with Estallion at his side he felt slightly more confident of his ability be succeed. He raised his cup of wine along with Borrin and Estallion and let out a cheer. "To Steelfist's men. Let them be merry and drink whilst life is still simple."
Dawn of the Valiant (The Valerious Chronicles: Book One) Page 98
