When Scimitar lifted his head, I unsaddled him. I dropped the saddle onto the ground, removed his blanket and threw it over Hecate. I picked up the saddle, put it on Hecate and adjusted it.
I sat back on my haunches, appreciating the stillness while Scimitar and Hecate began pulling and chewing long blades of grass. Eating was a good idea. I stood up and pulled some cold meat and bread out of my pack. Leaning against a tree, I ate slowly and watched the sun come up.
“Time to go. We have a long day ahead of us.”
The morning was still cool but I knew it would warm quickly and didn’t want to stop again to remove my duster. Pulling my coat off, I folded it as small as I could before replacing it in my clothing bag. Before mounting, I stretched and twisted. I was going to be sore tonight.
Scimitar didn’t seem to mind my riding Hecate. I ducked low riding back through the sparsely growing trees to the wide road. Not surprising considering the early hour, the road was still empty. As we came onto the road, I clicked to encourage Hecate into a trot.
After thirty minutes, I pressed her into a gallop. Initially, I was shivering but, as I’d anticipated, I quickly warmed up as the sun rose and beat down. Hecate huffed but showed no strain as she ate up the miles with Scimitar keeping pace.
We came over a small hill and I saw a mule drawn cart below us. Reluctantly, I slowed our pace to a trot. It would be rude to fly past the wagon, kicking up dust and dirt. I tipped my head as we passed a worn farmer with a wagon full of wheat.
Just past the rear of the wagon, I swore and turned Hecate around. We had to get to Florenza but the ships I’d seen were at least a week out. I couldn’t let the farmer get killed when I could prevent it.
“Hold up!”
The farmer looked back to make sure I was talking to him. He pulled up as I came up next to him.
“Where are you going?”
“To the Seguna market.”
“There won’t be a market this week. They were attacked yesterday, and the town is devastated. I can ride with you part of the way. There may be some thieves from the contingents that attacked Seguna.”
The man’s face paled.
“Who are you?”
“Lord Pierce-Seahorn. I am on my way to Florenza at King Stefano’s direction, so I can’t stay with you too long but it should be long enough to see you safely home.”
“Thank you, my lord.”
The man shakily turned the mule around in the wide road. He had barely gotten the wagon turned around when I saw three men emerging from the forest. They were oddly pale with dirty blond hair. It appeared the false story I’d fed the farmer was proving true.
I pushed the darkness down. The best way to subdue the dark was physical activity. I was eager for a fight and Hecate stamped impatiently beneath me. I dropped Scimitar’s reins.
“Hurry back to your home!” I shouted as I pulled my sword free and raced to meet the would be robbers.
I slashed at the first man who met me. My sword met his with a strong reverberation up my arm. Before he had time to react, I drove my blade into his chest.
Pulling back quickly, I whirled and parried the next blade before bending low over Hecate and wheeling her to face the third man. Before the man could turn to meet me, I dug my sword deep into the back of his neck, nearly severing his head.
With a roar of fury, the last man charged, whirling an axe over his rather large head. Again, I dipped low and drove my blade under his arm and into his heart. The back of his axe bounced against and numbed my left arm as he dropped from his horse with a heavy thump.
I tried to shake the numbness from my arm as I collected the three horses. They were fine war horses and I had no intention of leaving them despite the fact it would slow my trip. Adrenaline was still racing through my body.
Dismounting, I quickly collected the dead men’s weapons and tied them onto one of the horses. Gradually, my pulse steadied and I used my sight to ensure there were no others hiding. I removed the saddles and blankets before roping the three horses together and behind Scimitar. After a final check, I remounted and continued to Florenza.
Chapter 15
I inhaled deeply. I felt light and bright. I sighed blissfully as I gazed down upon Vernonia.
“How do you feel, Conran?”
“Just as I did when I was a boy playing hooky, Ilena!”
“That’s good but you must be careful not to use the darkness too often. You risk it consuming and taking you over.”
“I won’t. I didn’t summon it. It just rose up when I destroyed the raiders’ ships.”
“That’s disturbing. Use your bracelet for protection and to suppress all the darkness you absorbed from Ganthor and Raven. I worry it will subsume you.”
Eager to shift the subject, I stood and gestured at the seaport below us.
“Thank you traveling here to cleanse me. Are you ready to explore the town?”
At her nod, I reached out a hand to help her up. We slowly made our way down the grassy hill.
“How much longer will you remain here, Conran?”
“I hope to return to Florenza within a few days. I found a room in town if you can stay, so I can escort you back.”
“I would like that. I don’t have to be at court and your commander has already absconded with Silvesto.”
Relief and happiness suffused me. Having a friend would make my stay bearable. I smiled at Ilena.
“His battle experience is invaluable when the country is under attack.” Concerned about sharing too much, I shifted topic, “We should collect your things and I’ll take you to the inn. Your room is just up the hall from mine. How is Jamila?”
“She is learning embroidery like a proper lady. She has adapted well to Florenza. I believe she enjoys Florenza as much as I.”
She slipped her arm through mine as we walked up the cobblestone street. The smell of saltwater and rotting fish wafted in the air. Lady Ilena lifted a small vial of perfume to her dainty nose.
“Our inn is on the other side of town. The air is fresher, which may be why the Commander recommended it.”
“Conran, was Seguna as bad as I have heard?”
“Probably worse,” I murmured. “I have never seen such butchery of innocent people…” My words died as I recalled the horror of what I’d seen. I certainly didn’t want to go into further detail with Ilena.
“Did any of the attackers escape?”
“Three almost did but they made the mistake of coming into my range.” I failed to keep the boast out of my voice.
Fortunately, Ilena didn’t chastise me. I started laughing when I saw Ilena’s carriage. There was a small and large trunk tied to its rear. She pulled her arm from mine indignantly.
“I knew you would need me to stay. You cannot expect me to wear the same dusty clothes I arrive in or work in!”
She sputtered before dissolving into laughter.
“The large trunk is empty. I hoped I would have time to shop while I was here. You didn’t think I would stay cooped up in my room?”
“Of course not,” I replied smiling as I handed her up into the carriage. “Perhaps I can accompany you when the commander excuses me.”
I gave the driver the address before getting in and sitting beside Ilena. I’d barely sat before the carriage took off with a lurch. Lady Ilena and I exchanged wry looks before she went back to our interrupted conversation.
“I can manage on my own as you likely will be as busy as Silvesto.”
“I don’t want you traveling alone. I will ensure that Commander Harnois understands he can only have one of us at a time.”
“Is that wise, Conran?”
“He is a very reasonable and understanding man. We aren’t under his command and he is very appreciative of the help we’ve provided thus far. I’m sure he will agree that one of us should be available to escort you.”
We were soon at the modest inn. After helping Lady Ilena down, I walked to the rear of the carriage to untie her trunks. A stocky, swarthy man r
ushed up.
“May I be of assistance, Sir?”
“Certainly. Can you take the large trunk up to Room 4 on the second floor?”
With a nod, the man hefted the large trunk and strode familiarly into the wide inn door. I lifted the small one to my shoulder and ushered Lady Ilena to precede me. I weaved my way through the tavern tables and shifted the trunk before ascending the narrow, creaky stairs.
When the innkeeper recognized me, he signaled a man to take the small trunk from me before racing up the stairs and squeezing his way past our porter. Ilena and I followed more sedately. A wide, sparkling window illuminated the well-polished, worn stairs. The innkeeper opened the dark, aged door and ushered Ilena in with a low bow.
“I’m Rory Calhoun, Lady Ilena. Please let my wife or I know if you need anything.”
I directed the man to set the small trunk at the foot of the large, brocade covered bed. It certainly was a nicer room than mine, which relieved me. I generously tipped both men who’d positioned the large trunk out of the way against the near wall.
“Thank you, Sir!” The first porter declared. “If you ever need me again, I’m usually close by. Name’s Tavey,” he bellowed loudly, making me wince.
The innkeeper had raised his voice to point out all the available amenities to Ilena. I knew she found all the noise as unbearable as I did. Fortunately, the second man just pulled his forelock before quietly leaving.
“I will remember, Tavey,” I assured him as I guided him out.
Mr. Calhoun soon followed. The room was suddenly calm and quiet. I sighed in relief.
“It was quite a cacophony, was it not?” Ilena commented drolly. “I know they meant well.”
“Would you like to go for a walk after you unpack? You can see what shops are in the area.”
“That sounds perfect.”
Twenty minutes later, we were strolling along the busy road, being jostled and crushed by the people. Such a change from the desolation of Seguna. The salt air here wasn’t tainted by rotting fish but sweat from citizens and raw sewage running along the cobbled road.
I felt overwhelmed by the crowd and smells. I knew it was worse for Ilena. I remembered a bright gold lettered tea room just ahead.
“Would you like high tea instead of supper?”
“Sounds perfect! Where is it?”
“Just ahead.”
I pulled Ilena’s arm close to me and pushed our way to the edge of the crowd. Once there was a break in carriages, we raced to the opposite side of the street. Fortunately, the press of people seemed lighter.
“Will high tea be enough food for you?”
“If not, I will eat more when we return to our inn. Mrs. Calhoun said they always have ample provisions for their guests. Silvesto may be back by then and he will appreciate a dinner companion.”
“Oh, he will, will he?” Lady Ilena laughed. “I’m glad there are fewer people on this side of the road. I didn’t expect it to be so busy.”
“It is, which is why I don’t want you shopping alone. Many seaside towns are full of unsavory characters.”
“Sounds like a bad seafaring novel, Conran. Besides, I remember how fond you are of accompanying ladies while they shop,” Ilena teased.
“I’m willing to suffer the torment to keep you safe,” I joked back. More soberly, I added “I’d like you to help me select something special for Jamila, too.”
Ilena smiled approvingly as she squeezed my hand. I was glad she didn’t say anything. Before she could reconsider, I announced “Here we are.”
I opened the beautifully carved door. A formally dressed lady immediately greeted us.
“You are just in time for our next seating. Would you like a table by the window or a private alcove?”
“Ilena?”
“A private alcove, please.”
“Of course. Marie, please take them to the Mystic Blue Corner.”
A small lady dressed in black with a lace apron, lace jabot and a delicate, lacy cap bobbed and led us through the busy room. Silverware clinked demurely against flowered china. The smell of food wafted behind black and white attired waiters pushing small carts between the tables.
Marie pulled royal blue curtains back to show us a small table covered by a snowy white tablecloth with two elegant settings. I pulled Ilena’s seat out before squeezing around the small space to sit on the second cushioned chair. Marie dropped the curtain back. Lite candles on the wall and table illuminated the elegant niche.
“This is very pleasant and secluded.”
Before I could respond a waiter drew back the curtain and smoothly set a steaming teapot next to Ilena and three large platters of food between us.
“May I pour you a cup of our house specialty?”
“Yes, thank you.”
“I recommend the brown sugar and cream with this tea,” he said in a deep voice as he placed a knit cozy over the teapot. “Please remove the cozy and place the lid upside down when you are ready for your next pot which will be a floral black tea. If you need anything, just open one side of the curtain to let me know.”
“Thank you. I’m sure we will be fine.”
“I didn’t realize this place was so fancy. I feel underdressed, Ilena.”
“No one stared at us, so I think we are fine.”
“You always look elegant,” I commented as she graciously served me savories from the first china plate. I waited until she had served herself before I bit into a meat pasty.
“Mm. This is delicious but I doubt these small servings will fill me.”
“I think you will be surprised, Conran.”
Ilena sipped delicately at her tea, watching me over the gilded rim.
“I know you want to ask, so please do.”
“I’m not sure that you can tell me.”
“We have no secrets and I haven’t been instructed to hide anything. Are you worried about the invading ships, Ilena?”
“I am. Are you sure there aren’t more that will attack King Drexel’s kingdom?”
“King Stefano sent several pigeons with messages to warn him but I only saw three additional warships. Not to boast, but I feel assured they can be destroyed.”
An uneasy feeling suddenly gripped me. I stared into Ilena’s violet eyes and saw worry sweep across her face. I quickly lifted my bracelet as I felt Ilena casting a protective spell about us.
We waited but the curtain wasn’t thrown open. My left hand stroked the Druid’s Egg as I kept my right one upheld. Colored lights sparkled in the air before me until the picture clarified. I saw an old wizened woman with stringy grey hair and long, thick, yellow nails like talons. Her dirt darkened skin and filthy, wrinkled clothing made several customers draw back in disgust.
A waiter quickly approached her but she sent him flying with a casual flick of her hand, followed by crashing of china as he fell against a cabinet. Shaking my head clear, I stood.
“Conran, what is it?”
“A witch or sorceress in the dining room. Stay here. I’ll take care of her.”
Ilena shot me a disgusted look. I knew she’d follow me out to help support me. I slowly pulled the brocade curtain open just enough for us to see out.
The dark woman’s malevolent eyes met mine. Before she could do anything, I whipped an invisible rope around her throat and pulled it tight with a jerk. Her black eyes bulged and her hands tore at her neck, ripping long scratches into her throat.
Worried, I started to loosen the rope when Ilena hissed, “Don’t you dare!”
Ilena murmured a quick spell and the woman’s arms snapped to her sides. Her eyes darkened in fury as she tried to retaliate. I hated to display magic in public but as I delved into the stranger, all I found was darkness that reminded me of Ganthor.
“I think she’s all evil,” I murmured.
“I agree. Do you want me to kill her?”
I shook my head and jerked the invisible line with a snap. The woman’s body dropped to the floor as I felt dozens of eyes st
aring at us in horror.
“I think our nice teatime is over,” Ilena said softly.
The lady who had greeted us at the door rose from where she’d been bent over a man who’d been thrown.
“Gabriele, Antonio! Move this woman to the back. Tony, fetch the doctor and sheriff.”
She walked quickly back to usher us back to our alcove. Pulling the curtain closed behind her buxom form, she tucked a loose lock behind her ear with a shaking hand.
“Thank you! That woman is...was a demon. No one here will betray you. We’re all well rid well of her!”
“What did she do?”
“Senora Legnica has been extorting money for neigh onto two years. Yesterday she came but Giovani is new and didn’t know to capitulate. He refused her demands. I knew she would return in a fury. I don’t know who you two are or how you did what you did but I’m thankful. I fear what she would have done without your interference.”
“You are very welcome. I hope the law sees it your way,” I said.
“Legnica has terrorized many for far too long. As I said, none here will betray you. The only marks on her are what she did herself. The way I see it, she had a fit in the middle of my tearoom and fell down dead.”
She looked down at our tea service.
“Please finish your tea. I will have your server bring you a fresh, hot pot of tea. Please accept your tea with my compliments.”
“That is not necessary, Mrs.--?”
“Mrs. Fiore and I insist. You have done me a very great service.”
She glanced again at the plates between us.
“I will bring you another plate of the hot items. I suspect this isn’t enough food for you,” she said with a smile at me.
“He was planning on eating more later,” Ilena acknowledged.
Embarrassed, I started to protest but stopped as both ladies began laughing.
“That would be welcome, Mrs. Fiore.”
She left with a rustle of skirts, dropping the heavy drapes behind her
“This has not been the peaceful tea time I had anticipated, Ilena.”
“No, but we have done some good.”
“Unfortunately, not in a very subtle or private way. I worry the story may spread through the town. I think we should try to leave tomorrow.”
The Sigil of Sobek: Book 2 The Chronicles of Conran Page 21
