Chapter 5

1.

 

 

 

SHIMROD RODE IN COMPANY WITH DHRUN TO LYONESSE TOWN, where Dhrun, with Amery, took passage to Domreis aboard a Troice cog. Shimrod watched from the quay-side until the tawny sails dwindled across the horizon, then went to a nearby inn and seated himself in the shade of a grape arbor. Over a platter of sausages and a mug of ale he considered the possibilities of the next few days and what might lie in store for him.

The time had come when he must take himself to Swer Smod, that he might confer with Murgen and learn whatever needed learning. The prospect did not lift his spirits. Murgen’s dreary disposition blended well with the somber and darkling atmosphere of Swer Smod; his sour smile was equivalent to another man’s wild frivolity. Shimrod knew well what to expect at Swer Smod and prepared himself accordingly; had he discovered good cheer and merry-making, he would have wondered as to Murgen’s sanity.

Shimrod left the arbor and went to a baker’s booth, where he bought two large honeycakes, each packed in a reed basket. One of the cakes was sprinkled with chopped raisins, the other was cast over with nuts. Shimrod took up the cakes and stepped around to the back of the booth. The baker, assured that Shimrod had gone to relieve himself, ran out to remonstrate. “Hold hard, sir! Go elsewhere for such business! I want no great chife in the air; it is poor advertisement!” He halted, looking right and left. “Where are you, sir?” He heard a mutter, a whimper, a rush of wind. Something whisked up at a blur and away from his vision, but of Shimrod there was naught to be seen.

Slow of foot the baker returned to the front of his booth but told no one of the event, for fear of being thought over-imaginative.