Robert, Blade and Captain Haram stood in the prow of the Desert Fox and watched a pod of dolphins swimming in front of the ship. They almost seemed to make a game of seeing which one could get the closest to the keel without getting hit. They leapt and played on the spray like kids on a beach. Robert smiled and wished Shara could risk a trip up on deck to see it.
Turning away from the show Captain Haram said, “We’ll reach port tomorrow. I’d like to thank you again for your help.”
“It was our pleasure,” Robert said for what seemed the twentieth time in the last three-plus weeks.
After the slavers had sailed their little boat away, the crew had found and repaired the minor damage done by the ballista bolt. They had gotten lucky that it hit above the water line. Six men had been injured in the battle, only one seriously enough that he couldn’t work.
“Perhaps you could do us a favor in return.”
“Of course, my friends, anything in my power.”
“We’d like to borrow one of your longboats and land a few miles away from the city. There may be some unpleasantness if we show up there. You understand?”
“Of course, I know a place sometimes used by smugglers.” The captain cleared his throat. “Just tavern talk mind you.”
Robert smiled knowingly. “No doubt. Your men will take us there?”
Captain Haram nodded. “There may be trouble. The smugglers don’t trust newcomers.”
Blade cracked her knuckles. “Don’t worry about the smugglers.”
Captain Haram swallowed nervously.
Robert smiled. His sweetheart certainly had a way with words. “Let us know when we’re to disembark. We’ll be below packing our things.”
When they had moved out of earshot Blade asked, “What things? Everything we own is in two packs.”
Robert waved his hand. “That was just an excuse. We need to fix up a disguise for Shara. I don’t want anyone to get too good a look at her. No one paid much attention when we boarded, but a second look might jog their memories. When we reach the High Kingdom, we’ll need a disguise even more. I imagine everyone there is looking for her.”
“Good point. What did you have in mind for a disguise?”
“I don’t know. We haven’t got much to work with. A cloak with a deep cowl will probably be the best we can do. I’ll try and find something better in the city.”
They reached the bottom of the steps and turned down the little hall. “What do you plan to do for money?” Blade asked.
Robert grinned and reached inside his tunic to the hidden pocket and pulled out three gold coins. “They have friends.”
“Where’d you get those?”
Robert knocked on the cabin door. “We found a coffer of them over on the slavers’ ship. I took a handful for our trouble. The sailors didn’t mind when I mentioned some of it was for you.”
Shara opened the door for them and they stepped inside.
“Hey, kid. In a few hours you should be on your home soil, or sand as the case may be.”
Shara closed her eyes and sighed. “At last.”
“I thought you’d be pleased. Now we need to fix you up a disguise.” Robert looked around the cabin and his eyes finally settled on the thin green blanket on the floor next to the bench. It wasn’t much but at the moment they had little choice.
He picked up the blanket and gave it a shake. No mouse droppings went flying which he took as a good sign. Robert glanced at Blade. “Can you sew?”
She raised an eyebrow.
“Didn’t think so,” Robert said staring at the blanket. “Well I used to patch sails, so I guess the job’s mine.”
“Excuse me,” Shara said staring at him. “If you need something sewn, I know how. That was one of the things a proper lady must be able to do. Father insisted I learn even though my aunt swore Mother couldn’t sew a stitch.”
“Thank heaven for a classical education.” Robert went over to his pack and retrieved an oilskin pouch. He tossed it to Shara. “You should find everything you need in there.”
Blade gave him a funny look as Shara pulled out a needle and thread. “You carry a sewing kit with you?”
Robert shrugged. “How did you think the tent got fixed every time we found a new leak?”
Blade smiled and began putting her things in order.
It took about two hours before someone knocked on their door. “The captain is ready for you.”
Shara draped her crudely made cloak over her shoulders and brought the deep cowl up over her head. “Ready.”
“Okay, remember to keep your head down and don’t talk.”
“Don’t worry,” Shara said. “I won’t do anything stupid.”
“I know,” Robert said giving her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “But it makes me feel better if I remind you.”
Blade opened the door and Robert groaned when he saw Ako standing there. The kid probably wanted one last look at his dream girl. All they needed was a curious kid trying to get a peek at Shara’s face.
Robert shouldered his pack. “Lead on.”
He followed Ako up on deck. Shara came behind him and Blade brought up the rear. Robert spotted the captain and half a dozen sailors standing beside the longboat. Ako led them quickly over to the others. The coast was visible about half a mile out. Between patches of large jagged rocks was a small beach with what looked like two boats flipped upside down above the water line.
“Are those the smugglers’ ships?” Robert asked.
Captain Haram nodded. “More than likely. I checked with the farseer and couldn’t make out anyone in the vicinity.”
“Probably hiding out of sight,” Blade said.
“No sense waiting any longer.” Robert shook hands with the captain. “Thanks for the ride.”
Captain Haram pumped his hand vigorously. “Not at all, and thank you for everything. We would have been in poor shape when those slavers attacked without your help.”
You probably wouldn’t have been attacked at all if it weren’t for us. Robert kept that thought to himself.
Captain Haram shook Blade’s hand as well. “I wish you safe journey the rest of your way. May the angels watch over you.”
Robert grinned and stepped over the rail into the longboat. “They haven’t so far, but it can’t hurt to ask.”
Robert held out his hand to help Shara into the boat. When she reached out to take it Ako darted forward and grabbed her hand. He fell to one knee. “Lady, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. I know you are pledged to another but please tell me your name. I beg you.”
Shara gently removed her hand from his grasp. In a voice barely above a whisper she said, “You ask for more than I can give.”
Robert helped her into the boat and Blade came right behind. The four-man crew got in last. The longboat was lowered into the water then two of the sailors unhooked it. Two of them manned the oars while a third got in the rear and took the rudder. The last man stood in the prow and watched for rocks or coral that might punch a hole in the hull.
The sailors bent to their tasks and soon the longboat was pulling hard for shore. Robert kept his eyes riveted on the beach. He couldn’t see any sign of movement but that didn’t mean much. The smugglers could be hiding anywhere.
“Adjust to starboard,” the spotter called out. The man at the tiller obliged and a few minutes later the prow of the boat struck the soft sand of the beach.
Robert and Blade jumped out then turned to help Shara. When they were safely out the spotter said, “Safe journey.”
Robert waved. “Safe journey.”
The rowers heaved and the boat slid free of its tenuous grip on the sand. Robert watched as they faded from sight.
He sighed. “We’re on our own again. Let’s get moving before the owners of these boats show up.”
The two boats suddenly flipped over and four men armed with wicked curved daggers stood up. They were a nasty-looking quartet that appeared to be cut from the same cloth as the slavers, though none of them lacked any extremities.
“Too late I’m afraid,” said one of the men, a broad-shouldered fellow with rotten teeth.
“This here’s our beach. You want to use it you gotta pay us,” one of the others said.
Robert pulled Shara behind him. “We’re in a bit of a rush, gentlemen. Perhaps next time we’re in the neighborhood.”
“Yer gonna pay or we’ll kill ya and take our pay out of your pretty friends’ hides.”
Blade’s eyes narrowed and Robert swallowed a sigh. Of all the things the son of a bitch could have said, that was the one most apt to get him killed.
“I wish you hadn’t said that.”
Blade whipped her sword out and in the same motion slashed across Rotten Teeth’s eyes, turning them both to jelly.
She kept her momentum going and cut low on the man beside him, severing the tendon above his knee.
He fell to the ground screaming.
She leveled her sword at the other two who stared at her like she was a devil from hell come to claim their souls.
Rotten Teeth was screaming and blood leaked out from between his fingers where they covered what remained of his eyes.
“Why don’t you two throw those knives away and run along before she gets really pissed off?” Robert suggested.
The knives hit the sand and the two smugglers vanished like a bad smell.
“What about those two?” Shara asked.
“Let them bleed.” Blade sheathed her sword. “Perhaps their friends will return for them. If not it’s no great loss. Where to next?”
“Good question,” Robert said. “I’ve never been to this part of the country. Any ideas, kid?”
“Sorry,” Shara said. “I didn’t travel much. Father thought it was too dangerous.”
Robert ran a hand through his hair. “Let’s head further inland. Maybe we’ll come across something.”
They left the beach and headed east. About an hour’s travel brought them to a grassy plain. This close to the water, Robert figured there must be more rain than further inland where desert dominated everything. In the distance he could see rolling hills that turned into true mountains. Most of the storm clouds were probably stopped by those mountains.
They walked for another hour before they hit a path. It resembled the cart path that led to Reaper’s Crossing except not as well used. It was basically a shallow rut worn in the ground. Still, this was the first sign of life they’d seen since leaving the beach.
“What do you think?” Robert asked. “Do we follow the ruts or strike out on our own?”
“Let’s follow the tracks,” Shara said. “Maybe we’ll find an inn. I could really use a bath.”
Robert lifted his arm and sniffed. Turning his head quickly away he said, “Sounds good to me. Blade?”
“After a month on sea rations, I could stand a decent meal. I say we follow the tracks.”
That settled things and the little group headed north on the wagon tracks. As far as Robert could see in either direction was nothing but grass and the occasion clump of stubby trees. They trudged on for hours without seeing a soul.
Finally Robert asked, “Is it always this dead?”
“This is the cool season,” Shara said. “Traditionally the merchants do most of their desert travel this time of year. It’s the only time the desert can be crossed in anything approaching comfort. Travel along the coasts will pick up later along with the temperatures.”
Dusk had almost arrived when they finally spotted a wisp of smoke rising ahead of them. Feeling hopeful, Robert forced his tired body to move a little faster. As they got closer the source of the smoke became visible, it was a large building with three chimneys. The place was built like a fort with an eight-foot wall surrounding a three-story main building. Robert could make out at least four people marching around the top of the wall.
“Looks more like a border fort than an inn,” Blade said as if reading his mind.
“A necessary evil,” Shara said. “Our towns are built to be as self-sufficient as possible so my father doesn’t have to send out regular patrols. The lands between towns can be quite rough, so when a would-be innkeeper builds his place, he builds it like a fortress. This gives the merchants a place to rest in safety and the guards a chance to unwind without having to keep watch.”
“I bet they charge for the privilege too,” Robert muttered.
“Consider the expense of building a place like that,” Shara said. “Just importing the wood costs a small fortune.”
“Looks like the best we can do,” Blade said.
Robert nodded. “Let’s check it out.”
They walked on toward the inn and as they got closer Robert could make out the crossbows the guards walking along the wall carried. The guards noticed them as well. When they reached the main gate a pair of them came over and pointed their weapons down at them.
“State your business,” one of the guards said.
“We’re travelers looking for a place to stay for the night,” Robert said.
“Let’s see your coin,” the guard ordered.
Robert reached into his pocket and pulled out a gold coin. He let it flash in the dying light. That seemed to satisfy the guard who hollered down for the portcullis to be raised. It clanked and squeaked but managed to get high enough for them to enter without ducking.
Inside the wall there was a large empty space surrounding the inn. Two tents were pitched near the right-hand wall. The inn itself was built of rough-hewn logs and looked like it could withstand damn near anything. Two more guards in leather armor and carrying cudgels flanked the door to the inn.
As opposed to the grim warriors on the walls these guards smiled and held the door open for them.
“Welcome to the Bubbly Wine Inn,” the guard on the left said.
“If you need a room just ask the big bartender,” the guard on the right added.
Robert nodded and led his two companions inside. Despite its massiveness the inn appeared to be laid out like most other inns Robert had visited. The ground floor consisted of a large common room and kitchen. A bar ran the length of the far wall, and behind it stood two bartenders. One towered over seven feet, while the other’s head was just visible.
“I see why they call him the big bartender,” Shara said.
They approached the bar and the giant came to meet them. “Can I help you?” he asked, his voice a deep bass rumble.
“We’d like a room please,” Robert said.
“Just one for all three of you?”
Robert nodded. “With a fireplace if possible.”
A slow smile spread across the giant’s face. “You want a little romance.” He gave Shara and Blade a look and the smile broadened. “You’re a lucky man. We have one room with a fireplace. It’s five gold pieces for the night and includes breakfast. There’s also a tub if you want a bath.”
Robert plunked down seven gold coins, half his treasure from the slavers’ ship. “Please send up some meat, bread, cheese, and fruit in about an hour.”
“Of course.” The giant snatched up the coins and dropped them in a box behind the bar. He also grabbed a brass key and handed it to Robert. “Room ten. Top of the stairs, turn right.”
He leered at them but refrained from making any further comments.
Robert and his companions went upstairs. He could feel the bartender’s eyes on them the whole way. He unlocked the door to their room and ushered the others in.
The room was well-appointed with two beds, a desk and chair, and the fireplace Robert had wanted along with a bucket full of black coal. In a separate room off the main room was an iron tub. A small pile of clean towels was stacked beside it.
When they had the door locked behind them Shara said, “That bartender thought the three of us were, you know.”
Robert nodded. He and Blade began checking the walls for hidden doors and peepholes.
As they made their way around the room Shara asked, “Why didn’t you tell him he was wrong?”
Robert shrugged. “It doesn’t matter what he thought. If I’d kicked up a fuss, he might have been more apt to remember us, this way we’re just another group out in the country for a little fun.”
“I’m more interested in why you went to the extra expense of getting a room with a fireplace,” Blade said.
“I’m going to do a little smelting this evening. I need the fire to do it.”
“Smelting?” Blade and Shara said at the same moment as if unable to believe their ears.
“Yeah.” Robert heard a hollow sound under his dagger. “Found something.”
Blade moved to join him. “What have you got?”
She started tapping her dagger along the wall. It took them about a minute to define the boundary of the hidden door.
“I don’t see a peephole,” Robert said.
Blade probed the bottom of the door and found a slight crack. She got the tip of her dagger in it then kicked the hilt twice, driving the blade deep into the wood wedging the door shut.
“Let’s see anyone sneak in now.”
“Who wants the first bath?” Robert asked.
Shara scampered toward the tub. “Me.”
Robert dried his hair and gave a contented groan. Never a fiend for cleanliness, he still felt better after washing off about a month’s worth of sweat and grime. The tub was most fascinating. It was enchanted so that it would fill on command with hot water then drain at a second command.
Robert tossed his towel in the pile on the floor and dressed in his cleaner clothes. After riding around in his backpack it wouldn’t be fair to call them clean, but they were a considerable improvement over his filthy, bloodstained outfit. He left the bathroom and entered the main room just as a knock sounded on the door.
Blade hopped to her feet from where she was reclining on one of the beds and grabbed her sword.
Robert waved at her. “That’ll be our dinner.”
He opened the door and sure enough there stood a burly fellow carrying a heavy covered tray. Robert took it from him. “Thank you, would you mind returning in an hour or so to get these dishes?”
The waiter grunted and turned to leave.
“I’ll take that as a yes,” Robert called after him.
He uncovered the tray and found a steaming platter of roast meat, a pyramid of cheese and a loaf of crusty bread. Robert smiled and helped himself to a piece of meat. He was a little disappointed at the lack of fruit but everything else looked great.
A bite of the meat sent juice running down his lips. After weeks of jerky it tasted wonderful.
“I guess you get what you pay for.” He smacked his lips.
“Why don’t you tell me about this smelting business that cost us seven gold coins,” Blade said.
Robert reached into his pack and dropped one of the hunters’ medallions on the table. “These are solid silver and probably worth three times as much as the gold we had combined before I bought the room and meal. Unfortunately, as they are now, they’re only worth about half their true value.”
“Why is that?” Shara asked around a mouthful of sandwich.
Robert beamed. “Excellent question. You see no merchant in his right mind would accept a hunter’s medallion as payment, so I’d have to sell them to a fence who’d only give me about half what they’re worth. If I melt them down myself, I can get their fair value. That’s why I wanted the fireplace.”
They finished their meal and Robert saved some bread and cheese. When the knock came on the door he answered it.
The grumpy waiter was standing there. Robert handed him the tray and empty platters. “Would you mind bringing us up a small pot? We’ve got some cheese and bread left and I thought we’d make a fondue.”
The waiter grumbled until Robert held up a silver coin. “Please.”
The now-smiling waiter hurried off to get the pot. When he returned, Robert flipped him the coin and took the small steel pot. It only looked big enough to do one medallion at a time, but Robert figured the steel would hold up better than iron or copper so it was probably best.
“Now I’m going to need an assistant,” Robert said.
Shara raised her hand. “Me, pick me.”
“Okay.”
Blade rolled her eyes. “Terrific, you can teach her to be a fence just in case the whole princess thing doesn’t work out.”
Robert grinned and began building up a pile of coal. When the fire was burning steadily he handed Shara a small bellows. “Blow on the base of the fire until it gets going good.” While Shara was tending the fire Robert removed one of the drawers from the desk and ripped the back off. He carefully carved two rectangular depressions about half an inch deep by four long and two wide. By the time he’d finished, the coals were glowing cherry red.
“That looks good.” Robert took one of the medallions, put it in the pot, and set it on the coals. “Okay, kid, make with the bellows.”
Shara pumped and soon the bottom of the pot turned bright red. She kept at it and Robert watched as the silver began to soften. He smiled and wiped the sweat off his face. By the time they finished everyone would probably need another bath.
“That’s enough.” The silver had liquefied now.
Robert wrapped the handle in leather and gingerly took the pot off the coals. He’d judged the size of his molds pretty close and only a few drops of silver remained when he’d filled them both.
When they finished the last medallion it was nearing midnight and only a handful of coal remained in the bucket. Robert grinned as he looked at the small pile of ingots sitting on the floor beside him. Not a huge amount of wealth, but if he acted prudently, it should get Shara home.
He looked over at her where she slept. It was hard to believe anyone could wish to harm such a sweet kid.
Robert stripped off his sweaty clothes and crawled into bed beside Blade. The cool silk sheets felt wonderful against his flushed skin.
“All done?” Blade whispered in his ear.
“Yeah, I’m going into the nearest city in the morning. With any luck I’ll be able to get what we need and be back in a day or two.”
“The only luck we’ve had has been bad.”
“Don’t remind me,” Robert mumbled.
“Bobby.” Robert felt Blade’s foot slide along his calf. “When this is over we should come again for a private visit.”
Robert smiled in the dark. “It’s a date.”
Robert woke as the first rays of dawn were filtering through the window. He wiggled carefully out of bed so as not to bother Blade. She groaned a little but rolled over and went back to sleep.
He looked down at her and smiled. When she slept, all the tension went out of her face. She looked even more beautiful than usual. Though he would have loved nothing more than to spend the rest of the morning looking at Blade he had more pressing matters to attend. Robert threw on his clothes and left the cozy little room, locking the door behind him.
Downstairs in the common room, the smell of fresh bread filled the air. A score of men clustered around three tables. Most of them looked like warriors but two of them wore fine robes.
Robert headed over to the bar. The giant was absent but his small associate hurried over to see what Robert wanted.
“Can I help you, sir?” the little man asked.
Robert placed his order and the bartender went to the kitchen. A few minutes later he returned with a platter of sweet rolls, some bacon and honey, and a pitcher of mead.
“There you are, sir.”
“Thanks.” Robert nodded toward the group gathered in the common room. “Caravan?”
“Yes, sir, they got in about an hour after you.”
“Where they headed?”
The bartender looked around the room, not wanting to meet Robert’s eyes. “Well…”
Robert reached into his pocket and produced a silver coin. “Well?”
“They’re headed to Port Dalton. The merchant said something about picking up a load of copper pans.”
Robert flipped the bartender the coin. “Thanks.”
As he carried the food up the steps he thought sneaking into the city would be much easier as part of a caravan. He’d never visited the city with his father, so it must be one of the smaller ports. That suited his needs perfectly.
When he reached the door to their room he realized he wouldn’t be able to open the door with his hands full.
“Hey Blade, open up.” He gave the door a crack with his foot.
The door opened and Shara said, “Shh, you’ll wake the neighbors. Ooh, sweet rolls.”
She helped herself to one of the gooey treats.
Robert set the platter down on the table. “Where’s Blade?”
“Washin’ up,” Shara said around a mouthful of roll.
Robert grinned and helped himself to a strip of bacon. “Your manners are going straight to hell.”
Shara eyed her next victim without comment.
Robert was nibbling his second strip of bacon and Shara her third roll when Blade emerged from the bathroom.
“Just in time,” Robert said. “If you’d taken much longer the kid would have finished all the rolls.”
Shara scrunched up her nose at him and shoved the rest of the roll in her mouth. Blade ignored the chatter and poured herself a mug of mead. “When are you leaving?”
“A caravan rolled in late last night. When I finish up here, I’m going to see if I can ride in with them. I figure it’ll provide a good cover.” Robert took all but two of his remaining gold coins and gave them to Blade. “This should cover you until I get back.”
“You should keep these. I’ve got enough to hold us.”
“If something should happen I’d rather you had a little extra.”
“Nothing’s going to happen,” Shara said.
Robert gave her a reassuring smile. “I know, but I’ll feel better knowing you have it.” He grabbed his pack and said, “Wish me luck.”
Blade wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him for long seconds. Her lips tasted like honey.
She pulled away. “Good luck.”
“Good luck,” Shara echoed.
Robert nodded and left them alone. He didn’t know why he worried. Blade was better able to take care of Shara and herself than he was. Still, he worried just the same.
Down in the common room the merchants and their guards were still gathered around the table. Robert took a deep breath and headed over to the group.
“Excuse me,” he said addressing one of the merchants. “The bartender mentioned that you were headed to Port Dalton and I was wondering if you had room for one more.”
The merchant looked at his partner then said, “We can’t afford to hire another guard.”
Robert relaxed. If money was their only objection he was all set. “That’s all right, I’m not looking for a job. I’m headed to the city myself and I figured there’d be safety in numbers. I’m a fair shot with a crossbow.”
The merchant shrugged. “It’s only a day’s journey. I doubt you could cause much trouble. We leave in fifteen minutes. Welcome aboard.”
It took the little caravan a day and a half to reach Port Dalton. Robert rode beside a grizzled old teamster, a borrowed crossbow cradled in his arm. The wagon ride was rough, but it beat walking. The teamster, who said his name was Orik, chattered the whole way about the new granddaughter he was finally going to meet after this run.
Robert figured the trip took about thirty hours and the old man only paused his narrative to drink from a flask of pungent whisky, sleep, and eat. Robert had at first wondered why he’d gotten such an easy job. He guessed no one else could sit next to the old man for long without strangling him.
Robert sighed with relief when the walls of the city came into view. Soon he’d be able to leave his new companions, get the supplies he required, and return to Shara and Blade.
As they approached the gate three guards emerged from a little shack in front of the massive wooden doors. Two guards carried crossbows and the third wore a scimitar at his belt and appeared to be in charge. One of the merchants—they were brothers according to the ever-chatty Orik—climbed down from the lead wagon and approached the guards.
“Trouble?” Robert asked.
“Nah,” Orik said. “Just routine questions. If we had cargo they’d look it over, but since the wagons are empty the bosses just have to pay a three-gold-coin entry fee.”
As if to confirm this, the merchant counted out three coins to the guard and hurried back to his wagon. The lead guard motioned and the gate creaked open. When it stopped the guards waved them through. Orik nodded to the guards as they passed.
The city was laid out with one broad street paved with flat stones running from the main gate down to the docks. All the other streets branched off from it. Shops of all sorts lined the main street. As they made their way toward the docks Robert said, “Would you mind dropping me off at a tavern?”
“Sure, the Traveler’s Rest is about halfway to the docks. It’s clean and not too expensive.”
“Much obliged,” Robert said. For all his talk Orik wasn’t a bad guy, annoying, but not bad.
They rode through the slowly darkening city before finally coming to a stop in front of a small two-story building with a sign featuring a bed in the center and a foaming mug on either side.
“This is it,” Orik said.
The rest of the caravan stopped as well.
Robert unloaded his borrowed crossbow and eased the tension of the string. “Thanks for the loan,” he said handing it back to Orik. “Glad I didn’t have to use it.”
“Me too,” Orik said and the two men shook hands.
Robert clambered down off the wagon seat, his legs stiff after sitting on the hard wooden bench for so long. He made his wobbly way over to the door of the inn and was joined by the two brothers.
“I appreciate the lift into the city,” Robert said. He reached into his pocket and drew out two silver coins. “These should cover my share of the entry fee.”
One of the brothers, Robert couldn’t remember their names, shook his head. “Consider the entry fee our way of paying for your services as a guard.”
Robert pocketed the coins. “Thank you again, and best of luck with your copperware.”
The brothers smiled and climbed aboard their wagon. Robert waved as the caravan got underway again.
On his own, he entered the Traveler’s Rest and walked up to the bar. The common room was deserted. That suited Robert fine, the fewer people that saw him here the better.
“Ale please,” he said to the sweaty bartender.
The bartender plunked a frothy mug down in front of him. “You from around here?” he asked.
Robert took a sip of the warm ale and winced. It was the bitterest swill he’d ever tasted. No wonder the common room was empty.
“No, I’m actually on my way north and I need some supplies. Any recommendations?”
“Sure, there’s about a dozen places around should be able to fix you up. You can probably get a damn good deal too, not many caravans headed north these days.”
“Why is that?” Robert asked.
“Been a lot of fighting up that way. Nomads were up in arms about poisoned oases, then some warlord led an army down from the Broken Kingdom. Hell of a mess. If you can get through, your goods should bring a fine price.”
Robert took a last sip of the ale, more to be a good sport than because he wanted any more. “Where can I find these suppliers you mentioned?”
“Most of them are in the North Ward. If you have trouble finding them just ask a guard, they’ll point you in the right direction.”
“Thanks, how much for the drink?”
“Three coppers.”
Robert plunked a silver coin down. “Keep the change.”
The bartender snatched up the coin. “Thank you, sir, stop by again anytime.”
Robert smiled as he left the inn. He wouldn’t be stopping by for another drink that was certain.
While he had been busy gathering information, darkness had settled in over the city. He had no desire to be out on the streets after dark. Fortunately the main street was lined with inns. He chose one on the opposite side of the street and two doors up from the Traveler’s Rest. It would be interesting to see if anyone came looking for him. It seemed unlikely, but he decided safety was the prudent course.
Fully rested after a decent night’s sleep, Robert left his room and headed north through the city. He hadn’t gone far when the smell of cooking meat caught his attention. He followed his nose east and found an elderly woman with a push cart offering grilled sausage.
“How much?” he asked.
“Two coppers each,” said the white-haired woman.
Robert handed her his last silver coin. “Two please.”
The old woman looked away. “My apologies, sir, I have only two coppers for change.”
She looked like those two coppers were her last judging by the frayed, dirty smock she wore. “You can keep the difference.”
Her eyes widened a little. “That’s very generous, young man.” She stuck two sausages on a long wooden skewer and handed them to him.
As Robert leaned down to take the skewer he noticed a flash in the corner of his eye. He smiled and took his breakfast. He brought the meat up to his lips and glanced toward the flash.
Damned if there wasn’t a hunter walking down the street opposite him. The glint from his silver medallion had gotten Robert’s attention.
The sausage caught in his throat. There was no way they could know he was here.
When he finally managed to swallow he said, “Very tasty.”
Robert walked further up the street but the hunter didn’t pay him the least attention.
Despite a distinct lack of appetite, he forced himself to finish the sausage. Depending on how things went, he might not get another meal soon. Setting himself back on course, Robert headed toward the North Ward. The sooner he got the supplies they needed, the sooner he could return to the inn.
It didn’t take long for him to get totally lost. When he finally stopped it was in the middle of a residential area. As far as he could see there was nothing resembling a supply shop within five blocks. For the last half hour he’d been walking generally north. He couldn’t be that far off.
He spotted a small woman bundled in robes hobbling her way down the street. Robert walked slowly over so as not to frighten her.
“Excuse me,” he said. “Can you tell me if I’m near a caravan supply shop? I was told there were several in this part of the city.”
The woman looked startled at first, probably not used to strangers. She relaxed after a moment; no doubt his charming smile put her at ease. “You’re too far east, young man. All the caravans buy their supplies at one of the shops near North Gate. Head west and you’ll find them.”
“I see, thank you. Could you give me directions to these shops?”
She gave him a disgusted look. The one the old reserved for those younger than themselves.
She pointed toward the massive stone wall looming in the distance. “Go that way. When you reach the wall follow it west. You can’t miss North Gate. When you reach the gate you won’t be able to miss the shops.”
The old woman was right. As soon as he reached the gates he spotted the shops. Actually smelled was probably more accurate. The stench coming from the camels was incredible, no doubt because so many were packed into such a small place. The entire area looked devoid of customers.
Robert shrugged and selected the most prosperous-looking shop, in this case the one that had bothered to whitewash its walls. As soon as he entered, a little man with greasy hair slicked back from his forehead scurried over to greet him.
“Welcome, sir, welcome. I am most happy to serve you.”
Robert looked around the empty store. All manner of dry goods were stacked to the ceiling. “I’ll bet you are. I’m putting together a small caravan. I need four camels, food for four people and the animals for two weeks, five ten-gallon water skins and a large tent.”
“Ah, I see my wise customer has heard about the poisoned oases. A very good idea is bringing extra water with you. May I ask your destination?”
“Sure,” Robert said without elaborating.
He wandered around the shop selecting several boxes of dried food, a length of rope, and two heavy tarps. He carried the supplies over to a large table in the front of the shop. “I’ll need saddlebags for the camels as well. How soon can you have my animals packed and ready to go?”
“They could be ready in an hour, sir. As you see, we are not so busy. How will you be paying?”
Robert reached into his pack and plunked down four silver bars. “This should cover it.”
The merchant licked his lips as he stared at the silver. “Alas, that is insufficient. I will need at least three more bars like those.”
Robert dropped one more bar on the table. “Take it or leave it.”
The little merchant trembled, obviously wanting more.
“It’s not like you have customers beating down your doors,” Robert pointed out.
“Quite correct. Very well, I accept. I’ll prepare your animals and you can be on your way.”