Stranded Mage (18 page)

Reeve pulled out a folded piece of yellowed parchment. “We are still more than a fortnight away from the capital but now we have a map.”

Thad took the parchment and opened it to find that it was a map of Rane. It was well made and showed many towns throughout the country. Then Thad noticed the small red fingerprint in the northeastern part of the map. It made his stomach jump again but he soon realized that given the distance from the port it was most likely their current position. “What about the soldier?”

Reeve's eyes narrowed and he gave Thad a hard stare. “We can’t leave witnesses behind,” Reeve replied, coldly.

Thad nodded his head as all the blood seemed to rush from his body and a coldness overtook him, making him shiver slightly.

Within a quarter of an hour they were back on the march. Thad noticed more than a few sleepy-eyed elves who walked along in a daze but most were alert looking for possible attackers. Thad looked to the east but still could not see any hint of the rising sun. If only it would rise maybe it could chase some of the chill that had settled in his bones.

Did you think that the only ones you would have to face would be men?

“No but I just didn’t think…,” Thad trailed off his voice weak even to his own ears.

Then you better think harder. They might be called the Brotherhood but I am sure that your blade will have to meet with more than one female along the way, and if you are not prepared for it then you should turn back now.

Thad didn’t reply. In truth he had nothing he could reply with. His staff was right, but could he ever bring himself to kill a woman when he was not in the heat of battle? The question weighed heavily on his heart as he shuffled along.

The group marched on, sleeping only when it was needed. With the map to aid them they were able to stay away from town, though they had ran across a few farms. Their stores of supplies were beginning to run low but thankfully their hunters had found plenty of wild game, but it was scarcely enough to feed the entire group. With little choice they headed for the nearest town on the map.

When they were only a few hours away from the town Parson sent two of his best men to scout out their surroundings. While they waited for the scouts to return the rest settled down to eat what few rations they had left.

Looking around it was easy to see the long journey had taken its toll on many of the elves who had spent the bulk of, if not all of, their life on the isolated island. Every night there seemed to be more arguments and the elves were starting to split away from each other, forming small groups. Thad had voiced his concerns to Parson and Reeve but they assured him it was the natural order. Elves were not a group oriented people and given their preferences most would live out their lives with only a choice few around them.

For the most part the elves kept their distance from him. Most nights not even Parson or Reeve would visit him though Tuck was still a constant companion at his campfire. Thad was not unused to spending his time alone but this was the first time he had been in a large group and still felt alone. He was starting to feel like a leper. Knowing a town was close made Thad’s heart race. He knew that as long as the town was not occupied by the Brotherhood that he and a few elves would go for supplies.

Standing at the edge of the makeshift camp Thad stared off into the distance, looking for any hint for the returning scouts.

I know what you are thinking and it is not a good idea.

Thad let out a heavy sigh. “I just plan to stop by the inn to hear the local gossip,” Thad replied defiantly.

We both know that isn’t the whole truth. I do not understand your need for the company of other humans.

“I don’t think I understand it either,” Thad replied honestly.

Time drug on as Thad waited for the scouts to return. When the two elves came into view Thad nearly leapt for joy. Thad hurried over to where Parson sat, eager to hear the scouts report first hand. The tall elves made good time and Thad was not left waiting.

“The town isn’t very large and it doesn’t seem to host any army from what we could see,” the scout reported.

Parson rubbed his chin with his hand, thinking silently. “Did you circle the town and look for tracks of large forces or groups of people that may have passed through recently?”

“We made a complete circle of the town and could not see any strange or unwarranted tracks. The road into town looked well-worn but it didn’t seem as if it had seen an abundance of recent wear,” the scout replied confidently.

“If you believe it is safe then I shall trust your judgment,” Parson said before turning to Thad. “Unlike our previous visits to town we no longer have the carts, and even the horses can only carry so much,” Parson said, picking his words carefully. “I think this time it would be prudent for all of us to march into town.”

“Don’t you think that is a bit more risk than is warranted?” Thad asked, hoping the hunter would rethink his position.

Parson shook his head and Thad could almost see his chance of visiting an inn for some idle gossip fade away. “Every time we enter a town we let the enemy know where we are, though I doubt they would have a hard time determining our location if they had a tracker worth half his salt. Even so the risks are great and I would like us to gather enough supplies to last as long as possible. Hopefully what we procure today will last until we can reach a good defensible position outside the capital.”

You know he’s right.

Thad wanted to argue but he knew he had no ground to stand on. Cursing inwardly Thad went back to grab his pack as the rest of the group prepared for the short march into town.

Their presence didn’t go unnoticed. As they neared the town it looked as if every person who lived there had come to greet them. Thad looked closely at the gathered force of men women and children and saw no small amount of weapons held nervously in their hands. Thad understood their fear. Who wouldn’t worry when a small force of over a hundred heavily armed golden skinned giants?

“I think we should have a word with the nice people gathered before we try and force our way,” Thad said to Parson and Reeve who walked beside him.

“Hold,” Reeve yelled as he held up his hand. “That might be a good idea. I don’t mind killing soldiers but I would not enjoy being forced to slaughter people trying to protect their homes.”

Thad, Parson, and Reeve continued forward while the rest of their force hung back, though not so far behind them that they couldn’t reach them in case things turned unpleasant. When they were less than fifty strides from the large mass of townsfolk a plump older man was pushed out in front of the group. The man’s face clearly showed that he wished he was anywhere else other than where he currently stood. “My good sirs… to what do we…owe the honor of your visit,” the pulp man stuttered as beads of sweat poured from his face like a tiny rainstorm.

“We have traveled a long way and we have found ourselves short on provisions,” Thad replied evenly.

Thad could hear mumbling from the townsfolk but it was impossible to tell whether it was for good or ill. The plump man turned back to his fellow townsmen and began talking and after a brief moment he turned back to face them. “We understand your request but… it would be unsettling to have such a large armed force within the town. If you could tell us what all you require… we would be more than happy to have it delivered to you.”

Thad looked at his two companions and they both nodded their heads in consent. “That would be agreeable, but me and my two friends here would like to avail ourselves of the town while we wait on the provisions.”

Thad nearly laughed when the portly man turned back towards the crowd and a fever of whispers and a few no so discreet shouts rose up from the crowd. When he turned back Thad noticed the man’s shirt had turned dark with sweat. “I am sure we can accommodate you,” the man replied shakily.

“I will join you momentarily. I need to let the others know what will be happening,” Parson said, his voice filled with no small amount of mirth.

Thad nodded his head to his friend then walked confidently forward. For a moment it didn’t look as if the crowd would let him pass but when he was only a step away they parted to let him and Reeve through.

With the small army making camp and the negotiations over, the townsfolk began to shamble off back to their own lives. Thad was happy to see that not all of the people had sour looks on their face but more than enough kept their unsociable disposition clearly written on their faces.

Thad's first stop was to the butcher though as he had suspected they had to wait for the man to return to his shop. The butcher was a large burly man with thick arms and Thad remembered him being one of the men who had forced the portly gentlemen out front of the group to speak.

“I need all the salted and dried meat you have available,” Thad said as soon as the man was back behind the counter.

“That’s a tall order friend,” The butcher said eyeing Thad curiously. “You have the gold to pay for it?”

Thad reached into the coin pouch at his side and pulled a nearly impossible amount from within its recesses. “I am sure I can cover the cost,” Thad replied with a taunting smile.

As they left the butcher shop Thad let his fingers run through the gold in his pouch. It still held plenty to make another hundred such purchases, but having been poor for most of his life, spending that much gold at once made him sick to his stomach. Before their next stop Parson had caught up to them, his face still beaming from the encounter at the edge of the town.

After the butcher they made stops at the local bakery, clothier, and general store. Thad had ordered much more than was probably wise but each time gold left his hand the faces of the shop owners changed from one of concern to one of gratification.

I think it is best if we leave the town,” Reeve said as they exited the last of their stops. “There is no reason to push our welcome.”

Thad’s mind rushed for any reason to stay even a moment longer within the confines of the town. “I think it would be prudent to stop and get a fresh meal as well as listen for any local news,” Thad replied quickly.

“That might not be a bad idea,” Parson replied. “Though it would be best we take care not to overstay our welcome.”

Thad hastily agreed, happy for even an extra moment around civilization. The town only had one large inn that doubled as a pub and eatery. Inside it was well packed with townsfolk talking about the day's events. As they entered the place became eerily quiet and all eyes focused in on the trio.

The penetrating stares were more than a little uncomfortable but Thad did his best to ignore them as he searched for a place to sit. They found a place not far from the outer wall and as soon as they were seated a nervous young barmaid greeted them. “Can I help you?” she asked, her voice broken and barely above a whisper.

“Bring us the special of the house,” Thad replied cheerfully, “and a round of ale for everyone.” At Thad’s mention of free drinks a few cheers went up but most continued watching them cautiously.

It didn’t take long for the barmaid to return with their food and drinks and Thad was sure that the proprietors of the inn were in the mind to get them to leave as quickly as possible. “The food is two coppers a piece and it will be three silvers for all the drinks,” The barmaid said, her voice still meek and unsure.

Thad dug out a gold coin from his purse and handed to the barmaid. “You can keep the rest,” Thad said smiling.

Thad watched as the young barmaid bit down on the gold coin and when she was sure it was real her face changed from one of trepidation to one of happiness. “Do you require anything else?” She asked, her voice now steady and confident.

Thad gave the girl a charming smile. “Information would be nice,” Thad said, leaning forward. “Have you heard any rumors that might be of interest?”

“Not much going on around these parts. We get quite a few merchants moving through but this time of year they are always in a rush,” she said thoughtfully. “There were a good sized group of guards through the other day but they were pretty tight lipped about their business tough if memory serves me they were asking around about rumors as well.”

Thad pulled another gold from his pouch and tossed it to the barmaid. “If you remember anything else please let me know,” Thad said continuing to smile.

The news of the guards moving through didn’t surprise him, though he did wonder if it had been one of the groups they had already met. Reeve and Parson ate quickly and Thad could tell they were in a hurry to leave town with haste. Thad tried to peck at his food but the glares the two elves gave him forced him to finish up his meal without dawdling.

Their bellies full and the supplies purchased they returned to the elves awaiting them just outside of the town. Though it had been a much shorter visit than he might have liked, the short amount of time within the town had lifted Thad’s spirits immensely. He didn’t know what it was about being around other humans. He didn’t have to talk to them, just being in their presence soothed his mind like a balm to a burn.

When they returned to the camp they found out that most of their supplies had already be delivered, all they were waiting on was the order from the bakery. While they waited on the last of the supplies the elves were already helping themselves to the fresh meat. It had been a long time since there had been enough food for everyone to get a full share. Now that there was abundance they were not going to wait around and stare at it.