Heading up to his room, he finds Dave asleep in bed just as Illan had said. Getting undressed quietly so as not to awaken his friend, he slips into his own bed and relaxes as he begins drifting off to sleep.
The following morning when they’re in the common room having a quick bite to eat before heading out, everyone seems to be mellowing toward Dave. Jiron still has an edge, but it’s beginning to soften somewhat as he gets to know him a little bit better. It’s unlikely he’ll ever have total trust in him, but as time goes on, James hopes he will.
They finish their morning meal quickly and are soon on the road. As they pass by the last of the buildings James sees someone standing against the wall of the last building, staring at their party. It’s the woman who the night before the innkeeper told to leave his place. When she notices him looking at her, she turns and runs away. Not looking back, she goes around the corner behind the building and is soon out of sight.
Odd, he muses to himself. Dismissing it as the vagaries of humanity, he returns his attention to the road ahead. Dave beside him begins whistling a tune from their world and he soon joins in.
The next two days fly by fast. By the end of the fourth day, the walls of Cardri come into sight. When the view first appears before them, James can hear a gasp from his friend Dave. Turning toward him, he sees the awe in his eyes. “Told you it was impressive,” he tells his friend.
“I know,” he replies softly. “But I never expected this.”
The scene before them is one of breathtaking beauty. Far away on the horizon, the sun lies low near the ocean, its light a dazzling display of sparkles upon the water. Ships of every size are either at anchor at one of the many docks lining the shoreline or upon the water under sail. The walls of the castle itself gleam in the light and the city surrounding it sprawls for miles in every direction.
To Illan, James says, “There’s an inn called the Silver Bells located within the second wall. I know the proprietress and it would be a good place to stay while we’re here.”
Shrugging, he says, “One place is as good as another.”
A branch of the Kelewan River flows to the east around the city before emptying into the sea. Just as they are about to ride onto the bridge spanning the river, Fifer points off to the east and exclaims, “Illan!”
In an area adjacent to the river, sits a large encampment of tents. The pennant flying from the largest of the tents bears the Empire’s insignia. “What are they doing here?” James asks.
“I don’t know,” replies Illan as he glances at him, a worried expression upon his face.
“Can’t have anything to do with me could it?” asks James.
“I wouldn’t think so,” he says. “Best to give them a wide berth. No sense looking for trouble.”
“I agree,” replies James. To the rest he adds, “While we’re in town, keep your ears open for what they may be doing here.”
“You got it,” replies Miko.
Just knowing they’re over there gives James a bad feeling. What could they be here for?
The evening crowd moving through the gates into the city is not very busy and they soon reach the gates. After a few brief questions by the guards on duty, they’re waved on through. Somewhat familiar with the layout of Cardri, James takes the lead and they work through the city to the gates in the second wall.
As they approach, the guards have them pause. “What business do you have here in Cardri?” one of them asks.
“I have an audience with the king,” replies James. “Plan to stay at the Silver Bells while I’m here.”
Nodding, the guard steps back and waves them on through. Passing to the other side, he gets his bearings and turns down the street in the direction of the Silver Bells. He’s not exactly sure he went the right way and when he sees the three silver bells hanging in front of the inn, he breathes an internal sigh of relief.
He brings them to a stop when they reach the front and then dismounts. “You stay here, I’ll be right back,” he tells the others. While he moves to the front door, they dismount.
Opening the door, he enters the inn and it’s just as he remembers it. Clean and opulent, expensive too if he remembers correctly. Off to one side, he sees Miss Gilena berating one of her workers over some infraction the poor man made.
“…think they grow on trees?” she asks the miserable looking man. “Next time be more careful or I’ll take it out of your pay. Understand?”
“Yes ma’am,” he says dejectedly.
“Now go about your work,” she tells him. He then turns and leaves, carrying a bundle of tablecloths. Turning, she sees James approaching and breaks into a broad, warm smile. “Well bless my soul,” she says, coming toward him. “I didn’t think to see you again so soon.”
“I have business here and am in need of three rooms,” he tells her.
When she reaches him, she wraps her arms around him and proceeds to give him a big hug. Disengaging himself from her embrace, he steps back a moment and asks, “Has Perrilin been by lately?”
Shaking her head, she says, “No. Most likely up to no good again. I swear that man can’t keep himself out of trouble.” She begins walking over to the counter where she keeps the room keys.
James takes out the golds she’ll need for the rooms and has them ready before she produces the keys for the rooms.
“You remember eh?” she asks with a smile. Taking the golds, she gives him the keys.
“I would be hard pressed to forget my last experience in your fine establishment,” he says.
Laughing, she replies, “True. So, what brings you to Cardri?”
“The king sent a summons for me to appear before him,” he replies.
“Why?” she asks, the smile fading from her eyes. “Nothing wrong is there?”
Shrugging, he says, “I don’t know. I was simply told to present myself before the Royal Court.”
“I hope it goes well,” she says, a worried expression now upon her face.
“Me too,” he agrees. “Be back in a bit,” he tells her as he turns to rejoin his friends out front.
“Good to see you again,” she says.
“You too,” he replies just before exiting through the door.
Out front, the others turn toward him as he leaves the inn. “We’ll take the horses around back and get them settled in,” he announces. “In the morning, I’ll go up to the castle to find out what’s going on.” Taking the reins of his horse, he leads them around to the stables.
Back by the stables, Gunther the stableboy shows them which stalls will be theirs. Once the horses are secured within their stalls, he gets pails of grain ready for each and then starts currying them.
James and the others make their way to the inn and enter through the back door. Taking the stairs, they head up to their rooms where they get settled in before going downstairs for dinner.
Miko is somewhat put out about having to share a room with Jiron. He would rather be sharing one with James, but his friend Dave has that honor. “I don’t see why he has to always get to be with James,” he complains to Jiron.
Turning to him, Jiron explains, “They’ve known each other a long time, far longer than any of us have known him. Besides, he still doesn’t speak the language very well though he is doing better.”
“I can’t believe you’re actually defending him,” states Miko.
Getting a slightly angry look on his face, Jiron says, “I’m not defending him, merely answering your question. I don’t like him.”
“Neither do I,” admits Miko. “I try to get along with him for James’ sake.”
“I know,” he says.
Knock! Knock!
“Come in,” hollers Jiron. James opens the door, his friend Dave is standing in the hall behind him.
“We’re heading down for something to eat,” he tells them. “You guys want to join us?”
“Sure,” says Miko as he heads for the door.
“Be down in a minute,” replies Jiron.
“Alright,” says James as he steps aside to allow Miko to pass into the hall. “See you in a bit.”
Illan and Fifer have just come out of their room and they all go downstairs where they find a table large enough for all of them. Several minutes later, Jiron joins them.
They order their food and are soon enjoying a meal of spiced ham, bread and assorted vegetables. A group of four musicians take the stage and before long the room is filled with rollicking music.
James sits back and enjoys himself, listening to the musicians and watching them play their instruments.
