their armies, no way to really know. I am sure we have spies within the Empire that may know, but I doubt if that knowledge would become available to the general population.”
“True,” James agrees.
“One thing is for sure,” the leader continues, “it has strained relationships between Cardri and the Empire. We are not at war with them, but I hear that we are helping Madoc in these dire times with supplies and possibly some troops, though that is only rumors.”
“Do you think we would go to war with the Empire?” James asks.
“Not unless directly attacked, I wouldn’t think so,” he replies. “Cardri has a fair sized army but nothing compared with the might that the Empire could put into the field. Now keep in mind, the troops they are keeping in their southern territories to keep rebellion in check, would be released to fight if we were to enter the conflict. The only hope Madoc has is if they overextend themselves and one or more of their southern territories were to think this would be a good time to rebel. Not likely to happen, but you never know.”
“Thanks for the information,” James says. “Maybe we’ll see you again, we’re planning on taking the Merchant’s Pass over into Madoc.”
“Then you better hurry,” he replies. “From what I understand, if Saragon falls then the Pass is to be closed and all traffic diverted north through Dragon’s Pass.”
“Why would they close it, if we’re not at war with them?” James asks.
“For safety,” the leader replies. “With both sides having armies in the field, it wouldn’t do to have our citizens traveling through the middle of it.”
“I suppose you are right,” admits James.
Finishing the last of his meal, the leader says to his men, “Let’s get going, we’ve got a long way to travel before this day is through.”
His men hurry with finishing the last of their stew. A couple of the soldiers take the remaining loaves with them, putting the bread in travel pouches hanging on their belts. As the leader gets up to leave, he pauses a moment and says to James, “If you are going over Merchant’s Pass, be careful. If the Empire finds you over there, they will treat you as spies most likely. Good luck to you both.”
“Thank you and safe travel to you and your men,” James replies.
The leader nods in reply then heads for the door, his men having already exited the inn. “I guess we should hurry ourselves,” he says to Miko.
“I agree,” the boy replies, “but do you still think it’s a good idea to travel over to Madoc? After all, you really don’t know where what you’re looking for is.”
“The risks have increased, but I still feel that I need to get over there and try to find the answers.” Looking at the worried expression on Miko’s face, he continues, “Don’t worry, we’ll be extra careful. If we stick together, we should be okay.”
“I hope so,” Miko says, not sounding very convinced.
“We should be going though, Trademeet is still a couple of days away,” James says as he gets up, placing the rest of the bread in his backpack for later. Miko comes to his feet as well and follows him out to the horses. They mount up and head through the streets of Lornigan. When they come to the junction Perrilin mentioned, where the trade road running north and south crosses the one to Trademeet, they take the north leg and in no time make it to the outskirts of town.
Not far past the last building, they come across a large open market consisting of dozens of tables and booths stocked with items offered for sale. Having never seen a market situated outside of a town, he hails a passerby. “Excuse me sir.”
The man stops and looks up at James, “Yes?” he asks, in a tone that makes it clear he is being bothered.
“Could you tell me what that is over there?” James asks pointing to the open market.
The man looks at James like he’s an idiot, “That’s the summer market.”
He starts to once again continue on his way when James says, “Sorry, just one more question.”
“What?” the man asks, he slows his pace but doesn’t come to a full stop.
“Why is it outside the town?” he asks.
“Because that’s the way it is, the way it’s always been for as long as anyone can remember. When the weather gets warm, they set up out here until it gets cool again.” This time the man quickly walks away, wanting to get away from bothersome questions.
“Friendly chap wasn’t he?” Miko observes, as he watches the man walk away.
“Some are just that way,” James says.
Indicating the market, Miko asks, “Are we going over there?”
“I don’t think so,” James answers, “I was just curious.”
“Oh,” grunts Miko.
They continue down the road, making their way through the crowds going to and from the summer market. By the time the market fades from sight behind them, the level of travelers has dropped down to a very few, allowing them to make better time. The further they progress from Lornigan, the more wild and uncultivated the surrounding countryside becomes until they are once again out in the unpopulated grasslands. They proceed on, making as fast a time as their horses will allow, stopping only occasionally to rest their horses and have a bite to eat.
By the time they stop for the night they are both fatigued and Miko can hardly walk for the stiffness and pain in his legs. “I thought this was supposed to be getting better,” he complains, “but it seems to be getting worse.”
Feeling sorry for his friend, James consoles him by saying, “It takes a while to toughen up the muscles and get them used to hugging a horse’s flank. Give it time, we rode hard today so you had little time to get off and stretch.”
A brilliant sunset off to the west paints the clouds red and orange. To the east rises a range of tall mountains. “Seems a long way to those mountains,” observes Miko.
Looking eastward, James says, “Yes it does. From what Perrilin said, those are the Silver Mountains and Trademeet will be at their feet, near the entrance to Merchant’s Pass.”
“How long do you expect it will take us to get there?” he asks as he sets about getting supplies for their dinner out and ready.
Thinking for a moment, James replies, “At the pace we set today, hopefully by tomorrow night.”
“I should be good and stiff by then,” Miko moans.
Grinning, James says, “Probably.” They set about having dinner and turn in early.
James is awakened during the night by cries coming from Miko. He looks over to his friend and finds him tossing and turning in his sleep. Seeing that he’s in no danger, he turns back over and again falls asleep. Several more times throughout the night, James is again awakened by the tossing and turning of Miko.
In the morning as soon as they are both up and getting ready to go, James asks Miko how he had slept.
A tired Miko looks at James with bloodshot eyes and says, “I couldn’t find a comfortable spot. My legs and butt kept hurting and every time I did fall asleep, I had a dream about being on a horse for so long that my legs fell off.”
Laughing, James says, “I’m sorry.”
“Yeah,” replies Miko, “I’m sure you are.”
“No, really I am,” assures James, who breaks out laughing again.
His laughter is infectious and soon Miko is smiling as well.
“Now let’s get going,” James says as he saddles up his horse.
Miko puts the food away and begins to get his horse ready. He’s not quite as stiff as he had been the night before but there is still a hitch in his get along. It’s not long before they are both on their horses and heading once more down the road to Trademeet.
All day long, the cloud covered mountains continue to grow in the distance. James can make out snow covering their peaks during the few breaks in the cloud cover. Must be pretty high to still have snow on them, he thinks.
A couple of hours before sunset they begin to make out the outline of a large walled city at the base of the mountains.
