buildings and another score or more of auxiliary structures. If there’s any place that would have one of those teleportation daises, it’s there.”
“How far is it?” Jiron asks.
“Two, maybe three days,” he says. “There is another city just over a day or so to the east that has a temple, though it isn’t nearly as large as the one in Zixtyn. But if it should prove not to have one, it could complicate things.”
Jiron nods, “Not to mention the fact that we would waste time Tinok does not have.”
“I don’t think we have much choice,” James tells the others. “In the morning, we’ll make for Zixtyn.” Getting to his feet, he gives out with a yawn and says, “Best we get to bed.”
“We all could use sleep after what we went through today,” agrees Brother Willim.
They then return to where the others are already mostly asleep and find their blankets. Except for Jiron who has pulled the first watch, they are quickly asleep.
Early the next morning when they rise they are alarmed to see the Mists of Sorrow visible to their west. “It’s a good thing we rode as far as we did before we stopped,” Reilin says.
James turns to him and then gestures to the mist, “That’s why we did.” To Scar he asks, “How’s Stig doing?”
“Better,” he replies. Scar and Potbelly are sitting with Stig and sharing a quick breakfast before they get underway.
Stig looks up and says, “I’m sore. Those creatures really pack a mean punch.”
“You know,” begins Scar, “if they ever get the Pits open again, we could make a fortune if we could somehow manage to get one of them and put it in there to fight.”
Eyes lighting up, Potbelly exclaims, “Everyone would come to see it, and pay handsomely for the opportunity!”
Jiron turns on them and says, “Now all you have to do is go back into the mist and get one.”
Scar waves away the hand, “Details, details.” He and Potbelly begin working on a way in which they could make this venture a reality.
“They’ve got to be out of their minds,” Reilin comments to James.
He grins and shrugs. “It gives them something to do.”
They keep a constant watch on the Mists. It makes no move to either come closer or pull back, and nothing emerges from it. James was sure they would have kept up the pursuit, after all they had him and the others almost taken out as it was. The only explanation he’s been able to come up with is that the foes they encountered had the duty to prevent anyone from passing through the mist. And once they were out didn’t feel the need to continue the pursuit. Still, it doesn’t feel right.
Once everyone is finished with their less than satisfying meal, they get their horses ready for travel and are soon on the road. “We’ll have to head more to the east on our way to skirt around the other side of the Mists of Sorrow,” Perrilin states. “There’s a major trade route over there that runs from Cyst to Zixtyn.”
“But won’t they be looking for us after yesterday?” cautions Aleya.
“Possibly,” replies James. Taking out his mirror, he holds it up and adds, “I’ll be keeping a lookout for anything that we may need to stay clear of.”
“Besides,” adds Stig, “a major trade route will have heavy traffic traveling upon it which will enable us to blend in.”
“Hadn’t thought of that,” admits James. “Good thinking.” To Jiron he says, “You and Reilin take the lead. Head due east until we come to the road.”
“You got it,” he says. Then with a nudge into the sides of his horse, he takes the lead with Reilin right beside him. The others fall in behind and they make their way across the desert to the east.
It takes them three hours of riding before the trade route leading to Zixtyn comes into sight. Periodically during that time James uses his mirror to scan for hostiles in the area only to find it clear. Long before they come to the road, James finds it in his mirror. Many wagons, riders and people on foot are upon the road traveling in both directions.
After he tells the other what he saw, Perrilin nods and says, “It’s one of the main roads in the Empire. It’s the most direct way from the Empire’s southern territories to those in the north.”
“We shouldn’t have much problem getting lost in the crowd then,” James states.
When those traveling upon the road finally come into view, the others agree with his statement. Pressing forward, James and Reilin lead the others over to the road. As they approach, those upon the road give them curious looks. A group of riders coming in out of the desert, two of the horses having two riders upon their backs, all in all a rather odd occurrence for this area. None of those traveling upon the road do more than look however, and they soon leave them far behind.
During the rest of the day, Perrilin keeps the hood of his cloak tight about his face. It’s unlikely that anyone upon the road will recognize him, but you never know. When they reach the town of Hyrryth a couple hours before sundown, he tells them that they need to stop here for the night.
“Why?” asks Jiron. His anxiousness in reaching Zixtyn is written plainly upon his face.
“I need to remove Kir and don another face,” he says. “There is a shop here in Hyrryth where I can procure the needed materials.”
“Very well,” decides James. “Aside from that we can all use a rest.” Glancing to where Stig rides with Potbelly, he can see him drooping in the saddle. Although it’s true the Star healed him, such healing always takes a toll on the strength of the one healed. The magic of the Star uses in part the energy of those it heals, and only time and rest will replenish it.
Jiron acquiesces and when they reach the walls of Hyrryth, Jiron leads them through the gates and into the city.
“Best if I lead here,” Perrilin says. Moving past Jiron, he takes the lead. He continues down the street leading from the gate for several blocks before turning down a smaller side street to the left. Not too far down this street he stops before a two story building with a sign depicting a skewered scorpion.
Dismounting, Perrilin says “I’ll be right back.” He then goes up the stairs and in through the front doors.
“Shouldn’t he worry about someone inside recognizing him?” Reilin asks in a whisper to James.
“I would think so,” he replies. “But I’m sure he knows what he’s doing.”
A few minutes later, he emerges with another man. Both are talking in hushed tones as they leave the inn. They pause a moment just outside the door and Perrilin hands the man a small pouch, which from the sound it makes when it exchanges hands is filled with coins. The man glances to James and the others then turns and begins walking down the street.
When James makes to ask Perrilin what’s going on, Perrilin puts his finger to his lips and gives a slight shake of his head. Then he says, “Stable’s around the back.” Taking the reins of his horse, he leads the others down a side alley and then into the rear courtyard. Once they have the horses settled in for the night with a pail of oats the stableboy supplied for each, they leave the stable and make for the rear door to the inn.
Inside, they pass through the common room and then into a hallway leading to their rooms. “I was able to get six rooms,” he says. “I hope that will be enough?”
“It will be fine,” James assures him.
They each get settled into their rooms and then gather in James and Jiron’s room. “So who was the man you left the inn with?” asks Shorty.
“Just someone whom I’ve dealt with before,” he replies. “He went to get the items I need to remove Kir from the world.”
“Been here before I take it?” Scar asks.
“My journeys have taken me many places,” he tells him.
James looks at him and wonders just how far flung his network extends. Though Perrilin has never come right out and said it, he has to be a spy or something similar. After all he uses disguises, Lord Cytok who is the right hand of the Emperor wants him in a bad way, and things always seem to happen when he’s around. Someday he hopes to discover who he really is and what his agenda may be.
“Mind if we go down to the common room for a drink?” Scar asks. When he sees that look come to him that usually means an argument is pending, he adds, “We promise not to get into any trouble.”
“Very well,” agrees James. “Just be sure you don’t.”
