“What about those men in black?” asked the journeyman of the Wreckers’ Guild. “They were trying to kill me! I barely escaped them.”
Jazhara noticed a slight hint of a Keshian accent in his speech, from one of the northern cities. “They’ve been dealt with, as well,” she said.
Kendaric sprang to his feet and hugged Morraine. “This is wonderful! I can return to the Guild. Thank you for this news.”
Jazhara held her hands up. “A moment, Guildsman,” she said. “We have need of your services.”
Kendaric said, “Certainly, but perhaps it can wait for a day or so? I have much to do. If Jorath is guilty of murder, I must return to take charge of the apprentices. It will take a while before order is restored to the Wreckers.”
James said, “Ah, unfortunately we need your help now. The Prince needs your help. And considering it might have been the Nighthawks that found you first, but didn’t because of our efforts, you owe us.”
“I didn’t ask for your help, did I? I’m must get back to the Guild! All those debts to pay!”
“Kendaric!” Morraine said, sharply.
“Yes, Morraine?” he answered, meekly.
“You are being ungrateful and rude to people who have saved your life.”
“But the expenses, my love - “
“We’ll work something out. We always have.” She turned to James. “He’ll help you, Squire. He’s a good man at heart, but sometimes he lets his personal desires lead him astray.”
“Morraine!”
“I’m sorry, dear, but it’s true. That’s why you have me to set you straight.”
Jazhara said, “You plan to defy your parents, then?”
With a tilt of her chin and a brave smile, Morraine said, “We shall have a wedding as soon as Kendaric has returned from whatever mission you have for him.”
Looking defeated, the guildsman said, “Very well.”
“Please watch out for him. Kendaric sometimes overreaches himself.”
Jazhara smiled. “We’ll take care of him.”
“Thank you for restoring his good name.”
They walked down the steps to the door. James and Jazhara went out into the street and waited as Kendaric bid Morraine good-bye. When the journeyman emerged from the shop, Jazhara said, “You should count yourself lucky to be so well loved.”
Kendaric said, “Luckier than you know. I shudder to remember the bastard I was before I met Morraine. Her kindness saved my life, but her love saved my soul.”
James glanced at the starlit sky. “We have three hours to first light. Time enough to get back to the palace, report to the Prince, and meet Brother Solon at the gate.”
As they walked toward the palace, James said, “Do you ride?”
“Badly, I fear,” said the journeyman.
Laughing, James said, “By the time we reach our destination, you’ll be an expert.”
NINE - Diversion
William waited patiently.
His horse pawed the ground, anxious to be moving again, or to find something to graze on. Either way William had to keep a firm leg and short reins on the animal.
The day had turned cold and he could see his own breath before him as night fell. The patrol had halted in a small clearing in the woods, large enough for a camp. The men behind him were silent, avoiding the casual small talk and muttering that was common during a standstill in the ranks. They knew the enemy was close.
As evening approached and the gloom of the woods deepened, everyone was on edge. They could almost feel a fight approaching. Swords were loose in their scabbards and bows near to hand as the men kept their eyes moving, watching for any sign of trouble.
Then from ahead two figures appeared on the trail, emerging from the murk. Marie and Jackson rode at a slow canter, and instantly William relaxed. If the enemy were near, they would more likely be coming back at a gallop.
Without waiting for their report, William spun his horse around and said, “We’ll camp here.”
The sergeant in charge of the patrol, an old veteran named Hartag, nodded and said, “I’ll post the sentries first, Lieutenant.”
As the sergeant barked his orders, the two Pathfinders reined in. Marie said, “We lost them.”
“What?” William swore.
The other Pathfinder, Jackson, an older man with almost no hair remaining above his ears, but with a long flow of gray hair down to his shoulders from what fringe remained, nodded. “They suddenly turned among some rocks and we lost the trail. We’ll find it again in the morning, but not in this light.”
William could barely hide his frustration. “So they know we are following.”
“They know someone follows,” said Marie. “But we can’t be certain they know who and how many.”
“How far ahead?”
“Two, maybe three hours. If they press on later today than we do, it’ll be half a day before we find their trail.”
William nodded. “Get something to eat and go to sleep early. I’ll want you out as soon as you think it’s light enough to pick up that trail again.”