“Where are they bound?” Kasumi asked.
“Ylith is the only major point north of here. They must be carrying supplies for the war.”
They resumed their ride. A sense of urgency descended upon them both, as everything they saw pointed to an intensification of the war, and the longer they tarried, the less likely the success of their mission.
Fourteen days later, they reached the northern gate of Krondor. As they rode through, they were regarded suspiciously by several guards dressed in black and gold. Once beyond earshot of the gate guards, Laurie said, “Those are not the Prince’s tabards. The banner of Bas-Tyra flies over Krondor.”
They rode slowly for a minute, then Kasumi said, “What does it mean?”
“I don’t know. But I think I know a place we can find out.” They rode through a series of streets bounded on each side by warehouses and commercial enterprises. Sounds from the docks, several streets away, could be heard. Otherwise the district was quiet. “Strange,” remarked Laurie, as they rode on. “This part of the city is usually busiest at this time of day.”
Kasumi looked around, not sure of what he expected to see. The Midkemian cities, compared to those of the Empire, seemed small and dirty. Still, there was something strange about the lack of activity here. Both Zun and Ylith had been teeming with soldiers, traders, and citizens at midday, even though they were smaller cities than Krondor. As they rode, a feeling of disquiet visited Kasumi.
They entered a section of the city even more run-down than the warehouse district. Here the streets were narrow, with four-and five-story buildings hugging closely to either side Dark shadows abounded, even at noon. Those in the street, a few traders and women going to market, moved quietly and with speed. Everywhere the riders looked, they could see expressions of caution and distrust.
Laurie led Kasumi to a gate, behind which the upper part of a three-story building could be seen. Laurie leaned over in the saddle and pulled on a bell rope. When there was no answer after a few minutes, he pulled again.
A moment later a peek window in the door slid aside, two eyes could be seen, and a voice said, “What’s your business?”
Laurie’s tone was sharp. “Lucas, is that you? What is happening when travelers can’t gain entrance?”
The eyes widened, and the peek window slid shut. The gate swung open with a creaking protest, and a man stepped out to push it wide. “Laurie, you scoundrel!” he said as he admitted the riders. “It’s been five—no, six years.”
They rode in, and Laurie was shocked by the condition of the inn. Off to one side was a dilapidated stable. Opposite the gate a sign hung over the main entrance, depicting in faded hues a parrot of many colors with wings spread. They could hear the gate close behind them.
The man called Lucas, tall and gaunt, with grey hair, said, “You’ll have to stable the animals yourself. I am alone here and must return to the common room before my guests steal everything there. I’ll see you and your friend inside and we can talk.” He turned away, and the two riders were left to tend to their mounts.
As they removed the saddles from the horses, Laurie said, “There is a lot happening here that I don’t understand. The Rainbow Parrot was never a showplace, but it was always one of the better taverns in the Poor Quarter.” He quietly rubbed down his animal. “If there is any place we can find out what is truly going on in Krondor, this is it. And one thing I have learned over my years of traveling through the Kingdom is when gate guards are watching travelers closely, it is time to stay somewhere they are not likely to visit. You can get your throat cut quickly in the Poor Quarter, but you’ll rarely see a guardsman about. And if they do come, the man who was trying to cut your throat will more than likely hide you until they are gone.”
‘And then try to cut your throat.”
Laurie laughed. “You learn quickly.”
When the horses were cared for, the two travelers carried their saddles and packs into the inn. Inside they were greeted by the sight of a dimly lit common room, with a long bar along the rear wall. On the left stood a large fireplace, and on the right a stairway leading upward. There were a number of empty tables in the room, and two with customers. The newcomers were given a quick look by the guests, who then returned to their drinks and quiet conversation.
Laurie and Kasumi crossed over to the bar, where Lucas stood cleaning some wine cups with a less than clean rag. They dropped their packs at their feet, and Laurie said, “Any Keshian wine?”
Lucas said, “A little, but it is expensive. There has been little trade with Kesh since the trouble started.”
Laurie looked at Lucas, as if weighing the cost “Then two ales.”