Nakor glanced up as Pug popped into view. A soldier carrying a bundle of wood dropped it when suddenly there was a black-robed man standing where there had only been empty air the moment before. “Hello!” Nakor called happily.
Captain Subai was close by, talking to a young officer wearing the black tabard of Krondor’s Crimson Eagles. A few Pathfinders could be seen around camp, but their numbers were few. Pug knew that the majority of them were high in the mountains to the west, scouting the enemy and ready to return with reports on any movement of Fadawah’s forces. Their reputation for tracking, scouting, and stealth in the woodlands was legendary, rivaling that of Kesh’s Imperial Guides and the Rangers of the Free Cities of Natal. Only the elves were said to be better.
Subai said, “Lieutenant Gunderson will lead the patrol accompanying you.”
Pug saw that the Captain was providing an escort of a dozen men. One, a trailbreaker Pug judged, was a Pathfinder, and he started riding ahead, while the others waited for Nakor and Pug to mount their horses.
Subai pointed at Nakor. “I’m pleased to see that one go. I don’t know what’s more irritating: his constant preaching on the subject of ‘good,’ or his luck at cards.”
Pug laughed. “I have a hunch which was more irritating.”
Subai said, “We’ve packed provisions for two weeks.”
“I’ll find them in less time than that,” said Pug as he hiked up his black robe and climbed into the saddle.
“Just make sure you find them before they find you. By all reports they come out of the grasslands like a wind and are over you before you even hear them coming.”
Nakor said, “I’ve seen them. You can hear them coming.”
Subai smiled, and Pug said, “Any other advice?”
“Don’t get killed,” said the Captain without a smile.
Pug nodded. “I have other plans.” He nodded to the Lieutenant and the order was given to ride off.
Nakor said, “I was talking to the Captain about some trails over the mountain. As soon as we get back from this nonsense, we have to get back to Darkmoor and find Greylock and Erik. I think I have a plan that could shorten the war.”
Pug turned and said, “Tell me about it.”
Nakor outlined what he had thought of as they rode down a small trail leading into the woodlands below.
For five days they rode, and except for one sighting of a band of riders who veered off at the patrol’s approach, the journey was uneventful. They had left the foothills the day before and were riding across grasslands, heading toward the southern entrance to the Thunderhell Steppes, a broad break in two ranges of hills, less than five miles across.
They reached a point near signs of a large old campsite, and the Lieutenant ordered a halt. “This was our reserve camp. There were wooden walls, a dirt outer barrier, a drop gate. They overran it and killed everyone.” He motioned with his hand. “They staked the heads in an arch starting here.”
Pug said, “Then this is where we will part company, Lieutenant.”
The young officer said, “I though we were to accompany you until we found the Saaur.”
“A reasonable assumption but incorrect,” said Pug.
Nakor said, “Honestly, Lieutenant, we can take care of ourselves and having you along might cause us some extra trouble, trying to keep you all alive.”
The Lieutenant said, “Then may I ask why we’re here at all, sir?”
“Because I didn’t feel like arguing with your Captain, if you must know,” said Pug.
“Do you mind if we wait, sir?”
“Don’t bother,” said Pug. “If I don’t get killed, I’ll be traveling back to Darkmoor a lot faster than you can get there.”
The magician’s reputation was widely spread throughout the army, and he was also a Duke, so whatever reservations the young officer might have felt were kept inside. He merely saluted and said, “Very well, m’lord. Have a safe journey.”
“You, as well,” replied Pug.
Nakor said, “Well, then, let’s get there.”
Pug nodded and urged his horse forward.
They had traveled less than a mile when Nakor said, “Do you hear it?”
Pug said, “Yes.”
In the distance, like the sound of distant drums, the thunder of the hooves pounding across the plains carried to them. Pug knew and Nakor had seen those horses, twice the size of the sturdy cavalry mounts they rode. Astride each would be a Saaur, twelve feet tall, reptilian warriors.
Soon dust could be seen in the distance.
Pug turned to make sure the Kingdom patrol was retreating and was pleased to see it was almost out of sight.
“Let’s wait here,” said Nakor.
Pug nodded. “They’ll be here soon enough.”
They waited, and in the distance they could see riders on the horizon. The Saaur were coming.
Nine - Negotiations