Hard Coins: Fantasy Adventure Fiction (Genuine Fringe part 1) by Hagman Vincent R

Author:Hagman, Vincent R.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-01-09T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

WHEN THE SUN set, Pal decided to move closer to the stables and the front gates. People would likely still be out and about, as well as any regular patrols, but there were plenty of places to hide and he doubted anyone was looking for him. Pal wanted to be as close as possible to an exit if an opportunity presented itself.

“Up,” he growled after he untied Garth from the tree and pulled him to his feet. The young man’s shoulders sagged, and he didn’t resist.

Slowly and cautiously, Pal prodded his fugitive through vacant lots and alleys until they arrived at the lumber and bricks of a deserted construction site with a clear view of the stables. Pal’s bladder nagged at him for another release.

“Have a seat,” Pal said without bothering to tie Garth to anything. They were almost out of town, and that much closer to Pal’s reward money. Except for the kuji trapper, nobody was the wiser that Pal was in New Balgos, or even that Pal had Garth in custody. Pal finally gave in and found a spot to urinate, hoping against hope that his bladder would stop pestering him for a while.

Time passed slowly. Pal watched with dismay as the watchmen shut and sealed the town gates for the night. An older lamplighter walked around and lit lanterns along the main thoroughfares. The town mostly fell quiet after that, the only sounds coming from the tavern up the road and the occasional chatter from a passing patrol.

Although he tried to remain present and alert, Pal’s thoughts drifted to what would come next for him after this job. Another outlaw? How long could he sustain that lifestyle? Was he going to spend the rest of his life hunting criminals, sleeping outside, talking to Gertie?

A shadowy form flitted across the courtyard, and Pal recognized Lucia by her gait and figure. She waved to the watchmen on the ramparts before heading into the stables. Pal had asked her to look in on Gertie, and the young woman was doing exactly that. Pal was grateful to have met Lucia and her sister, Constance. He was also grateful to have met Floria. All three of them had been kind and welcoming to him.

He sighed inwardly. Only a few more hours for the watchmen to get drowsy and careless, and then he could sneak out of the stable gate with Gertie and his outlaw.

On to the next job. By himself. And then the next job. By himself.

Aside from the Day Men, New Balgos appeared to be a decent town with nice, friendly people. Pal imagined outdoor lunches with Floria, followed by naps in her garden, and maybe an evening trip to the theatre to watch Constance’s latest play.

His thoughts returned to Floria. Her nephew was right. Pal shouldn’t have left her to the mercy of the alderman and the guard. Despite what Pal had said, he doubted Floria would be okay. He considered reporting his concern to Magistrate Briddy, but that would put Pal at risk.

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