Hinterland Fortress by Ron Smorynski

Author:Ron Smorynski [Smorynski, Ron]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-05-22T22:00:00+00:00

8. Repose and Requests

Back at Hinterland Fortress, Ligo walked past the meager docks and boatswains, letting his large pouch of coin flop back and forth upon his tiny thigh.

Rhyal and Ender noticed, and knowing tales of the big city, weren't keen on showing off their wealth.

Ender shrugged to Rhyal. "Perhaps everyone knows each other here, and having coin stolen from thieves would get around pretty fast?"

Rhyal pondered in agreement. "Thieves thrive in anonymity. None of that here."

Both couldn't help but giggle a little, seeing Ligo saunter through, weighted by the bag. The mud ridden boatswains and dock workers peered curious after the little ragged gnome.

"Come my fellow adventurers! We must acquire some goats!" Ligo said, waving them on.

The guards at the gate let them pass.

"No entry fee, no taxes," Rhyal remarked. "They’re definitely desperate for more treasure hunters and businesses here."

Ender nodded. "Let us benefit from this while we can. I must get my swords sharpened."

"Good idea, and your leathers sewn," Rhyal added.

Ender agreed. "Now that I have some coin." He danced his eyebrows. "I'll head to the blacksmith I saw past the market."

"Meet us back at the inn then?"

"Alright," Ender replied, eager with his sack of coins.

Rhyal looked down at Ligo. "Can you acquire the goats?"

"Of course, but you'll split the costs with me! Fifty-fifty!" he snapped.

"Of course, Ligo -- my Agent," Rhyal said, bowing just a bit and handing him a small stack of five Telehistine coins.

Ligo's eyes widened.

"Will this cover our share?" Rhyal asked. "And a bonus for you!"

"Oh? For me?" Ligo gulped in surprise, making sure the few craftsman at Craftsman Row noticed.

"Get the goats. I wish to seek out any casters in this small enclave."

Ligo took the coin, then stopped. "No, Rhyal, wait."

She stopped and looked happily down at him.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Ligo said pensive, biting the coins out of nervousness and looking about. "Wouldn't do that."

"Do?"

"Seek out the wizards, at the..." he waved her closer, down to him.

She bent down.

"There is a Wizard's Hall here. Dastardly are they," Ligo's face twitched. "They're up the hill, where all the investors and marque holders are."

Rhyal peered beyond the market, up the slope to the interior wall and the larger abodes. They had not gone there. There were definitely guardsmen and knights guarding the walls and towers in that area, though not a lot.

She realized there indeed was a church and monastery attachment. The large ministry-like building she presumed was the Wizard's Hall. There were several other choice buildings, probably with skilled crafters or smiths. Beyond that, at the top of the fortress mound was the keep and royal estates.

Ligo stepped in closer. "They have their own ways. They are seeking out relics and legends, lore of the Evermire. And they don't much like others crossing their path." He peered at her with a face of warning.

She pondered all he said. "Ligo, a caster, a wizard, needs lore and knowledge." She easily crouched to talk to him. "I only have a few spells in my repertoire, only a few I was allowed to copy and learn.

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