Konrad [01] - Konrad by David Ferring

Author:David Ferring [Ferring, David]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Epic, Fantasy, General, Fiction
ISBN: 9780743411738
Publisher: Games Workshop
Published: 2004-05-01T04:00:00+00:00

He had half-expected that he would encounter a village very quickly, that it would be situated near the bridge, by the river. When after about half an hour he had come across no sign of habitation, he considered returning, thinking that he had picked the wrong direction. Yet he was in no hurry, and so he continued on his chosen route.

The road was only made of dirt, but a ditch ran on one side. He guessed it was there to drain off the water in winter, to prevent the surface becoming a quagmire of mud. The trees had been cut back in a wide swathe on either side, making it less easy for travellers to be ambushed. Even so, he walked in the centre, and his knife never left his hand.

Hearing a noise behind him, back down the road, Konrad spun around. He did not recognize the sound. Whatever it was, it was growing louder, coming quickly closer.

Although he could see nothing yet, neither did he want to be seen. He left the road and jumped the ditch, hurrying out of sight behind the nearest broad tree. Then he watched and listened while the unknown sound grew louder, nearer.

It rattled and panted, creaked and cantered, and then came level with his hiding place. A wagon of some sort, pulled by four horses. An enclosed wagon, with people inside, while two more people sat on the top, driving the team of horses.

There had been wagons in the village, but they had been used for carrying crops and logs. Konrad had never seen anything like this, a vehicle whose only cargo was people.

It was soon past him, and he hurried back to the road so that he could see the wagon vanish, but it was hidden by the dust that the wheels had disturbed.

Konrad walked on, waving his hand in front of his face to clear the dirt from the air.

And then, ahead of him, out of nowhere, he saw two men walking in his direction.

His immediate reaction was to freeze, and he did so. His first thought was to flee, but both men carried bows. Although they did not have arrows notched, they probably knew these woods and would be able to pursue and shoot him if he tried to run.

They must have been from the next village. Either that or they were outlaws. But he had nothing for them to steal.

He could not hide away from everyone. He would have to face people when he eventually reached habitation, and so he walked towards the two men. At least he presumed they were men. They looked human, although after what he had witnessed yesterday he knew it was impossible to be certain.

The men had slowed when they saw him. They were both older than Konrad, bearded, dressed like woodsmen from his village, although they did not carry axes. They came forward, then stopped, and Konrad halted a few yards away.

“’ullo ta ya, boy,” said one of them.

“’ullo dere,” said the other.

Konrad looked from one to another, licking at his dry lips.

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