Storm of Divine Light by Ernesto San Giacomo

Author:Ernesto San Giacomo [Giacomo, Ernesto San]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780578575964
Publisher: Ernesto San Giacomo
Published: 2019-11-07T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 15

SUNS, MOONS, AND STARS

KIRALYNN’S RIDERS RETURNED IN FOUR days without finding any trace of Blackfang. Dagorat and the group remained with the caravan, confident they would reach the Gorthul Pass before him. Ten days later, they neared the western outskirts of Jalken, the royal seat of Quintalya, where all caravans paused for two days to restock and take on new travelers. For the moment, they rested on a wide stretch of the Jalken Road, on a hill overlooking the city to the east. Jalken made for an impressive sight, surrounded by thick walls, battlements, and sluices for burning oil which were certain to discourage any attack. Between here and there lay the Bordermark Bridge. Just past the bridge, the road forked into what the Jalkenese called Top Road and Bottom Road, ringing the city to the north and south. The two converged again in the eastern outskirts and became Ethelton Way.

A horn sounded. Several wagons separated from the line and made their way forward. “Why are they leaving?” Katrina asked.

“Merchants and travelers whose final stop is Jalken. They’ll be taking Top Road, to keep Bottom Road clear for the rest of us. Look over there.” Craicwyth pointed to a field near the Bordermark Bridge where Jalkenese wagons waited to start their journey to Mentiria. “It’s been a while, but things haven’t changed. Soon more wagons will exit the city, join those waiting, and head to Mentiria.”

Katrina bounced on her toes. “Two whole days of rest. Did you hear that, Dag?”

Dagorat winced internally; he hoped she wouldn’t ask to enter the city. Craicwyth and Magda had mentioned it last night. Apparently it was the thing to do. The road ahead was still long, and many travelers made the most of this stop in the southern foothills of the Spine.

“Are we going into the city tonight? I’d like to have a bath and a real dinner in a tavern,” Katrina said.

Sigh. An honest answer would upset her, but he didn’t want to lie, either. He nudged Cyril in the back, hoping his friend would save him the trouble. Instead, Cyril gazed out upon the view, puffing on his pipe, happily daydreaming. Dagorat grimaced. “You and Liberon should go. Cyril and I will stay with the wagon.”

She frowned. “Why don’t we go into Jalken, and let Cyril and Liberon guard the wagon?”

Dagorat shook his head. “No.” He didn’t dare step foot in that city.

“Cyril?” Katrina called in appeal.

The mage released another puff of smoke and grunted. “Don’t drag me into this. You two decide. I have some pressing matters to address.” He motioned for them to separate, and walked between them, away from the wagon.

“Where are you going?” Dagorat asked.

“To the Mentirian Guard. I must speak with Kiralynn and Captain Beltrane.”

“Why?”

Cyril shook his head. His gaze shifted back and forth between him and Katrina. “You really can’t guess? You’re not thinking. When the horns sound, move on. I’ll rejoin you later.” He heaved a heavy sigh and strode away.

Stubborn old man, Dagorat thought.

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