The Shadowed Path by Gail Z. Martin

Author:Gail Z. Martin
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Fiction, Fantasy, Epic, General
ISBN: 9781781084380
Publisher: Solaris
Published: 2016-05-31T14:00:00+00:00

AFTER DARK, NO one paid any attention to the two men in ragged clothing pulling a cart full of corpses.

“Damn, they’re heavy,” Jonmarc muttered to Trent as they hauled the ramshackle wagon through the shadowed streets of Stormgard. They had cobbled together a makeshift wagon from parts Trent and Zane stole from the brewery’s barn, and helped themselves to clothing on a wash line within easy reach. Jonmarc and Trent had smudged their faces with dirt and soot, patting liberal amounts on their clothes for good measure. Corbin, Kegan, and Dugan were rolled up in burlap like corpses, and Zane followed mournfully in the supplicant’s robe, chanting for the souls of the dead. Corbin had brought their weapons from the caravan, so the cart with the ‘corpses’ also carried their swords and throwing knives.

“You’d just better hope no one pays any attention to what Zane’s chanting,” Trent hissed. “He’s gone through every tavern song I know, and moved on to some I doubt you’ll hear outside a whorehouse.”

“I hope we’re not too late,” Jonmarc said. Worry had knotted his stomach all afternoon. Not only might they find Linton already dead, but their rescue attempt could easily cost the lives of his friends. Despite that, none of the men had questioned the need to go after their boss.

“How much further?” Trent asked. “And why are we still going uphill? Isn’t anything in this city level? I may not be able to swing a hammer for a week after this.”

“Not far,” Jonmarc said, lifting his head to have a look around. Stormgard was even more intimidating after dark, when the fortified walls loomed, dark and menacing, casting the interior of the city in shadows that even the torchlight did not fully dispel.

They turned a corner and Jonmarc signaled for them to stop. “That’s it,” he said, pointing toward the two-story building. “And the wagon is still over by the stable.” He looked to Trent. “Any idea who the building belongs to?”

Trent gave a cold smile. “Actually, yes. While you and I gathered our disguises, Corbin made a few inquiries around town. It seems that the head of the merchant guild fits your description of the man Maynard met at the pub. And even more damning—he’s said to own a fine barn and warehouse in Stormgard that he won from a noble in a card game.”

Jonmarc and Trent pushed the cart into the shadows. Corbin, Kegan, and Dugan cast off the burlap to ready themselves for the work at hand. Trent had a set to his jaw that told Jonmarc the blacksmith was ready for a fight. “Dugan—go get Vakkis’s wagon ready. Hitch up the horse and wait around the corner, out of sight but close enough to hear me whistle,” Trent directed. “Kegan—go with him and lend a hand. We won’t need you until the fighting is over.” Dugan gave a sharp nod and ran off with Kegan close behind.

Unlike that morning, the area was quiet, and nearly empty of foot traffic. The storehouse had few windows, so it was impossible to tell if anyone was inside.

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