Withered Wizard: An Epic Fantasy Adventure (Vol 6 of Defenders of Vosj) by Kevin P Hallett

Author:Kevin P Hallett [Hallett, Kevin P]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: kevinphallett.com
Published: 2024-04-09T00:00:00+00:00

thirty-five

Brigands

After two tranquil days at the farm, Preem enjoyed this morning’s sun on his uncovered face. Nearby, he heard the rhythmic rasp as Gerond ran his whetting stone over a scythe blade, while behind, in the kitchen, he sensed Morina pounding the dough for the oven. In the distance, beyond the barn, he felt Sarn’s magic, practicing with his Zenii. Neither of the elderly farmers knew they had two powerful wizards resting at their farm.

But the serene surroundings couldn’t break through Preem’s concerns that his plans for Lowmouth were flawed. After six years of isolation, were his magical skills enough to turn this war in Otanic’s favor when it started. As his body enjoyed the sun, his mind fought against his doubts. Finally, he pushed his skepticism aside. Experience taught him to enjoy life in little packets.

He heard horses before anyone else, using his d’dec to perceive who approached the farm. “Gerond, three men are riding here,” he called out to the barn, where Gerond sharpened his tools. “The Gods have given this blind man excellent ears.”

As the farmer walked from the barn, the horsemen entered the yard. Morina stood in the kitchen’s doorway, cleaning her hands on her apron. Preem remained in his seat near the bottom of the stairs leading to the porch. Each rider carried a short cutlass at their hip, a weapon for hacking their opponents from close-in.

Two of the men stopped their horses by the porch stairs. The third checked the barn.

We have visitors, Preem sent to Ibun. Find a hidden place to watch.

Yes, Zenii.

“We’re poor farmers,” Gerond said. “We’ve nothing left to steal.”

“You still have your lives,” the leader said. He stared at Preem, sitting on the bottom step. “What’s this? You have a protector now?”

“A visitor, sir,” Preem said, hoping to avoid a confrontation.

“A blind man! Well, the Gods are smiling on poor old Samin today,” the leader said. “You’d best have the tax for your life. Else, we’ll cure your blindness permanently.”

Preem knew these men wouldn’t leave until they had taken more from Gerond. So, he would pull their focus onto him. “What have these farmers done to you that you would pray on them. You can well feed yourselves.”

“Ha!” Samin called down from his horse. “We are the fox and you the hare. Do you think the fox cares about the hare? No, the fox just eats the hare. We’ll teach you the way of the world, blind man.” The leader dismounted.

“Leave him alone!” Gerond said.

To Preem’s dismay, the old farmer tried to block the leader’s way. He carried the scythe he was sharpening. Samin drew his short cutlass to strike Gerond. Preem jumped to ‘accidentally’ crash into the bully. He used a gripping fist to force the sword from the man’s hand. They both fell in a heap by the steps. In the cloud of dust stirred by their falling, Preem sent a broad magical fist to knock Gerond over so he couldn’t join the fight.

The brigand leader was up in a second, delivering a vicious kick to Preem’s ribs.

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