The Rise of Aredor by Claire M. Banschbach

Author:Claire M. Banschbach [Banschbach, Claire M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: YA Fantasy Fiction
Publisher: Campitor Press
Published: 2017-09-11T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 3

“I got the keys.” Martin joined his companions at their hidden campsite just outside of the town. “The next guard isn’t due for almost four hours.”

The outlaws had spent the past two days learning the guard rotation on the storehouses—large buildings built close to the edge of town, making them an easier target. They were dressed in the uniforms of the Blaen garrison, and Liam had come up with a fine powder that turned their skin the dark brown of the Calorins.

“Just be careful, it rubs off easily,” he warned.

Corin led the horse that was harnessed to the wagon, and the others led the horses that had been taken from the unfortunate troop in the forest. They halted, unchallenged, by the doors of the first storehouse. Martin produced the keys and swung open the doors.

“Would you look at that!” He whistled. Racks of long-bows lined the walls, interspersed with swords. Piles of spears were stacked in the corners, and mail coats lay on tables.

“Aredorian weapons!” Liam said.

“Let’s load as much of this as we can in the wagon and then we can cover it with food sacks,” Corin said.

They worked as quickly and quietly as they could. When they had loaded the wagon as much as they dared, they closed and locked the storeroom and moved to the next one. The sun had almost set, and Corin lit a torch to help them see as they brought out bags of provisions to cover the weapons. They halted as footsteps sounded behind them.

“What’s going on here?” A voice demanded in Calorin.

“Corin, there’s someone out there!” Trey whispered.

“Who’s in charge here?” Another voice asked.

From inside the storeroom, Corin’s heart lifted as he heard the slurred speech of the men. They’re drunk! he realized. He grabbed a flagon off the shelf.

“I hate this stuff,” he muttered and took a deep draft. Spluttering, he took another drink.

“Corin, what are you doing?” Trey hissed.

“Keep working. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Corin clapped his shoulder. Liam and Martin watched bewildered as he staggered past them toward the soldiers.

“That’d be me.” He slurred the words. “Lieutenant Hamíd, at your service, boys!”

The soldiers looked at him through slightly unfocused eyes.

“I’m Lieutenant Zafir, and this is Lieutenant Hamzah,” one said. “What are you doing out here so late, Hamíd?”

“We were supposed to leave earlier, but they didn’t get the wagon loaded in time.” He jerked a thumb back at his companions. “You know how lazy those cavalry soldiers can be.” He took another pull at the flagon as Zafir and Hamzah voiced their agreement loudly.

“We were just going to the tavern. You should join us, Hamíd!” Zafir said.

When Corin hesitated, Hamzah clapped him on the shoulder.

“Come on! You’ll have plenty of time before these buffoons get the wagon loaded.” He took the flagon from Corin and drank.

“You’re right!” Corin took the liquor back. “There’s no reason I should have to stand out here in the dark while they work!”

“Aye, you look like you work too hard already!” Zafir said.

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