Brian Anderson - The Sword of Truth

“I see your aversion to being seen in public has lessened,” Millet said cheerfully.

“I didn’t want Gewey left unprotected,” she answered unenthusiastically. “And luckily, these people don’t seem so interested in the comings and goings of others. A hooded woman doesn’t seem so out of place here.”

“I think you’ll find that to be more and more the case, the further west we go,” Millet replied.

“Did you find a caravan?” asked Gewey, still watching the entertainment with glee.

“We did,” Lee confirmed “It doesn’t depart for two days. Still, I think it’s the best way to travel unnoticed.”

“I think I could use a break anyway,” Gewey noted. “This seems like a fun place.”

“We can’t be reckless,” Lee said sternly. “And we can’t afford to expose ourselves too much.”

“If the entertainment here is as good at night as it is at midday, then I think I’ll be happy not leaving the inn,” said Gewey.

The acrobat was juggling six apples, taking a bite from each one as it passed, before making them disappear.

Seeing Gewey in such high spirits, Millet couldn’t help but smile affectionately. “I think the lad does need a bit of fun in his life right now, my lord. Who knows when he’ll get another chance, given what the future may hold?”

Lee sighed. “You’re right, of course. I forget sometimes that he’s only seventeen.”

“ He’s sitting right here,” Gewey said, waving his hand in front of Lee’s face. “And I just want to enjoy myself while we wait. Don’t you?”

“Good point,” said Lee, slamming his hands on the table. “I think we could all do with a bit of fun. Wait here.”

Lee got up and went to the bar. Gewey saw the barman nod enthusiastically as Lee whispered into his ear.

“What did you do?” asked Gewey when Lee returned.

“You’ll see tonight,” Lee said with a sly grin.

Kaylia shook her head, unimpressed. “I think I’ll be staying in my room tonight.”

“Not a chance,” Lee said, pulling out a red scarf from his pocket.

“This, my dear, is traditional attire in this region, and it should cover up your more…obvious attributes. Besides, Gewey needs looking after, and it seems you’ve volunteered for the job.”

“Mind your tongue,” Kaylia fumed.

“I didn’t think you could blush,” Lee teased, paying no mind to Kaylia’s anger. “I guess I was wrong.”

Just then, Maybell and Dina returned.

“How are things at the temples?” asked Lee.

“Better than I expected,” Maybell replied. “I spoke to the High Priestesses at the temples of Gerath and Ayliazarah. They’ve been suspicious of Salmitaya for some time. Apparently the witch wasn’t as careful as she thought.”

“Why didn’t they move against her?” Lee inquired.

“It’s not as easy as you think to oust a High Priestess,” she answered. “Even a corrupt one. Besides, Salmitaya was well protected within Kaltinor-and still is, from what I’ve learned. We have no soldiers to simply march in and remove her. But I am pleased to say that if she is caught outside the city walls, she will spend the rest of her life in a temple prison.”

“What else did you find out?” Lee asked.

“Not much,” she admitted. “At least, nothing useful.”

Lee looked concerned. “I had hoped we could get an idea about what we might run into as we get further west.”

“Communication between the temples has become spotty at best,” added Dina. “I spoke to a few of the Sisters, and from what they told me, suspicion between the temples has become a plague. They hear the rumors about the gathering strength in the north, and some even claim there are agents of Angraal living openly in some cities, gathering followers.”

Lee scratched his chin. “I want you to go to the other temples tomorrow and see if you can find out anything else. For now, we should all keep our eyes and ears open.” Everyone nodded in agreement.

“But now, my friends, Millet and I have an errand to run, and we must leave you,” Lee said. “Be washed by sundown, Gewey; I have a surprise for you.”

Gewey looked confused as he watched Millet and Lee leave the inn.

“A surprise? What could he possibly be up to?” he wondered aloud.

“With that one, who knows,” Maybell replied. “But if you don’t mind, I haven’t seen an acrobat in years.”

They all watched until the acrobat had finished, then retired to their rooms to wash and get ready for supper. The smell from the kitchen promised roast lamb and fresh bread. Gewey’s mouth watered at the thought.

Lee entered the room just as Gewey had finished bathing. He was carrying a bundle tied with twine.

“Here,” Lee said, tossing him the bundle. Gewey opened it, and saw that inside was a set of new clothes and a pair of fine leather boots. The long tunic was gold silk with silver embroidery, and the pants were of the same design. A polished black leather belt completed the outfit. Gewey stared, not knowing what to say.

“Well?” Lee asked happily. “Are you going to try it on or not?”

“I don’t get it. Why did you give me this?”

“To wear at your coming of age celebration,” he said matter-of-factly.

“My what?” Gewey cried. “I’m only seventeen.”

“True,” Lee replied, smiling. “But the way I see it, the age of a God should be counted differently. Besides, who knows if you’ll have the chance to have a real coming of age party?”

“True,” Gewey acknowledged, holding up the clothes in front of him. “We might be dead by then.”

Lee laughed heartily. “Not what I had in mind, but a good point,” he admitted. “Now get dressed. I’m going to Millet’s room to get ready. I’ll send him for you when it’s time.”

An hour later Millet showed up at Gewey’s door, dressed in fine blue linens, looking very much a city dweller. His face beamed with delight when he saw Gewey in his new finery.

“Now that’s proper dress,” Millet remarked. “You look very much the young lord.”

Gewey felt awkward. He had never worn anything fancier than festival robes. He couldn’t stop pulling and tugging at the long tunic, and the heeled boots made him feel as if he would tip forward at any moment.

“You’ll get used to it,” Millet laughed. “One day, I suspect you may dress like this all the time.”

That idea didn’t please Gewey. He felt much more comfortable in his own clothes-the clothes of a farmer. He smiled anyway and tried to stop fidgeting.

When Gewey entered the common room, everyone smiled cheerfully and clapped their hands with approval at the sight of him. He saw that the others were dressed in fine attire as well. Lee was decked out in a bright red suit and jacket with gold buttons. Dina and Maybell both wore emerald green dresses with matching scarves wrapped tightly around their heads. Their hair, adorned with tiny white flowers, fell loosely from underneath the scarves. Dina’s eyes were painted, giving them an elfish quality that made Kaylia appear less obvious. Kaylia wore a similar dress, but hers was light blue and tied at the waist with a deep blue sash.

Minstrels were just arriving and tuning their instruments in the corner. The dozen or so patrons looked on, whispering with smiles.

“Now that’s more like it,” said Lee, as he threw his arm around Gewey’s shoulder and led him to the table. “First we feast, then we celebrate.” He jumped up on a chair and addressed the entire room. “You are all welcome to join us, let us all celebrate and be merry.” This was met with enthusiastic cheers and applause.

By the time the meal was being served, the minstrels had begun to play. The crowd in the common room had swelled, as word of the celebration had gotten out. Before long, more than fifty people had gathered in the hall, all laughing and feasting.