Brian Anderson - The Sword of Truth

Kaylia came in a second later. “Are you alright?”

Gewey blushed, thinking about the kiss in front of the tavern.

“I’m fine,” he replied shyly. “Lee just overreacted, but we settled it. He’s going to ask Maybell to help Millet get his family out of Hazrah.”

“I heard,” she said, sitting on the bed. “That’s not what I mean. I’m talking about the scum in the tavern. Are you alright?”

Gewey smiled. “Actually, I feel better than I did before. My enemy seems more human now. He may have been trying to sound powerful, but to me he sounded desperate. It gives me hope for victory.”

“Good,” she said and stood up. She placed her hand on his shoulder and squeezed almost imperceptibly. Gewey felt a pleasant chill run down his spine, and he smiled back at her. “I think the Dark Knight should be very afraid,” she said, and left the room.

Gewey picked up his pack and headed downstairs, just in time to see Maybell storm past and slam her door shut. Lee was standing at the bottom of the stairs with a satisfied grin. Millet, on the other hand, wore a look of desperation.

“Please, my lord,” begged Millet. “Don’t do this.”

“It’s done,” said Lee unyieldingly. Millet lowered his head and skulked away, muttering angrily.

Gewey couldn’t help laughing at the scene. “I take it all went as you expected?”

“They leave as soon as Maybell is ready,” Lee replied.

Lord Ganflin walked from the study and handed a sealed letter to Lee. “When you get to Althetas, give this letter to Harlondo. He manages my affairs when I’m away. He will provide you with anything you need. You’ll probably beat me there by several days, so you may also wish to visit the innkeeper at the Frog’s Wishbone. That’s where the humans and elves meet most of the time. Do not open the letter; Harlondo is not the trusting sort and may give you a problem if the seal has already been broken. But now you must excuse me. All this excitement has made me forget that I am overdue to meet the mayor for dinner. I detest the man, but I must maintain certain relationships. It was a great pleasure to meet you all.”

“My thanks,” said Lee. “I hope to see you again under better circumstances.”

Lord Ganflin bowed low and departed into a waiting coach.

An hour later, Broin returned with three stable boys leading five magnificent horses. Lee stared at the animals in wonder.

“I see that you appreciate a good horse when you see it,” Broin noted with pride. “These are the finest animals for a thousand miles. If those who pursue you want to catch you, they’ll need to grow wings.”

“Where on earth did you get such animals?” asked Lee.

“They’re bred on the northwestern steppes, by the nomadic tribes that dwell there. It wasn’t easy to get them to part with them; I’m proud to say that I’m the only man to ever leave with so many.”

“If our mission wasn’t so urgent, I could never accept,” Lee admitted. “You must at least allow me to pay you-though I don’t know that I have enough money.”

“You misunderstand,” said Broin. “I have no intention of giving up my horses. I expect you to return them when this is all over and the Dark Knight is defeated. But until then, they are yours to do with as you please.”

Lee smiled, overcome with the thought of such a generous gesture. “I shall take care of them until then,” he promised. “I hope one day I can talk you into taking another journey to the steppes with me, if only to see if I can pick one out for myself.”

“It would be a trip I would love to take.”

Millet readied one of the horses for Maybell. When the three were mounted, Lee handed Millet a small bundle of letters and nodded as if he had asked a silent question.

Millet reached down and took Lee’s hand. “All will be well,” he said reassuringly. “I’ll send word of our success.”

Malstisos rode up beside Lee. “I will look after your family. They will have my protection until I deliver them to your care.”

“Thank you,” said Lee, trying to force back tears of worry. “I am deeply in your debt.”

“You had better keep your word,” said Maybell as she admired her mount. “I will see the Temple of Valshara once this is done.”

“You don’t need to worry,” replied Lee. “You’ll see it if I have to carry you there on my back.”

Maybell tried to look angry, but seeing the worry on Lee’s face, she said instead, “I swear that I will not step foot in Valshara until your family is safe.”

Lee smiled and bowed. “Thank you, Sister. That means a lot to me.” He realized what a good idea it was to send Maybell. She would lay down her life if necessary to protect his family, and her knowledge of the cities and temples could be invaluable.

Gewey and the rest bid them farewell and watched as they rode toward the east gate. Once they were out of sight, Lee called everyone into the parlor.

“Thanks to Lord Broin’s generous loan,” Lee began, once they’d gathered, “we should be able to make it to Althetas in less than seven days. We’ll be moving fast. We have enough food and water for the whole journey, so we won’t need to stop for supplies along the way. Once we arrive, Dina will make contact with her order, and from there we should be safe.” His eyes focused on Gewey. “If anything happens and we’re separated, we’ll meet at the Frog’s Wishbone in Althetas. Wait there until I or someone from Dina’s order gets there.”

Dina stepped forward and pulled out her medallion so that Gewey could see it clearly. “If you are approached by anyone claiming to be in my order, make them show you this. Be sure to touch it. It should burn you. If it doesn’t, then that person is an imposter.”

“We need to be out of the city before sundown,” Lee continued. “It’s certain they’ll see us leave, so we must move fast once we’re beyond the gates.”

“I’ll send word ahead,” said Broin. “I have a messenger flock on the roof. I’ll instruct my friends in Althetas to aid you.”

“Thank you,” Lee replied. “That would be helpful.”

“The horses have been saddled and packed,” said Angus, sticking his head through the door.

Lee and the others went outside and double-checked their belongings. Once mounted, Lee looked at Lord Broin and nodded respectfully.

“Until we meet again,” said Broin. “Angus is watching the gate and will tell me if you are followed.” He stood just outside his door and watched as Lee and the others slowly made their way down the street.

The ride to the gate was tense, and no one spoke a word. As they approached the gate’s heavy metal doors, they saw Saylis Fernmen waiting for them. His head was bandaged, and his eyes were swollen and bruised.

Lee motioned for everyone to stop as he and Kaylia began scanning the alleys and rooftops for further trouble. Gewey put his hand on his sword, and Dina pulled out a small dagger.

“I thought I’d see you off,” called Saylis. Despite his words, his face was grim. “I want you to know that I’ll be there in the end, Starfinder. Mine will be the last face you ever see.” He shot Lee an angry look, then ducked down a nearby alley.

“He won’t try anything until we’re outside the gates,” Lee guessed, hoping he was right. “He may have set up an ambush. If that’s the case, I’ll handle it. The rest of you keep going and I’ll catch up. That means you, boy.” He looked straight at Gewey and didn’t look away until the boy nodded in agreement. “Don’t worry, I’ve had more capable men than this idiot think they could kill me. I’ll burn before I’d let scum like him be the end of me.”

They urged their horses on and passed through the west gate.