Brian Pratt - Warrior priest of Dmon-Li

Stepping aside, the soldier allows them to pass. The men that had been pouring over the map are now looking at them as they enter the common room. James steps up to them and says, “I bring word from Commander Eathan. I was supposed to deliver it to Lord Pytherian but since he’s no longer here, I’ll give it to Captain Kurk.”

One of the men says, “I’m Captain Kurk, what’s the message.”

“He said, ‘When you see Lord Pytherian again, tell him Commander Eathan will hold the southern flank as long as possible. I’ll keep the bastards off them as they march to Lythylla.’” James tells him.

“The bridge he was defending is no longer standing, and the enemy that had been trying to cross is now heading south,” he goes on to explain. “Another force had appeared on his side of the river, apparently coming around the forest where Captain Alerin’s forces are defending. They were successfully beaten back and I believe the commander had planned to follow the river south, pacing the enemy army, in order to prevent them from crossing over.”

Nodding, the captain says, “Good, I was wondering what was going on down there. The enemy has patrols on this side of the river and they’ve been intercepting our messengers.”

“There are several wagons of wounded coming to Colton as well,” James tells him. “They’re an hour or so behind us.”

Captain Kurk glances to one of the men near him and says, “Take care of that.”

Nodding, the man turns and leaves the room.

Turning back to James, he says, “You’re not with our forces are you?”

“No, I’m not,” he answers.

“But I am, sir,” Fifer pipes up. “I’m with Miller’s band, or was until we got separated from them.”

“Ah yes, the group from the City of Light,” he says. He glances around the others at the table before continuing, “They went with him when he moved on to Lythylla.”

One of the other men standing near the captain asks, “Are you James?”

Somewhat surprised, James nods, “Yes, I am.”

Pulling up the map, the captain reveals the message he’d written in the table to warn of the approach of the army. When he looks questioningly at James, James nods his head, “Yeah, that was me.”

“Intriguing,” Captain Kurk says. “Lord Pytherian said you might be coming this way and to give you any aid you may require. He also told us to ask you if you’d meet him in Lythylla as soon as possible.”

“Thanks,” replies James. “We were planning on doing that anyway.”

Captain Kurk says, “Lieutenant Rolger will see to your needs.”

A man steps forth and says, “If I may be of any assistance?”

James, feeling like he’d just been dismissed, turns to leave the inn with Lieutenant Rolger following behind. Once outside the inn, he turns to the lieutenant and says, “We could use fresh horses and some supplies, food and the like.”

“Sure thing,” he says. “Follow me and we’ll get you what you need.” He takes them down several buildings before entering one with a crossed knife and fork embossed on a sign hanging in front.

Within, they find a nice restaurant. “This is the main mess for the troops while we’re here,” he explains. Many of the tables have soldiers eating their meals, or just taking it easy and talking with each other.

Lieutenant Rolger waves down one of the servers and says, “Get these gentlemen something to eat. They’re our guests.”

“Yes sir,” the man replies.

“I’ll see about fresh horses and some supplies while you’re eating,” he tells them.

“Thank you,” says James as the server leads them to a vacant table.

The lieutenant just nods his head and then leaves the restaurant.

Once they’re seated, the server says, “There’s not much of a choice, but I’ll bring you some of what we have.”

“We’d appreciate it,” James says as the man moves to return to the kitchen area.

“Man it’s nice to be able to relax again,” Miko says as he leans back in his chair.

“You got that right,” agrees James. “I don’t know how long it’s been since I could completely relax.”

The server returns with steaming bowls of stew and two loaves of bread. He sets them down on the table and then brings over a pitcher of ale and four mugs. “Enjoy,” he says to them.

Miko mumbles something through a large mouthful of food as the server leaves their table.

The meal is surprisingly good, made all the more so by the ability to sit at a table to enjoy it without the worry of being killed at any moment. Before they’re done, the lieutenant returns and says, “I took the liberty to transfer your things from your other steeds to the fresh ones. They’re waiting for you outside when you’re ready to depart.”

“Thank you,” James says appreciatively.

“Is there anything else I can do before you leave?” the lieutenant asks.

“Not that I can think of,” James assures him.

“In that case, I shall return to the captain,” he tells them before turning toward the door and leaves.

It isn’t long before they’re done with their meal. Leaving the inn, they find four good horses outside waiting for them, each with a new bedroll and saddlebags. And when Miko checks the bags on his mount, finds them full of travel rations. A new water bottle hangs from each of the saddles as well.

“Didn’t expect all this,” Jiron says as he climbs into the saddle.

“Me either,” agrees James after he mounts up. He looks at the others, everyone is looking tired and travel worn. Though he doubts if anyone is experiencing fatigue to the degree that he is.

“Tired as we are,” he begins, “we better make for Lythylla before stopping. I’m sure we’ll get plenty of rest there.”

“I hope so,” says Fifer.

“And a bath!” pipes up Miko. He grins at James when he glances in his direction.

“That too,” says James, returning the smile. “Let’s go.” As they move out, they see the wagons with the wounded going through the streets. It doesn’t look as if they’re going to stop here in Colton but continuing on down to Lythylla.

Once past the outskirts of town, they continue passing people on the move as they try to get to safety from the coming armies. James is reminded of the traffic they encountered when they were approaching the City of Light. The faces of these people show the same lack of hope for the future that the others had.

Across the river they see patrols of the Empire riding along. They have complete control over there, the only thing keeping from being on this side is the river. It’s flowing much too wide, deep and fast for them to be able to make it across safely. Especially if there’re soldiers over here picking them off while they’re in the water.

The light begins to fade as they continue along. Riding hard, they pass several small towns along the way, each is in a stage of evacuation, soldiers encouraging and helping the citizens to leave.

When night has finally settled in and the stars have come out, they slow their pace so as not to ride over the people on the road. Even the dark of night isn’t stopping the refugees from fleeing. James feels sorry for them and hates those behind the wars that cause such grief.

Near midnight, they begin to see the lights from a great city appear ahead of them. “That must be Lythylla,” comments Jiron.

“I would assume so,” says Fifer.

As they continue to move closer, they’re able to discern campfires, thousands of campfires on the other side of the river. “There must be thousands of troops over there,” says Miko in awe. “Why are they just sitting there?”

“Might be they can’t get across the river without dying,” suggest Jiron.