Brian Pratt - The unsuspecting mage

“How far is Trendle?”

“About a day’s ride. We should be there by nightfall.”

Glancing at James, he adds, “I probably should warn you that mages are not well thought of in these parts. Some bad things happened a while ago and, well, let’s just say that the people haven’t forgotten. They don’t much trust strangers at all, really. It takes them a while to warm up to anyone. They’re good people, just wary.”

“I can understand that. I’ll try not to give them reason to distrust me.”

“There’s a family that I know who has a farm just outside of town. If you like, I could take you there and see if they’ll let you stay with them while you’re recuperating.”

“Yes, I’d like that. I’m a pretty quiet person who tries not to be a bother to anyone.”

Ceryn nods and chuckles. “I’ve noticed that about you. After we deliver the bodies to the Town Hall and talk to the mayor, we’ll head out there.”

Nodding, he agrees to the plan. “How much of a reward is there for Garrett and his band.”

“I believe it’s five hundred gold pieces for Garrett and another hundred for each of his henchman,” he replies after giving it a moment’s thought. “If I’m remembering that right, you should get eleven hundred gold pieces, a tidy sum. You can also have your pick of their horses too if you like. The rest will go to the town where they’ll be auctioned off at the end of the month.”

Eleven hundred gold pieces and a horse! James can’t believe his good fortune. My situation is getting better and better.

“I don’t know too much about horses.”

Ceryn eyes him with surprise. “Truly?”

James nods.

“We’ll then, don’t worry, I’ll pick one for you. One that’s not too temperamental.”

“Thanks, I would appreciate that.”

For the rest of the trip, they ride in silence. James dozes on and off, still not completely over the previous day’s exertions and last night’s magical feat. Later that evening when the sun has sunk low in the sky, Ceryn directs his attention to the road ahead. Nestled in among the trees along this side of the river are several wooden buildings. Ceryn nods when he looks questioningly at him. Trendle.

As they pass through Trendle’s outlying area, the countryside changes from forest to tilled lands with crops growing tall in the summer sun where farmers are hard at work. Some take notice of Ceryn and holler a greeting. Most times he only smiles and waves back, though if they are close enough he might offer a few words.

“You seem to be popular around here.”

Ceryn nodded. “I’ve been the Warden in these parts for a little over a score and a half years. I know just about everybody within fifty miles.”

A small girl runs toward them across one of the fields. Upon seeing her approaching, Ceryn slows the wagon, brings it to a halt and waits. When she reaches them, she says, “My daddy was wonderin’ if you’d be stopping by while you’re in town?” Dirt streaking her face could not hide a smile that would brighten even the darkest day.

Returning her smile Ceryn replies, “Tell your daddy I’ll be along after dark, I have business in town I need to see to first. Also, tell him I’ll be bringing a friend.”

She glances to James and nods. “Ok. Bye.” Then turning abruptly, she races back across the field to where a group of farmers work hard cutting stalks of grain the old fashion way, with scythes.

“Why don’t they use tractors?”

“What’s a tractor?”

“It’s a…” About to reply, he thought back to everything he had experienced and seen; horse-drawn wagons, swords; Ceryn’s cabin. Perhaps this world didn’t have any such modern conveniences such as tractors, or cars for that matter. Probably still in the midst of the pre-industrial age.

“Oh, never mind.”

Ceryn gets the wagon moving by the time she returns to the farmers. One pauses in his work to lean down and hear what she says, then comes erect again and waves to Ceryn. James sees him speak to the girl and then watches as she heads off at a run toward a farmhouse in the distance.

“That’s Elizabeth, the daughter of the family I mentioned earlier. She’s going to grow up to break some man’s heart someday. Her father’s name is Corbin. His family has worked these fields for over five generations. Good, solid people they are.”

Coming to the town proper, James finds Trendle not to be what one would call a major metropolis. Rather, it was a small farming community with a handful of multi-storied buildings surrounded by those of a lesser sort. As the townsfolk take notice of their approach, many wave a greeting while others come forward to say hello.

An aged man hollers from the front of what looks to be the town’s general store. “What brings you into town, Ceryn?”

“Garrett the Snake and his men paid me a visit last night. Thought I’d introduce them to the mayor.”

The old man eyed the line of riderless horses strung out behind the wagon. “Got them all yourself?”

“No.” Slapping James on the shoulder, he said, “James here helped.”

Grateful for the praise, James still feels slightly uncomfortable by suddenly being the focus of so many people.

One man comes behind the wagon and lifts the tarp to reveal the bodies beneath, “Looks like you got the whole bunch. What happened?”

“Can’t talk now, have to take ‘em to the mayor. I’ll be by the Squawking Goose later and I’ll tell the tale then.”

As they continue on his way, people gather in groups to share the latest gossip about Ceryn and Garret the Snake. James hears his name being mentioned more than once.

As they trundle their way through town, James notices how the townsfolk stare at him. Not in an unfriendly way, more like he’s a curiosity. “Why are they staring?”

Ceryn looks up and takes in the way everyone is gawking. “Aside from being a stranger, it’s probably your odd attire. It’s like nothing seen around these parts.” He waves at several of the onlookers. “Pay them no mind, they’re just curious is all. Not much ever changes around here and new people are always the talk of the town. By tomorrow morning they’ll have several stories circulating about you, none close to being the truth I’d imagine.”

“Great,” he sighs.

News of their coming must have raced ahead for a man dressed in attire finer than anything James had yet seen since passing through the door and entering this world, stood waiting for them at the top of the stairs before the largest building in town. Several others, also in attendance near the building, watch as James and Ceryn approach what the Forest Warden explains is the Town Hall.

“That’s the mayor. He’s an honest man but at times can be a bit stubborn and headstrong,” As they draw near, the mayor descends the steps. Coming to a stop, Ceryn waves a greeting. The mayor returns the salutation

“What are you doing in town, Ceryn? Got too lonely out there with just yourself and the squirrels?”

Laughing, Ceryn replies, “No, John. Actually we have business with you.” Hopping from the wagon, he gestures for the mayor to join him at the rear of the wagon. Flipping back the bloodstained tarp, he reveals the corpses. Grabbing the arm of one, he turns it to exhibit the snake tattoo.

“So, Garrett the Snake is dead? You do it all by yourself?” He nods and casts an approving glance at Ceryn.

“No,” he replies then with a nod, indicates James who still sits on the wagon seat, “had some help. If he hadn’t been there, I’d be dead right now or wishing I was.”

After giving James an once-over, the mayor says, “There’s a bounty on their heads.” He returns his attention to the bodies lying in the wagon. “Looks like you got Garrett and six of his henchmen.” Turning once again to Ceryn he gestures to the line of horses tied to the rear of the wagon. “Are these their horses?”