Richard Tuttle - Island of Darkness

“Then let us go to the docks, and I will summon the ship,” suggested Lyra. “There is no reason to keep the people waiting for the food that will fill their bellies.”

HawkShadow, SkyDancer, and Goral approached the Wayward Inn in the city of Campanil. They stopped at the mouth of an alley across the street from the inn.

“This is where we stayed the last time,” commented HawkShadow. “I wonder if she would stay here again?”

“I have been to Campanil numerous times with StarWind,” stated Goral. “We have stayed at many different inns. She usually chooses one in the area of the city that interests her the most. She likes being able to get off the street quickly if someone is following her.”

“Well we were interested in the mayor when we were here,” mused HawkShadow. “We will stand here for a while and see if she shows up.”

“I can do better than that,” smiled Goral. “Wait here for me.”

The giant walked across the street before HawkShadow could object. He did not enter the inn, but instead entered the alley alongside it. Within moments he disappeared around the corner at the rear of the inn.

“What is he up to?” HawkShadow said softly as his eyes scanned the street for any sign of StarWind.

“It is hard to tell with Goral sometimes,” SkyDancer replied. “He does not think like normal people. Sometimes I almost believe that he has the mind of a child, but then he mutters something most profound and shatters the illusion.”

“Very much like Goral,” chuckled the Sakovan assassin. “He likes to shatter things.”

SkyDancer and HawkShadow stood as if they were friends conversing on the street. Each of their eyes continually scanned the streets, not only watching for StarWind, but also for any sign of a threat to themselves. A few minutes later, Goral walked nonchalantly out of the alley and across the street. He automatically stepped into the alley near HawkShadow so his imposing frame was not as visible to curious passersby.

“She is staying at the Wayward Inn,” reported Goral. “Now we must determine which room.”

“How do you know?” inquired SkyDancer.

“She has a trick with the way she tethers her horse,” grinned Goral. “It is a simple knot that can be released quickly, but only if you are familiar with it. She taught it to me.”

“And me,” nodded HawkShadow. “I should have thought of that. You do well at this spying, Goral. I can see why StarWind likes to bring you along when she visits Omungan cities.”

“Actually,” replied Goral, “she brings me along to be a diversion most of the time. She can do some pretty unusual things while people are focusing their attention on me.”

HawkShadow chuckled and nodded. “We will enter the Wayward Inn and have a meal in the common room,” declared HawkShadow. “She will notice us when she passes through.”

“If she passes through,” frowned SkyDancer. “She might just stay in her room.”

“Not StarWind,” replied Goral. “She is a spy by nature. She would not be in an Omungan city to rest. She will be out snooping around even if she has no need to. I think resting and having a meal is an excellent idea. She will return eventually.”

HawkShadow led the way across the street, and the trio entered the Wayward Inn. The room was fairly empty, and HawkShadow chose a table in the corner. He slid into the corner with his back against the wall so he could observe the entire room. SkyDancer and Goral sat next to him.

The innkeeper came and took their order. When he delivered the food, the plates were only a third of what one would expect. SkyDancer was about to say something to the innkeeper when HawkShadow placed his hand on her knee. SkyDancer looked questioningly at the Sakovan assassin, but she said nothing. HawkShadow thanked the innkeeper, and paid the exorbitant price demanded. The old man left and returned to the kitchen.

“Do not forget that the Omungans are starving,” HawkShadow warned softly. “To comment on the small portions would make you stand out as someone who is foreign, not only to the city, but to the country.”

SkyDancer nodded silently, and the trio ate their miniscule meal in silence. When the time for the midday meal arrived, the common room remained empty. The trio sat softly talking among themselves. Finally the door opened and StarWind entered. She immediately noticed her friends in the common room. She locked eyes with HawkShadow as the innkeeper came out of the kitchen to see who had arrived.

“Forgot something,” StarWind smiled at the innkeeper as she turned around and exited the inn.

The innkeeper shrugged and returned to the kitchen. The Sakovan trio quietly rose and exited the inn. StarWind was not in sight, and Goral led the group to the alley alongside the building that led to the stables. StarWind was waiting.

“You should not group together like that,” warned StarWind as the others approached. “You will become too memorable. What are you doing here?”

“The fight in the Sakova has been abandoned,” explained HawkShadow. “We have come to help the Star in her endeavors.”

“I have heard about the troubles at StarCity,” frowned StarWind. “The Omungans know the location of our base. It is only a matter of time before they gain entrance to the city.”

“What is the situation here?” asked SkyDancer.

“I have had contact with Mayor Ferde,” answered the Sakovan spymaster. “I plan to visit him again today. Fortung has fallen to our Star. She is on her way here. I plan to find out exactly where Campanil sits before she arrives.”

“What can we do to help?” asked HawkShadow.

“There is nothing for you to do in Campanil,” replied StarWind. “Your help will be needed in Okata, though. Do you know where SunChaser lives?”

“I do,” answered HawkShadow.

“I have been there,” replied Goral. “Is that where we should meet up?”

“Yes,” answered StarWind. “It is good that you came, HawkShadow. I think SunChaser has a need for you. No doubt she will find a use for SkyDancer and Goral as well.”

“I would prefer to stay with you,” responded Goral. “If HawkShadow knows how to find SunChaser, I am not needed there.”

StarWind gazed along the alley distractedly. She finally nodded her head and smiled.

“Very well,” the Sakovan spy replied. “That will make it easier for the others to enter Okata. You always stand out.”

“Is Lyra going to press Campanil to defect?” asked SkyDancer.

“That was not the original plan,” answered StarWind, “but the answer is yes. We originally asked Campanil to stay out of the war, but things have changed a great deal. With Gatong and Fortung now allied with us, we cannot afford to leave Campanil in the Omungan camp. Lyra has ordered General Kapla to reverse his army and bring it down to Campanil. The noose is tightening on Okata.”

“Well, we will be in Okata waiting for the Star,” promised HawkShadow. Take good care of StarWind, Goral.”

The giant nodded and waved as HawkShadow and SkyDancer turned and left the alley. He turned to StarWind and grinned.

“Back together again,” he smiled. “Just like old times.”

“Perhaps,” smiled StarWind, “although these times are nothing like the past. I still find it hard to believe that we are battling the Omungans. I think you should go and stand near the northern gates of the city. I am expecting Lyra at any time. It would be good if you were there to meet her.”

“I can do that,” nodded the giant. “Where will you be?”

StarWind led Goral out of the alley and into the park in the center of the city. She nodded towards the large building that housed the mayor.