“Probably,” he replies. “Though it’s unlikely you would be permitted inside. Only the nobles or known scholars are allowed entry. Or so I hear.”
“Well,” says James, “it wouldn’t hurt to try.”
He finishes his breakfast and together they go to the barn to saddle their horses. This time James does a decent job of it, proud that he didn’t require Corbin’s help. Climbing into the saddle, he directs his horse out of the barn. The kids are there with Mary as he nears the house. She comes up to him and hands him a sack filled with bread, dried meat and fruits. He takes the sack of food and gives her his heartfelt thanks.
Devin brings out his spear and backpack. Reaching down, he grabs the backpack but tells him to keep the spear. “I really don’t think I’m going to need that. You go ahead and keep it,” he tells him.
Devin smiles up at him and nods, gripping his new spear.
He looks to Mary and says, “I appreciate your hospitality and have enjoyed being here more than you know.”
“Goodbye James,” she says, “and be careful.”
“I will,” he assures her.
With a chorus of goodbyes, James turns his horse and follows Corbin down the lane. Looking back he sees Elizabeth and Cyanna still waving goodbye. He raises one of his arms and waves back, then turns and catches up with Corbin who’s already at the road leading into town. The dogs follow them, barking and jumping until the end of the lane where they turn back and race for the house. He and Corbin then ride side by side as they continue on into town.
Upon approaching the outskirts of town they see a column of soldiers marching along the main road heading east.
“Who are they?” asks James.
“Cardri soldiers,” he replies. “They must be heading east to reinforce Dragon’s Pass. The siege is still raging at Saragon, at least that’s the rumor. If it falls, they may swing our way. Doubtful, but best to be prepared.”
“I suppose so,” he agrees.
Once the soldiers pass, they make their way through town to Alexander’s. Arriving at his establishment they dismount and tie their horses to the front post before entering. Within they find Alexander at the counter dealing with an elderly woman so they wait a few moments until she concludes her business.
When she is done and turns to leave, James steps to the counter. Alexander looks up at his approach and says, “Why, it’s James. How may I be of service today?”
“I’m leaving town so need to withdraw the rest of my money,” he explains.
“Very well,” Alexander says. “A thousand gold pieces is a lot to carry around with you. If you prefer, I could give you a letter of account. Such a letter would be honored by any money lender in Cardri. It would be less bulky than a chest full of coins that any robber would surely take an interest in.”
“Alright then,” agrees James. “Give me another hundred gold pieces to take with me and the rest in a letter of account. That should last me until I get to Cardri.”
“You’re heading to the city of Cardri then?” Alexander asks.
“Yes,” James replies, “I plan to head in that direction.”
“My brother has a money lender establishment in Cardri,” he explains. “I’m sure he would be more than willing to cash this for you. You can find him in the merchant’s quarter of the outer ring.”
“That sounds good, I’ll look him up when I get there,” James says.
“Very good sir, I shall be but a moment,” Alexander says as he turns and disappears in the back. It doesn’t take long before he returns to the counter with a pouch of coins and the letter. Together they count the money, both verifying that James is indeed receiving the correct amount, and then the money is put back into the pouch.
Handing the pouch and the letter to James, Alexander says, “Protect this letter carefully. If you lose it, you’ve lost your money, understand?” Seeing James nodding that he understands he adds, “And if you see my brother, tell him all is well here.”
“I will be sure to do that,” James assures him. After signing a few papers stating that Alexander was no longer responsible for his money, he and Corbin leave his establishment.
Next to Alexander’s is the Chandlers’ Shop where a variety of equipment and supplies that would be useful for travel are sold. Inside, they find useful wares displayed throughout the shop. Bags, cloaks, belts, etc. An open counter lines most of one wall and a portly man stands behind it.
When he sees who has entered his store, he says, “A good day to you Corbin. How may I help you today?”
“Not for me, but for James here,” Corbin corrects him as he points to James.
“James? Not the same James who rescued Jake’s little girl?” asks the chandler.
James responds, “I guess so. I need some equipment.”
“What are you looking for?” he asks.
James describes the things he thinks he’s going to need, then Corbin and the chandler proceed to tell him what he’s really going to need, including several sets of clothes. Together, they compile a list of equipment he’ll need. When he asks how much for the lot the chandler replies, “Jake came in here yesterday and told me that if you wanted anything, that I was to charge him for it. He said it was the least he could do to repay you.”
Turning to Corbin, James looks questioningly at him.
“While you were recovering, he stopped by to talk to you but you were sleeping and we thought it best not to disturb you,” he explains. “He said he wanted to repay you in some way, so I told him that you would most likely be needing equipment and supplies when you left, seeing as how you didn’t have anything. He must have come down here and set this up with Burl.”
“That’s right, he did,” agrees Burl.
“Okay, I understand,” James says. Collecting his new equipment he says to the chandler, “Thank you for your help.”
“You are most welcome,” Burl replies.
With his arms full, he exits the shop and begins the job of packing and redistributing his things upon his horse until he has a balanced load. As he gets ready to mount, Corbin stops him.
“Here,” he says as he offers James a knife in a simple leather sheath. “This has been collecting dust the last few years and I’d like you to have it. You will need it more than I.”
Taking the knife, he pulls the blade from the scabbard and finds the metal well polished with a sharp edge. He then reinserts it back into the scabbard and unbuckles his belt, looping it through the openings in the knife’s sheath. Once his belt is buckled securely around him once more, he positions the knife’s scabbard in a comfortable position. Having it on his hip makes him feel pretty darn good.
“Thanks, Corbin.” Reaching out his hand, he shakes Corbin’s. “I appreciate all that you’ve done for me. I’ll drop by if I’m ever back in the area again.”
“You’re always welcome,” Corbin tells him. “You take care now.”
James mounts up, turns the horse in the direction of the south road, and canters out of town.
Traveling down the road along the Kelewan River is peaceful and enjoyable. The road has been well maintained and makes for easy riding. It’s a clear and sunny day with a slight breeze, too warm for more than just a shirt. James rides along and covers the miles quickly. According to Corbin it’s two days to Bearn. As the day progresses, he passes several travelers, some alone and others as a group. Late in the morning he encounters one caravan with ten wagons and about as many guards. The teamsters wave at him as he passes, while the guards only glare. The lead wagon is not the same flatbed as the others, but a wagon covered with a deep blue canvas. A four horse team pulls it, making him think of the covered wagons in the old western movies.
The wagon is being driven by a young lady who looks to be about sixteen. Next to her on the seat is an older man, most likely her father. As James pulls abreast of the wagon, the lady greets him, “Good day to you sir.”
Smiling his most charming smile, he replies, “And a nice day to you too ma’am.”