written by CJ of Wolfcreek
copyright Wolfcreek publishing 1999
Chapter Two
The journey was going rather easily, Lothario had plotted their course to make the best of the terrain. They would need to stop and purchase provisions one last time before crossing into the vast desert.
"Over the next rise will be Sigonela, we can get water and meet up with one of the caravans going to Al Karj"
True to his word the City of Sigonela was indeed just over the next rise. Jo~well and Jerimiah looked at each other in disbelief, never had they seen anything that big.
Farceur smiled and said " The Shannon Dew is calling my name gentlemen, Fine ale, hot food and a lass by the name of Tawny who has the most remarkable..."
"I don't care what she has as long as she brings the food hot and the ale continually, I'm tired of field rations"
"Just remember, We leave out with the first caravan. Lothario and I will go to arrange provisions and transportation with a caravan. Eris, try to keep everyone else out of trouble and we'll meet you at the Shannon Dew".
The four knights wound their way through the crowded streets. The younger men taking in each of the strange new sights and sounds. Never had they seen a place so crowded, or so busy. People of all sorts went about their daily lives. Peddlers yelling out, selling their wares. An old woman and a shopkeeper haggling over the price of salt.
Turning his horse down a side alley Farceur led the group to a stable. A boy was busily brushing down a chestnut mare and briefly looked up at the newcomers. A quick flip of the wrist sent a silver piece flying at the boy and he easily caught it.
"Take care of our horses well and there will be another for you" The boy set about feeding and watering the mounts, and Farceur stepped through a side door.
The four companions made their way through the crowded taproom and Eris chose a side table. Sitting down to afford himself a view of both entrances, he motioned for one of the barmaids.
"Four ales, whatever's hot and tasty and four more ales."
Farceur sat in the chair to Eristic's left and was intently watching the serving wenches going into the kitchen for their orders. Cuffing Jo~well on the back Farceur asked, "Well lads, what think you of the big city so far? Sigonela has much to offer a young man, eh?"
"Now don't be filling their heads with nonsense, you know we won't be here long enough for that."
Laughing deeply "But there is always time for That."
The arrival of the ale loosened Eristic�s manner and the four began to eat their first hot meal in a week�s time. Before they had finished their first of many ales, Farceur had already persuaded the woman called Tawney to join them, and of course since there were only four chairs, she would have to sit on his lap. Jerimiah had developed quite an appetite and had already consumed more than the rest combined. "Ah, a growing boy!" Jo~well just quietly picked at his food, obviously uncomfortable in the crowd.
The Silk Sash trading company was a small operation that survived on its weekly trade with Al Karj. Lothario noted that its animals were well cared for and wagons well maintained, a respectable merchant. The owner was one fairly old rotund man known by the name of Amic the Honest.
The caravan journey would take 3 days to reach Al Karj and he eagerly approved of 6 Knights accompanying his son on this journey. 6 of the last 8 caravans had failed to get through and of the two that had gotten through they had lost nearly everything.
"Captain, I tell you, if this shipment does not get through I am done, I have lost most of my wagons and animals and six of my sons. I have but six oxen, three wagons and one son remaining. Please, help me."
"Amic, we will do all we can. But first Lothario will need to see the wagons that made it back, and he will want to talk to the men who survived."
The seventh son of Amic the Honest took Lothario by the elbow and led him to the wagons excitedly telling of his narrow brush with death. As they left the office, a woman in fine diaphanous robes entered, all but her eyes covered by a slightly more modest veil.
"Sir, I must get to Al Karj at once! I will pay whatever your price."
Bowing deeply, "Fine lady, the journey has become far too dangerous for one such as your self. I must in all good conscience refuse your offer."
"Sir, please take all that I have, I must get to Al Karj"
From beneath her robes she removed a silk purse and emptied it's contents into the merchants hand. Never before had Amic seen such perfect diamonds "Please!"
"I never could refuse a lady in distress, but please stay in my sons wagon and take no risks. The caravan leaves at first light M'lady."
Jusserand smiled at her as she departed and nodded his head in respect. " I will watch after her Amic, she will be safe with my men."
"I know this Captain, or I would not have permitted it, not for all the diamonds in the world. But this, this will replace all that I have lost. All but my six sons that is, please look after Atoc as well. I have no more sons and my wife is too old to give me more."
"Are you sure the captain knows where to find us? They've been gone a long time."
"Stop your worrying Jo~well, if he gets lost we can stay here that much longer waiting for him to find us. Knowing Lothario, they are probably going over every detail for the one thousandth time. He'll have likely calculated everything down to the last grain of sand that we'll pass over."
"That I have, that I have. Already started on the ale I see." Taking empty seats from nearby tables, Jusserand and Lothario joined the group.
"We leave at first light with the Silk Sash caravan. Lothario shall ride in the lead wagon and we five will ride escort. The owners� son will be in the center wagon with a passenger, a lady and not one to be trifled with Farceur. Now Lothario shall tell us of his plans." The group huddled closer to the table, Farceur asking Tawney to fetch them more ale and ensure that they weren't disturbed. The tactician began to speak...
copyright Wolfcreek publishing 1999
Email me at CJ of Wolf Creek to let me know what you think of the book
