The Unknown Man: Book 1 in The Keepers of the Orbs Series (9 page)

He stayed up well past his watch; his thoughts about Milenthia served as a good distraction. The sun crested the horizon to the west when he realized he’d taken all of Jaeden's watch. He got up and walked over to Jaeden's tent. “Jaeden! It’s morning. You can get up.”

Jaeden reached his head out of the tent. “I realized that ten minutes ago. I stuck my head out and called your name, but I couldn’t see you, and you didn’t respond.” He eyed Tirene. “Where were you? Why didn’t you wake me for my watch?”

Tirene waved his arms in a downward motion, urging his companion to calm down. “Don’t worry, we were in no harm.” He left the tent so Jaeden could finish getting dressed. When the fire he built crackled and burned white hot, he gathered a pan and rummaged through Liniana’s bags to see what he could prepare for breakfast. He found bread and leftover rabbit meat. He grabbed them both, along with herbs, and headed back to the campfire. Jaeden joined him, fully dressed now, in a green tunic covered by a gray traveling cloak.

Jaeden walked up and peered over Tirene's shoulder. The aromas were already overwhelming them both as the meat crackled in the pan. He eyed Tirene's back. “I’m pretty sore. We need to start going a little easier with my training. You’re going to kill me with our routines.”

Tirene laughed at him. “I know it can’t be easy on you, but you’re learning quickly and if anything I would like to increase your training.”

Jaeden rubbed his aching muscles, which started to throb even more when he heard the phrase “increased training.” “Thank you for the compliment. I guess I will just have to deal with it then.” He looked toward Liniana's tent, then turned back toward Tirene. “Why did you take the whole watch? I’m more than capable of sharing in the duties, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

Tirene turned to look the boy in the eyes. “I had an unsettling experience last night, but I’d like to wait until Liniana wakes up so I don’t have to tell the same story twice.”

Jaeden got the hint and quit pressing him on the subject. Instead, he looked around to take in the landscape. Birds were waking, and they chirped all around them. He looked surprised to see it hadn’t rained, but dew had accumulated on the grass and trees’ leaves surrounding their camp. The wind shifted and again he caught the smell of the rabbit cooking in the pan.

Tirene stood and searched the surrounding trees for larger leaves. He plucked some from their branches and wrapped the wet leaves around the bread a few times, before placing the bundle in the coals on the outskirts of the fire. He let the bundle sit for a few minutes while the rabbit finished cooking. When the leaves started to smoke, he pulled it out.

Tirene said, “Go let Liniana know breakfast is almost ready.”

Jaeden walked to her tent. As he approached, he heard movement from inside. At the sound of his footfalls, she said, “I’m awake, I’m just getting dressed. I’ll be out in a moment.”

He laughed to himself and said, “We could’ve yelled to her. She’s already awake.”

Tirene pulled the pan from the fire. He broke the bread into three chunks and handed one to Jaeden. Tirene turned to look at Liniana's tent as she exited it. She noticed him looking at her and gave him a smirk.

“This smells good, Jaeden. I think your cooking skills are improving.”

“It didn’t cook it. Tirene took my part of the watch
and
also cooked breakfast for us.” he said.

She frowned at Tirene as she approached. “What happened to you? Why did you take Jaeden's watch? Did you fall asleep?”

He turned to her beautiful porcelain face and chuckled. “No. A voice contacted me and we had an interesting, yet disheartening, conversation. That can wait, though. Eat your rabbit and bread before they get cold.”

She eyed him and accepted a plate. After she finished her first bite, she asked, “Are you going to tell me more about last night, or are we going to act like you said nothing happened?”

He finished chewing while he thought how to begin. He went through the events of the evening while the pair looked on wide-eyed. Once the story was complete, he noticed both of them had finished their meal, while he had barely touched his. They stared at him, while he ate what remained of his now cold food.

They both had looks of complete astonishment on their faces. Liniana broke the silence first. “This is all very suspicious. I don’t understand why she refused to show herself. I’ve heard of telepaths before, and this is a cause for alarm.” She shook her head.

He nodded at them and said, “Aye. It was one of the most confusing experiences of my life.”

Liniana picked up the plates and cleaned them. She motioned for the two of them to help. She tilted her head and faced Tirene. “Are you sure you can ride today, with what little sleep you got last night, that is?” She turned her head back to her cleaning. “It’s a good three days till we reach Morith.”

He shrugged in indifference. “I’ll be fine. I got a few hours of sleep before my watch.” He grabbed the pan out of her hand and dried it.

When the dishes were clean, they all attended to their own tents; quickly dismantling them and packing them away. They replaced all of their gear in their saddlebags, and mounted their horses. Before the sun crested the horizon, they were back on the well-worn trail, headed east to Morith.

Tirene saw the murder of crows flying overhead as he first spotted the outlying buildings of Morith. The weather had turned much cooler and the winds picked up, offering a strong breeze that was a welcome relief from the blaze of the sun. They could all see the outskirts of the city. Gray smoke billowed out of the chimneys from the homes sitting outside the city walls. The buildings were of a Tudor style, with timber and stucco adorning the exteriors. The chimneys were made of stone and most of the homes had more than one.

They all wanted to reach the city, but a farmer blocked the road. He slowly moved a herd of cattle. The air reeked of fresh dung and livestock mingled with a slight scent of ozone. The rain started to pour. It soaked into their bones, and made them all shiver as none of them was dressed for the weather. They yearned for the warm fires that would greet them when they reached an inn. The road which normally sat dry and packed from travel, had turned into a river. Even the spirits of the horses seemed diminished. The herd of cattle finished crossing the road, and the travelers were free to move at their own pace. They could see the gate of Morith now, which made their hearts warm. Soon they would be nestled in a cozy room with a hot fire to warm their cold bones.

They approached the gate and Tirene eyed the defenses of the city. While Morith was much larger than Shepherd's Crossing, their defenses weren’t much better. At least this town had a wall around it, even if of timber construction: a wall was a wall.

A guard stopped them and said, “What business do you have in Morith?”

Tirene explained they were seeking warm shelter and a meal for one night. The guard demanded names for which Tirene gave fake ones. Satisfied by their story, the guard directed them to one of the three establishments in town, the Hearth and Stone Inn.

The group proceeded through the gate and followed the main street until they reached the first intersection. At the intersection, they turned left and spotted the inn.

Two grooms met them at the stables—both young boys—dirt smeared across their faces. They handed them the reins and tossed them a couple of coppers for their troubles.

Once inside, they were greeted with raucous laughter and vocal banter. None of it directed at the party, of course. The patrons were just all well into their cups. They also felt the sudden warmth radiating from the hearths.

Tirene and Liniana looked about the room, surprised to see most of the folk at the tables were farmers. Many were older, rougher looking men, with lecherous eyes for the young serving wenches. Tirene decided he would have to keep close tabs on Liniana—his concerns confirmed when many of the hard eyes lit up at her approach. They even managed to disregard a few lewd suggestions directed toward her, as they headed to the bar. Men continued to try to catch her attention, but Tirene was reassured that it was only the attention of an attractive woman that they desired, not the heir to Havenbrook.

They fought their way through the blue haze of smoke enveloping the entire common room and searched for the proprietor of the establishment. They caught the attention of a very young man they assumed to be the barkeep. He smiled at them and Tirene said, “We would like a pair of neighboring rooms. One for the lady and one with two beds for me and the boy.” Jaeden's eyes bulged as the thought he had to share a room with Tirene. He also asked for baths for all three of them, if the inn could accommodate the request.

The barkeep looked at them and said, “I can provide the rooms, but you won’t have neighboring rooms, unless you would like three rooms. The rooms with two beds are on a different floor.” He stared at them to determine their motives. “As for the baths, the room I shall let the lady occupy has one, but the two of you can feel free to visit one of the bath houses in town. I have a couple of tubs I could have brought in for you, but it will cost more than you have available.”

A look of annoyance crossed Tirene’s face. Liniana indicated with her eyes that she would be all right and could handle herself. “If that is the way it must be, then so be it.” Liniana placed some coins in the barkeep's hands. “I threw in a little extra to have tubs brought in for my envoy. Don’t be so quick to judge people you have just met.”

The barkeep’s eyes lit up, realizing these three were more than just normal travelers. “Yes of course, my lady. I will see to it that whatever needs these two men have, will be met.” He bowed his head in a half-hearted manner.

“Yes well, I should hope so. Be sure you’re quick with the tubs! We’re soaked and chilled to the bone from our many days in the elements. It would be nice to warm our travel-worn bodies.”

The young man asked for a few moments before showing them to their rooms, and disappeared into the kitchen.

Tirene acted on his instincts and surveyed the room. He spotted a lone man in the bar sitting at a dark table in the back. The only person in the room drinking wine, Tirene perceived the mysterious figure watching their every move with great interest, even as he tried his best to hide it. Tirene knew he would have to keep a close eye on him the rest of the evening.

The barkeep reappeared and washed his hands, wiping them on his black apron. “If you will follow me, I will show you to your rooms for the evening, starting with the lady's first.”

He led them through the front of the dining room while the drunks continued to mutter obscenities and whistle at Liniana. Tirene observed a fat, older bald man with hands that seemed a little too forthright. It climbed up a young wench's leg as she set down a round of drinks. She tried to back away from him, but risked spilling the items placed on her tray. Tirene was appalled and decided he couldn’t stand witness to it any longer.

He tapped Jaeden on the shoulder and cocked his head. Jaeden eyed the ruckus and fell in behind Tirene understanding his assistance was needed. Tirene pulled the young girl back and spoke to the man. “Excuse me, but I don’t think the lady likes the way your hands are wandering.”

The old man growled and stumbled when he tried to climb to his feet, fumbling at his belt for his dagger. “And what be it to you?” He curled his lip, still fumbling for his weapon. “I don’t think she asked for any help. Now be gone with you.” He reached forward to grab the girl away from Tirene.

Tirene knew he didn’t even have to reach for his weapon. He put his hand on the old drunk's head and pushed him back, the man stumbled over his own intoxicated feet and fell over a chair. “I think you have had enough. It’s time you went home and kept your hands to yourself.”

Expecting trouble, Jaeden drew his sword, but Tirene stopped him with his hand. The old man struggled to regain his footing. He reeked of alcohol and his eyes were bloodshot. He swayed, dagger in hand, and tried to approach. “I told you this doesn’t concern you.” Drool fell from the corners of his mouth, and he used the sleeve of his tunic to wipe it away. “I suggest you go about your own business, and leave me to my own
desires
.”

Tirene moved the girl in the direction of the proprietor, who shook from fear at the potential of a fight in his bar. He normally stayed out of frays and avoided contact with others; he had lackeys to handle these kinds of disputes. But he accepted the girl and ushered her down the hall.

Much to Jaeden’s displeasure, Tirene decided he alone would deal with the drunkard. Tirene left his weapons sheathed and approached the old man. “I’m sorry, but I cannot meet your demands. The girl has left now and I suggest you do the same.”

The drunk snarled and lunged toward Tirene. Liniana surprised them both and slid a dagger across the old man’s throat. She grabbed the hand holding the dagger and brought his arm up into his back. He let out a loud squeal, dropping the dagger he had drawn. She inched the arm higher—the man's face twisting in pain. She leaned in closer to whisper into his ear, but thought better of it when the man's reeking stench overwhelmed her. “Now, are you willing to take my friend’s advice? We don’t wish to harm you, but if you leave me no choice, then only you can be responsible for the results.” To reiterate her point, she wrenched his arm up even higher. She could feel the old man shudder with a new wave of pain.

Almost sobbing he said, “Fine. You win. I will take my leave.”

She released the man's arm and twisted him around. Tirene smiled, his infatuation with her further growing. He dragged him to the door and threw him outside. The drunk fell to the ground; he tried to stand, but kept slipping on the wet, mud -covered road. He stood up and shouted curses at them both. Tirene made to walk outside, and the old man stumbled down the street and disappeared.

Tirene watched him round the corner and he walked back into the inn, satisfied they wouldn’t receive any additional problems from him. When he walked in, all the other patrons stared at him, but he paid them no attention as he made his way back to the stairwell where the others waited. He did, however notice the seat the lone drinker had occupied, now sat vacant.

The shaken barkeep returned and led them to the staircase standing before a long hall. He wanted to get information out of them while they walked, but thought better of it. He eyed both Liniana and Tirene with apprehension, and didn’t want to do anything that might upset them. He stopped in front of the fourth door on the left. The room appeared larger than any of them had expected, with a permanent tub built into it.

The barkeep turned to them, feeling cautious. “This room will be for the lady. I hope it’s to your liking?” He backed up so they could take in the furnishings.

Liniana walked inside. Another young man walked in and lit a fire for their guests. She looked around the room and said, “This far exceeds my expectations. It will do and I’m very appreciative.”

He gave her a warm smile, his initial apprehensions leaving him, and turned to Tirene and Jaeden. “If you two will follow me, your room is on the next floor.” He turned and walked back out into the hallway. Jaeden fell in behind him, while Tirene looked at Liniana one last time.

His nerves were on edge about leaving her out of his range, especially after the confrontation with the stinking drunk in the dining hall. She gave him another look signifying she would be just fine—which after her display, he knew she would—and he left the room to join the others.

They walked up the stairs to reach the second floor. The barkeep led them to a door that stood open. Someone sat crouched inside lighting a fire. A permanent porcelain tub filled with steaming water sat on one side of the room, and someone had brought a mobile copper tub as well. 

Tirene looked at the rest of the furnishings in the room, surprised to see two large beds. A temporary divider separated the room into two smaller portions, so they could have their baths in privacy. He also saw a table and a few chairs.

Tirene turned to the barkeep, who appeared eager to be off. “You have nice furnishings for an inn this far away from a capital city.”

“Yes, well, we often stage competitions in our town. The lord-son of Melina likes to frequent and participate in them. He wanted a nice place to stay so he paid me to renovate the inn to his liking. This room is reserved for his servants and the room I put the lady in is his.” He gave Tirene a grin and said, “I can put you in the common rooms if they would be more to your liking.”

Tirene smiled back at the young barkeep. “No. This room will suit us just fine; I was just surprised that is all.” The young man had turned to leave when Tirene asked, “What are you serving for dinner may I ask?”

He spun, frustrated and eager to be back to his regular duties. “Just a simple stew and bread, but because it’s a few hours yet till dinner, I instructed the cook to prepare a fresh turkey for you and your companions. You can have bread and fresh vegetables with it, if it’s your desire?”

Tirene nodded to him and tossed him another coin. He left the room, closing the door behind him.

Tirene walked to the tubs and saw Jaeden's wet clothes piled on the floor. The boy had already climbed in, neck deep in the boiling water. He chuckled to himself, and noticed their bags were already in their room. Eager to get out of his own wet clothing, he positioned the room divider between the two tubs and stripped down. He climbed into his tub and let the warm water take the aches and cold out of his bones. The water soothed and comforted him and he fell asleep.

A brief while later, Jaeden stood over him and shook him awake. It took a moment for him to realize he still lay in the tub—the water had cooled while he slept. It didn’t bother him, but he remembered he hadn’t cleaned himself yet so he grabbed the large lump of lye soap and ran it over his skin

Jaeden wore a warm smile on his face. “Did you have a nice nap? You were snoring loud enough! I thought the whole inn could hear you.”

Tirene looked at him and gave him a mock grin. “Thanks! I will try to work on that. He continued, “We should get Liniana and go down to the hall to eat.”

The boy grabbed his arm to stop him. “No need. A young girl came by and told me right before I woke you that the meal will be ready in an hour. We’ll see to her in a bit.”

Tirene thought of something and said, “I would keep your sword with you tonight.” He paused before he continued, “If I’ve learned anything it’s where there are drunk men, there is trouble. You never know, we might need it.”

An exasperated look appeared on Jaeden's face. “I thought I could have a night free of worry about who might be watching us, or who might attack us.” He turned to fetch his sword. “You know what, Tirene? I’ve been around you for a week now, and you always seem to think the worst of any situation. I’ve been gambling in inns since my childhood, and one thing I’ve learned is sometimes you need to trust others.” He leveled his gaze at Tirene. “Did you ever stop to think maybe the drunks are less at ease with you in all your armor, carrying that sword at your hip? Maybe that’s why you think trouble is everywhere? You breed it.”