What I said, explained the innkeeper, was Honour to your houses, and be welcome to the Blue Wheel Inn.
Blue Wheel? Thats one of your Tsurani political parties, isnt it?
The innkeepers broad face split into a smile, revealing even white teeth. His dark eyes seemed to glint in the lanternlight. You do know of us! He extended his hand, Kingdom fashion, and said, I am Sumani. If there is anything that my servants or I may do, you need only ask.
Locklear shook the innkeepers hand and said, A room for the night after we finish our meal would serve. We have business in the castle tomorrow at dawn.
The stocky ex-fighter nodded. Youre in luck, my friend. Last night I would have had to express my regrets and endure the shame of being unable to fulfil your request. We were full, but this morning a large party departed and we have rooms. He reached under the bar and produced a heavy iron key. On my home world this would have been worth a mans life; here it is but a tool.
Locklear nodded, understanding the scarcity of metals on Kelewan. He took the key. Large party?
Yes, said Sumani. Foreigners. Quegans, I believe. Their speech was strange to my ear.
Locklear looked around the obviously prosperous inn. How did a Tsurani soldier end up running an inn in LaMut?
After the war, Earl Kasumi gave those of us who had been trapped on this side of the rift the opportunity to live as Kingdom citizens. When the rift was reopened, he gave those of us here in LaMut the choice of leaving service and returning to the Shinzawai estates on Kelewan. Most stayed, though some left service and returned to serve again with Kasumis father, Lord Kamatsu. A few of us, however, retired here in LaMut. I had no living family back home. He glanced around. And to tell the truth, I live better here than I would have back home. There, I might have become a farmer, or a labourer on the Shinzawai estates. He pointed through the open door to the kitchen to where a tall, stout woman was hard at work preparing food. Here, I have a Kingdom wife. We have two children. Life is good. And I am part of the citys militia, so I still train with my sword. The gods of both worlds smile on me and I prosper. I find business to be as challenging as warfare.
Locklear smiled. I have no head for business, though I have been told it often is like warfare. What gossip?
The old former fighter said, Much. Many travellers in LaMut over the last month. Much speculation. A large party of Great Ones came through here last week. And it is rumoured some brigands from my home world, grey warriors, have also been seen near the city.
Grey warriors? asked Locklear. Houseless men? What would they be doing here in LaMut?
Sumani shrugged. It may be those without honour have heard that here a man may rise by his own wits and talents, and not be bound by his rank at birth. Or it may be they are seeking riches in this land. With a grey warrior, who can say? A frown crossed Sumanis face.
What? asked Locklear.
Just this one thing: the rift is controlled by those who serve the Great Ones on Kelewan, and Kingdom soldiers guard the gate on this side. To pass through, these grey warriors would have to have documents, or allies among those guarding the rift gate.
Bribes? asked Locklear.
Here, perhaps. Ive found in the Kingdom the concept of honour is different than at home. But betrayal from the servants of the Great Ones? He shook his head. That is impossible.
Thanks, said Locklear, smelling a puzzle. Ill keep my eyes and ears open.
The Tsurani laughed. That is a funny thing to say, he observed. Let me know if I may be of any further service.
Locklear nodded. He took a lantern from the innkeeper and returned to the table. Gorath and Owyn rose, and Locklear led his companions up the stairs to a simple room with four beds. He motioned for Owyn to help him move one of the beds across the door, barring it against a sudden attack, then he moved another directly below the window. Owyn, he said, pointing to the bed under the window, you sleep there.
Why? asked the young man from Timons. Its draughty under there.
Gorath looked on with a slight turn to his lip, as if amused, as Locklear answered, Because if anyone climbs in through the window, theyll step on you and your shouts will alert us.
Grumbling, Owyn wrapped his cloak tightly around himself and lay down. Locklear indicated one of the beds to Gorath, who lay upon it without comment. Locklear sat on his bed and blew out the flame in the lantern, plunging the room into darkness. Voices from the common room below carried upstairs, and Locklear let his mind wander. The presence of foreigners and the attack by the Quegans worried him, and the rumour of Tsurani grey warriors in the area caused him additional concern, but fatigue and his injury caused him to quickly fall asleep.
CHAPTER TWO
Deception
THE SOLDIER WAVED THEM IN.
You may enter, he informed Locklear.
Locklear led his companions into the guardroom of the castle.
They had approached the castle on foot, after an early-morning climb up a long, winding road from the city. He was doubly glad they had chosen to spend the night in the city. His ribs still hurt, but after a nights sleep in a relatively warm bed and two meals he was feeling twice as fit as he had the day before.
The captain of the castle guard looked up as they entered and said, Squire Locklear, isnt it?
Yes, Captain Belford, said Locklear, accepting the captains hand. We met when I passed through on my way north a few months back.
I remember, said the captain with a half-hidden grin. Locklear knew the captain must have heard the rumour of the reason for his banishment to the north. What can I do for you?
Id like to see the Earl, if he has the time.
Im sure hed love to see you again, sir, but the Earls not here, said the seasoned old fighter. Hes off on some errand with a troop of men all Tsurani-bred leaving me here to take care of things.
The Countess? asked Locklear, inquiring after Kasumis wife.
Down in the city, actually. Shopping and visiting with her family. Earl Kasumi had married the daughter of one of LaMuts more prosperous merchants. If you need something official, you can wait until one of them gets back or ask me, squire. As long as you dont need an armed escort somewhere.
Locklear grimaced. I had been thinking about asking for some men to accompany us down to Ylith.
Wish I could oblige, squire, and if youve the Princes warrant with you, Id scrape together a dozen swords for you, but as it is, the Earls off training recruits, Ive got my usual patrols along the frontier, and the rest of the lads are out looking for a bunch of Tsurani renegades.
Owyn said, Renegades? Locklear had mentioned nothing of the Tsurani grey warriors to his companions.
I heard some rumours, was all Locklear said.
The captain motioned for the three of them to sit. Owyn was left standing when Gorath and Locklear took the only two free chairs in the office. I wish it was only rumours, said Belford. You know that Tsurani magician, Makala?
I heard some rumours, was all Locklear said.
The captain motioned for the three of them to sit. Owyn was left standing when Gorath and Locklear took the only two free chairs in the office. I wish it was only rumours, said Belford. You know that Tsurani magician, Makala?
By reputation only, said Locklear. He was due to arrive in Krondor a few weeks after I departed some months ago. The other Tsurani Great Ones spoke of him, but as they werent the most sociable bunch, I only gathered a few things about him. Hes very influential in their Assembly of Magicians, is keen to foster trade and what I believe the Prince is calling cultural exchanges between the Empire of Tsuranuanni and the Kingdom, and he was personally coming for a visit.
Well, he did that, said the captain. He arrived here a few days ago and called on the Earl. Every Tsurani of any rank does that, as the Earls father is very important on the Tsurani home world. So its a duty thing. The old captain rubbed his beard-stubbled chin with a gloved hand. The Tsurani are very deep into duty, I have learned in my time with the Earl. Anyway, they were here for a couple of days, Makala, some other Black Robes, and honour guards and bearers and the bunch, and it seems some of the bearers werent really bearers, but were some kind of dishonoured warriors from the Empire.
Grey warriors, said Locklear. I heard. That would explain how the grey warriors got through the rift, thought Locklear, disguised as bearers.
Thats who my lads are looking for. Rumour is they fled east. If they get over the mountains and into the Dimwood, well never find them.
Why the fuss? asked Owyn. Are they slaves or indentured?
Squire? said the captain pointedly.
Hes the son of the Baron of Timons, explained Locklear.
Well, young sir, said the captain, these men are something like outlaws on their own world, which by itself isnt enough to have me chasing after them, but here they stole something of value to this Makala a ruby of some rarity, I gather and hes making enough of a fuss about it that youd think the gods themselves lent it to him and hes got to take it back in a week. So the Earl, some because hes polite, and some because hes Tsurani and used to jumping whenever one of those Black Robes barks, hes got us combing the hills looking for those bastards.
Locklear smiled at Owyn, as if asking if that was explanation enough. The captain looked at Gorath, as if expecting him to say something. Gorath remained silent. Locklear didnt know if the captain recognized the moredhel for what he was or thought him an elf, and didnt see the need to explain things to him. The captain said, What would you need an escort for, if I may make so bold as to ask?
Weve had some problems, said Locklear. Someones hired Quegan swords to keep us from reaching Krondor.
The captain stroked his chin again and remained silent a long moment as he thought. Heres one thing I can do, he said. Ive got to run a patrol out to the border with the Free Cities. I can have you travel with it until it turns westward, almost half-way between LaMut and Zu-n. Thatll get you part of the way in safety.
Locklear was silent a moment, then said, I have a better idea.
What? asked Captain Belford.
If you can pick three men to play our parts, and ride conspicuously out the south city gate, well head east and slip over the mountains and head south to Krondor along the east mountain highway, where we wont be expected.
A ruse? asked the captain.
One I learned from the Prince, said Locklear. He used it to good effect in the Riftwar. If you can lead away those looking for us, long enough for us to reach the far side of the mountains, we should be safe.
I can arrange that. He glanced at Owyn and Gorath. Ive got some men who can pass for you, if we keep the hood up on the one playing your elf friend, here. He stood up. Let me arrange to have the evening patrol stop by your lodgings ? He looked at them questioningly.
The Inn of the Blue Wheel.
Belford smiled. Sumanis place. Dont let his smiling countenance fool you; hes a tough boot. If you get the time, have him show you some of his fighting tricks. Hell make time for a few coins. His decision not to stay in service was our loss.
The captain left and returned a short time later. Its taken care of. Head back to the city and let anyone who might be following you see you return. Lie low in the inn until tonight and Ill have three horses waiting for you in the inns stable. He handed Locklear a piece of parchment. Heres a pass. If one of our lads on the road to the east stops you, this will set him right.
Locklear rose. Thank you, captain. Youve been a great help. If theres anything I can do for you when youre next in Krondor, please tell me.
The old captain smiled. Rubbing his chin once more he said, Well, you could introduce me to that merchants young wife I hear got you run up this way in the first place.
Owyn grinned and Gorath remained impassive as Locklear blushed and grimaced. Ill see what I can do. They rose and departed the office.
Owyn said, We walk?
We walk, said Locklear as they headed for the main gate of the castle. But at least its downhill.
Gorath said, That is actually more tiring.
Locklear swore. It was a joke.
Gorath said, Really? His tone was so dry it took a moment for Owyn to realize he was twitting Locklear. Owyn kept his own mirth in check and they started back toward the city.
Locklear slipped through the door into their room. Gorath looked up without alarm, but Owyn jumped off the bed. Where have you been?
Nosing around. Sitting up here might be smarter, but Ive got this itch to scratch.
Gorath looked on, but still said nothing.
Owyn said, Itch?
Locklear smiled. Too many years of keeping the wrong sort of company, I suppose, but the reports of those grey warriors and the theft of some sort of rich item dear to a Tsurani Great One had me thinking. If I stole something on a different world, how would I dispose of it?
Depends on what it is, I guess, offered Owyn.
Gorath gave a slight nod, but still said nothing.
There would have to be a local contact, someone who knew where one disposes of something of value.
And you expect to discover this person in the midst of the throng of this city and use him to trace this band of thieves? asked Gorath.
No, said Locklear waving away the comment. The captain said the stolen item is a gem, which being from Kelewan isnt a shock. There isnt much on that world of value thats also easy to transport that would fetch a high value here. So my thinking is that the best way to find this missing gem is to learn where its most likely to end up.
A fence? asked Owyn.
No, for if as I suspect the value of the ruby is enough to give a band of desperate men a new start on a strange world, it would have to be the sort of man who has a legitimate enterprise, one likely to mask the movement of this item.
You seem to understand this sort of business better than a noble of your race should, observed Gorath.
I said I kept the wrong sort of company. After buying a few drinks, I discovered theres a merchant with less than a stellar reputation who deals in gems, jewellery, and other luxury items. Hes a man named Kiefer Alescook.