Part 29 (1/2)
”By forgetting to try,” he answered. ”Do not think about it. When you hear the pulse of the earth, know that it was always there. Let your mind wander, and it will take its own course.”
”I think I understand,” said Gewey, nodding slowly in comprehension. ”Thank you.”
Linis slapped Gewey on the back. ”What a Seeker you would make,” he said. ”One day, when our quests are done, I hope you will allow me to instruct you further.”
”I would like nothing more,” Gewey replied earnestly.
When they were about three miles from Gristol, Prustos returned. He spoke briefly to Linis and handed him a piece of parchment. Linis looked at it and smiled.
”Prustos has informed our people of your arrival,” Linis announced. ”They will meet you at the Bean and Broth tavern, and then escort you to a house where you will be safe.”
”How will we know them?” Lee asked.
”Prustos has given them your descriptions,” he answered. ”They will speak my name so that you know them to be true. The road leading to the city is one mile north, and the gates are unguarded during the daylight hours. You should have no trouble.”
”We can't thank you enough for all you've done for us,” Lee said.
”I am honored to have met you and your kin.”
”The honor is ours,” Linis replied.
Gewey and the others traded heartfelt goodbyes with the elves, and then watched as they vanished into the forest.
Once the elves had gone, Millet turned to Kaylia. ”What an extraordinary people you are,” he remarked.
”Thank you,” she replied. ”I am pleased to have encountered them. I thought I would never speak to one of my kind in friends.h.i.+p again.”
Lee started north toward the road, and the others followed close behind. Without their elven friends, the march to the city gate felt dull and dreary. Gewey found himself missing their familiar laughter.
As Linis had said, the city gates were open and unguarded. The people of Gristol were far more accommodating than those they had encountered in other towns and villages, so they had no trouble getting directions to the Bean and Broth tavern. The tavern itself was nice, as taverns go. At first, Gewey worried that such a diverse group would stick out and raise suspicions, but none of the patrons seemed to take notice. They found a table and ordered ale and wine. They had hardly had time to take a single sip when they were approached by a man wearing a long, worn, brown leather coat and tan s.h.i.+rt and pants. He had salt and pepper hair and fair skin. He smiled cheerfully as he scanned the group.
”Friends of Linis, I presume?” the man asked.
”We are,” Lee responded, apprehensively.
”I'm Broin,” he said, taking a seat. ”You'll be my guests while you're here.”
”We're pleased to meet you,” Lee said, relaxing a bit.
Just then, the barmaid walked up to their table. ”Good to see you, Lord Broin. The usual?”
”Yes indeed,” he answered, and then returned his attention to Gewey and his friends. ”I've looked far and wide, and have yet to find a plum brandy to equal that of the Bean and Broth. In fact-” Struck with a sudden idea, he hopped up and whispered in the barmaid's ear.
”We're grateful for your a.s.sistance Lord Broin,” said Lee. ”Our mutual friends speak highly of you.”
”Thank you,” he replied. ”But you can drop the 'Lord' part; I'm not really a lord. About ten years ago there was a ma.s.sive fire in the city, and I helped rebuild. Since then everyone started calling me Lord Broin. I'm actually just a merchant.”
Lee gave a knowing smile to Millet. ”Lords.h.i.+p is earned,” Lee countered. ”Clearly you earned it if that's the t.i.tle the people gave you.”
”I know,” he said. ”But I still find it a bit...pretentious. I don't dress like a lord, and I certainly don't live like one.”
”I don't know,” Millet commented. ”You look much like some lords I've encountered. Not all wear silk and satin.”
”You sound like a man of experience.” Broin complimented him, laughing heartily as the barmaid returned. She carried a tray full of small gla.s.ses filled with pungent plum brandy.
”Please enjoy,” said Broin. ”I would not have you visit our fine city without sampling what I consider to be its finest attribute.” Everyone took their brandy and raised their gla.s.ses.
”To new friends,” Broin toasted loudly, and they all took a sip. Gewey winced at the sweetness, but found the aftertaste to be quite pleasant.
”When you're ready, we'll go to my home,” Broin said as he held the gla.s.s under his nose. ”I've had baths prepared. I know how time in the wilderness can take its toll.”
”That would be marvelous!” Maybell beamed. ”You must forgive my rude companions for not introducing themselves. I'm Sister Maybell.”
”I'm pleased to know you, Sister,” he replied, nodding his head.
”While you're here, I'll have someone escort you to the Temple District if you wish.”
”That would be perfect,” she said graciously.
Embarra.s.sed by Maybell's words, each introduced themselves in turn.
”What a unique band of friends,” said Broin, his eyes fixed on Kaylia. ”But enough of this. We should go, so you can wash off the dirt and grime of your long journey.”
Lord Broin led them to his home. It was a modest two-story structure, but it looked well built with st.u.r.dy red brick and hard pine. It had a small white balcony overlooking the street, and a flower garden surrounded the entire house. Inside the foyer, a staircase led to the upstairs bedrooms; doors on either side of the stairs led to the dining room, study, and parlor.
”I must apologize in advance,” Broin said. ”I only have three spare rooms, but there are ample beds.” A series of clanks and rattles could be heard coming from the back of the house. ”From the sound of it, Angus is preparing dinner.”
Broin led them to the bedrooms, where tubs of steaming water waited for them. Maybell took a room for herself, insistent that she get to bathe in private. Kaylia and Dina shared the next room, while Lee, Gewey, and Millet split the third.
”When you've washed, please join me in the parlor,” Broin said with a bow, leaving them to it.
”What do you think, my lord?” Millet asked, once they were alone.
”I trust Linis,” Lee answered. ”But all the same, be alert.”
Chapter 21.
When all had washed and dressed, they went downstairs to join Lord Broin. The door to the parlor was open, and voices could be heard speaking softly within. The parlor was spa.r.s.ely decorated. A few paintings and some silver lanterns lined the walls, and a cherry wood table holding a crystal decanter and a dozen brandy gla.s.ses stood in the corner. Three well-cus.h.i.+oned couches atop a thick woven rug formed a semi-circle in the center of the room. At the far end of the room, a small fire burned cheerfully in the fireplace.
Lord Broin was sitting on a couch, having a spirited conversation with two unfamiliar figures. On his left sat a young- looking man with dark curly hair, wearing a red silk jacket and a black b.u.t.toned s.h.i.+rt with black trousers. To his right sat a blond elf dressed in common brown woodsman's attire.
”Ahh,” Broin said as he saw them enter. ”Please, join us.” The man and the elf rose to their feet and bowed low.
”Let me introduce my friends,” Broin said. ”The young man here is Lord Ganflin from Althetas, and this is Malstisos.”
Gewey and the rest introduced themselves in turn. Lord Ganflin turned to Kaylia, who was still wearing her hood.