Cambolton's Fall

Chapter Six

Frost coated almost every surface of the stable. Puffs of warm air coming from horses and handlers alike. The morning air was fresh and everyone was in a pleasant mood, save Gavira. Brin couldn't help but laugh each time he looked over at her and saw her sour face. "Just think of it like this: you have enough extra money now to fill our stomachs for several more nights!" Brin called at her as she finished brushing her horse down and replaced the blanket across its back. The only answer was a brush that sailed through the air, almost striking Brin in the head. Which, of course, only made him laugh harder.

Everyone continued to pack as the sun rose over the surrounding buildings. Gavira noticed the lute strapped to the side of Bards older mare. "What's a minstrel have to do to get an instrument like that?" She nodded her head towards the ornate instrument. The body was made of a beautiful, lightly colored wood with deep accenting browns around the outer rim. There were engraved markings along the bottom half of the tear-shaped base. The neck was topped with pristine ivory with frets of a dark brown, matching the base. What caught his eye the most, was the shimmering golden strings. More importantly the lack of two strings. The way that the morning sun hit the three remaining strings gave them the appearance of alternating between solid lines and thin strings of light.

Bard ran his hand along the masterpiece and looked up towards the sky, "I didn't do anything for it. The morning after my first vision, the one that showed me your faces and gave me the knowledge of your pasts, my lute was transformed. I haven't dared to play it. It's more a work of art than an instrument. Surely my skills are not worthy enough to touch strings crafted by a god?"

Brin grunted in acknowledgment and turned back to his horse. Gavira fawned over the lute for a bit longer.

Gavira and Bard had spent a good amount of time the night before trying to decide on the best route to take. The two had briefed everyone on their way to East Gate that morning, informing them that they would head directly east towards Cainhorn Fort, and then cut southeast towards Port Rosk. From there they would sail around the southeast peninsula and dock two days ride south of Cambolton Citadel, before the waters got too treacherous around the Kenqan Abyss.

Bard explained that the first leg of travel, from Marklana to Cainhorn, would be very easy going. Despite the cold weather, the roads there were well traveled and populated. Even with no spare horses, they'd be able to make the first portion in two weeks. They would be able to travel from dawn to dusk for four days, rest for two and then continue on until they reach Cainhorn Fort. With how trafficked the route was, they should be able to stay at an inn two out of every three nights, which made Gavira happy.

The second leg would be drastically different though. The woods to the sound east are notorious for being less policed and run by cutthroats. It was a common journey, but extra tolls and roadblocks could be almost guaranteed. Brin was confident that they could make it without incident, and would be just as happy if there was an incident for him to fix.

Having double-checked their belongings and supplies, the group mounted to leave the capital. Riding out of the large, eastern gate, Brin looked over his shoulder at the city. He decided then that he liked the city and the lifestyle that came with it a lot more than he had anticipated. The red roofs of the outer homes shone brightly in the morning sun, disappearing as they lost vision of the city interior. They had quickly crossed the drawbridge and his only view was of the tower walls of Marklana. Returning his attention forward, he squinted into the morning sun and then around at his three new companions.

They didn't make it more than fifty meters before hooves could be heard galloping up behind them. Brin directed his horse towards the side of the dirt road and shifted in his saddle, not liking the fact that something was quickly approaching from their rear.

It was a man in full armor, his stallions long strides easily covered the distance between them. As he drew nearer, he pulled his horse to a skidding halt. He was breathing heavily, but managed to say, "Man, I almost missed you! Was a close call for sure, eh?" He smiled at them in an easy manner. Brin noticed something similar about his features but wasn't able to recollect where the man was from.

"Can we help you, friend?" Bard asked cautiously.

"I've come to accompany you to Cambolton Citadel. That is, if you'll have me. My name is Price, I was there at your meeting with King Oval and I overheard your destination. As fate would have it, my sister is pregnant over there and I've been needing an escort to travel with. I requested leave as soon as my shift was over and it was approved this morning." He was beginning to regain his breathing, and Brin noticed that he was an older man, likely in his forties.

Was this man the reason that we went to the king for permission? Brin glanced at Bard, who was grinning like a fool. It looks like Rolinar has the same thought.

Gavira retorted, "Your boss didn't seem to like us much. He's letting you come with us?"

The man let out a bark of laughter, "That was our shift leader, he's a bit of a stickler for protocol," He gave Brin a pointed look then, "and you sir, were not following any at all!"

The group laughed as a whole and Brin felt the color rise in his cheeks. Bard turned his mount then and resumed their movement towards the rising sun. "Welcome to our little family of misfits, Price."