Summoning Ch. 2

Chapter Two

Jason Thalmar pulled his drenched cloak tighter around his shoulders as the icy wind whipped and bit into his half frozen skin. Why in all of Abscínd Vale did the weather have to turn bad only as they traveled? It was as if nature was doing everything in it’s power to destroy them, just like the soldiers that would catch up with them if they didn’t find shelter soon. He lifted his head and tried to hold back the dark strands of hair that persisted to block his view. The rain came down in sheets that prevented him from seeing beyond a few feet onto the path ahead or the tree line on either side. In all his travelings, he had never seen such weather as this.

“How much longer till we arrive at Castra?” Talas’s deep voice hollered from behind him. Jason shook his head. It was impossible to tell whether they were even close yet. The sky had been dark ever since they had left the city last night, so there was no way to tell how long they had been traveling. But to tell his friend that would only cause him to rebuke Jason’s poor planning skills again.

“We are close,” he yelled back, glancing behind him. He prayed that he might be right for once. How long it seemed to have been since he had laid his head down on a soft pillow and slept under a real roof. Just the thought of rest was enough for him to urge his mount to a quicker pace.

“Are you sure about that? Or are you just guessing like you usually do?” Talas asked with irritation and doubt tainting every word. Jason turned around in his saddle and hoped that his friend could see the scowl on his face through the rain. He may be guessing, but Talas sure didn’t need to experience the pleasure of knowing that and being right.

“Look! I believe that I see a light ahead. I think you might have been right for once, Jason,” Talas hollered, pointing directly ahead of them. Jason spun around so fast that he nearly slipped from his saddle and strained to see through the pelting rain. Sure enough, there was a flickering, waving light ahead. The gate of Castra. They had made it.

Jason pressed his heels into the horse’s side to reach a gallop, and he could hear Talas urging his own horse on. The closed gate did not become clearly visible until they were only about five feet from it. Was it truly late enough for the gates to be closed? Jason pulled the reins an arm’s length from the large wooden gates and pounded with his fist as loudly as he could. Hopefully the gatekeeper would be able to hear him over this storm. Otherwise, they might be struck out here till next midday.

“Hold your horses there, lad,” a gruff voice yelled from the other side. Something clicked, and the rough noise of wood against wooden sounded faintly. Jason reared his horse back a few steps back as one of the gate doors slid slowly inward across the muddy ground. A short, broad man appeared with one hand gripping his hilt and the other gripping a wildly swaying lantern. In the dim light that cast shadows across his face, he looked quite repulsive. His hair was stringy and wild from the weather, and every inch of his skin seemed to droop despairingly. Whoever had chosen this man to be a gate guard had chosen well. He would likely frighten and disturb any unsavory characters off just with his appearance alone.

“What be your business?” the man barked, scowling from Jason to Talas.

“What do you think our business is, man?” Jason snapped, motioning to the sky. He was in no mood for questioning.

“We need room and board for the night, sir,” Talas said calmly. Even after knowing him for so long, it still amazed Jason how his friend could stay so calm and steady in all situations without fail. The guard’s persona did not soften, but he grunted and opened the gate wide enough for them to both pass. What would he ever do without Talas?

Jason urged his horse through the opening quickly and moved close to the walls on the left side of the street so that he could recognize where he was going. He barely heard Talas thank the gatekeeper before he was out of hearing distance. He steered his mount through the maze of narrow streets and hoped that he was going the right away according to the directions the servant at the palace had given him. Light could be seen in every window, and not a single soul could be seen wandered outside, except themselves.

Soon, Jason came to the large, closed doors of a stable. He quickly dismounted and shoved open one of the doors, leading his horse in behind him. Talas followed close behind. The building greeted Jason with warmth and the refreshing smell of fresh hay. He let out a deep sigh of relief and strode over to a young, preadolescent boy who was mucking out one of the many stalls. The boy looked up at him as he approached, and his bright green eyes widened. Jason looked down at his wet, muddy, servants disguise and brushed the hair away from his face, slightly embraced. He must look a surprising sight indeed, but there was nothing to be done about that for now. Not until they could buy new clothes tomorrow.

“My friend and I need feed and care for both our horses for a night,” he said to the boy kindly and quietly, afraid to scare him any more than he already appeared to be.

The boy nodded and peered around him. He gasped, and his eyes doubled their size. What in the world was the matter? Jason spun around quickly and could barely compose a laugh at the sight that had caused the boy’s surprise. He had been too exhausted in getting here to take the time to take in his friend’s appearance lately, but now he wondered how he could have possibly overlooked it. Talas was truly a sight to be seen. His drenched, black cloak and dark clothing clung to his youthful, muscular form and nearly blended perfectly with his dark, Cealestic skin. His cornrowed hair was darkened to a pitch black by the rain. He would have nearly looked like a walking shadow if not for his bright hazel eyes and sea blue, axe sheath that hung at his side. This young Mutítian boy had good reason for being so fearful. Talas raised an eyebrow toward Jason, and glanced from him to the boy with concern painted across his features.

“Do I really look that awful?” he asked with sincere apprehensiveness in his deep tone.

“Worse, I’m afraid,” Jason laughed. He turned back to the boy and squatted down to his height. “You need not be afraid of my friend. He is much nicer than he looks, I promise.”

The boy gave Talas one more wary look and gave a small, shy smile.

“There’s a lad,” Jason said, squeezing the boy’s shoulder. As he stood, he noticed that his palm had put a dark red stain on his shoulder. Blast it! The scab that ran along his hand had broken open from gripping the reins so hard. He would have to deal with it properly later so that it wouldn’t get infected, but he was too tired to deal with it now. Besides, it seemed to only be bleeding a little, and it would likely scab over soon. He wiped his hand on his trousers gently, thankful that the dark color would hide the blood spot, and rummaged thought the satchel at his side. He pulled out his money purse and placed seven gold coins in the boy’s hand.

“Thank you, sir,” the boy said eagerly, taking the reins from Jason’s hand. He walked over slowly, yet confidently, to Talas and took his reins as well. “I shall make sure that my father and I give them the best of care.”

“I’m sure you will,” Jason replied with a weak smile. How much this boy reminded him of himself at that age. That thought brought back painful memories, and he forced himself to turn away abruptly. He closed his eyes and shoved his emotion aside before turning toward the door.

As he began to walk toward the doors, he prayed that this boy should not have to suffer the same afflictions that he had at that age. Talas came up beside him as he opened the door and waved back to the boy. Jason turned back as he opened the door and saw the boy wave shyly back.

He shut the door behind Talas and led the way toward the tavern and inn across the street. It seemed nearly twice as cold now that he had experienced that bit of warmth, and he broke out into run through the veil of pelting rain. The boisterous sound of drunken men guided him toward his destination. It would likely be quite wild and busy in there, but anything was better than staying out in this weather. The swinging sign above the tall door read in faded black letters- The Thorn and Owl Inn. This was the right place according to the servant. Jason grabbed the large brass handle, shot Talas a warning look, and opened the door quietly. Yet again, warmth welcomed him, though the odor here was not nearly as pleasant as the stable. It smelled of sweat and ale.

Jason scanned the room briefly. It was just as full as he had suspected with nearly every table surrounded by men of every variety. As his eyes browsed over the many chairs situated around the tables, his limbs grew suddenly heavy. All he wanted right now was sink into one of them and eat a good warm meal at a table. He shook his head at the thought. There would be rest enough once they had checked into their rooms. There was no chance of them resting or dining in this room. It was much to crowded. They would have to content themselves with the leftover supplies from their packs in their rooms.

As he tore his eyes from the chairs, he noticed Talas’s large, dark form at the counter across from a large, burly man, who appeared to be the innkeeper. He had better get over there before Talas used that fast-moving, too-friendly mouth of his to give them away or get them in trouble. Even after all these years, Talas still hadn’t learned the rules of secrecy that came along with their occupation. Jason dragged his heavy legs toward the counter, trying to capture their conversation and process it as he got within hearing distance.

“Traveling in this storm from Aegis, you say?” The innkeeper asked with a skeptical glare in his dark-colored eyes.

“Yes, sir,” Talas replied, plopping down on a barstool.

“And when did you say that wanted to leave tomorrow?” The man asked. He was setting a trap, and Talas was walking right into it. Jason closed his eyes and prayed his friend wouldn’t reply.

“Early tomorrow before everyone else is awoke, sir,” Talas said plainly. Jason pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. For goodness sakes, Elyon save him from the stupidity of his friend.

“Yes, sir,” Jason said irritatedly and collectively, striding confidently up to the counter. “We must get an early start to get to an appointment in Cape Bastion. We simply need accommodations for the night, and I would be obliged if you could grant us a bed as soon as possible after our long, miserable journey to get here.”

The man’s countenance darkened as he stared coldly into Jason’s eyes. He hardened his own features to mirror the man’s attempt of intimidation.

“I provide nothing for anyone without knowing a bit about them,” the innkeeper said in a low tone. “Tell me, boy. How old are you and your friend?”

“We are...” Talas began. Jason shot a warning glare that silenced him. They were already in enough trouble.

“Why?” Jason asked, crossing his arms over his chest. His voice raised unbidden.“I see no reason why that information is necessary to disclose to the likes of you.”

“Watch your manners, boy,” the man said, placing a large fist onto the counter surface. “I have every right to turn anyone away who refuses to answer me.”

“Fine,” Jason said, trying to control his voice. Anger had begun to stir with the exhaustion in his gut. “I am eighteen winters, and my friend is as well.”

“You are young to be traveling,” The man leaned back with satisfaction. “Pray tell, what is your business?”

“We have told you already,” Jason replied. He opened his mouth to say more, but closed it again quickly. What had he said? Oh, blast this secrecy and his foggy brain! He couldn’t remember what he had told the man.

“Yes, you said that you were scheduled for an appointment in Cape Bastion.” Ah, yes, now he remembered. For some reason something sounded odd about it, though. The man’s lips curled in a small smile under his light beard. “Either, you haven't looked at a map for a while, boy, or you are just as stupid as you look. If you are going to Cape Bastion, you are going the opposite way.”

Jason nearly gasped aloud. He was an idiot. How could he have said something so ridiculously stupid? He racked his brain for something to say, but nothing appropriate came to mind.

“You wouldn’t be lying to me would you, boy?” The man growled with a burning scowl. “Because I abhor liars.”

Jason pulled his shoulders back to put on a confident front, but he had never felt like such a fraud. He said nothing and kept his gaze locked on the man.

The innkeeper strode around the counter and came to stand directly in front of him with arms cross. He towered above Jason by nearly a heads height. The man looked down at him with anger and distrust burning in his glare. A sickening feeling twisted itself into his stomach. Everything about the man’s persona in the moment was agonizingly familiar. He grimaced inwardly. This was not the time to remember those haunting memories. He couldn’t let the strong pain that screamed in the deepest crevices of his heart overcome him. Not now. He took a deep breath as discreetly as possible and focused instead on the anger that wrestled eagerly inside of him. The familiar spark of defiance flared inside him, and his hands curled into fists.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Talas stand quietly from the stool and place his hand nervously on his sheath. It was at the moment that he also noticed that there was no other noise inside of the whole tavern. He broke his stare with the innkeeper and glanced over at the men at the tables. Every man had silenced to watch. There was no avoiding attention now. How much worse could things get tonight?

The innkeeper gestured to a table closest to them, and two burly men stood.

“Show these liars out of here,” he ordered.

Jason turned his attention toward the men as they took a step toward him. There was no doubt where this was headed, but he was not in the mood to get pounded by men that were at least twice his size in width and height. He whipped out his sword and pointed it towards the men. Talas nearly leapt to his side with his axe unsheathed and faced it toward the innkeeper. Several of the men at other tables stood as well with swords in hand. Jason ran his eyes briefly over the men still sitting and those standing. There was no chance that they could win this fight.

“We are well capable to escort our own selves out, sir,” Jason stated, backing up quickly toward the door. The men, surprisingly didn’t advance toward them. As he neared the door, he noticed Talas open his mouth and shot him a silencing glare again. Talas immediately closed his mouth and turned to open the door. The cold rush of the wind burst in with large drops of rain as the door opened. Jason shuddered, but held steady and kept his gaze locked with the innkeeper until Talas shut the door behind them.

The rain pelted down on his face and head, but he didn’t bother to put on his hood. Why did it always have to turn out this way? It seemed as though everything and everyone in the entire world of Abscínd Vale was set to cause him pain.

“What now?” Talas asked from beside him. Jason took a deep breath and turned toward his friend. He didn’t want to be angry at him, but he couldn’t help it.

“You tell me. After all, you are the whole reason that we are out here again, right?” Jason snapped. He immediately cringed as a look of hurt passed through his friend’s face, but he wouldn’t take it back. He was honestly at a complete loss in what to do, and, if his friend could possibly use a little commonsense for once and find a solution to their situation because of his harsh words, thank Elyon. He had no more energy left to spend on anything, not even thinking. The only thing that he was sure of was that he needed rest. Nothing else mattered at the moment.