|
 |
|
Sign Up to Submit Fictions and Earn Credibility! |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
Author: Lorite
606 Views
0 Comments
|
Chapter 2: The Wait
Stepping through the door of their newly rented room walked the two brothers, looking quite the worse for wear. They were tired, weary, and covered with quite a bit of dirt. Only a few patches of green could be seen though it all and their faces and hair had several layers of mud. Surprising they had managed to get a room at all, luckily money makes people look at you differently.
Removing their packs and what weapons they were willing to part with for now, they went to the inns common room. This is where most patrons of the inn spent their time and money either drinking, eating, or enjoying whatever entertainment the innkeeper had managed to procure. Unfortunately the two were not pleasant to the nose or eyes and were soon face to face with the owner of the inn.
“Gentlemen,” the owner spoke hesitantly. “I am Darren the owner of this inn; perhaps you would be more comfortable after you have cleaned up some?” Quickly glancing at the weapons they were still carrying.
“Yes,” agree the larger man. “But we would also require some clothes so that we can get our own cleaned.” Looking down at himself and he said this.
“Of course that wouldn’t be much -”
“Can we get some food?” Interrupted the smaller brother, “and something to drink as well, if you have it.”
“Yes we have plenty to eat and drink,” the innkeeper paused and looked around the room. “You food will be ready for you once you’ve had a chance to clean up. Call me Darren, if the two Masters require anything else I will be here. My attendant will show you where you can get washed up.” He said as he waved a woman over. She was a pretty girl, a soft face with large brown eyes, short and slim but with some womanly curves.
As she approached Darren spoke to her. “Karen, please show our new guests where they can get cleaned up. And bring them some clean clothes.” Turning to the brothers he said, “If you’ll excuse me I’ll see to your meals.” Darren bowed to them and went to what looked like the kitchen.
“Masters hmm”, she paused at this. “If you don’t mind my asking, what were your names?”
The larger man spoke first. “I am Joren and this is Kel,” he gestured to his smaller brother.
“Yes well, Master Joren, Master Kel. Please follow me.” She led them back out of the room to a door at the end of a long hallway. Inside this room were four large iron tubs, big enough to fit even the tallest man. At the head of each tub was a table with a large basin on it and a chair. On the opposite side of the room was a very large fireplace with a thick railing over the fire. Going to a door at the side of the room Karen opened it and stepped inside. She spoke to someone inside the room and soon came out with towels and soap. Following her was a short stocky man; he had dark sunken eyes and a large forehead that showed off how bald it was. He looked rather strong but also clumsy and slow witted; he carried with him two very large black pots. Placing these pots on the railing above the fireplace, he left and came back with pails filled with water; it took several trips to fill the pots.
Karen put the soap and the towels on two different tables. “Are the two Masters going to have a bath?” She asked.
Joren considered this for a moment before he replied. “Yes that would do us some good.” After hearing this Kel looked relieved.
“I’ll be back with some clothes,” she said. But she gave Kel a sideways glace as she said left.
After she was gone they began to peel off their clothes, creating small piles of dried mud at their feet. They removed the only weapons they were carrying, each had a long knife, but kept these close.
“So what do we do now?” Asked Kel.
“We wait now, “Joren replied. “They won’t come till after dark.”
“How do you know?” Kel looked worried.
“I don’t, we can only hope that they don’t want that much trouble.”
They both stopped talking and watched the short man take the pots from the railing and filled the basins at their tables. Placing the pots back on the railing above the fire, he refilled them then went back into the side room.
Cleaning up wasn’t too hard, it was mostly dirt and dried mud. But it did leave the basins in bad need of a good cleaning. Soon Karen returned with some clean clothes for them. These consisted of linen pants and shirts with a simple leather jacket to go over the shirt. Karen sat in the corner on a stool waiting for them to get dressed, but kept her eyes on Kel. When they were pulling their boots on she came up to them and spoke. “Your food is ready now, it would probably be best of you ate before your bath. It will take some time for the water to get hot and you don’t want your food to get cold. Is there anything else I can do for you?” She was staring at Kel as she said this.
His face flushed then began to glow red and he was only able to mutter a meek “no”.
Looking a little disappointed she turned around and added, “If you change your mind you know where to find me…” Then left the room.
Glancing down at his little brother Joren laughed and said, “Come on, let’s get some food. The pretty lady can wait.” He laughed again, but this only deepened Kel’s already bright red face.
- - -
Strolling back into the common room no one bothered to even notice them this time, seeing as they looked rather plain. It was also a bit emptier than it had been on their first visit here. It being just after noon meant it would be deserted for at least a few more hours. People don’t usually drink in the middle of the day, too much work to be done before anyone could spend their time getting drunk. After taking their seats at a small table, food was soon brought out to them. They each got a bowl of chunky stew and a place with bread, cheese, and meat. They were also given large steins filled with mead. The mead was sweet and tasted much better than the muddy water they had been drinking for the past week. The defied comparison to the stale bread and dried meant that they had all but lived on. Fruit and berries were the only fresh food they had dared to eat. The brothers were both skilled hunters but a fire was not an option when you are being hunted. The only animals they bothered to catch were those that they killed earlier in the day. They sold these shortly after entering the town, earning enough for the room and food.
They soon finished their meals. Joren got up and went to speak with the innkeeper Darren before they both went back to the room with their baths. Walking into the room they saw that their baths were filled with steaming water. Removing their clothes they slowly stepped into the tubs. It burned as they stepped in but not enough for it to hurt. Sinking into their baths they both let out long sighs. It was uncommon for them to let down their guard but after the last week anything was better than sleeping on the cold ground in the cold night with nothing but your clothes. They felt all the cold that had built up in their bones being washed away as they sat in the tubs. All too soon it seemed when they had to leave, but they had to get some sleep while they could.
Once they were in their room they each took a bed, it didn’t take long for them to be fast asleep. Normally they would take turns, one sleeping and one keeping a watch. But they were both going to need their rest. They had no choice but to take that chance that they wouldn’t be attacked in the day.
- - -
Several hours later a knock sounded at their door. Joren quietly got up and answered it. If it had been the people that were chasing him and his brother, they wouldn’t have bothered to knock. On the other side of the door was Darren with a large pile of clothes in his arms.
“You have some strange requests Master Joren, I wouldn’t normally bring my guests their clothes, but considering.” He placed the clothes on the table in the room as he said this. Joren gave him a small leather pouch once he put the clothes down, this contained all the money the two brothers had left.
“What of the other things?” Joren asked.
“The supplies you wanted are in the kitchen near the rear entrance. And,” Darren hesitated, “about the horses.” But before he could finish Joren walked over to his pack and rummaged around in it. Soon finding what he wanted he pulled a small object out which was wrapped in cloth. Walking back over to Darren he Joren handed him the small object, which the innkeeper quickly unwrapped. As he looked at it shock spread across his face.
“Will this be payment enough?” Joren asked.
“How did you?” Darren asked, but his mouth wouldn’t completely close.
“It’s best that you don’t know.”
“Oh right,” Darren said but looked very nervous. He wrapped the object back up and placed it in his pocket. “This will do, the horses are in the stables at the back. My stableman’s name is Jord, just tell him you want them, he’ll show you which are yours.
“Thanks you, and what time is it?” Joren asked.
“Just before sunset, as you requested. Now if you gentlemen don’t need anything else I have some business to take care of.” He licked his lips as he said this. Turning around he began to walk out.
“Master Darren,” Joren called. “Please be careful with that.” He gestured to Darren’s pocket, “It’s dangerous.”
Darren flashed a nervous smile and was soon gone again.
“Now,” Joren said as he turned to his brother. Seeing that Kel had already changed into his own clothes, he started to get changed as well. They both wore dark brown clothes with a dark green hood and cape. These dark clothes were much better in the dark than black, which stood out in the dark making the wearer look like a shadow in the night. Not something you want when you’re trying to stay concealed. As he started to change he continued, “We can’t be in this room when they come. You know what you need to do; I’ll see what I can do here.”
Kel nodded and left the room. Once Joren had finished changing he began to look around the room and inside their packs for anything he could use. Finding what he wanted he began to set up traps.
- - -
Kel walked into the common room, standing out maybe but the room was loud and full of people making all kinds of noise. He walked around the room speaking to an occasional person that thought they recognized him, after setting these people strait he continued his path through the people. Finally recognizing someone he had seen earlier in this room he went over and began to talk with him. It was hard to speak with all the noise and their conversation soon died. Instead Kel bought them both drinks but never drank his own. Once he was sure this poor fellow was quite liquored up he patted him on the back and took his leave. Just as he was about to reach the hallway that lead to his room on the upper floor someone stopped him. Turning around he saw that it was Karen; she wanted to talk to him so she lead him out in the hall.
“So how are you doing?” She asked him.
“Fine could use some company though,” he said. Acting much different from the way he had only a few hours earlier.
She only smiled at this. “I’d be happy to join you in a few minutes. I just have a few things I have to take care of, and then I can meet you in your room. Which is yours again?”
“It’s the last one on the left. I’ll be waiting so don’t be late.” He only gave her a sly smile as he said this.
Karen went back into the common room; once she was out of sight his face turned grim and went up the stairs to his room. He didn’t go in, just knocked. “Brother,” he whispered. “I’ll be in the room across the hall.” Not waiting for an answer he took out the key he had lifted from the man in the common room, opened the door across the hall, and quickly stepped into the room.
- - -
Finished with what he was doing, Joren quickly grabbed their packs and tossed them out the window. Grabbing his brothers bow he placed it on his should beside his own. Crouching near the door he waited for something, which didn’t take long. He heard his brother whisper to him. Then he walked to the window, looking back at the traps he had set he smiled grimly before he jumped out. Landing softly but a little more painfully than he had expected, he got up quickly and went to the inns backdoor. Going in he saw that he had entered the kitchen; everyone in it looked rather busy either cooking or cleaning. Grabbing the two packs lying by the door he looked back and saw that nobody had seen him. Taking these and the ones he had tossed to the ground earlier he brought them all to the large stables in the back of the yard. Upon entering it he saw that there were enough stalls for about a dozen horses, only half had any in them though. Lying in some hay by the entrance was a man who had obviously been tossed here after getting drunk in the inn. Looking to the far end of the stables he saw a man on a small stool. Going over to this man Joren noticed that he was rather old and had dark leathery skin, he also noticed that the man was asleep. Joren kicked the stool and the old man jumped up out of it.
“What the hell do you want?” The old man said, sounding rather upset.
“You’re Jord right? Darren told me to come to you for my horses.”
“That don’t mean you gotta kick me!” He grumbled. “Fine then, those two.” He said pointing to the two stalls in front of them.
Going over to the stalls, Joren looked the horses over gave them each a pat and nodded to himself. “Hey old man,” he said to Jord. “You think you can saddle and pack these on the horses?” Handing the packs to the old man.
“What the hell would I do that for? What do I get outta it?”
“Just asked Darren for whatever you want, tell him Joren said its okay.” Joren answered him.
“Fine, but if you’re lying to me…” He words trailing off to low grumbles and he took the packs from Joren.
Joren went back into the inn, grabbing a seat near the hallway that lead to the stairs. It didn’t take long before he saw Karen go into this hallway, leading some nasty looking men. They were all either born really ugly or came upon being ugly in their travels but they were also and armed and looked ready for a fight. Watching then all go up the stairs Joren followed them but made sure that he was out of their sight. Standing near the bottom of the stairs, he waited there listening.
Finally he heard the crash of a door being kicked in and took off up the stairs. As he ran he heard someone let out a yelp from the room then another and someone falling to the ground. Getting to the top of the stairs he saw Karen just outside of the door, she was yelling at someone inside it. Just then the door behind her opened and she was quickly pulled in. Seeing this, a man from inside the room ran out and started to bang on the door. What he didn’t see what the man charging down the hall heading strait for him. Only too late did he see the fist that had been thrown at him, smashing into his head and knocking him to the ground. A few more quick hits made sure he would not be getting up anytime soon. Grabbing the mans limp body, Joren tossed him into the room with his two friends who had passed out only a few moments before. Quickly closing the door he stepped into the room on the other side of the hall.
Inside Kel stood watching Karen as she struggled with the ropes that tied her hands and feet.
“Let me go!” she hissed at them. Spittle and no small amount of hate coming with it.
“Who are you working for?” Joren asked.
“You’re gonna die, you’re both gonna die. And I hope I get to watch as they pluck your -” she didn’t finish. As Kel open hand struck her face. She bared her teeth and hissed at him as some blood gathered at the side of her mouth.
“Who are you working for?” Joren repeated.
“It doesn’t matter, there’s nothing you can do. They’re gonna find you and kill you. You can’t stop them, no one can. For what you did, they’ll never stop until you’re both dead.” A smile began to grow on her face as she said this.
“What did we do that would make them want to kill us?” Joren asked.
“You killed them!” She yelled. “You killed them and you don’t even know who they were!” She started laughing at this. “You fool,” she spat out some blood, “you don’t know anything. I’m surprised you’re both still alive.”
Joren glanced at Kel, who was starting to look confused and scared. Joren didn’t really understand what was going on either. “She doesn’t know anything. We have to go now.”
Just then the room began to glow with a soft orange, as if there were a fire in the room. Suddenly, as if appearing out of nothing stood a tall man with a dark cloak and glowing green eyes. His skin was pale and looked like it was dead. He had long silver hair that draped down his shoulders. The soft glow continued to grow till it was a flowing maelstrom of fire that completely surrounded them.
“See now you’re dead! You’re both dead!” She screamed at Joren and Kel, and her eyes suddenly looked insane.
“Silence!” He hissed at her. Pointing the palm of his hand at her, suddenly fear exploded on her face. As a green tendril of mist reached out from his hand at her. The mist covered her face, choking her as it spread out across her body. Suddenly her face began to crack and peel, like a riverbed dries after the water stops flowing. Intense pain streaked across her face and eyes as the mist continued to consume her. Soon there was nothing left of Karen but her clothes, a pile of dust, and bone. The green mist gathered itself up and was absorbed by the dark man hand.
Joren and Kel stood gaping at the man, shocked and scared. “What do you want from us?” Joren finally asked.
“Nothing,” the dark man smiled, the kind of smile that most people never seen in their lifetime. A smile that death himself might be afraid to look upon. “Nothing and he was gone again. The swirling flames stopped and gathered itself into the middle of the room.
“Get Down!” Joren yelled, but it was too late. The room exploded with fire, throwing Kel against the wall. Joren who had been standing in front of the window was tossed out of it. Falling 10 feet to the ground he landed on his shoulder, and passed out.
To be continued.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
