Free The Long War 01 - The Black Guard by A.J. Smith Page B

brother?’
    ‘Not by choice, but I had to immerse myself to a degree in order to get information. Criminals by their nature are very concerned with staying alive and an angry Purple cleric conjures images of death to such men. They can be very cooperative when threatened.’
    Utha laughed. ‘And you question my theatrics…’
    ‘I use the gifts the One has given me, much as you do,’ said Torian, with even more snobbery.
    ‘Okay, so I’ll let you talk to Glenwood. Just nod at me if you need help,’ Utha said.
    Torian took a deep breath and marched towards the Blue Feather, his hand firmly on his sword hilt. Utha motioned for the watchmen to follow and stepped slowly after the Purple cleric.
    ‘My lord, is there likely to be trouble here?’ Randall asked, as he came to walk next to Utha.
    ‘Oh, I should think so, yes. Probably no death, but I would expect some people to get slapped around.’ He grinned wickedly.
    Randall smiled back politely, but Utha sensed that he didn’t find the situation funny.
    ‘Relax, lad, there aren’t enough real men around here to cause your master any sweat,’ he said in a vague attempt to be reassuring.
    Torian stepped under a dark blue awning and approached a small group of Karesians seated on low wooden stools. The five men were armed with short scimitars and wore the flowing black robes of Karesian warriors. All had visible tattoos on their arms and their heads were shaved.
    Utha stood behind him, staying outside the entrance awning but making his presence known. Sergeant Clement was still nervous and held his crossbow at the ready. Randall stood at the back, looking as if he was not prepared to take part in any violence, should it occur.
    ‘The fear of Jaa upon thee,’ one of the Karesians said with a florid bow. He spoke with a heavy Karesian accent. ‘What does a man of the One require of us?’ he asked respectfully of Torian, who answered with a shallow bow of his own.
    ‘We’re looking for a man of Ro called Glenwood. I hear that he frequents this… establishment.’ The last word was said with scorn and Utha shook his head.
    The Karesian stood and smiled at Torian, revealing several gold teeth. He was a tall man, looking down on the Purple cleric. ‘Our clients are obviously men who desire discretion, my lord, and I regret that I cannot comment on who does or does not frequent this… establishment.’ His words were still polite, but Utha sensed an edge of defiance.
    Torian confidently sized up the man, looking at his scimitar and warrior’s bearing. ‘Discretion does not matter to me, neither does your primitive weapon. You will tell me whether the man I seek is present.’ The words were spoken with authority and caused all five of the Karesians to become more alert as they looked at the two clerics and squad of watchmen.
    The man who’d spoken narrowed his eyes, before letting his face flow into a broad smile. ‘My lord, we are simple men, not used to the presence of clerics.’ He bowed again. ‘I mean no offence.’
    ‘Then you will take us to Glenwood?’ Torian asked.
    The Karesian considered it and glanced at his four companions, all of whom looked worried. Utha detected a hint of fear and was optimistic that Torian was sufficiently intimidating to speed their passage.
    ‘My lord cleric, I will take you to the man you seek for a small… price.’ He rubbed his hands together suggestively. ‘Think of it as a donation to the faithful of Jaa.’ His face was contorted into an unpleasant grin and his gold teeth glinted as the morning sun passed through a gap in the awning.
    Utha stood next to Torian, lending his best expression of righteous annoyance to the one Torian already wore. The Karesian continued smiling, hoping that the two clerics would agree to bribe him. He slowly let the realization that this was unlikely intrude upon his grin and backed away, directing his eyes at the dusty street.
    ‘I have asked you twice. If I have to ask you again,