Free 144: Wrath by Dallas E. Caldwell Page B

the way."
    Polas stared at him for a moment before returning to his drink.
    "Don’t mind him," said Redel. "His momma didn’t keep him around long enough to teach him nothing about manners."
    "Redel, that hurts," Kiff said. "And you know very well my mother tried her hardest. Some things just aren’t worth learning."
    He turned back to Polas who was doing his best to ignore the Undlander.
    "Now back to you, Mr. Butcher. When do we depart for our glorious quest?"
    Polas turned. "Excuse me?"
    "Oh, yeah, I know all about you, Dorian. Or is it Kas Dorian? I never really understood the lineage titles. Anyway, Matthew briefed me. Asked me to read a book too, but who has time for that? I’ll go get my things."
    Polas finished off his drink and closed his eyes. "Look, boy, I don’t know who you think I am, and I really don’t care. I don’t care if you’re friends with Matthew the Blue or even the legendary Lord Andren for that matter –"
    "He’s gone," Redel said. He opened a small box and began crushing sugar cubes to use in his drinks. "So, your name really Kas Dorian?"
    Polas nodded.
    "That’s unfortunate. Bet you get ribbed on that one all the time. Just like the Iron Butcher, huh?"
    Polas put his glass down on the counter and re-wrapped his bandages. "Yeah, just like him. Listen, friend, do the Dorokti still call the plains of Nas Sonath home?"
    "The Fallen?" Redel said with a hint of disdain in his voice. "Yeah, there’s a clan of those savages that use Nas Sonath as their hunting grounds. Don’t stay in one place for too long though."
    "About how many days' ride?"
    "Oh, maybe one or two. At least that'll get you to what they think is their land."
    "Thanks," Polas said and handed the bartender a few extra copper coins.
    The brawl had calmed as the participants became either too wounded or too winded to continue fighting. The sweaty man with the axe was unconscious in the middle of the floor, and most of the patrons busied themselves by righting tables and laughing about the feud.
    Turning back toward the door, Polas saw a young girl and a burdened Faldred enter the saloon. They approached the bar, and he could not help but overhear their conversation as their eyes fell on him.
    "Do you think that's him?" the girl said.
    "I could not begin to guess, except that his blade seems very unique," the Faldred replied.
    Polas stood and tried to shield his weapon from their view as he made to leave the bar.
    "Of course!" The young girl stepped in front of Polas, blocking his path. "Excuse me, sir. That sword you carry, it is the Blade of Leindul, is it not?"
    Polas tried to step past her, hoping that she had not chanced a long enough glance at the sword to be sure.
    "You must be Master Kas Dorian. We’ve found you," the girl said. "Leindul be praised."
    Polas stared at her for a moment, scoffed, and brushed past her. The Faldred met him with a wide smile and an outstretched hand, but Polas took a wide berth around the man and exited the saloon.
    "When did I become so damned popular?" he grumbled.
     

    The fiery-haired girl caught up with Polas near the hitching post while the Faldred waved her forward and wandered off down the street. Polas checked his saddlebags and adjusted his horse’s reins.
    "Master Kas Dorian, please wait," she said. "My name is Xandra, the Daughter of Hope. It is my destiny to join with you on your crusade. My teacher, Flint the White Handed, and I have journeyed from the Hollow Mountains to find you."
    From the alley beside the saloon, Kiff came speeding out. He rode atop a floating board that bobbed and weaved over and around trash bins and discarded boxes. Six glowing magestones were affixed to the bottom of the board giving it an arcane lift. He skidded to a halt next to Xandra, kick-flipped the board up into his hand, and landed neatly on the ground.
    "Hello, now, where’d you find this heat?" he asked. "New recruit to join us on our epic quest?"
    Xandra continued to stare at Polas, the