Free Severed Empire: Wizard's War by Phillip Tomasso Page B

knee jerk reaction from Nabal. In fact, we’re counting on it,” Mykal said.
    “Sir,” someone said.
    Mykal looked at the men on horseback. Like his father had done, Mykal saw one man with a finger held up. “Coil?”
    “Sir, I would like to ride with you. I believe that Quill and the others can handle hoisting a flag and waiting on the Voyagers. I think my services might be better utilized on what lies ahead on your path. If I understand everything correctly, this war is going to involve more than iron, and steel. There is going to be more than the wielding of swords and battle axes. We know that King Hermon has at least two wizards already, and by now he may have summoned the other three—”
    “He hasn’t.” Mykal was somewhat shocked he knew this as fact.
    “But you see what I’m saying, right? He has two. He’s trying to get three more.”
    Mykal shook his head. “No, Coil. I’m afraid I don’t see what you’re saying.”
    Quill said, “I do.”
    “I, as well,” Blodwyn said.
    Mykal raised his eyebrows. “Would someone like to share with me the knowledge passing between all of you, because I still do not see what he is saying?”
    “Your death,” Coil said, “would be of grave consequence. We, all of us, we need you. You’re something of a savior. So if it pleases you, I would like to ride by your side, and if it comes down to it, I pledge my life by protecting yours.”

Chapter 6
     
     
    Cearl, lieutenant on the Derecho , sat across from Helix, the ship’s boatswain. They occupied a small table in the back corner of Brady’s Tavern. The small establishment served chilled ale, and hot homemade meals, and was situated on the main island between the banks of the Isthmian Sea. Despite the time of day, the place was properly sealed off from natural outside light. Mounted lanterns kept just enough oil light around so no one tripped on their way to the loo, or up to the bar for another round. In the summer it sometimes became stuffy, and stifling. On nights when the tavern’s roof cooked all day under the sun, odors of stale men, dried and fresh vomit, and decaying garbage was nearly unbearable. It didn’t keep patrons away; it was just nearly unbearable.
    “Are you even listening to me?” Cearl said. He knew he didn’t have Helix’s full attention, or even a fraction of it. Both of them were working their way through countless pints of ale, and Helix seemed unable to remove his eyes from Jett, the owner of the tavern. She was a beautiful woman, so Cearl couldn’t fault his friend. Long, midnight sky black hair, and green eyes that shamed any emerald he’d seen before. It was wasted desires, though. When her brother passed from gut rot, and she became the owner of the place, she discontinued fraternizing with any of the Voyagers. She made it clear her desire to be viewed and treated as a respectable business person was far more important than having someone waiting at home. It didn’t make her any less friendly with the customers, just more pursued by them. It was her fault, Cearl figured. She’d set the challenge in front of them all from the get-go. “Helix!”
    Helix’s head snapped back, and he blinked several times. “What? What?”
    Short, but brawny, Helix had thick shoulders and arms. The muscle came from the manual labor involved with working ropes on ships all of his life. Cearl couldn’t stand the beard. The hair was coarse and, more often than not, showcased pieces, or even chunks of food.
    “Stare at her arse all you want, but at least listen to me. I’m not sittin’ here with you talkin’ just for the sake of hearin’ my own voice, you know? I’m tryin’ to tell you somethin.’” Cearl lifted his pint to his lips. There was barely a full sip at the bottom. It wasn’t warm. No ale sat in front of him long enough for it to become warm. However, becoming empty was an on-going issue.
    “Well, what, then? I’m listening now. You’ve anchored my attention. It’s