Free Terry W. Ervin by Flank Hawk Page A

why.
    “How’s the arm, Krish?”
    I flexed and felt it before answering. “Swelling’s gone. Doesn’t hurt.”
    “Mighty foolhardy, you charging that guard. Would’ve been even without a broken arm.”
    With brows furrowed, I asked, “And it was wise for you to attack two of them?”
    “Do you understand why I did it? Why I clearly stated I intended to attack them and not attempt entry into the healers’ pavilion?”
    “No.”
    He grinned and shook his head. “Maybe some other time. Let’s see if there’s a weapon smith.”
    “Is midnight to an hour past dawn really the best duty?”
    Road Toad nodded. “It is. Mercenary status is better than freeman, but we’re still subject to the whims of the Keeseean military officers. They’re usually asleep until just before dawn, and then too busy with other duties to bother us.” He rubbed his hands. “And it’ll give me time to observe the serpent handlers without other responsibilities to consider.”
    We walked into the freemen area. Wagons and large open tents sat along a beaten path fast becoming a road. Smaller paths branched off to other tradesmen and their wagons. Soldiers regularly patrolled, making sure no tents or wagons encroached too close to the main route and insuring order. Women cooked at small fires while men and their sons attempted to sell all manners of clothes, foods, trinkets, helms, shields and weapons. Further off the main path I spotted camp followers, women in colorful, revealing outfits selling something else. Some were older, some very young, and much prettier than the two selling women in Pine Ridge.
    I followed Road Toad, trusting he knew what I needed and how to get the best deal. “What if they don’t like me?”
    Road Toad smiled at a chesty woman braiding her long hair. “The camp followers? If you’ve got coin it doesn’t matter.”
    “No,” I said. “Not them.”
    “The officers? Salute them, do as you’re told, when you’re told. No problems. Plus, a few soldiers saw you weren’t intimidated by the healers’ guards. Word’ll travel.”
    “No,” I said. “I meant the dragons. Besides, those soldiers also saw me slip and fall.”
    “After we’re done here we’ll take a look at the dragons. Then we’ll get some sleep. Tomorrow I’ll begin training you so the next time you won’t fall on your ass.”
    “Thanks,” I said.
    “It’ll cost you one silver a week.” He smiled. “And you’re welcome.” He gestured with a nod of his head toward a series of wagons and a large canvas shelter. “Krish, you’re just brave enough that I wouldn’t mind having you at my back.”
     
    I left the freemen camp carrying a new boar spear and happy at trading my old sword for a new one. It didn’t have the salt-resisting magic forged into it, but Road Toad insisted it was a superior blade with balance. He said we’d eventually find an enchanter in the camp that could ward the blade, be it for a steep price. I’d just bartered a weapon from Lord Hingroar’s armory, but I doubted he’d ever know. Road Toad said I’d earned the aging sword three times over.
    I’d rather have bought a crossbow, but I lacked the coin, and none looked to be worth what they asked. Road Toad agreed.
    We approached the bevy of dragons. Four blacks and twelve reds. They, like the number of soldiers in camp, had increased over the day.
    “Before a crossbow, Krish, you need breastplate to supplement your padded armor. You could do with a better helmet.”
    “It took me weeks to get used to this one,” I said. “It’ll do.” I swallowed and slowed as we neared the huge dragons. With hardly a thought, they could bite me in two or crush me with their bulk. Several swung their heads around and stared as we neared.
    Road Toad waved to the guards on duty. “Krish, nothing to worry about. These lesser drakes are smart—not as smart as a man but would put any horse or dog to shame. Just don’t startle them.”
    I stared at him, building