Free Knights: Legends of Ollanhar by Robert E. Keller

tavern. We also helped with cleaning, cooking, serving
drinks--everything."
    "I'll pay it for him," said Lannon. He opened his
pouch and gave them their silver. It was a lot of money, but he was certain
Aldreya would understand. "That ends it then, right? You'll trouble him no
more?"
    The brothers were delighted. "We're paid in full. We
will return to our forge as happy men this night. If you ever need a
blacksmith, you can find us along the Greenspring Road that leads west out of
town."
    As they departed, Lannon entered the inn.
    The innkeeper rushed over to him. "That was amazing! I
can't believe it! You must have scared them senseless!" Then his eyes
narrowed, as his shock wore off some. "I saw you give them something. What
was it?"
    "The money you owed them," said Lannon, glaring.
    The innkeeper gave Lannon a sheepish look. "Is that
what they claimed? Those rogues are lying, of course." He cleared his
throat. "But you did a noble deed in scaring them off, and I will be more
than happy to care for the boy until the Knights arrive for him. No matter how
long it takes."
    Lannon nodded. He stepped close to the innkeeper.
"Make certain he is well cared for. I'm holding you responsible." His
tone was grim--a clear warning that Lannon would be very displeased with any
mistreatment of Taith. He didn't trust the innkeeper, and he was irritated over
being lied to.
    The innkeeper nodded, his eyes wide. "Of course. He
will receive excellent, excellent care. Fear not, oh mighty Knight." He
bowed twice. "You have my word of honor on that. I'll put it in writing if
need be."
    "No writing is needed," said Lannon.
    He started back toward the stairs to find Taith slowly
trudging down them. Lannon could tell by the dejected expression on Taith's
face what he was thinking. A shadow of fear lurked in that expression as well.
    "You're leaving tomorrow," Taith said in a
gloomy, sad tone. "And I'll be left here on my own. Am I right?"
    "Yes," said Lannon. "But I'll see you again
when we return. The innkeeper will   look
after you until the Knights arrive. This should be an exciting time for you
Taith. You will soon be trained as a Squire of Dremlock."
    "I'll miss you a lot," said Taith, tears in his
eyes.
    Lannon ruffled the boy's hair. "I'll miss you too,
Taith. But the next time I visit you, I'll be amazed at the warrior I see
before me."
    "But I want to go with you," said Taith.
"Don't leave me here." He bowed his head. "Don't leave me behind
like my father did." The boy looked so small and helpless standing in a
beam of moonlight. Lannon felt great pity for him, but granting his wish was
out of the question.
    "I'm sorry, my young friend," said Lannon.
"Our mission is far too dangerous. Focus on your future, Taith, and let
nothing distract you."
    "This is the end," said Taith. "I'll never
see you again."
    "Nonsense," said Lannon. "I have every
intention of returning." But there was a chance Taith was right. Many of
Bellis' best fighters had vanished on this same quest to obtain the elusive
Green Flamestone.
    "If you don't return," said Taith, "what
will happen?"
    Lannon ignored the question. "It's time to go back to
bed now. We plan to leave early, probably before you're awake."
    "Don't do that," said Taith. "Wake me before
you go."
    Lannon said nothing.
     
     
     
     
     
     

Chapter
4:
    The Land of Mud and Mayhem
     
      Early the next
morning, when Taith was still asleep upstairs, the travelers ate a fine
breakfast of fried fish. They had the bulk of their supplies, and they were
eager to resume their journey. But they were waiting on Saranna.
      Yet they didn't
have to wait long. They hadn't yet finished their food when Saranna and two
other Rangers entered the still mostly empty inn. She handed the signed
contracts to Lannon and introduced her companions.
    "This is Brakthas," she said, "and
Galandra."
    Brakthas was a large man with long black hair and bronze-colored
skin. Muscular arms, adorned with tattoos, protruded from his tunic