Free Greyrawk (Book 2) by Jim Greenfield

ten."
    "I am not as young as you, my friend," said Brandalay. "Nor is my body free of injuries. Ten you say, but it is still too many. We must be discreet until we know what is thrown against us. An archer or two and our adventure ends poorly."
    They rode in silence through the dirt streets of Gornst. Most shops were still shuttered but the baker was up and working. Greyrawk was full from breakfast but the smell of fresh bread was irresistible. However, the bread was still baking and they could not wait for it. Brandalay picked up the pace after they cleared the west gate. The guards watched them closely as they passed. They rode steady for several miles and then slowed down to climb a hill giving them a wide view of the farmlands and wooded areas behind the rolling hills where cattle grazed.
    "I don't see signs of anyone following," said Brandalay.
    "Must be waiting for us somewhere ahead," said Greyrawk.
    "I'm afraid you are correct. There is place where the trees draw close to the road as it dips across a stream that would be ideal for an ambush. If we make it through there they would have to ride us down for the road is clear all the way to Greyrawk Mountain."
    "Can we gallop through it?"
    "We might. We might not. Depends on what sort of trap they lay for us. If they plan on riding out and stopping us then we ride hard. If they have strung rope across the road, riding hard won't work so well."
    "No," grinned Greyrawk. "I set such a trap a couple days ago."
    "There you go, we best be careful. One of them might be a little sore at you," laughed Brandalay.
    Greyrawk admired the laughing man. Brandalay was only a few years older than Greyrawk but he was thicker and darker skinned. His long hair was dark brown but his beard was mostly gray. He walked with a limp, a souvenir of an arrow ten years earlier. There was a light in Brandalay's face; a glow behind the hazel eyes and his mouth seemed upturned just a bit at the edges. He was a man built for mirth and celebrations, yet here he was in the middle of court intrigue, and bereft of his station. Greyrawk realized that was the first time he heard Brandalay laugh. He seemed a different person without the dark cloud hovering around him.
    Greyrawk wondered about Brandalay's past and kept alert for a chance to bring it into conversation.
    "Tell me about Anavar," said Brandalay. "I've never left Amloth and just twice have I left Cresida. I went to Masina both times."
    "I only know eastern Anavar. We live in Peradon, a free city northwest of Anethe."
    "Have you seen Anetheans? Do they really have wings?"
    "Yes they do. A nice people although I have never seen them in battle. I've heard tales of their ferocity but I haven't seen it. When I was a mercenary I traveled the edge of Mordyn all the way to the Three Kingdoms. I've seen Nantitet and can say there is nothing else like it. Andara looks quaint in comparison."
    "Nantitet, I've heard stories all my life. Did you see any Zidar?"
    "Not to my knowledge but I'm not sure I could recognize one."
    "You have a family?"
    "Yes. Jaele and I have two children, Davan who is fifteen and Tera who is eight. Just before I left home Jaele told me we have another child on the way."
    "Congratulations! I will buy you a drink when we next find a tavern."
    "How about you; any family?"
    "My wife died young and we had no children. I haven't felt the need to start a family, and more important, I haven't found anyone I want to share my life with. Kiara was special and I'm not sure I'll see her like again."
    They rode in silence for a few miles then the road rose and fell and Greyrawk could see the depression ahead where the stream dipped under the road. He stared at the trees lining the road but with the shadows he could not determine if anyone was there.
    "Well, I'll go ahead," said Brandalay. "If I raise my left hand it means I see nothing across the road and you must ride hard. If I draw my sword, we are fighting."
    "Seems clear enough. What if you are