Загрузка
Найдите следующее любимое произведение (book)
Станьте участником сегодня и читайте бесплатно в течение 30 днейНачните свои бесплатные 30 днейСведения о книге
Soulless Empire
Автор: A.R.R. Burke
Активность, связанная с книгой
Начать чтениеДлина: 471 стр.8 ч
- Издатель:
- A.R.R. Burke
- Издано:
- Sep 23, 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780463606728
- Формат:
- Книге
Описание
The Empire of Ormarnd stretches across a vast land. Kelvin is responsible for hundreds of thousands of lives, and he has a vision to protect these people from the evil that hides in the shadows. What he awakens in this pursuit however is mightier than the Empire. It is said that a beast flies forth burning villages, a creature believed to only exist in children’s tales. Miranda and Duncan sail across the vast ocean to find out if these stories are true, and if The Kingdom of Trismond is now under threat.
What roams the sky is not the only thing to fear however, for what lurks deep within the northern jungles of Kiva would turn even the most courageous warrior’s blood to ice. Can Miranda save the innocent people of this mighty empire? Can a single mage and a warrior truly make any difference in the face of such odds?
Активность, связанная с книгой
Начать чтениеСведения о книге
Soulless Empire
Автор: A.R.R. Burke
Длина: 471 стр.8 ч
Описание
The Empire of Ormarnd stretches across a vast land. Kelvin is responsible for hundreds of thousands of lives, and he has a vision to protect these people from the evil that hides in the shadows. What he awakens in this pursuit however is mightier than the Empire. It is said that a beast flies forth burning villages, a creature believed to only exist in children’s tales. Miranda and Duncan sail across the vast ocean to find out if these stories are true, and if The Kingdom of Trismond is now under threat.
What roams the sky is not the only thing to fear however, for what lurks deep within the northern jungles of Kiva would turn even the most courageous warrior’s blood to ice. Can Miranda save the innocent people of this mighty empire? Can a single mage and a warrior truly make any difference in the face of such odds?
- Издатель:
- A.R.R. Burke
- Издано:
- Sep 23, 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780463606728
- Формат:
- Книге
Об авторе
Связано с Soulless Empire
Отрывок книги
Soulless Empire - A.R.R. Burke
SOULLESS EMPIRE
By A.R.R. Burke
Copyright © 2019 A.R.R.Burke
All rights reserved.
Smashwords Edition
Smashwords Edition, License Notes
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favourite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1
About A.R.R. Burke
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
To my lovely partner Karen, who has displayed a boundless reserve of forbearance in my quest as a writer. Without that support, I believe my steps would have stumbled upon the rubble and may have prevented me from continuing. To give up would then have purloined the breathtaking visage of my second book. I hope you all enjoy my work as much as I have enjoyed creating it.
PROLOGUE
The timeworn lady sat huddled in an ancient wooden chair beside a small well-stocked fireplace. At the old woman’s feet Saul slept contentedly, never leaving her side and forever vigilant of any harm that may attempt to come their way. Reaching down and giving the gigantic cat a pat on the head with a hand that was wrinkled and aged beyond the years of any mortal, the woman smiled at her current protector and only friend. She was the carer of these lands, and her sole purpose in life was to watch the years roll into decades and those decades to progress into centuries. Her birthing name had long been lost in the dust of many hundreds of years past. With the changing of each age, a new home and a different name came about. Currently, she was just the Oracle. Quite unimaginative compared to other names that had been used.
The ageless one sat, feeling the biting cold of the days firmly gripped by the winter months, as she reflected on what was to be. Though she could see the many paths of the future, it was not given for her to push anyone on a particular path. It must be chosen by the individual to walk the path that is their destiny. This last summer however, she had done something that had never been done since the dawn of time. The Oracle had been involved in the events that had taken place, her guardian Saul had been sent forth to defend a small group of adventurers to ensure their success in defeating a demon.
With a gentle shake of her head she gazed longingly into the fire. The visions since that time had become obscure, and she feared that she had overstepped her role. Had she set events in motion that could see the balance come undone? Feeling the hand slip from the head of Saul as he shifted his massive body, it swiftly brought the Oracle back from her musings. Looking down at this cat she could not help but accept the choices that had been made. Saul would forever carry the scars of his contribution last summer. The claws of the demon had caused large scars to crisscross over his immense body. Mortally wounding his body and his soul, the eternal lady could see that her protector was dying before his time. His mate would miss him dearly, and for this she could only blame herself for letting the events of that morning happen. Once more the ageless one felt the sands of time running through her blood and felt that maybe she was nearing the end of her existence.
There was a large sound of gusting wind whipping up a dust storm outside. This made Saul let out a deep rumbling growl. For there to be such wind outside could only be caused by something other than the wind. Deep inside her cave the currents of the weather rarely touched them. After a short assault the wind died down returning the cavern into its deep silence.
The dragon had arrived as her last vision told her, the first dragon since eons past to come forth into these lands. She was unsure as to what the significance of this creature coming on this day premeditated, her vision had not divulged this information. Maybe she was being condemned for her meddling in the lives of the mortals of this world. For the first time that could be remembered she was facing the unknown. Was this her judgement day, was she to be brought to answer for upsetting the delicate balance? If so then such was her fate, sitting down in her chair, the old lady waited to see if this was to be her last. She was ready.
The door to her room opened and a commanding figure in a golden robe stepped through. Pale blue eyes and a strong ageless face stared at the old lady. Terises, what have you done?
Ah that was the name she was born with, it sounded odd to hear someone saying this name out aloud. Bowing her head in submission Terises let a single tear roll down her aged and wrinkled cheek. I did what I did for the balance Argastistious.
The female dragon now in human form sat down on a chair that materialised into existence at the motion of a hand. You say it was to maintain the balance? But by casting your own dice you have entered the game, and as such you have opened the door for another foe to step forwards to play.
I am aware of what my actions may have caused. The risk was worth it, for I see great things being accomplished. Their work to maintain the balance is imperative to the future, and so I did what was necessary in the absence of others to allow the continuation of this.
Nodding Argastistious looked at Saul. Your guardian is fading, you have angered he who watches. I fear that your wish will soon come to the fore Terises.
When it comes time for me to die, then another will take my place.
Now that you have opened the door nothing is certain. With another player the rules have changed, and so my kind must also return.
I thought as much, but I am sure that is not your reason for coming here tonight?
To talk of ages past, no that is not why I am here. We have been put at a disadvantage with something going very wrong while I slept. I fear that by myself I am no match for what is coming.
The one that I saved will be travelling over the great ocean, so maybe you can use her to make this right?
Perhaps, though I cannot solely rely on this one human. I have already begun to try to solve this myself.
Your methods are very strange then, for to destroy villages is not the way in which I would think you would ask for help.
Shrugging Argastistious did not immediately answer the oracle. Standing up she walked to the door. I guess we will see how this human mage fares.
Adding as an afterthought If she lives long enough, perhaps I will use her.
You have travelled across the ocean and have not asked me for what you journeyed here for?
The old lady felt as though she was fumbling around in the dark. For the first time in her vast lifetime, she did not know what was happening, and she was a little shaken by that.
I can see that you have not been provided with the knowledge, and that tells me there is a severe imbalance. You are becoming mortal Terises. I dare not waste a moment more for there is much to accomplish, and I can see you will not be able to provide me with the answers I desperately seek.
Turning she walked out the door closing it softly. There was another great rush of wind as she transformed back to her true form. Small tornados of dust spiralled from the ground as she left the cave through a ledge near the roof of the massive cave outside the Oracle’s room.
CHAPTER 1
A biting stiff breeze whipped over the docks of the city of Aloganor in the province of the Algarins, and despite the warm spring day the wind caused many of the local population to lift their collars to ward off the chilling ocean breeze. The red robed mage Miranda stood amidst the hive of activity as the dock workers scurried around like an angry nest of ants. Her green eyes sparkled with depths of energy and intelligence that caused most of the slack jaw dock workers to hurry past, lest they fall under her scrutiny. The ship they had taken across the sea from the Kingdom of Trismond had to be unloaded. Ignoring the scathing looks she was receiving, Miranda surveyed this new city, they had a distinct difference in the architecture, where the buildings from home were built from timber or dull grey stone with sloping roofs. The structures here were long rows of squares, built with light coloured stone and flat roofs to allow their owners to sit above the crowded streets. Frowning she could feel the giant warrior standing beside her, he shifted uncomfortably in obvious discomfort at being in the way of so many busy men. She knew he sympathised for these labourers, and all he wanted to do was move out of their way.
With a wistful feeling dancing across her subconscious, Miranda looked up at her body guard. Despite the mage standing five foot six inches, she had to bend her neck back to look into the eyes of this giant. At almost six and a half foot tall, his shadow cast a commanding presence. The man that Maeko had chosen for her protection had the looks that would scare most people before trouble even started. With a solid jaw line, a scruffy dark beard and angry looking dark brown eyes, this only added to the dimension of a nasty person to get into a scrap with. The scar running down his right cheek further reinforced that he was a veteran of such things. Moving away from his face, the first thing one noticed was this man was built like a bear. All solid muscle, with very little fat to be found. His arms were so large that it would take both Miranda’s sleek hands to try to encircle them. A barrel chest and powerful legs were only matched by the massive hilt of a bastard sword strapped to his back. This was only the beginning of the arsenal of weapons that he had brought along with him.
Looking down at the mage scrutinising him, Duncan gave a weak smile. Shall we move off the docks now Miranda?
With a sharp nod of her hooded head Miranda let Duncan push his way through the throng of people. For despite the cool breeze that blew from the south off the ocean, she was starting to sweat in the unusual heat of this alien city. Shaking her head slightly she reassessed that thought. It was only strange to her and Duncan, these people were accustomed to this weather, to them Miranda’s home in the south, over the vast ocean would have been unnaturally cold.
After a short walk they were stopped by a well-dressed man, all in bright multicoloured silks with so many rings on his fingers Miranda wondered how he was able to bend his fingers, of which he did frequently while talking to them.
Introducing himself as Hermon, and while bowing low the little man launched into his well-rehearsed speech. Welcome to our world famous city of Aloganor, where all the commerce of the world passes through.
With a grand flourish of his arm he guided them away from the heavy foot traffic.
Once they were standing in the relative calm under an awning, the little man continued to talk. Now as you are new to our magnificent city, I would like to give you a one-time discount on your tour of my home.
Pulling back her hood Miranda stared at this merchant. Her green eyes bored into his skull. After making the man more than a little uncomfortable she gave him a little nod of her head. And so Hermon, what is this discount that you are giving my friend and I?
These words were spoken with a heavy note of sarcasm in her voice.
I am glad you asked, as you are obviously from across the ocean, and unaware of our customs in this mighty empire.
He paused for a dramatic moment Then I believe I would recommend to you the grand tour finishing in one of our most comfortable inns in Aloganor.
Her eyes come together dangerously. Speaking in a threatening voice that matched the look in her eyes, I do not have time for this banter. I asked what this discount was. All my friend and I wish is to be taken to a reasonably reputable inn, and then a general guide to where the markets are would suffice.
Duncan could not help but admit this man was brave, for this merchant not to have melted beneath the gaze of this mage was worthy of note.
Hermon gave Miranda a flicker of a smile. Very well, though as I will not be giving you the tour with all the bells and whistles, then I will also be unable to offer the discount I was speaking of.
Just point us in the right direction, and we will leave you to heckle someone else if you so wish then Hermon.
Miranda was getting short tempered. She had just spent a month on a small smelly ship, and all she wanted to do was get out of this damn press of bodies and to sit down in the shade somewhere.
Very well, I will take you to a nice inn where you may rest.
With a click of his fingers a large dark skinned man came up to him. Garo, would you mind carrying their bags?
Turning back to Miranda, Hermon held out his hand. Two gold coins will do fine for our service.
With a rumble deep in his chest Duncan glared at Hermon, How about five silver and we will carry our own bags?
Looking up at the towering bulk of Duncan, Hermon gave another brief smile. His face returned just as quickly to the business at hand Very well, one gold and you carry your own bags.
Handing over the coin, Miranda had little patience for this. Just take us to this inn.
Bowing low Hermon led them away from the docks. Speaking over his shoulder it was quite hard to hear him over the sounds in the street. How long do you plan to stay in my city?
As long as the business we are here for takes to be completed.
Miranda started to regret she had not put on a lighter robe. She was thirsty and was beginning to feel a little light headed in this stifling heat.
So a quick visit then to our lands?
Hermon walked a few steps before turning to face them. You must truly have important business to risk such a long voyage for such a hasty visit.
A small crease crumpled across his brow as he spoke.
Take us to this inn. That is all we ask.
Duncan pushed his body in between that of Miranda and this merchant. What ever our business is, well it is our own to keep.
Giving a brief bow, Hermon turned on his heel and continued to lead them without another word. Miranda gave a heavy sigh as the oppressive heat continued to beat down on her. Stumbling a little she felt Duncan’s strong hand catch her arm Easy there my lady.
And lifting his voice to reach their guide, How much further is this inn?
It is only around the next corner.
Looking over his shoulder to make sure his customers were still with him. You will find it much cooler inside the inn.
With a grunt Duncan did not respond. Miranda was thankful for the strong hand that kept her from stumbling. She had learnt a lot about herself over the last summer, and with the winter months that followed, she had time to dwell on the revelations about her own strengths and weaknesses. And so she did not pull away from the help that Duncan was providing, like she would have done in the past.
They reached the inn soon after. Looking around at the front of the building there was not much to see. All the buildings had a strange look about them and she was not able to identify anything unusual or special about this particular place. The sign over head had a picture of a featherless bird and below this was scrawled in neat writing, The Plucked Chicken. There were several forms of text below this, obviously in various languages. Stepping into the confines of the building Miranda immediately felt better to be out of the unsympathetic sunlight.
She was directed to a seat where she sat down heavily and soaked up the coolness that the timber chair offered. She heard Duncan ordering a jug of water and some cups. Putting her head back against the wall, Miranda’s lips tightened as she felt angry at her own weakness, a little heat and she was flailing around like a landed fish.
She felt more than saw Duncan sit down beside her. And like a mother goose he fussed over her like some baby. Cupping her hands around the cool clay mug he pushed it to her lips as he spoke reassuring words. Just a little heat stroke, now drink some of this and it will make a world of difference my lady.
Shrugging off his hands she gave him a brief glare as she brought the water to her own lips. Then with a grateful sigh she looked across the table at Hermon sitting there. Frowning she stared him in the face. Thank you Hermon, now don’t you have more people to give guided tours too?
Shaking his head he called for ale. Nay my lady, I think that you need me more than any other traveller.
With a sarcastic laugh she put the cup down with a solid thud. For more coin I am guessing.
One must eat.
Hermon threw his hands wide with palms up as he said this.
Taking another sip of water, Miranda watched as Hermon was given his ale. This man’s eyes darted everywhere, and nothing was missed. He watched as travellers walked in through the doorway. His eyes were on the inn keeper has he scurried through a doorway behind the bar. But always the eyes would land to rest back on Miranda and Duncan. Ok then, why would we hand over more of our coin to you?
You are both out of your depth in such a place as this. You will need my help to negotiate on your behalf.
Hermon took a small sip of beer as he finished speaking.
Looking this man over in his rich silk trappings with more jewellery than the king’s daughter would wear. Miranda sized him up. He was of a short stature, not much over five foot carrying a small rounded belly, this man was no fighter. His skin was well kept with very few marks on it, he had from what Miranda could spy under his turban a shaved head. His skin was dark and his eyes had a peace about them that seemed to calm one when they looked into the brown eyes. Spying a glint around his neck the mage thought she had seen a pendent of some sort, and if she was not mistaken, it was the exact symbol that only one other man she knew had worn. And he had passed from this world only last summer.
So what are your fees for these negotiations?
Miranda was being cautious. Hermon was right they had no idea as to how things worked over here. Despite her best efforts to study this land, there were still important things missing. And that is why she needed to meet up with Jerome. Her father had said that this man lived a day’s ride outside of this city, and if Hermon could help them to achieve this, then it would be worth spending some coin.
Hermon gave another one of his sweeping smiles, this one showing the whites of his teeth. Well, all I will ask is that I will take a commission for all the bargaining that I do.
Holding his hand up in a dramatic pause his face stopped smiling, If I am not successful on any transaction to save you more than what my commission is, then I will not charge that commission.
Seeing Duncan nodding, Miranda felt comfortable with this deal as well. So you are offering to go out and secure what we need then? And you are saying if you are not equal to the task of bargaining down these other merchants, then you will not charge us a fee for this service?
That is what I said.
With a shrewd look crossing his face Hermon glanced around the room before continuing to talk. And I take it that you do not wish to raise much attention with these purchases?
We are not doing anything to upset the lawful, though in my experiences it is best not to shout out your intentions for the whole world to know.
Miranda was warming to this man. She was not sure why but there was something about him that reminded her of an old friend.
Clapping his hands together Hermon let another one of his big smiles break out over his face. Then it is settled, you have a rest and I will drop by this afternoon to pick up your giant friend here to go shopping?
I will be coming as well Hermon.
Miranda gave him a steady look.
Shaking his head, I guess that would depend on what you are after as to how much attention you want to draw to yourself? The magi of this land normally send forth a servant to do their bidding. They rarely do their own shopping. Unless of course they are not a very skilled user of the arts, and of course you do not strike me as one that is incompetent Miranda.
Running through the texts she had read about this land, Miranda had to agree there seemed to be a greater respect for the magician. So it was entirely plausible that they were deemed to be at an elevated position in society in these lands. She figured that is probably why she was targeted by this rich merchant. He figured she would have enough coin to pay for his services and would be more willing to do so than dirty her own hands on such trivial matters. With a sharp nod of her head Miranda gave an emotionless smile in return. Very well, though when you return would you mind bringing Duncan some clothes that would allow him to blend in a little more? If the other merchants do not know he is a foreigner, than you should have better success on the pricing of such goods that I require.
Done and done. I will return two hours after midday.
Standing up and draining his mug of ale Hermon gave them a flourishing bow before turning and leaving.
Miranda sat back taking small sips of her water, all the while mindful of Duncan working out things in his head. Noticing him also sipping at water she frowned. You do not drink ale anymore warrior?
Knowing that this question would throw him off his thoughts and prolonging any questions she was rewarded with a look of surprise on his face.
Since being confined to the palace walls in Trismond, I found that my belly began to grow. I also want to remain alert in this outlandish land.
Looking over at her he gave a weak smile.
She knew he was smarter than most people gave him credit for though Miranda was momentarily taken back still. Despite her protests, Maeko was justified in selecting this man as her companion. Reaching over she touched his forearm. I tend to agree with you. Until we know more, I think we need to be very careful. And that Hermon I am sure is more than just a simple merchant.
More than likely he is a king’s man.
Duncan looked towards the doorway as a couple of merchants walked in and sat down at the table closest to the door.
A king's man you say? Where an Emperor sits at the seat of power?
Frowning, Miranda was not sure about what Duncan was talking about.
Looking back at the mage he stood and stretched. I think we should find our rooms my lady. It has been quite a voyage and you look like you can do with some rest.
An angry glint flickered in her green eyes as she looked at this man patronising her. Then she noticed the strange look on his face. Realising he wished to talk in more private quarters, she nodded. Very well, you may talk with the inn keep and let me know when our rooms will be ready.
After a short while he was back and directing her through the doorway at the back of the inn. We have been given rooms on the ground floor.
This was said with a note of derision in it.
Miranda decided to remain silent as she followed in the shadow of Duncan. They walked into the room they had been given. Raising an eyebrow she looked around the room. And where is your room?
Giving off a weak smile Duncan dropped his pack on the floor with a loud crash that Miranda was sure would cause the inn keeper to come running thinking they were demolishing the place. I am your body guard, I take that seriously and so I will sleep in the same room as you.
I can take care of myself Duncan, and what is more I like my privacy.
An icy edge crept into her voice as she spoke.
Argue all you want Miranda, I am not going to change my mind. I will give you as much space as this room provides and no more than that.
On those words, Duncan planted his feet flatly on the floorboards with arms crossed in a show of his stubbornness on the topic.
What did you mean by a king's man? They do not have a king, but an emperor here.
She decided for now to switch topics. She will work on him giving her more space later.
Aye.
Duncan did not say more while he walked around the room, opening the shutters he poked his head through the window and looked around outside. Then leaving the window he walked over and sat down on one of the beds. Patting his hand beside him he signalled for her to sit.
After a moment of silence Miranda gave him another threatening look and sat down beside him.
Leaning closer to her he started to whisper. How many people know about this mission?
Leaning away from him she responded in a terse voice, Very few Duncan, what is your point?
Miranda had little interest in pursuing this question.
Rolling his eyes he continued in a whisper. That man as you have mentioned is more than just a merchant. He was waiting for us, and he seemed a little too interested in us.
Holding up a finger he signalled for her to let him finish. Secondly after he left, those other merchants that walked in, did not sit at the doorway by chance. They did not want to draw too much attention. And I would wager the value of this dwarven mail I wear that they were here to keep an eye on us.
You are sure of this?
Nodding he smiled. I am sure.
Ok then, what do you suggest we do about it?
As much as she did not like it, Miranda had to rely on Duncan’s judgement in matters such as this.
Well you best make up a list of things that we need. I will add anything you miss.
Raising an eyebrow Miranda looked at Duncan with surprise. Despite the long voyage across the ocean you are yet to ask me why we are here.
If you wanted to tell me you would. I learnt that last summer.
There was a gruff sound in his voice. Despite his hurt pride at being excluded from this knowledge, he was hiding it reasonable well.
Patting him on the shoulder she stood up. You are indeed a quick one.
Looking down at this man she felt a moment of pity. I will tell you more when I can Duncan.
Nodding he gave her a smile. I know, but for now we need to make a list.
Pulling a parchment from inside her robes and handing it to Duncan, Miranda then walked over to her bag and began rummaging through it. Would you mind leaving the room for a moment while I change into something a little cooler.
Though the words spoken were in the form of a question, it was more of a statement that did not demand a response.
Duncan stood and left the room with the parchment in hand. She had already made a list of what they needed. Walking back to the tap room he ordered an ale, for despite his words earlier he figured one drink would not hurt anyone. And if anything this should help to remove any unwanted attention, after all it would look extremely odd if he sat in the tap room and only ordered water, his type had a reputation and he did not want to raise any eyebrows and do the unexpected.
CHAPTER 2
Miranda sat brushing her hair, running the comb through her long black hair as she gazed at the mirror. Any male observer would think that the mage was just doing what ladies do, gazing mindlessly into a mirror admiring one's looks. Miranda was definitely not one of those women. After changing into a lighter robe, Miranda had spent some time reading before sitting down in front of the mirror. She was feeling much better to be out of the heavy robe and now it was time to contemplate on their mission.
Looking into the mirror Miranda could see a fine-featured face staring back, with a delicate nose that had a slight flat spot on the end of it. Though her father said that made her even more beautiful she hated the flat spot, fathers tended to overstate things like that. Thin lips and a finely chiselled chin gave a very soft look. Looking at herself in the mirror, she was not unhappy with what was staring back at her. A brief relapse of vanity was allowed to surface before her eyes hardened like steel, and with this change removed the look of a princess to be replaced with the cold calculating woman that she was. The deep-green-eyes transformed to an icy light-green that could melt the hardest person.
Frowning as the comb found a knot she pulled her fingers through it before continuing to brush the long sleek hair. Duncan and Hermon should be well on their way with completing the list that they had been given. The warrior had looked a little funny in the clothing that Hermon had brought back for him. A bright-green cotton shirt and baggy purple trousers, and so Duncan had nearly put his fist through Hermon’s smiling face when he was handed these clothes. A smile threatened to break through her demeanour as she thought about the look on his face. Duncan was a good man and was perfect for the job. She had argued long and hard with her father over his choice. In the end she had to accept the truth and agree that Duncan was the one to guard her. She was still struggling with why she felt uneasy with this giant man.
Wrenching her thoughts away from this, the mages mind wandered on to their next move. They needed to leave this city and travel along the imperial highway for around half a day. From there they would find a relatively unused trail that branched off to the east that would lead them to a cottage where Jerome lived.
This man was their contact in these lands, and he was the person that Maeko had told her to see in regards with learning more about the customs of this strange place. It was important to know these things, for the only real benefit that she obtained from the texts was that it was a very politically driven land, and to upset the wrong person could make things rather difficult. All the rest of the books only spoke about the heat and the creatures that threaten this land and nothing of the threat that had brought her here.
The mage stood and moved back across the room. Putting the loose items back into a pack sitting on the bed, she turned and walked to the door. Opening it slightly she peered down the corridor before opening it wider. Stepping out she almost knocked a serving boy over who was coming from the other direction.
Bowing low and apologising with an honest sincerity in his voice the young man scurried away as fast as his stumpy little legs would carry him.
With a slightly sad expression on her face, Miranda’s thoughts lingered to how differently she was treated over here. In the kingdom the young boy would have spat at her and told her to keep away from him. Taking her time she strolled down the corridor as the hurtful memories flooded in.
Walking into the common room there was no instant hush that would have happened in the Kingdom of Trismond. Giving a serving man a brief emotionless smile, Miranda requested some water and bread. It was well past mid-day and her body was demanding food.
Finding a bench against a wall opposite the door, Miranda’s eyes absently surveyed the room from beneath the hood of her robes. A group of dark skinned tribesmen sat over by one of the windows. Casting her mind back to texts she had studied, these tribesmen most likely hail from the far north. By all appearances they seemed to be men of the Kabowrie people. Frowning from what she knew, these people were nomadic, and tended to stay clear of the more populated areas. They hated the closed-in spaces that the stone walled cities created. It was a strange land, and so Miranda figured they must have their reasons to be here.
Continuing her survey around the room there was a rowdy bunch of Dwarfs that were already making a significant dent on the ale supplies. By the door were some farmers sitting hunched over their drinks speaking on low tones.
A shadow was then cast from the doorway as two people entered. Looking around they spied Miranda, and pushing past the already swelling crowd of the inn, they made their way towards the mage.
Sitting down heavily Duncan swore about the heat. Then looking across the table at Miranda apologised about swearing in front of a lady.
Taking her time the mage pulled her hood back and gracing him with a smirk that one could mistake as a smile, Miranda did not say anything in response to his apology. Instead her face changed to one of expectation as she waited for him to confirm that they had gathered everything from the list.
Hermon called out loudly for a drink, and then swivelling on the chair to face Miranda, he gave a wide smile showing his pearly white teeth. I saved you almost a gold coin after I take my commission out of today’s transactions.
Miranda raised her eyebrow. That is over and above what we might have been able to negotiate I take it?
With a wave of his hand Hermon ignored her words as he took a large gulp of his ale. Wiping the froth from his mouth the little man smiled, You would have been picked as foreigners and charged almost double that. I am only going on what a local would have paid.
Slapping his hand down hard on the table he laughed again. You have gotten a good deal my lady, and I do not offer such a service to all the people that step from those docks.
And why is that?
Miranda was still a very cynical person.
Shrugging his shoulders the man smiled. I am not sure. Maybe I am growing to like you two.
His eyes come together revealing the intelligence that was well hidden beneath those dark brown eyes. Maybe I am a little curious, why a young lady mage would risk so much, in travelling over the vast ocean to visit our shores?
People take that voyage every year for various reasons Hermon. Why would our journey be so different?
Miranda was starting to feel a little uneasy.
Holding his hands up in a sign of submission Hermon gave another of his blinding smiles. It is ok Miranda, I mean you or Duncan no harm. I am merely too nosey for my own good.
Standing up he bowed low. I will see you both at first light then?
Choking a little on her water Miranda sat her water down gently on the table and allowed her eyes to bore into this man. Why on earth would we see you at first light Hermon?
These words were said with a death-like calm voice, despite her heart racing as she realised this man was starting to be a little too accommodating.
With a barking laugh that made several nearby patrons turn a little in their seats, Hermon put his mug on the table. You will need a guide to get you where you are going.
And where is that Hermon?
Miranda’s voice barely carried across the distance between them. She could feel more than see Duncan take in a deep lungful of air. She knew he was observing closely and she would question him on everything he noticed later.
Shrugging his shoulders the merchant’s smile widened even more. I am sure you will tell me sometime. For now I will travel with you and help you with what customs you are unfamiliar with.
Shaking her head the mage lent over the table. Somehow and she was not sure when, she had stood up during this verbal exchange. We travel alone Hermon, go bother someone else.
Nodding Hermon lost his smile. Very well my lady, I am sure our paths will cross again. Do not hesitate to call for assistance if you need it when that does happen.
Taking his turban from his head the man tipped his head in a show of respect and left the inn.
Sitting down again Miranda remained silent, she needed time to think. Tenting her fingers beneath her chin, not unlike how she often had seen her father sit. Miranda’s mind wondered with the myriad of racing thoughts that surfaced.
Finally her consciousness returned to the tap room. Looking around as she came out of her trance like state she noted Duncan with a bowl of stew in front of him. The light from the windows was rapidly vanishing as nightfall would shortly be descending upon the citizens of Aloganor. Looking down she noticed he had ordered her some stew.
Seeing that she had returned to the same world as the rest of them, his gruff voice broke the lengthy silence. The stew is much nicer while it is still warm Miranda. And I might also admit that even Mishka’s cooking would be hard pressed to improve the flavour of it.
Taking up the wooden spoon she tasted the food. It was quite good, and before long she was cleaning the bottom of the bowl. Pushing back the now empty plate she looked at the man beside her. I thank you for ordering me that food, though how where you sure I would have eaten it before it grew cold?
With a big bear like grin Duncan shrugged his shoulders. I figured one of two things, and that was either the smell would bring you out of what you were doing, or I would eat it and order more for you later.
With these words he signalled the waitress for another bowl for himself.
Вы достигли конца этого отрывка. Зарегистрируйтесь, чтобы прочесть больше!
Стр. 1 из 1
Обзоры
Обзоры
Что люди думают о Soulless Empire
0Рейтинг: 0 из 5 звезд
0 оценки / 0 обзоры
Ваше мнение?
Рейтинг: из 5 звезд