Isaac unfurled the map and tried to catch the last amount of light from the sun. Holding the map in front of his face he lowered it and stared down at the city before him. Unlike the villages and town’s he’d seen up to this point he was staring at a real city. It just took him the better part of a day and a half to get there. They were grey concrete with spikes lining the tops of the tall stone walls and sentries around them. The archway had an iron gate pulled up for the time being to allow travelers in and out.
Beyond the gate he saw row upon row of buildings. Smoke coming from a few of them and dozens of people walking around on stone paved roads. Some of the roads were wide enough for horse and cart to be dragged through. Though interspaced amongst them all were soldiers.
This wasn’t the same antagonistic relationship he saw in the past two villages. These people not only lived amongst the soldiers they welcomed them into their homes or relied on them for protection. Putting the map away he checked the pouch for how much gold he had left. Enough for a meal at least.
As he stared at the city he saw what he could only call a castle in the middle. Living within the protected walls of Isal there was another set of walls that loomed over the people. It was easy to understand why the people who lived there believed that they were better. The chosen few who got to live near what he assumed were some sort of royalty.
Pushing his fingers through his hair slowly he stared at the castle and shook his head. “Alright Shin. You’re in there. I think. The shovel glowed earlier so I think that was you.” Adjusting the cloak around his shoulders and making sure his sword and shovel were both in place he started running toward the town.
Not as fast as he knew he could, another steady jog so that he wouldn’t spook the guards and get himself shot at or barred from entering. It took him close to an hour to make it there and by that time the sun was setting below the horizon. He discovered that though he didn’t feel the cold he could tell when it was getting cold and the desert got very cold at night.
Slowing down as he approached the gate he pulled back the hood and tried to look unassuming but one of the guards caught him and shouted, “Slow down stranger. State your business before entering!”
Isaac looked up toward the guard and did his best to appear harmless. He coughed into his hands and spoke with a deeper accent trying to hide away his Sanctum one to avoid any sort of suspicion. “I’m just a traveler. Looking for a warm bed to rest my head tonight.”
“Well traveler. Where do you come from? It’s miles from the nearest town.”
“Exactly. I lost my horse to some bandits and had been struggling my way toward safety for some time. I’m supposed to be meeting a friend here.”
“You’ve been roaming the plains on your own?” another soldier asked.
“I have been, yes.”
The soldiers chuckled and glanced at him. “Well come in. Find yourself a mug and a bed. That’s quite the journey you’ve gone. Any man who can survive the night on the plains with nothing but his sword is a man deserves a rest. When you find that friend tell him he owes you a drink! Welcome to Isal.”
Isaac smiled and walked onto the paved roads. He had to move around as people shoved past him with carts behind them, bags of produce or just because he wasn’t moving fast enough. Laughing and enjoying the bustle he found his groove in the crowd and started forward quickly.
“Hey someone give us a hand here!”
Isaac turned to the voice and it was two men carrying a load of boxes. They were tied up but the load easily went a few feet over their heads. As they moved through the bustling traffic most people went around them rather than actually giving them the space to move forward. One man moved quickly and bumped into one of the two.
He grunted losing his grip and the load started toppling over. Running over Isaac raised his hands pushing back against the load. The weight was heavy but he grit his teeth and managed to push back enough for the other man to regain his footing.
“Don’t worry. I’ll cover this end,” Isaac said walking backwards slowly as the other two men continued. With a third person there the crowd was forced to move.
When the trio set the box down Isaac wiped his brow and peeked around to the other two men. One was a round belly large man and the other was thinner but had the arms of someone who lifted heavy objects often. Both were wearing aprons. The larger man came first and extended a hand. “Hey thanks for your help stranger.”
“No problem,” Isaac said and shook the offered hand. “Just passing through.”
The thinner man pointed toward the shop. “Want to stop in for a drink?”
“Would love to but can’t. Looking for a friend. We’re supposed to be meeting up.”
“Well when you find him bring him back. We’ll pour you both a pint.”
Laughing Isaac nodded and kept walking. Still not knowing exactly where he was going he walked himself over to a fountain. It was a massive arrangement of foxes that spewed water. He wasn’t sure why they chose foxes but the craftmanship was clear. The animals weren’t even chipped. As Isaac walked to the fountain and sitting down on the edge a flock of birds jumped angrily. They fluttered backwards and landed on the top of the fountain watching him.
Ignoring them he turned his gaze toward the bigger castle within the city. It was like a mountain within the city. But how was he going to get in there. They were probably some kind of royalty and a random traveler wasn’t going to get in easily. Standing slowly, he stretched his arms above his head.
Though he started to notice that there was a flow of the crowd toward the castle itself. Every two or three people that passed they were all walking that way and none were turning toward their own homes or something similar. “That looks promising,” he got in line, stepping between people and followed.
They were all being funneled into the gates of the castle but from there people were divided into the left or right sides by red armored soldiers. The walls obscured where they were being taken entirely but for the most part he figured they were going to be going up onto the ramparts themselves.
When it was his turn to join he was pushed toward the right and found out that he was entirely wrong about their placement. Rather than going up on the ramparts there were directed to stands, stone stands with cushions lining the seat. The place where the stands were was immaculately cut lawns but what caught his attention the most was the pit in front of them.
It was at least thirty feet wide in every direction. It had to be at least fifteen feet down to prevent anyone from climbing out. The stands were about four rows deep and ten feet away from the edge. Climbing the stairs, he took a seat in the middle of the third row. He looked somewhat out of place, everyone else wearing shirts, pants and gowns all varying shades of red. Looking around they talked amongst themselves and for the most part ignored him.
Looking above at the ramparts the soldiers milled back and forth but they were armed with either a spear or a crossbow. Looking down into the pit he saw the remains of broken weapons. Against the far wall he saw a gate firmly lowered and the soft glow of torches behind it. He assumed there was another one but on his side of the pit.
Looking toward the castle there was a stained-glass window that covered much of the side wall. It spread out to two towers, one of the windows closed but the other one was open and a woman stood staring down at them all, flanked by two soldiers wearing golden trimmed armor and had long tassels off their helmets.
Turning to the man beside him he tapped their shoulder and asked, “So what’s happening? Is it some sort of performance piece?” he asked smiling.
The man looked at him as if he had an extra head. “What are you dumb?”
Making a face Isaac shrugged. “I’m a traveler. Haven’t been to Isal in some time.”
“It’s a pit fight,” he said with a smirk. “Some mages against captured rebels. I heard that there was a demonstration earlier. Bunch of em got slaughtered. Wish I had seen that. Heard some thunder earlier and I think it was them.”
“Good people of Isal!” Isaac jumped, slightly startled but there was a cheer from the crowd as they clapped and some pumped their fists in the air. Looking at the castle the woman had spoken and basked in the applause for a moment before holding up her hand to settle them. “It has been quite some time since you have had solid entertainment. Well as the benevolent ruler that I am. I intend to fix that for you.”
Another roar of applause and she chuckled motioning toward the pit. “Today we have discovered some eager and promising new editions to the Norian army. But of course, we don’t let just anyone join us, do we?”
A chorus of nos and boos answered her and she laughed covering her mouth. “Good to hear you remember our traditions. Those who wish to join must prove their mettle! And the best way to do that is in the pit!”
As if on cue, magic or otherwise, the torches within the pit suddenly ignited. The orange glow of flames danced within. A drum beat started and people stamped their feet against the ground or clapped their hands in time to the rhythm. Isaac stared around and then into the pit as a shape came forward.
It was a man dressed in black armor. The armor itself was sparse only covering his forearms, chest and shoulders, along with a helmet. His pants were covered by worn pants and he had an axe in hand and a large kite shield. He looked up toward the crowd and squinted at them before that gaze turned into a glare.
“We welcome to you a mercenary. One of the raiders who strives to pillage from our glorious empire. Nothing better than bandits with a code,” she laughed and the crowed booed and jeered at him. “He and his band tried to attack the wrong caravan and well. There were not many survivors. But he is native to Noria. So, let’s give him a chance to redeem himself. And join the right cause.”
The drum beat continued and the clapping and stomping picked up rapidly as another gate began to open. Isaac craned his head upwards and tried to see the new comer but had to wait for them to step forward. From the back he could see them. They weren’t wearing much armor a few pieces of leather on his chest and arms.
“This is a mage we found running. Dodging the draft at every turn and even turning his talents against our noble soldiers. Becoming a rogue and inciting panic and chaos within the country. His favorite crime was arson and dare I say he was talented at it. But finally, we managed to capture this rabble rouser. But his talents were seen by us all. So, we’re deciding to give him a chance to redeem himself!”
The crowd cheered again and the woman in the castle waited for the crowd to settle down and held up her hand. “But enough talk. My good citizens you came for a fight. A fight to the bitter end and I will deliver that to you all. You hear that combatants? Only one of you may leave that pit alive. Begin!”
The crowd shouted and the mage immediately raised his hands before thrusting them forward as balls of fire exploded from his palms. The raider raised his shield catching the brunt of the blast but still skidding backwards across the dirt. Ducking low he pointed his axe at the mage and started sprinting along the side of the pit.
The mage chucked more and more fireballs but each one was just barely behind the soldiers feet. So instead the mage clasped his hands together and rotated his arms before throwing his arms against the ground. Flames raced from his hands and whipped around the entire edge of the pit. The raider leaped from the side of the arena and rolled to the middle as the flames extended like a wall.
The crowd cheered as they saw this standing up and hollering. Isaac leaned forward sucked into the action feeling sick but morbidly enticed at who would live. The mage seemed to have the upper hand but Isaac knew from experience that the key to fighting a mage was patience and endurance.
The mage stepped forward and held both palms apart from one another before thrusting them both at the ground. The ground glowed brightly then raced straight at the raider. The raider dug the shield into the ground as the glow finally hit him and exploded in a pillar of flames that reached just outside the top of the pit. People in the front seats recoiled away from the heat.
When the pillar finally subsided all of the flames dulled to a small glow against the ground instead of giant walls of fire. Isaac stood and saw the mage’s shoulders sagging and watched him huff in exhaustion. His gaze shifted to the soldier and his armor was smoking and blistered but the shield had been placed in such a way that it took the brunt. It was burnt almost entirely black but the man still stood.
Slowly the soldier walked forward holding the shield up and keeping the axe back. The mage took a startled step back and thrust both hands forward sending streams of fire at the raider but the shield was still taking the brunt of the flame. For a second the raider skidded backwards but forced his way forward one step at a time.
Each step was earned and the mage continued to back up. The flames dwindled the longer he kept them going from once a gout to almost a stream. The raider was taking two steps at a time now keeping momentum as the distance closed. The crowd stomped in time with each of the soldier’s steps chanting ‘kill’ over and over again.
The mage let out a shout when suddenly the raider ran forward. The flames had no effect and suddenly they stopped all together. Sinking to his knees the mage watched as the raider finally ran forward. Leaping forward he sank the axe into the mage’s chest. The crowd went quiet with a hush. Yanking the axe back the raider dropped the shield and swept forward digging the axe all the way into the mage’s throat.
Blood spurted all over his front and when the raider finally dragged the axe back the mage slumped to the ground splashing in his blood. The raider turned to the crowd lifting the axe to them despite his injuries and they erupted in cheers and applause. Isaac stared at the ground, his hands in tight fists. He wanted to pray for the mage, he wanted to shout at these people for using this as entertainment but he knew he couldn’t. So he controlled his face and tried to keep his eye out for Shin. He couldn’t stay here much longer.
“What a glorious performance! Bathed in magical fire still he prevails! Still he fights! And still he triumphs! Not only have you earned yourself a rest and a meal you’ve earned your freedom to become a member of the Norian army. That skill will be used to defend your home country and conquer the enemies of the empire!”
The crowd’s cheers were like thunder as the gates opened. Two soldiers came to the raiders side and grabbed him by his arms. He collapsed the moment they held onto him and dragged him through one of the doors. But the corpse of the mage remained on the ground lifeless.
The sun was setting entirely and the majority of the light was coming from torches in the pit and a few on the sides of the stands themselves. Shaking his head again Isaac reached back to pull the hood over his face. As he moved it he touched the shovel and for a second he shuddered feeling the surge of power within the weapon. For a second, he thought he saw a flash of light below his feet. One that stood out amongst everything else.
Rubbing his eyes he looked and the light was gone. But something in his core told him that it was Shin. Narrowing his eyes, he nodded slowly. “Alright Shin. Make your move soon. I’m ready when you are.”
Shin looked at the ceiling as pieces of stone fell to the ground with plumes of dust. Arms folded as best as he could he looked toward the gate knowing that he would be next to meet his fate. He just wondered which of the mercenaries he was going to do battle with. None of them were a preference but at the very least he liked to know what he was up against.
Considering the fact that no one had come back to their side and the applause was loud he knew that the mage had been killed. Not ideal to work with. He’d always prefer someone who could wield a sword to resurrect than a mage. It got complicated trying direct a zombie to cast a spell.
They were under the arena with a few pillars keeping it up but no cells. Just a lot of space to move around. They stood with a few guards around them, each one blocking an exit. They didn’t truly keep their eyes on them but if either of them moved too much the guards got restless. There was enough space in this room for Shin to talk to the other mage without concern for one of them over hearing.
Turning his head, he looked at the shadow mage and chuckled. “Looking forward to earning your freedom?” he asked and the man arched his eyebrow. “What have that little faith in yourself?”
“No. More concerned with your interest. It seems as if you have something in mind.”
“Why would you ask that?” The mage stared at him and Shin glanced up as the ceiling shook again. “I may have some plans. If you’re interested watch the show.”
Before he could elaborate the gate started to open and the guards walked forward. They flanked Shin and he glanced at the both of them with a scowl before rubbing his wrist. The bruises from the shackles were showing their wear. The gate crashed down behind him and just solidified the only way he would get out was winning the fight or dying.
Shin didn’t hear what kind of introduction he got from Camilla but whatever it was it got the crowd shouting louder than normal. The roar was deafening and smelling fresh air for the first time in a while was refreshing. His opponent wasn’t announced yet so he took a moment to survey the crowd.
The usual fair of Norians in evening ware greeted him but he stopped for a second and homed in on Isaac. How his Lich had managed to hide in plain sight like that was one thing but he didn’t blend in at well. Grimacing he shook his head and nodded slightly in his direction. This was going to be difficult and easier at the same time. A distraction was going to be needed though.
“Facing off against our Norian born mage is a Norian born monster. What is pain to the berserkers who see nothing but red and tear the ranks of their enemies with a strength some would call inhuman. When we harness that battle rage, well let’s just say don’t stand in front of him.”
The gate opened slowly and Shin wondered actively how much of that was to build up the crowd. Many of them had gotten excited, shouting louder than ever. Feeling the sound roll over him he felt a nervous energy, anxious to move and get this over with. But he forced himself to breathe and let the magic roll through his joints.
The hulking shape that stepped through the gate was a man at least seven feet tall. He was huge wearing a sleeveless shirt, pants and had a pair of long swords in each hand. He was wearing some sort of mask that covered his face entirely and it leaked red onto his chest and shoulders.
Shin knew the sight of blood and took a slow step back to catch his bearings. “Camilla. What the hell did you match me against,” he mumbled as he heard her voice again.
“Imposing, isn’t he? But don’t count out our mage just yet. He’s got more than a few tricks up his sleeve. Let’s see which one can triumph first! Begin!”
Immediately Shin dropped to the ground and dug his hand into the ground to pick up a few of the loose stones. While he did this the berserker charged at him with a battle roar. Swinging the swords at him Shin dove to the side, rolling away from the attack as the blades dug into the wall.
Scrambling to his feet he watched the berserker whirl to face him and start running toward him again. Shin glanced across the pit to the dead mage and trying to revive them would take some doing. So a frontal approach was going to be the next play. The pile of rocks in his hands glowed as he squeezed them and ran back at him.
Raising both arms the berserker swung them at Shin but he dove forward rolling between his legs and out the other side. Not slowing down, Shin sprinted toward the mage’s body. The berserker turned to face him but the grounded exploded rapidly kicking up rocks and dust.
Shin glanced over his shoulder and groaned as he watched the berserker step through the dust. The shirt had been stained slightly but for the most part untouched. Shaking his head, he tossed a few more of the rocks letting them detonate in the air. The explosions kicked up way more smoke and dust and he could hear the crowd booing him for running away.
Reaching the edge of the pit he put his hands against the mage’s corpse. It was cooling off quickly but he could feel some warmth inside. He was beyond dead but this wouldn’t be as difficult as he thought. Moving quickly, he dragged his hand across the ground chanting rapidly feeling the magic rush to his fingertips like electricity.
Digging one hand into the chest wound he felt a pulse of his magic go through the body. Chanting louder he could vaguely hear the crowd chanting kill and that meant that berserker was coming closer. Whirling around he ripped his hand out of the mage’s chest and pointed at the berserker that was looming over him now.
The mage’s hand flew up and a gout of flames poured out catching him off guard. Shin rushed to his feet and clasped his hands together. His palms and fingertips glowed with purple sigils and he rushed toward the berserker. Tagging his thigh and stomach he moved to get away when the berserker grabbed him in a massive bear hug.
The man’s breathing fell upon him in a rancid cloud and Shin felt a few of his bones crack. “Small mages. Chanting and making symbols,” he said staring at him. “I cannot stand them. Crush them all. Like insects!”
The giant squeezed hard and Shin let out a shout at the sudden pain. But he grit his teeth trying to concentrate. “Go on! Break! Like the twig you are! I’ll find more like you and break them all the same.”
Shin twitched his wrist and managed to close his hand into a tight fist. “Break this.” His fist glowed as did the berserkers thigh and chest before they exploded. Shin was blown forward skidding across the ground and the berserker fell to the ground shouting in pain.
Getting to his feet again Shin’s silver eye glowed as the formerly butchered mage got to his undead feet. Lowering his arms Shin pressed his fingertips together and pointed at the berserker. “Kill.”
The mage let out a groan then rushed forward with the flaming hands. Stopping a step away it unleashed a torrent at the giant turning him into a bonfire. His scream of rage echoed in the pit and Shin kept the pressure on the berserker but steadily forced the zombie forward. Each step brought it closer and closer and he was hoping for that.
The berserker lurched forward, his shirt burned away entirely and skin red and raw. Reaching through the flames his hand collapsed around the throat of the zombie as if to choke it. Sadly, it was already dead and the flames continued to pour if not harder than before. With another scream he tossed the mage toward a wall.
That was what Shin was looking for. Flicking his wrist, he made the mage throw it’s arm down. With the flames suddenly pushing off the ground, it forced itself clear over the edge of the pit and towards the stands. The flames erupted forward setting those closest to it on fire. The shouting and cheers quickly turned to screams and panic.
Shin ignored them and ran toward his zombie. The berserker reached out for him though with a glare. “Not so fast little mage. We’re not done yet.” Reaching a glaring red arm for him Shin reached to the ground quickly.
“Yes. We are.” Throwing a few rocks backwards he snapped his fingers. They hit the berserker in the face and exploded in tiny pops and crackles. It was enough to distract him and for Shin to keep going. Running to the wall he hit it one foot and then struggled for purchase to haul himself over.
He felt himself slipping and swore refusing to fall back into that pit after all this time. Before he slid too far away a hand grabbed his wrist and dragged him over the top. Climbing quickly he looked up to see Isaac standing over him with a smile. “For once, I’m glad to see you. You even brought my things.”
“Well I couldn’t just let you fall victim to the same fate as my comrades would have.”
Shaking his head Shin stood shakily watching his zombie attack the people with the fire. Many were fleeing in a stampede forward the entrance of the arena. The soldiers were trying to take down the creature but it was still going despite several bolts sticking out of its chest. Many of the spear wielding ones were on their way down to end the creature but until then it was doing its job wonderfully.
The flames had entirely consumed one of the stands and the smoke was thickly passing above. There were a few bodies lying on the ground, some charred and others struggling to escape from the massive heat and cloying smoke. Some were just on the ground trampled by the panicked populace.
“Get into the crowd. Hurry.” He said and quickly moved within them. Despite the shoving and pushing around he ran with the crowd not losing himself in them that quickly. They pushed and shoved but he kept his footing. The soldiers pushed past them shouting but they didn’t even bother to look back at him.
Isaac was running with them and once they crossed the threshold of the castle he broke away from the crowd. Some stopped once they reached the lawns they stared back at the flames as they raced. Others continued running all the way to the fountain and some even further beyond. There were shouts and crying. Some demanding that the mage be put down and others talking excitedly about what had happened.
Looking around and shuddering he tasted smoke on his tongue but when he took a breath it pained him and he coughed into his hand shaking his head. Not worth it. A weight pulled on his shoulder and he whirled around to see Shin staring at him with mild annoyance. “Stop looking around like an idiot. We need to leave. Give me my cloak and shovel.”
“Oh right. Yes.” Pulling the shovel free first he slid the cloak off his shoulders. Shin took it and wrapped it around him quickly and took a slow breath. Sliding the hood over his head he then grasped his shovel and it was like a weight lifted off his chest. Having the weapon again within close reach, he put it against his back and stared at Isaac.
“You don’t have a shirt.”
Isaac shrugged. “You cut my last shirt open remember?”
“You couldn’t just get another one? And why do I have two maps in here?”
“Two? I only bought one.” Shin stared at Isaac for a long moment. “I didn’t know you had one. I’m doing my best. I got here didn’t I?”
Shaking his head Shin started walking through the crowd with Isaac following behind. The pair made it to the fountain before Shin took a sharp turn toward the wall. “Your core looks good. Any problems since waking up?”
Isaac glanced at the gleaming jewel and it caught the light for a moment as he stared at it. Shaking his head, he glanced at Shin. “No. It’s in one piece still. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Can’t let my experiment get destroyed after only his second fight.”
Isaac chuckled but remained silent. Rather than going toward the gate itself Shin was looking around at the buildings. They were shorter but were well kept and put together with some mild decoration.
Shin broke off the path for a moment and walked through the backyard of one home. They had laundry out on pins air drying. Going through them slowly he yanked a plain white shirt off the line and came back. He tossed it at Isaac who hastily put it on but frowned looking at the house.
“Don’t tell me you’re feeling guilty about stealing. They won’t miss it.”
Isaac continued to frown and Shin simply ignored it to keep up on their path. He kept going until he finally stopped near a stable and held up a hand. Going toward the door he knocked a few times.
A few moments passed but finally the door opened and a woman answered. She looked at the two of them before settling on Shin with a skeptical face. “You know what time it is?”
“Yes I do. My friend and I were planning an outing. And we need a few good horses.”
The woman made a face at him and shook her head. “We’re not selling horses right now. We’re closed. Come back in the morning.”
She went to close the door in their faces when Shin took a step forward and put his arm in the door. She looked back at him and scowled. “We’re in a hurry. We’ll pay you but the window for that payment is closing quickly.” He said and his silver eye glowed slightly. “We need two horses. Now.”
“Look I don’t want no trouble. Least of all from a mage,” she glared at him and by association Isaac. “Pay up front. Now.”
Shin reached into the cloak and took the rest of the money and tossed it at her. She opened it, going through the contents and nodded. “It’s enough.” She walked toward the door and Isaac stepped back as she shoved past him. The three walked around the back of the house to the high gated stables.
Unlocking the latch, the three of them stepped into the pen. She whistled and after a few moments two horses, one black and the other spotted grey came running. “These’ll do. The black one is Coal and the grey one is Soot.”
Isaac smiled at the names and reached out to Soot. The horse leaned into his hand and then recoiled slightly. It stamped nervously and looked at him harder. Frowning Isaac looked away and Shin shook his head at the sight. The woman didn’t see though, she had gone into the shed and came back with a pair of saddles.
Throwing them, Shin caught one and Isaac the other. “Saddle up and get out of here. Don’t want either of you staying longer than you have to.”
“We’ll be gone before you know it,” Isaac said with a smile and she scowled. Folding her arms, she watched them and Shin quickly saddled his horse. Isaac tried to saddle his and the horse struggled against him. It backed away and snorted in his direction several times. Frowning he held his hand out to the horse and backed up slightly.
It stared at him sharply and flared it’s nostrils. “The hell is wrong with you? Soot is normally well behaved.” She glared at Isaac. “You look off. You some kinda leper?” The horse stamped again and Isaac approached slowly.
The horse seemed nervous despite the slow approach. When he touched it he could feel the vibration of it’s chest but it didn’t dart again. “That’s it. I’m a friend alright?” The horse snorted again but remained still. Slowly Isaac threw the saddle over the horse and fastened it. Climbing onto the horses back it sniffled again but was calm for the most part.
Once both were fitted and ready Shin leaned forward and dug his heels in slightly. Coal moved forward quickly and Soot followed behind him. “Now what?” Isaac asked. Soot continued to look back at him seeming uneasy but she was cooperating now so that was a bit of an improvement.
“Now we leave before they catch on to the fact that I’m an escaped prisoner and you’re my accomplice.” Avoiding the main paths in the city they circled around a long way but even from there they could see the smoke from the fire coiling up into the air. It was that thick and was probably being handled.
As Isaac looked into the streets he saw people still moving about and even soldiers rushing between houses. Faintly he could hear shouting of orders and the slamming of doors. Shin shook his head and scowled back at him. “Let’s hurry before this gets problematic.” He picked up the pace as the dark horse started moving quicker.
Following the wall quickly Shin kept his gaze toward the coming gate. There weren’t many soldiers on top and he looked down and didn’t see too many soldiers along the bottom. As they rushed forward a soldier faced them and shouted, “Hold! No one in or out of the city!”
A soldier approached with a raised spear and both reared their horses back. Shin scowled glancing at one and then toward the other. Isaac was ready for a fight when he paused and pointed at the soldier. “You’re the soldier that let me in. That friend I told you about. Finally found him.”
The soldier’s glare paused for a second as he looked at Isaac when he nodded quickly. “Yeah. I remember you. Did you make him get you a drink?”
“I did. Good one too.
One of the other soldiers laughed. “Shoulda told him to get some stew. Man’s barely got any meat on his bones. Look at em!”
Isaac touched his cheek lightly and was surprised to feel his cheeks were sharper than he remembered but quickly moved to change the subject. “What’s happening in the city?” he asked looking back.
“No idea,” the soldier said still somewhat warily. “All I know is an order has been given. No one in or out.”
Isaac urged Soot forward and nodded. “We’re just trying to get back out there. First things first, we’re going to find the bandits and get back what they stole. And then maybe head east for a bit. There’s a canyon that we’ve been before. Nice place.”
“I know that place,” a different soldier said touching the others shoulder. “Brought the wife. Beautiful place. Good fishing and some decent hunting.”
“No kidding? Maybe I’ll bring my son. Next time I have some good vacation time.”
“Ha. I’ll cover for you for a weekend if you want to.”
Both soldiers laughed together and Shin looked toward Isaac with a raised eyebrow. Isaac recognized that look but he had an idea and was hoping that Shin would give him some time instead of just aggressively going out on this one.
Finally, the soldier looked at Isaac and had a hard look on his face before backing up. “Let them through. If the captain asks I’ll let him know I made the choice.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah. I like this guy.”
“Alright,” the other soldier said and moved back leaving the space for the two of them and the horses.
Isaac grinned at the soldier and nodded. “Next time we’re through I’ll come find you. Buy you a drink this time.”
The soldier laughed and saluted toward them as they walked out. “Give those bandits hell!” Shin remained tense as they crossed the threshold expecting some sort of trick but they kept going and passed over and onto the plain. They kept going for a few more minutes getting a good distance from the city.
Shin let out a breath finally and reached into his cloak to produce the map. Spreading it open against the horses neck he traced his finger across Isal and shook his head. “I don’t know how you got us out of there in one piece. Norian guards rarely make exceptions like that.”
“I thought it was worth a try. I’ve met a few people that were kinda at the very least,” he shrugged his shoulder and glanced at Shin as they walked. “Those people. Was that the only way to get out of the pit?”
Shin glanced back at him and made a noise in the back of his throat. “I wasn’t exactly flushed with ideas. I took the best one presented to me and it worked. I’m not in the pit and we’re no longer in Isal. I’d like to believe that this is the best possible circumstances for us both.”
Isaac frowned hard and nodded slowly. It was hard to argue with the logic of it but knowing people died, people that had no part in this situation made him feel guilty. They trotted forward and Isaac lightly brushed his fingers across Soot’s flank. “Cheer up,” Shin said shaking his head. “We can finally do what you’ve been wanting to do. We can finally take you home.”
The Harlequin Library 