Chapter 5: The Journey to Lut!
-----Even though the air feels brisk, it seems a welcome change compared to the gloomy day before. As young Jim drives the wagon out of the warehouse, the thieves that are awake can see that there’s not a cloud in the sky. A beautiful blue dominates overhead although the riders in the wagon have to squint in the bright sunshine.
-----Even the town of Hearthorn looks different, maybe better, maybe more hopeful, by day. The deep shadows that clung to the buildings during the night are gone, exposing how nice a section of town they are in. Although the Evening Star Tavern has not opened yet, the building it is in has been kept up well. The benches and chairs that line the raised porch on two sides of the tavern emit a sense of welcome and comfort.
-----On their right, they pass the fence that lines the backyard court of the town hall and jail. In the grass along the fence, a light frost clings to the ground. The stone walls of the two-story building look as strong as the massive castle keep beyond it.
-----On their left, the thieves pass a collection of enticing looking places. The businesses there include a shop of very fine clothing and next to it is located the establishment of a tailor. Almost on the corner is the fine place of business of a silversmith.
-----As they approach the end of the block, a few people ahead of them have gathered around the town well. Most of these turn out to be goodwives carrying buckets, and some with children, gathering needed water. Here, Jim turns the horses to the left heading down along the market.
-----Down this street, they see much more people preparing for the day. A majority of them are merchants and traders readying their stands and handling goods for sale.
-----As the wagon rolls along, they pass the cross street which, to the right, would lead to Louie’s tent. Here, at this intersection, they see a group of a dozen tough-looking young men. They stand to one side of the street eyeing the activity in the waking market, some with a look of disinterest and some with disdain.
-----On down the street, they pass the point where the trio had interrupted the drunken dandy’s assault on the old beggar man the night before. They then approach the corner with the Inn of the Market Watch on their left. At the end of the block, Jim turns the horses to the right and heads for the Market Gate.
-----On the way, they pass by five burly sailors armed with swords but also wielding clubs. The thieves can hear low growling voices from the men and one grumbles aloud, "Come on, ya swabs! There be shanghain’ ta do!"
-----As the wagon approaches, the guards at the gate are alert, but calmly wave the thieves’ transport on through. Jim skillfully drives the wagon across the massive entryway and the bright sun on the other side provides some warmth as it shines on their cloaks.
-----Their driver brings the horses about and steers them across the River Bridge. Looking to their left, the thieves can see the old ruined tower where the guild dwells about a half-mile away. Over the side of the bridge, a few small barge boats on the river can be seen making their way for the town’s docks. As they look southward, a light breeze brushes their cheeks and the countryside to the south opens up before them.
-----As the wagon trundles along, Seth climbs up onto the wagon. He unfixes one of his belt pouches and readies his sling at his belt. When he is happy everything is in order, he takes out his harp and begins to play a quiet tune.
-----After playing for a while, Seth puts down his harp and searches the wagon for the apple barrel. After he finds it, he begins to cut up an apple into 16 pieces.
-----As the wagon jounces out of the gate and down the trail, Gimplefwick finally rouses himself out of his stupor and peers blurrily about. "Arrr, I had a dream we were shanghaiyed and spent a few months swabbin decks. Gaaahhh." Gimplefwick rubs his eyes and gazes at the passing countryside.
-----Seeing Seth readying his sling, Gimplefwick readies his and loosens his trusty cutlass in its scabbard. He then seems to think for a bit and says, "Maties, if'n we get hit, I'd be willin to bet it'd be on the way back from Lut, after we sell our goods rather than burdening some poor outlaws with a load of cargo. But then it's better to be safe than sorry."
-----After Gimplefwick talks, a cawing is heard. A large black crow alights on the back of the wagon and Seth feeds it some of the apple pieces he has.
-----Jim pulls a blanket across his legs as he drives to fight the morning chill. The trail leads the wagon past large farm fields and a few workers are already there to do the spring tilling. Off to their left, about a half-mile, the riders in the wagon see the stone markers of a graveyard.
Go to Page 2