Chronicles of Aurderia: The Balance by J. Steven Young Read Free Book Online

toward the wood setup for the fire. He whispered ‘BIL’ to himself and smoke and flame grew from the pile in the fire ring as the kindling caught.  
    “Guess that would be a yes,” Codger smiled.
    The four travelers broke camp and set out the next morning before dawn. It would be two days through the forested hills in part because of the growth, but also that this long forgotten path is only known to few and is not traveled enough to keep it clear.  
    To those who know the way it is called the Smuggler’s Passage. The name comes from the fact that the way leads directly to a secret keep at a cove hidden from the sea by the Serpent’s Fangs, a vast outcropping of non-navigable rocks and spires thrust up from the sea floor.  
    The waters were not navigable, only to those who do not know the safe way through. Codger explained to Moona and Mally that there is an ancient fort on the shores of the cove where those who wish to keep their business private, may find safe harbor and passage; for a fee to the guild running Smuggler’s Keep.  
    Codger went on to explain how the guild allows travelers to dock and will hold their boat in keeping until such time as the owners return to retrieve it. Payment for secrecy depends on what one smuggles in or out of the cove. So long as an agreement is made then total secrecy is adhered to on punishment of death.
    The trip to Smuggler’s Keep was uneventful. It was apparent that whatever Andra was up to, had been working to keep the Land’s Guard and Inquisitors off their trail. It also helped that the Inquisitors were likely still looking for an old woman alone. Moona was un-aware that they had been told of her being seen with a younger woman, sprat in arms.  
    During the trip Codger shared knowledge, spell words, with Mally helping him find out just what he could do. He became better at producing fire on command and making small objects move by focusing on them and where he wanted them to go, then whispering the spell word. By the time they reached Smuggler’s Keep Mally had already become quite good and proved a fast learner.  
    Mally also had taken to Shuran and vice versa. In just the few days Mally became like a big brother, or sheesh, to Shuran and took to making himself responsible for his care. Shuran had also taken to wanting Mally carrying and feeding him as well.  
    Shuran had grown even more in the few days since they left Two Bridges. His growth forced them to stop many times to hunt for game and wild vegetables to supplement the food they had since Shuran was now eating constantly and was the size of a two harvest old sprat. He was already walking and mimicking other’s words.  
    Smuggler’s Keep came into view late the third day of travel. Codger had to point it out to Moona and Mally as the keep is an ancient ruin situated among the cliffs that surround Smuggler’s Cove. People have never settled this area since long before the Lalli Mah.  
    It is believed this was once a settlement of the ancient First People, and superstition had kept most away. The fact that the cove is both protected and blocked by the insidious Serpent’s Fangs just adds to the stories about the place being cursed.  
    Codger and the others approached the keep and the Sun was setting over the Great Sea and the last rays of light pierced through the Fangs, casting eerie light and shadows upon the keep and surrounding cliffs. As they neared a stone structure that appeared to be a stables and carriage house, a small group of men came out of the shadows to greet them.  
    “Who approaches?” A raspy voice called from the group of men still standing in shadow.  
    “Old Codger. I’ve got a vessel here, and me and my folk intend to pack up and head out at Aknard’s leave,” Codger replied.  
    At the mention of Aknard’s name, the group separated to allow passage to the piers and causeway to the guild’s toll office.  
    “Old Codger!” Bellowed Aknard as he walked the causeway down