The Star of Morcyth: The Morcyth Saga Book Five by Brian S. Pratt Read Free Book Online

the right of James as
he eats his dinner. The attitudes of the others have begun to
mellow, some beginning to realize that he could have actually
stumbled into the wrong room as he says. That James vouches for him
gives credence to his story as well.
    None come right out and really talk to him,
and James is worried for his friend. He wants him to become a part
of his life here and over time, he’s sure he will.
    The evening’s gathering goes by quickly and
they soon head to their respective beds. When he and Dave are lying
in the dark, Dave asks, “Where is this Cardri?”
    “It’s several days away, out on the coast,”
he tells him. “The king has a large castle, just like the ones I’ve
always wanted to see. Was able to see it up close a month or so
ago.” Turning to his friend, he says, “I’m sure you’ll like
it.”
    “I’m sure I will,” he says. “Thanks for
being a friend, James.”
    “Always,” he assures him.
    “No matter what?” he asks, hope in his
voice.
    “No matter what. Now get some sleep,” James
says as he turns over to go to sleep.

Chapter Four
_________________________

    The following morning, those heading to
Cardri with James rose early and met in the kitchen. Illan is
leaving Yern in charge of the recruits’ training in his absence.
The last time he left Miko in charge, he won’t be making that
mistake again. He’s no good at maintaining discipline or getting
them to do what they’re supposed to. When Illan had returned from
The Merchant’s Pass, the schedule of training he left with him had
barely been done. Yern on the other hand, is a whole lot more apt
to get done what needs to be done.
    Everyone turns out to see them off, even
those whose duty is to patrol through the outlying trees. James
mounts his horse and turns to face Roland. “Seems I’m off again,”
he says with a grin.
    “That’s why Ezra and I are here,” he
replies. “To look after things.”
    “Everyone’s ready,” Illan announces.
    James glances back at those mounted behind
him. Miko and Jiron ride next to him and Dave is just behind. He
looks sullen at having to be in that position, but makes no fuss.
“Let’s go,” he says as he gets his horse moving.
    “You be careful,” Tersa hollers to her
brother from her position by the front of the house.
    Jiron turns and waves to her as he gives her
a reassuring smile. Next to her stands Aleya. Things have cooled
off between them since his return from Trademeet, he’s not sure
why.
    Errin has the watch at the end of the lane
today and she comes to attention as they ride by. James gives her a
nod in passing and then turns onto the road heading south. Four
long days lie ahead of them before they reach the walls of
Cardri.
    He can’t help but be a little overwhelmed at
being summoned by the king. From what he’s heard of the man, the
king is a just and kind ruler whom the entire populace of Cardri
adores.
    The grey sky above prevents the sun from
warming the morning chill from the air. Fall is in full swing, the
colors of the trees bright and cheery as the leaves begin turning
orange, red and yellow. A gust of breeze now and then sends a
flurry of leaves scattering across the road.

    The evening of the second day, they find
themselves an hour south of Bearn. Passing through made James a
little leery as it’s the home of Lord Colerain and the man has had
it in for him almost since his coming to this world. For some
reason, he has the idea that James stole something from him. Of
course James has not, but he’s had two attempts made on him.
    It wasn’t very long ago when he made the
last attempt. He actually had the temerity to send men out to The
Ranch to abduct him. It would’ve worked except Miko recognized one
of the captors which led them to Bearn. And Bearn led them to Lord
Colerain. After Illan and the others rescued him, he told Lord
Colerain that if he again moved against him that he would come back
to Bearn and raze his house to the ground