Of Gods and Elves - By Brian D. Anderson Page 0,59
he wouldn't let you.”
Both men burst into laughter. Just then the server came with Lee's meal. Lanson stood from the table. “I must leave you to your meal. I'll make inquiries regarding Millet. But please, stay out of sight. The Gods only know what will happen if you're discovered.”
Lee smiled warmly. “I'll be careful, my friend.”
Lanson twisted his mouth and shook his head. “I doubt that very much. But at least I can say I warned you.”
Lee watched as Lanson turned and walked away. Alone, he felt even more exposed. He ate quickly and headed back to the inn. His paranoia grew with each step. He knew he couldn't leave the city until Millet and Jacob arrived, but should the servants of the Dark One realize his presence he could get them all killed. He considered sending Dina away but dismissed the idea. If they were aware of him, they may be aware of her as well. She may need his protection.
When he arrived at the inn, Dina was still in her room sleeping. Lee regretted waking her but considering what Lanson had told him, he felt he had no choice. She came to the door, yawning and wrapped in a blanket.
“Get your things together and meet me in the common room,” Lee ordered.
Before Dina could ask questions, Lee walked down the hall to his own room and began to pack his gear. Twenty minutes later, they were both standing in the common room. Lee had the horses brought from the stables and walked with Dina to the door.
“What's going on, Lee?” asked Dina.
Lee recounted his conversation with Lanson as they secured their gear on their mounts. “At least your friend didn't betray you,” said Dina.
Lee nodded. “He's a good man. But I still hate that he goes along with what's happening here.”
Dina mounted her horse. “What would you have him do? Besides, from what you said Angrääl isn't acting aggressively. He has no reason to suspect their true intentions.”
“That's just it,” Lee countered. “They're not a bunch of uneducated fools. They know what's going on. Some even welcome it. So long as they stay rich, they'll go along with anything.”
“But you thought that might be the case,” said Dina. “Why are you so angry?”
“I'm angry because we have been lazy,” said Lee. “We've allowed The Dark One to spread his lies unchallenged. Now, who knows if he can be dislodged? He'll conquer the world one city at a time before one battle is even fought.”
“What can we do?”
“We can play his game better. The moment I've secured Millet and my son, Valshara must be told what is happening here. In fact, when you visit the temples tonight, I'll have you send a message to Althetas.”
They wound their way through the streets to Lanson's rental house. Lee remembered Lanson using it to rendezvous with his mistresses in years past. The man had a bit of a wild side and a reputation with the ladies. But, he reckoned that Lanson had settled down, if he was renting it out. It was a modest, single story dwelling, typical for the merchant class. Its solid brick walls and tan tile roof were well built, and suited for the climate. The yard was small but well kept, and a wrought iron fence surrounded it.
Lee led them to the rear of the house and put the horses in a small stable at the back of the property. They entered through the back door and Lee set about lighting lamps. The interior was well decorated and deceptively spacious. The main living room was equipped with a small fireplace, a plush suede couch, and two matching chairs. The fireplace was more for decoration than anything else, as the hot climate usually prevented the need for a fire. The three bedrooms were big enough to accommodate a married couple comfortably, and the beds had thick, goose down mattresses.
There was a bathing room that had running water, and a tub heated by coals placed in a compartment under its base. Lee and Dina each picked a room and washed and changed in turn. Once dressed, they relaxed in the living room.
“I'll go out later for food and drink,” said Lee. “There's an eatery a few blocks from here that serves wonderful mince pie.”
Dina smiled, trying to hide her apprehension. “I should go with you,” she said. “I don't think that I like the idea of either of us venturing out alone.”