Of Gods and Elves - By Brian D. Anderson Page 0,70
is enough for me to spare him.”
Salmitaya bowed her head. “I will convey your message. He will be disappointed, I'm sure.” She snapped her fingers and the mob slowly dispersed. “Farewell Lee Starfinder. I'm afraid we will not meet again.” With that, she vanished into a nearby alley.
Lee tensed, awaiting an attack but none came. Finally, he remounted his horse. “I guess they are choosing to strike later, rather than sooner.” He clicked his tongue to urge his horse forward.
They passed through the gates unhindered. Lee noticed the lack of city guards. So did Millet.
“The guards seem to have abandoned their posts,” Millet remarked.
“We just met the keepers of Baltria,” said Lee. “They've taken the city with a force more powerful than any army. Fear.”
“Perhaps it's time we gave them a taste of their own medicine,” said Dina. Lee turned and smiled maliciously. “I intend to.”
They headed north through the delta roads for several hours. Dozens of small bridges made good spots for an ambush, but they passed unmolested. From time to time, they would see light from torches several hundred yards ahead, but they disappeared before they reached them.
“They seek to unnerve us,” said Millet.
“They only succeed in angering me.” Lee slowed his horse allowing Jacob to catch up with him. “Are you alright?”
Jacob glanced over, unaffected by their situation. “I'm fine. Worry about yourself.”
Lee tightened his lips and spurred his horse forward to retake the lead position. Millet joined him.
“It will take time, my lord,” said Millet. “He's had many years to form his opinions, but I know you can make him understand.”
“Thank you, my friend,” he responded. “I hope I live long enough to do so.”
“You've never failed before,” said Millet. “You will not fail now. You will put your family together again.”
“I have to tell you,” said Lee. “This Yanti person made a tempting offer. If I wasn't so certain that it was a lie, I might have taken him up on it.”
Millet nodded with understanding and dropped back with the others. They rode until it was near dawn, and Lee found a decent place to rest and eat.
“We rest for three hours,” he said. He turned to Millet. “Tomorrow night, you'll take Jacob east. I'll take Dina with me as far as Sharpstone.”
“I really wish you would consult me about these things,” said Dina, scowling.
“I can't take you with me,” said Lee. “There is a good chance I'm marching to my death, and I won't be responsible for yours.”
“I know I can't go with you,” she said. “But I have no intention of being left in the middle of nowhere. I'm a cleric in the Order of Amon Dähl, and I have my own duties. I will go with you as far as Sharpstone, but from there I will return to the temple.”
Lee nodded. “You're right, of course. I apologize.”
Dina smiled, reached in her belt, and pulled out a small flask. “Here.” She tossed it to Lee.
Lee opened the flask and the air filled with the scent of plum brandy. “Ahhh!” He smiled, took a sip, and closed his eyes, savoring the sweet taste. He offered it to Millet who refused, and then called out to Jacob. Jacob turned and Lee threw the flask to him. Without a word, Jacob took a sip and threw it back.
“Manners, young man,” said Dina.
Jacob glared at Dina for a moment. “Thank you for sharing your flask... Dina.”
Lee kept watch as the others tried to catch a bit of sleep. As they were preparing to leave, he walked up to Jacob and handed him a sealed letter.
“What's this?” asked Jacob.
Lee pressed the letter in his hand. “Should anything happen to me, or should Millet somehow be unable to fulfill his promise to tell you everything, I have written it all down. Just please don't open it until after you've reached Dantary.”
Jacob paused then stuffed the letter into his pocket. “I'll wait.”
They kept to the road north until they reached a fork, then veered to the right, heading northeast. By mid-afternoon they neared the spot where they planned to split up. Up ahead, Lee spotted a figure standing in the road. Lee scanned the area for signs of an ambush, but could sense no one else nearby. When they were less than one-hundred yards away, Millet sat up straight in his saddle.
“That's Yanti.”
Lee nodded. “I'll deal with him.”
Yanti was dressed in a black shirt and trousers, with black leather boots. His hair was tied back in a tight ponytail, and