The Ranger of Marzanna (The Goddess War #1) - Jon Skovron Page 0,107

Imperial Cavalry on official business. We require room and board for the night. How many can you accommodate?”

“Uh…” The old man looked at the twenty mounted men and winced. “Two, I suppose.”

“Legkov and Stepanova,” Rykov called. “This one is yours.”

The two soldiers dismounted, tied their horses up in front of the house, and went inside.

The platoon continued from house to house like this, leaving two at each place until it was clear that two at each place would not be enough. Then Rykov stopped asking how many they could accommodate and merely informed the homeowner they would offer room and board for three.

Finally it was only Rykov and Sebastian remaining. Rykov indicated the house beside the sawmill. “I saved this one for us, since the mill owner is probably the wealthiest person in town.”

“I suppose that makes sense.” Sebastian felt a little bad about taking the best for himself, but he supposed it was expected of the leader. If he didn’t, all manner of conflict and jealousy could arise between the soldiers.

Rykov knocked on the door and a large man of perhaps thirty years with a thick neck and droopy eyes opened the door.

“I reckon you need room and board,” the man said dryly. “We heard you coming door to door.”

“You have the honor of welcoming Captain Portinari into your home,” said Rykov.

The man looked at Sebastian. “We haven’t got much, but it’s yours, Captain. We’re just sitting down to supper. Come inside and my wife will fix you a plate.”

Since Sebastian had grown up on a farm, he considered himself comfortable in rustic settings. But as he walked into the small wooden house, he realized that his experience of rural living was very different from this one. It was as cramped as any apartment in Gogoleth, perhaps even more so, since every inch of nonessential space seemed to house some sort of tool, utensil, or item of clothing.

But at least it was warm. And it did have a cozy, cheerful atmosphere that places like the stately Roskosh Manor lacked. In one corner was a potbellied stove, and in another were two beds. In the center of the room was a large table, and seated at that table was a plain-looking woman in a faded pink blouse, and a boy of perhaps six.

“Everyone, this is Captain Portinari,” said the man. “And…”

“Private Rykov,” said Rykov.

The man nodded. “I’m Igor. This is my wife, Catherine, and my son Luka.”

“Please have a seat while I get you some food, Captain,” said Catherine without enthusiasm as she got up from the table.

“Thanks…” Sebastian sat down next to Luka. While Igor and Catherine seemed to accept his presence with weary resignation, the boy was staring at him with something between fear and awe.

Rykov sat on his other side, and they waited in an awkward silence as Catherine filled two plates with sour bread and boiled potatoes, a meal Sebastian had not eaten since that fateful night imperial soldiers invaded his childhood home.

Sebastian cleared his throat. “I apologize for our imposition, but we have been tasked with flushing out a group of bandits who have been terrorizing merchant ships on the Sestra between Gogoleth and Magna Alto, and our intelligence suggests their hideout is nearby.”

Igor nodded, but said nothing. A few moments later, Catherine brought their plates, and they all began to eat.

“Perhaps you’ve heard about these bandits?” pressed Sebastian. “And might have some idea where we can find them?”

“Never heard of any bandits around here,” said Igor. “Not much to steal.”

“Yes, but there is plenty to steal on this river, and since your mill is also on the river, perhaps you’ve at least seen a suspicious boat pass by?” suggested Sebastian. “By all accounts, it’s a rowing barge that sits low in the water, but is fairly wide, with plentiful storage to accommodate the cargo stolen from the merchant ships. I should think it would be difficult to miss.”

Igor shook his head. “Sorry. Haven’t seen anything by that description.”

“I have,” said Luka.

Both Igor and Catherine flinched. Then Catherine gave Sebastian a nervous smile. “I apologize for our son. He still hasn’t quite got the hang of his manners yet. Please ignore him, I’m sure it’s just his imagination. Little boys live half in dreams, you know.”

“I do not!” protested Luka. “I seen ’em more than once! A boat just like the one the captain described!”

Igor’s face darkened. “Luka—”

“Please.” Sebastian held up his hand. “I know it is tempting to dismiss the words of a child,