The Tomni'Tai Scroll (Book 1) Read Free Page A

drive them apart before I unleash the power of the scroll,” Talon said.
    Raimus shot the assassin a puzzled look.
    “Never fear, my friend, I have a plan. I have some contacts in Rasselin who are willing to assist me.”
    “What? You’re working with him ? He’ll kill you, Talon. Mark my words he is a viper!”
    “Never mind about him, I will take care of it myself –as I did when you tried to stick a dagger in my back.”
    Raimus bristled and glowered at Talon. “I wish I had killed you.”
    Talon looked down at his gleaming knife blade and smiled. “Now, I believe I was about to ask you some questions.” Talon slid the blade down from Raimus’ nose to his jawbone, drawing a thin line of blood.
    Raimus jerked away. “No, Talon, don’t!”
     
    *****
     
    John started to whistle as screams erupted from the hallway upstairs.
    “What is that?” the old gentleman asked.
    “Ah, that,” John started with a shrug. “I wouldn’t concern myself with that if I were you.”
    The old gentleman eyed John warily and pushed back from the bar. He started to back away, keeping an eye on the short, fat barkeep, but John just smiled and continued whistling while he picked up the half-eaten bowl of soup and wiped down the bar.
    The old gentleman almost made it to the door when he felt a sudden pang in his side that doubled him over. He threw his hand out to steady himself, but missed the nearest chair and crashed to the floor. His vision blurred, and his body convulsed in a furious bout of coughs. He looked back up to John with wide eyes and clutched at his throat and stomach.
    “Soup not sitting well with you?” John asked casually with a shake of his head. As soon as the old gentleman was still, John went to work cleaning up the mess.

CHAPTER TWO
     
     
    Kelden sauntered through the double doors of the main hall at the barracks and smiled when he saw his men assembled and standing in a five by four formation in the marble and granite room before him. It did him good to see them again, and in good health.
    The men slammed their gauntleted fists against their chainmail shirts and shouted, “Hail!”
    Kelden returned the gesture and set them at ease. He inspected the men for a few moments before turning to his lieutenant, a young officer of average height and build with a lazy left eyelid.
    “Welcome home sir,” Lieutenant Pendonov said enthusiastically.
    “Thank you, Lieutenant.  I trust you have kept the men busy in my absence?”
    “Of course, sir. Nothing really important to note, but the Merchant Guard is always busy.”
    Kelden nodded and smiled faintly. “Pendonov, give the men their orders,” Kelden ordered.
    “Aye sir,” Pendonov replied. “Alright men, listen up,” Pendonov boomed. “This is a simple assignment. There are ten wagons in this merchant band. Each wagon is pulled by two horses, driven by one driver, with each respective merchant riding in the back of his wagon with his goods. This means we have a total of twenty horses, twenty people, and ten wagons full of various goods ranging from herbs and spices, to textiles and jewelry. We will ride in two columns of ten, flanking the merchant band on either side. The captain and I will ride at the head of the wagon train. The journey to Rasselin is two hundred miles. We will be using Leed’s road instead of cutting a straight path through the desert, so it should take four days. There have been a few reports of raiders attacking caravans lately, so we are to provide security. Once the merchants arrive in Rasselin, our job is complete. We will stay the night in the city to rest and prepare provisions for the return journey. Afterwards, we will celebrate Captain Ferryl’s return.” The men cheered and stamped their feet on the marble floor. Pendonov smiled and winked back to Kelden then he turned back to the men. “Are there any questions?”
    Kelden eyed the band of soldiers for a few moments. Then, determining that there were no questions he