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

motioned for the soldiers to follow him. On the way out of the barracks, Kelden caught sight of someone coming toward him.
    The tall man was dressed in a long, hooded robe. The robe’s body was tan, but across the shoulders and hood the cloth was red, with golden crescents and feathers sewn into the design. Kelden knew immediately that it was Karmt, one of Queen Dalynn’s most trusted personal advisors.
    “Karmt, is there something I can do for you?” Kelden asked with a slight bow of his head.
    “I have a letter for you from the queen,” Karmt replied. The tall, wiry man gave a sealed letter to Kelden and then turned and disappeared down the street without another word.
    Kelden watched him leave for a moment before turning to the letter and breaking the green wax seal and reading the contents.
    “What is it, sir?” Pendonov asked as he came up from behind, trying to catch a glimpse over Kelden’s shoulder.
    “A letter,” Kelden replied flatly. “Go ahead and get the men to their horses while I take a look at it.”
    “Very well, sir,” Pendonov replied. The lieutenant motioned for the soldiers to follow him and led the men to the stables.
    Kelden opened the letter and quickly read its contents. He then folded the letter into his pocket and walked to the stables.
    “What did it say?” Pendonov asked when Kelden arrived.
    “All I am permitted to tell you is that I am to meet with Governor Gandle after we arrive in Rasselin,” Kelden replied.
    “What for?”
    “I can’t tell you that, nor is anyone else to know.”
    “As you say, sir,” Pendonov said with a nod.
    “Alright men, let’s move,” Kelden ordered.
    The sun sat high in the sky, bathing the city in warmth while a westerly breeze floated in lazily from the sea. As Kelden led the group from the stables to the market he listened for the distant cry of sea gulls and dreamt of lounging on the beach. He sighed and closed his eyes. He could almost taste coconut milk as his daydream took flight in his mind. After a few short moments Kelden put his fantasy behind his sense of duty, as he always did.
    Slowly, the Merchant Guards made their way through the well-organized blocks of houses and shops that made up Kobhir’s southern district.  Many of the buildings rose three or four stories up, as this was the wealthier section of the city.  A few people passed through the streets, most of them either servants or tradesmen hurrying about their business.
    The aroma of spices awakened Kelden’s nostrils as he neared the market district. The buildings became shorter, and dirtier, than those in the southern district. The streets here were filled with people of all ages. Crowds gathered around the more popular trading shops and merchant stalls. Pendonov blew a bugle to clear the way, and then Kelden saw ten rugged wagons waiting in a single-file line on a nearby street. Kelden dismounted his horse and approached the merchant at the first wagon.
    Kelden’s eyes widened when he caught sight of the first driver. A short, brown-bearded dwarf sat on the bench with reins in his sturdy hands. Kelden turned and shot Pendonov a questioning look.
    “I didn’t know,” Pendonov said with a shrug.
    Kelden snapped his fingers and walked back to Pendonov with his hand outstretched. Pendonov promptly produced the travel manifest and handed it over. Kelden perused the list.
    “Don’t the dwarves usually keep to themselves in the caves around Cobalt Lake at the head of Dauga River?” Pendonov whispered.
    Kelden nodded. “Not more than a handful of them have emerged since the Mage Wars, and most of those who have were exiled.”
    Pendonov remained silent.
    Kelden tucked the manifest into his belt and started for the wagon. A second dwarf emerged from the wagon and kicked his large foot over the side of the bench, knocking dust from them. The second dwarf’s beard was black, and much longer than the first’s. Otherwise the two of them looked similar enough to be