Cortham's Hope

Chapter 2

"The guards know that we're either on the way to Houndside or Pondhorn. It's safer to get off at Pondhorn instead, stay a few nights, and travel to Houndside on our own. It's only ten miles from Pondhorn," Quinten said. "We'll just get into town, and keep a low profile. Alright?"

Lauren took a deep breath.

"Alright," she said.

* * *

Pondhorn was a strange village, to say the least. For one, there was no law enforcement. None at all. People could get away with just about anything, and so Quinten was thankful Kimmalyn wasn't there. It would have caused them a heap of other problems.

"Stay with me," Lauren said. "It's not safe to wander here alone."

"I know," Quinten said.

They walked to the tavern, ignoring the looks they received from several villagers, and booked two rooms for three nights. The total cost was one gold and two silver. Quinten paid the gold, and Lauren paid the silver. The man accepted their payment and directed them to their rooms.

"Stay out of trouble," the man reminded them. "I don't want to have another death to deal with, especially not ones so young."

"We will," Quinten said.

"Hey, you still after the mage?" a man asked from behind them. Quinten turned around, as did Lauren.

"Unfortunately," another man replied. "Aaron's not letting anybody leave with his mage with their heads on their necks. I've been trying to negotiate, but I do not think he'll let it happen."

"A fire mage?" Lauren asked. "Where?"

"You new or something?" the man said. "I cannot tell you that."

"Where is he?" Quinten asked, in a quiet voice that was more threatening than if he yelled.

"Where do you think? Being held by Aaron," the man said.

"Who is that?"

"One of the best traders here. He's not letting anyone near him." The man paused. "Why are you so interested?"

"A friend of ours has had some past business with Aaron and we'd like to talk to him about it," Quinten told him.

"Then why are you so interested in the mage?" the man asked.

"It's a crime to be interested now, is it?" Lauren asked.

The man sighed. "Tell your friend to mind his place," he said. Then he walked towards his friends and continued their conversation.

Lauren pulled Quinten aside.

"What were you thinking?"

"It's a fire mage, Lauren. And he's being used as a slave. I want to get him out."

"He's dangerous," Lauren told him. "We're already putting ourselves and Kimmalyn in danger by going to Houndside."

"We have the best chance of getting him out and living to tell about it," Quinten said. "We'll do it carefully."

"No," Lauren said. "Either you're doing it on your own, or no one's doing it. I'm not risking any more lives."

* * *

Four hours later Quinten walked into Aaron's home. "Can I help you, sir?" a man by the door asked. He was leaning against the wall, seemingly reading the newspaper.