Fall of Angels

LXXIV

“DON’T WE KNOW where we’re heading? Or when?” Hissl walks to the barracks door. By looking out and down the street, he can see the haze of light green-the grasslands that stretch all the way from Clynya to the South Branch of the River Jeryna.

Koric shrugs. “Lord Sillek is not telling anyone. We know we will be moving against either Lord Ildyrom or against those angels on the Roof of the World. One way or the other … we have to be ready.”

“He hasn’t said?” asks the white wizard.

“No. Rimmur said he almost took off his head for asking.” Koric laughs. “I can’t say as I blame Lord Sillek. If people knew where or when, they’d be ready, and our armsmen would be killed. As it is, everyone’s waiting for him to makea mistake, any mistake. Everyone talks. You know how hard it is to keep things quiet. Ildyrom probably has spies in every tavern in Clynya, and a few other places as well, if you know as to what I mean.”

“Yes, I know.” Hissl smiles faintly.

“You seen any sign of the Jeranyi, yet, in your glass?” Koric asks.

“Not anywhere close to the grasslands, but the grass is short, and the way’s still muddy.”

“Could they come up the river? Don’t you wizards have trouble with running water?” Koric fingers the hilt of the big blade on the bench before him.

“I can see what’s on the water, not what’s in it or under it. But they wouldn’t swim all the way upstream from Berlitos.” Hissl forces a chuckle.

“No, Wizard, I guess they wouldn’t. But you be looking for them. I wouldn’t want any surprises. Neither would Lord Sillek.”

“I’ll be looking,” Hissl replies. “I’ll certainly be looking.”