{"id":121,"date":"2012-05-18T14:56:46","date_gmt":"2012-05-18T18:56:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/robsteinerauthor.com\/?p=121"},"modified":"2012-06-01T12:42:00","modified_gmt":"2012-06-01T16:42:00","slug":"zervakan-free-fantasy-novel-chapter-11","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/robsteinerauthor.com\/?p=121","title":{"rendered":"ZERVAKAN – Free Fantasy Novel – Chapter 11"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n\"\"<\/a>
Cover by TJ Lomas.<\/a>\n<\/div>\n
\nI’m posting a chapter from my latest fantasy novel for free every Monday and Friday (click Zervakan<\/a> above for a synopsis and to start from the beginning). It’s in a “pre-published state,” meaning you might find the occasional spelling\/grammar mistake. If you do, please leave a comment below or email me at robsteiner01 [at] gmail [dot] com.<\/p>\n

If you’re uncomfortable getting something for nothing, you can hit the PayPal Donate<\/a> button in the Tip Jar section to the right. If you donate more than $3, I’ll send you a non-DRM ebook once the book is published (summer 2012). If you donate more than $20, I’ll send you a printed copy.<\/p>\n

Thanks, and I hope you enjoy it!<\/em>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ZERVAKAN<\/h1>\n

by Rob Steiner<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 11<\/h2>\n

Taran sat in a chair next to one of the broken windows in the Speaker\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s car, his wool overcoat buttoned to the top against the frigid mountain air blowing through.\u00c2\u00a0 Unfortunately none of the other car windows were intact, so there was not a warm place left on the train besides in the locomotive.<\/p>\n

The train had reached its highest point in the Perla Mountains, and was descending into Edellia.\u00c2\u00a0 Beyond the fir-covered mountains below, Taran saw the Edellian foothills begin not five miles away as the sparrow flies, though the train still had to make a serpentine route down mountain passes, making the entire journey more like twenty miles.\u00c2\u00a0 He had traveled this route twice before, in failed expeditions to the Beldamark.\u00c2\u00a0 He would have enjoyed the breathtaking view just as much this time if he had not been so nervous about what they would find in Kaneta.<\/p>\n

When the train reached the Edellian plains and approached Kaneta, the Shadarlak checked their revolvers and made sure their sabers were easy to find on their hips.\u00c2\u00a0 It was not long before Taran heard the locomotive\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s engines die out after burning the last of its coal.\u00c2\u00a0 All he could hear now was the creaking and rumbling of the train, and the screeching of metal as the engineer applied the brakes all the way down the mountain tracks.<\/p>\n

When the train finally rounded the last jutting mountain, Taran saw the scenery change from walls of rock interspersed with fir trees, to rocky hills, to rolling hills covered in a carpet of lush, emerald grass.\u00c2\u00a0 The engineer let off the brake a bit more, allowing the train to pick up speed in a straight sprint down the Edellian foothills.\u00c2\u00a0 It was faster than Taran ever remembered traveling in a train, but they would need the speed to coast into Kaneta.<\/p>\n

After almost fifteen minutes of watching the grass and hills blur past the train, the conductor entered the car, a relieved smile on his face.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153The station in Kaneta returned our flash signals.\u00c2\u00a0 They\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve welcomed us to stop for fuel.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

The easing tension in the car was palpable, and many of the aids smiled at each other.\u00c2\u00a0 The Shadarlak, however, maintained their grim watch despite the apparent good news.\u00c2\u00a0 Taran was inclined to feel the same way as the Shadarlak, and judging from Edoss\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s furrowed brow, the Speaker\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s tension had not eased either.<\/p>\n

A twinge of fear returned when Taran saw the outlying homes of Kaneta.\u00c2\u00a0 The town sat on the edge of a small lake called Dacava Lake.\u00c2\u00a0 The last time Taran had traveled through the town, children and adults sat on their front porches gaping and waving at the train as it rumbled by their homes.\u00c2\u00a0 Now every window was boarded up with fresh lumber.\u00c2\u00a0 Many homes had broken windows, and a few had recently burned to the ground.\u00c2\u00a0 There were no fishing boats dotting the lake, as Taran had remembered on previous trips, and a large number of boats were haphazardly beached on the gravel shores as if blown there by a storm.<\/p>\n

The train soon approached the tall stone walls of Kaneta proper.\u00c2\u00a0 Occasional raids by migrating Cossop horsemen from the Komenda Steppes were a fact of life out here, and sturdy walls meant you could keep safe supplies for the winter.<\/p>\n

And for the first time since leaving the Calaman region, Taran saw actual people outside the train.\u00c2\u00a0 A cluster of seven men watched them from horseback on the road leading to the town gates\u00e2\u20ac\u201dclosed, though they were open the last two times Taran had been there.\u00c2\u00a0 The men wore coats and breeches made of gray and brown wool, and all wore wide-brimmed hats.\u00c2\u00a0 Each one had a musket strapped to his back, with rusting bayonets that looked older than the Perla Mountains.\u00c2\u00a0 The men eyed the train warily, as if they were not sure they wanted to rejoice at the sight of it, or begin shooting out the remaining windows.<\/p>\n

When the train finally stopped, Taran remembered there was no way to get it going again unless they refueled.\u00c2\u00a0 If they could not get fuel in Kaneta, they were walking back to Calaman.\u00c2\u00a0 And Taran did not relish going back the way they came.<\/p>\n

The Kaneta station, which sat outside the walls of the town, was no more elaborate than the Compact stations they had passed.\u00c2\u00a0 In fact, it was less so.\u00c2\u00a0 There was not even a raised platform, nor a covered waiting area with benches for passengers.\u00c2\u00a0 Two Kaneta men stood on the hard-packed dirt road next to the tracks.\u00c2\u00a0 Though their clothes were relatively the same as the cluster on horseback, they at least looked a bit cleaner.<\/p>\n

The conductor disembarked and talked briefly with the men, who shaded their eyes as they stared at the train.\u00c2\u00a0 Taran knew the conductor would not tell them who was on board, but he knew Kanetans were not stupid.\u00c2\u00a0 Shadarlak Armsmen stared at them from the broken windows of each car.\u00c2\u00a0 Anyone on the continent would know there were important Compact officials on board and that they had been through a fight.<\/p>\n

The conductor finished talking with the men, who eyed the train a few more moments before returning to a small red-tiled wiretype office next to the tracks.\u00c2\u00a0 Taran noticed more people peeking at the train from the open town gates a couple dozen paces away.<\/p>\n

The conductor entered the car, frowning.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The station manager has agreed to sell us some coal, but not as much as we need to get to Sydear.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Why not?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Cursh asked, wincing as he inadvertently bumped his wounded arm against the table.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153He says their supply train from the Perla Mountains never arrived last week, so they\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve had to use coal from the train depot to heat their homes.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Have there been other trains?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Edoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153We\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re the first one to come from the south in three days.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

General Myndehr asked, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153What is their security situation?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153They didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t say much,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d the conductor said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153but they\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re afraid of something.\u00c2\u00a0 They\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve been attacked the last three nights straight.\u00c2\u00a0 They said it was by Cossops, but I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t think that\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s true.\u00c2\u00a0 Cossops wouldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t put the fear in their eyes that I just saw.\u00c2\u00a0 Whatever it was, they lost eight men so far and they\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re frightened about more attacks tonight.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153These are plainsmen, as tough as they come,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Myndehr said.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153For something to scare them that bad…\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Edoss asked the conductor, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Have they received any wiretypes from the south recently?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t ask, Excellency.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Lee, draft a wiretype message explaining what\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s happened to us, then send it to the first Compact train station that answers the ring.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Yes, Excellency,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Lee said, then called Flynt over, who furiously wrote down Lee\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s message.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Captain Latish,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Myndehr called out.<\/p>\n

Latish holstered his pistol and stood at attention before Myndehr.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153General.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Escort Mr. Flynt to the nearest wiretype office.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Yes, General.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Taran asked Edoss, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153May I go with Mr. Flynt?\u00c2\u00a0 I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d like to get information from the locals on what they saw last night.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

It was not the only reason Taran wanted to go into town.\u00c2\u00a0 He also wanted to wiretype Adhera to see if all was well in Calaman.\u00c2\u00a0 Taran did not think a request like that would be granted, given the secrecy of their mission.<\/p>\n

Edoss hesitated a moment, but nodded.\u00c2\u00a0 With a stern look that would have done Taran\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s mother proud, he said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Do not stray from Captain Latish.\u00c2\u00a0 You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re rather important to this expedition, Dr. Abraeu.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

As Flynt copied down Cursh\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s message, Taran took off his overcoat but kept on the lighter brown jacket he wore underneath.\u00c2\u00a0 The air was warmer on the plains, but a chill wind still blew down from the Perlas.\u00c2\u00a0 Once Flynt was ready, Latish and another Shadarlak named Teol escorted Flynt and Taran off the train and into Kaneta.<\/p>\n

They first stopped at the wiretype office next to the train station, but the grizzled ticket agent said the wiretype had been damaged and that they might want to try the public wiretype at the town\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s only tavern, the Grand Steppe Inn.\u00c2\u00a0 With a fearful glance at the two men the conductor had talked to\u00e2\u20ac\u201dwho stared at him with hooded eyes\u00e2\u20ac\u201dthe agent refused to say how<\/em> the station\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s wiretype had been damaged.<\/p>\n

The four Compact men entered Kaneta through the open gate.\u00c2\u00a0 The thick, heavy logs that made up the gate had fresh gashes in them, and the yellow clay walls around them were streaked with black spatters, as if someone had swung a brush dripping with black paint at the walls.<\/p>\n

Most of the town\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s buildings were made of yellow clay, and roofed with either red tiles or thatch from the brush near Dacava Lake.\u00c2\u00a0 The main road into the town was hard packed dirt that looked as if it had not seen rain in years.\u00c2\u00a0 Men and women sat in separate clusters watching them pass, whispering to each other, making Taran feel like he was part of a carnival act.\u00c2\u00a0 The mood of everyone he passed was either fearful or tense.\u00c2\u00a0 Taran rested his hand on the butt of the old revolver at his hip.<\/p>\n

They found the Grand Steppe Inn, a two-story clay building, in the middle of town.\u00c2\u00a0 Inside the dark tavern room, two men sat in a corner staring at an eches<\/em> board, their muskets leaning against their table.\u00c2\u00a0 Two more men sat at a table near the door eating a hot soup with a savory smell that made Taran remember he had not yet eaten breakfast.\u00c2\u00a0 A barmaid stepped out of a back kitchen carrying two pints of frothy liquid, and started when she saw the Compact men standing in the doorway.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Welcome, sirs,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she said, in a thick Edellian drawl.\u00c2\u00a0 She put the pints down in front of the men eating soup, then wiped her hands on her apron.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153What canna get for you?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Good morning, madam,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Flynt said, bowing his head.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Do you have a wiretype?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

She pointed to a hall in the back of the small tavern\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s common room.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Straight back and turn right.\u00c2\u00a0 Mr. Gwynder should be on the wiretype right now.\u00c2\u00a0 He\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll take care of you.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Thank you,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Flynt said, then proceeded to the hall.<\/p>\n

When Taran went to follow, Latish put his hand on Taran\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I thought you wanted to talk to the locals, Doctor.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Taran turned and said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I do.\u00c2\u00a0 And I figure the wiretypist might be a good person to start with.\u00c2\u00a0 They always know all the gossip in town.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Taran then looked at Latish\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s hand, and Latish removed it, but followed Taran into the wiretype room.<\/p>\n

A short, round man with a balding head sat in a chair before the wiretype machine studying a sheet of paper.\u00c2\u00a0 He must have also been the Grand Steppe\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s owner, for he wore the stained apron of a tavern keep.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Mr. Gwynder?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Flynt asked.<\/p>\n

The man jumped, turned wide-eyed, but then looked eager when he saw potential customers.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Ah am, ah am.\u00c2\u00a0 Do yous need to send a wiretype?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00c2\u00a0 Gwynder reached out his hand for the paper Flynt was holding.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Yes, sir.\u00c2\u00a0 And it is a private message.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00c2\u00a0 Flynt motioned to Gwynder\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s seat in front of the wiretype machine.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153May I?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Ah have to count the words to know how much to charge you.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Flynt took several gold han<\/em> coins from his pocket and put them in Gwynder\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s outstretched hand.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153That should be more than enough to send a book over your machine.\u00c2\u00a0 I only want to send a half-page…and I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t want any questions.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Gwynder\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s eyes went wide at the coins in his ink-stained hand.\u00c2\u00a0 He pocketed the gold, and then relinquished his seat with a smile.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Of course, of course, sir.\u00c2\u00a0 Can ah get you any drink?\u00c2\u00a0 Food maybe?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00c2\u00a0 When Flynt shook his head, Gwynder said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Your friends maybe?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Latish and Teol just stared at the man, but Taran said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153No thank you.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You folks off the train, ah take it?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Flynt looked at him with impatience.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Yes.\u00c2\u00a0 Now, sir, if you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t mind.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Gwynder nodded, apologized, and then left the room.\u00c2\u00a0 Flynt said to Latish, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Make sure no one comes in here.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Latish glanced at Taran, then nodded.\u00c2\u00a0 Latish and Teol went to stand in the hallway.<\/p>\n

Flynt shut the door, then said to Taran, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You have two minutes to send a wiretype to your family.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Taran tried to look confused rather than startled.\u00c2\u00a0 Flynt said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Latish may think you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re a security risk, but I know if I had a family, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d want to make sure they were safe.\u00c2\u00a0 Especially after last night.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Taran murmured a thank you, then sat in the chair as Flynt went to stand near the door.<\/p>\n

Taran suddenly had no idea what to say to his wife that would not violate the secrecy of the mission.\u00c2\u00a0 He decided on a brief message, just to say that he was all right and that he missed her and Mara beyond measure.\u00c2\u00a0 It was short and simple, but hopefully enough to get her to respond right away if she was at the house.<\/p>\n

He typed in his wiretype number, then waited a minute for the switchboard operators further south to reroute his message.\u00c2\u00a0 The bell next to the wiretype rang two short bursts followed by a long one.\u00c2\u00a0 Taran slapped the desk with his hand.\u00c2\u00a0 The call had not gone through.<\/p>\n

Flynt sighed.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Let me try Vigilance.\u00c2\u00a0 It was the last standing town we passed before Doare.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Taran stood and leaned against the door, disappointed and worried.\u00c2\u00a0 He should have expected this, but it was a frustrating nonetheless.\u00c2\u00a0 After Flynt entered the number for Vigilance, the same \u00e2\u20ac\u0153message not received\u00e2\u20ac\u009d bell rang.<\/p>\n

Flynt shook his head.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m going to try our embassy in Sydear.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Message not received. \u00c2\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Flynt stood.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153No way to warn anyone coming from the Compact and no way to tell the north what\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s happening.\u00c2\u00a0 And that greedy bastard knew the lines were down, yet he took my money anyway.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Flynt and Taran passed Latish and Teol, who fell into step behind them as they left the tavern.\u00c2\u00a0 Mr. Gwynder smiled, said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Until tomorrow, sirs,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d the traditional Edellian good-bye.<\/p>\n

Flynt stopped before Gwynder.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The wiretype lines are down and you still took my money.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Gwynder looked shocked.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The lines are down?\u00c2\u00a0 They were up just as you walked in.\u00c2\u00a0 Ah\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m sorry sirs, there\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re no refunds once you try to send a \u00e2\u20ac\u02dctype.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Taran saw the men who had been playing eches<\/em> now had their hands on their muskets, eyeing him, Flynt, and the Shadarlak.<\/p>\n

Flynt noticed the rising tension, and mumbled, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Better get those lines fixed.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00c2\u00a0 He turned and walked out of the tavern.<\/p>\n

Gwynder smiled, two bottom teeth missing.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Of course, sirs.\u00c2\u00a0 Until tomorrow, sirs.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Taran exhaled when they exited the tavern and followed Flynt down the hard dirt road back to the train.<\/p>\n

When they rounded a corner, a man carrying two large bags over his shoulder blocked their path.\u00c2\u00a0 Behind him was a small woman wearing a head scarf, holding the hands of two girls who were no more than five years old.\u00c2\u00a0 A pre-teen boy carrying several more shoulder bags stood next to his father.\u00c2\u00a0 All five looked at Taran and Flynt with pleading eyes.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll give each of you five Compact han<\/em> for your tickets on that train,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d the man said desperately.<\/p>\n

Someone from a nearby cluster of men with muskets strapped to their backs called out, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Bariam, you coward.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153That\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s right,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Bariam shouted back.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153After what we seen the past three nights, ah want out of these here walls.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Another man in the group, this one older, said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Hold your tongue, Bariam.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

He said it with a quiet voice, but a voice used to being obeyed.\u00c2\u00a0 It made Bariam pause for a moment, then he turned back to Taran and said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Six han<\/em>, for each of you.\u00c2\u00a0 Please, ah must get mah family out.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Why?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Taran asked.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153What happened here?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Bariam paused, gave another fearful glance at the men with muskets, who were now walking over to him with warning glares.\u00c2\u00a0 He was about to say something, when someone behind Taran shouted out, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll give you ten han<\/em>.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Taran turned and saw another man rushing up to him, his wife behind him holding an infant.\u00c2\u00a0 Both parents looked just as desperate as Bariam and his family.<\/p>\n

Flynt said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Our tickets are not for sale.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Then Flynt pushed past Bariam.\u00c2\u00a0 Taran and the two Shadarlak followed, but Bariam walked beside them, pleading, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Ah\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll give you all the han<\/em> ah have.\u00c2\u00a0 Please!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Two more families joined the crowd now gathering around Taran, Flynt, and the Shadarlak, blocking their path to the train only a hundred paces away.\u00c2\u00a0 The Kanetan musketmen tried to push back the crowds starting to gather, calling them cowards for not staying to defend their town, threatening them with a bayonet in the gut if they did not back off, but nothing worked.\u00c2\u00a0 Men and women materialized from out of the buildings around Taran, all screaming for passage on the train.\u00c2\u00a0 People were even running toward the train and trying to climb aboard.\u00c2\u00a0 It was turning into a full-fledged riot.<\/p>\n

A gun shot exploded next to Taran\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s head, and the crowd hushed.\u00c2\u00a0 Latish was pointing his revolver at the sky, then leveled it at the crowd, as did Teol.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Stand back,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Latish shouted.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Make way!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

The crowd in front of them immediately backed away, fear and anger on their faces.\u00c2\u00a0 A dangerous combination, Taran thought.\u00c2\u00a0 Fear would make them do something desperate, and anger would ensure that desperate act was violent.<\/p>\n

When Taran, Flynt, and the Shadarlak were fifty paces from the train, another shot rang out.\u00c2\u00a0 Flynt grunted next to Taran, then slumped to the ground.\u00c2\u00a0 Taran reached down, turned him over, saw a pool of blood spreading from a neat hole in his black coat right in the center of his chest.\u00c2\u00a0 Flynt stared at the sky with dead eyes.<\/p>\n

After that, chaos.<\/p>\n

The pleading families disappeared into nearby buildings, while other Kanetans began firing their muskets at the train.\u00c2\u00a0 Latish and Teol grabbed Taran and dragged him toward the train, leaving Flynt behind.\u00c2\u00a0 Bullets whizzed by Taran, striking the ground, taking chunks out of the train.\u00c2\u00a0 Shadarlak on the train fired back at the crowd from already broken windows.\u00c2\u00a0 The train\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s locomotive had already started moving, and Taran, Latish, and Teol leaped onto the last car as it moved past them gaining speed.\u00c2\u00a0 Inside the car, they stayed low to the floor.\u00c2\u00a0 Bullets slammed into each side of the train, breaking windows that had not already been broken from the nightmare attacks in Doare.\u00c2\u00a0 The shooting leveled off as the train picked up speed, passing the town\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s walls and the sporadic clay dwellings beyond.<\/p>\n

Taran and the Shadarlak made their way to the Speaker\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s car, passing several wounded men being tended to by other Shadarlak.\u00c2\u00a0 Most had flesh wounds on their arms or past their temples, but Taran saw one man on the floor with blood flowing from his neck and mouth.\u00c2\u00a0 He gurgled and grabbed at the Shadarlak trying to patch the hole in his neck.\u00c2\u00a0 Taran looked away.<\/p>\n

When they entered the Speaker\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s car, Edoss\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s eyes were afire.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153What happened?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00c2\u00a0 He looked past Taran and asked, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153And where\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Flynt?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Latish saluted the Speaker, then said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Mr. Flynt was killed during the mob\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s attack, Excellency.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153What?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Cursh asked.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153How?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153He was shot,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Taran said before Latish could report.\u00c2\u00a0 He gritted his teeth over the memory of the bloody hole in Flynt\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s chest and his dead eyes.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153These people were terrified, desperate to get out of Kaneta, so they mobbed us, trying to negotiate their way on board.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

General Myndehr asked, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Is that how the shooting started?\u00c2\u00a0 We heard two shots, and then a bloody battle broke out.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Latish said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I fired first, General, but only into the air to disperse the crowd.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Taran admired Latish\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s willingness to take responsibility for possibly starting the riot.\u00c2\u00a0 Latish held his head high, ready for any discipline the General might hand out.<\/p>\n

Taran said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153And it seemed to work, too.\u00c2\u00a0 Until Flynt was hit.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Edoss slammed a fist on the table.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Bloody fine mess, firing on citizens of the Compact\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s closest ally.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

He sat down, put a hand over his eyes and rubbed his temple.\u00c2\u00a0 Then he asked, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153What about the wiretype, did Flynt get that through?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Taran shook his head.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The wiretype lines were down.\u00c2\u00a0 To the north and south.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Cursh said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153At least news of this won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t reach Sydear before we do.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Edoss snorted.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Small consolation.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00c2\u00a0 Then he turned to Taran.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Did you find out anything about what made these people so frightened?\u00c2\u00a0 Was it fear of the same things that attacked us?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Absolutely,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Taran said.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153They were terrified about the recent attacks on their walls.\u00c2\u00a0 There were some who tried to bully the others into staying, but it wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t working.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Bloody Edellian pride,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Myndehr said, shaking her head.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153They never talk about their own troubles to outsiders, even if they need help.\u00c2\u00a0 Perfectly willing to help others, but won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t take it.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

The conductor entered the car and said to Edoss, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153We took on enough coal to get two-thirds of the way to Sydear, Excellency.\u00c2\u00a0 We will have to make one more stop.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Edoss nodded as he stared out the window at the passing plains of emerald grass.\u00c2\u00a0 Then he looked at Taran with a pleading glare.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153These Mystics better be worth all this.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Cover by TJ Lomas. I’m posting a chapter from my latest fantasy novel for free every Monday and Friday (click Zervakan above for a synopsis and to start from the beginning). It’s in a “pre-published state,” meaning you might find the occasional spelling\/grammar mistake. If you do, please leave a comment below or email me […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,28,14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-121","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-free-stuff","category-novels","category-zervakan"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/robsteinerauthor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/121","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/robsteinerauthor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/robsteinerauthor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robsteinerauthor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robsteinerauthor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=121"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/robsteinerauthor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/121\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/robsteinerauthor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=121"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robsteinerauthor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=121"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robsteinerauthor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=121"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}