Read Online Omensent: Wrath of a Dragon God by Barry Gibbons - Free Book Online Page B

his face unconcerned. " but we want them to believe that they need us more than we need them. Believe me, they'll take the deal and be happy about it."
The men turned back to the companions. "We'll give you twenty pieces of gold each," The old man agreed. " if you get us to our destination safely."
"Done!" The bearded man agreed. "I'd suggest we move along then. We can still get another mile or two behind us before we stop for the night."
The wagoneers quickly tethered the oxen pulling the untended wagons to the rear of the wagons that still had drivers, then they set off, hoping to put a little distance between themselves and the scene of the ambush. They located one of the fortified clearings built by the road crews that maintained the trade route leading through the mountains, and set up camp for the night.
After tending to the horses and oxen, and dining on travel rations that the teamsters generously provided, they settled in around the campfire.
"So where exactly are these wagons bound?" Shirk asked the elderly teamster, trying to sound only vaguely interested.
" They're bound for a plantation hidden in the foothills about five miles east of Crete," The old man grunted in a tired voice. "but you only need to escort us to the village. We'll be safe enough on our own by that point." He gave the bearded thief a curious look. "You know, I don't think I ever got your names. I'm Arl." He gestured to his fellow teamsters. "That's Fark, Sten, and Rekel."
"I'm Shirk." The bearded thief introduced himself with a nod. "The pretty one over there is Raven, and the big fellow is her husband Damion. The child is named Dar. He's a foundling that starting following us a year or so ago. He's been with us ever since."
The child like Alena gave the thief a dirty look, but kept his mouth shut.
"So what brings you into these cursed mountains?" Arl asked, his eyes narrowing suspiciously.
"We just arrived from Lieria, on the northern continent." The thief lied easily. "The local authorities back home were getting a little too interested with our activities, so we decided to make our fortunes elsewhere. We're headed for Kainpre."
Some of the suspicion faded from the old man's expression. "I'm sure experienced folk like yourselves will be able to find work. Especially the big fellow there." He thrust his chin in Damion's direction. "You're one of those snake people from Arleia, am I right?"
Damion and Shirk exchanged amused glances. "You've got a good eye, old timer." The huge warrior laughed.
Arl shrugged. "I've always been good at guessing where a man is from."
Snowfeather ghosted in from the darkness and landed on a nearby tree branch. "Everything looks clear. I've only seen a few deer moving about. I don't think you need to worry about those bandits returning."
"I didn't think they would return after losing so many of their comrades," He replied silently. "but it's good to have confirmation."
"Do you wish me to keep watch over the camp while you rest?"
Damion thought about it for a moment. "I think we had better take turns standing watch instead. We don't want these men to realize who we really are, and the stories all speak of the Dragon Lord's magnificent familiar. We don't want them to suddenly figure out who we are."
"I'll just continue to remain out of sight for now then. I'll alert you if I see anything out of the ordinary." The huge owl leapt into the air and disappeared into the darkness.
"What did Snowfeather have to say?" Raven whispered the question softly in his ear. "Is something wrong?"
"Everything is fine." He assured her quietly. "I just asked him to remain out of sight for now. We don't want to be recognized, and the stories going around about me make special mention of Snowfeather. I didn't want his appearance to jar any memories, and blow our cover. He'll remain nearby, and let me know if he sees anything unusual."
They emerged into the foothills three days later, and the teamsters all breathed a collective sigh of relief.