A Clash of Magics by Guy Antibes (read this if txt) 📕

time of year. There is a caravan a day farther than you headed for Viksar. I think they are diverting to Tiralina, so that might not work for you. I suggest traveling with a few more groups. Travelers often form groups along the Northern Road.”

“We might do that,” Trevor said. “Thank you for the information.”

An hour later, when the four of them sat down to dinner, Trevor cleared his throat. “I think we should take a detour to Tiralina.”

“To visit the king?” Brother Yvan said.

Trevor could tell his mentor was baiting him.

“If we have to,” Trevor said. “I’m sure the latest information from Tiralina will be helpful if I’m to be some kind of messenger. We can determine if Tiralina needs whatever message I’m supposed to bring to the world.”

“To the world?” Brother Yvan asked. “Do you think you are that important?”

Trevor sighed. The cleric’s question plainly put Trevor on the defensive since he had no idea how vital his message would be.

“I don’t know what I am, but if it involves what is going on between King Worto and the rest of the world, I’m sure that includes Okora, don’t you think?”

“I think you are right. I have no objection.” Brother Yvan turned to Reena. “Do you have any reservations about a visit to another capital city?” Reena shook her head. The cleric turned to Lissa. “Can you put off seeing your father for a few more days?”

Lissa took Trevor’s hand. “I follow Trevor.”

“Then we head for Tiralina. It is a day’s travel from the Northern Road, so that gives us a day there, a day to connect to whomever. I can at least visit the Okoran seer and that might be all we need to do,” Brother Yvan said.

“Let’s see,” Trevor said with a smile. “Reena and I follow you, and Lissa follows me. Sounds good.”

Lissa dug her nails into Trevor’s palm. “You know I didn’t mean it like that!”

“But you will be joining us on our side trip to Tiralina?” Trevor said.

“Of course,” Lissa said, looking playfully exasperated.

Brother Yvan and Trevor visited the common room with Lissa and Reena wanting baths in the evening before setting out to Okora’s capital. They needed to travel two days east before taking the road south to Tiralina, and Trevor wanted to hear fellow travelers’ view of the journey.

They sat next to three men and a woman. One of the men and the lady were dressed as merchants and the other two looked like drivers. Trevor overheard them mention Tiralina. He stood and turned to the other group.

“You are headed to Tiralina?” he asked.

“We are,” the woman said.

“Our group has had a change in plans and have decided to visit Okora’s capital. Will we need to travel in a larger group? Is the road safe to Tiralina?”

The better-dressed man laughed. “Safer than the Northern Road. We are currently traveling on a route made for banditry. Once you head south to Tiralina, it is all farmland and you can see in all directions while you travel.”

“But we still have a few days on the Northern Road,” the woman said. “I have no objection to two more men to keep my cargo safe.”

Brother Yvan came to Trevor’s side. “Then we will tag along at a distance. No need to mingle as long as we are close to each other,” he said.

Trevor agreed. If they naturally wanted to travel as a single party, that would be fine, but two parties close together would work just as well, the way he saw it. “When will you leave tomorrow? We have two others in our party.”

“Just after dawn. We can make it to a good inn, if we get up early,” one of the drivers said.

Trevor nodded. “We will be ready.”

Both of them bowed to the merchants’ party and went back to their table.

“Our trip to Tiralina will be interesting,” Brother Yvan said. “They seem to be well-traveled.”

Trevor nodded. “Is the Northern Road that bad?”

“From here to Grilla, it is. Lots of woods along the road since it runs along the foot of a low mountain range that makes up the border with Fuleria. I’ve never been on this road, but it has a reputation, and Grilla is almost as bad,” Brother Yvan said.

“You never taught me that,” Trevor said.

“There are a lot of things I never taught you, and there are a lot of things you have learned without me. I hope you don’t feel cheated.” Brother Yvan said with a smile.

“Not at all, but do you think it is certain we will run into bandits?” Trevor said. The prospect of bandits didn’t scare him, but he was concerned about Reena and Lissa.

Brother Yvan looked at their new friends talking in lowered voices now that Brother Yvan and Trevor had talked to them. “It’s always best to be prepared for anything.”

Chapter Three

~

T raveling had never been the safest of pursuits for Trevor Arcwin, formerly known as Des Boxster, formerly known as Prince Trevor Arcwin. They joined a traveling party of eight people. There were the two drivers and the two merchants at the common room, and then four more men of less savory appearance appeared as they were about to leave the inn. Trevor could tell the other travelers would be more comfortable at a less polished inn, and that was probably where they stayed.

“Guards,” the woman said to Trevor’s group. “I am Oliva Tanner. My partner, not my husband, is Bartell Ogman. The others are called ‘Driver’ and ‘Guard,’ and I’m sure you can tell the difference.”

“I’m sure we can, but I’ll introduce myself to everyone along the way,” Reena said. “I like to know the real names of who I’m traveling with.”

Trevor felt the same, but thought it was too early