Death and Honor: Book 1 of 2 by James Wisher Page A

You shouldn’t have a problem. If there’s any trouble ask for Sergeant Michaels, he’ll vouch for you.”
    He left the warehouse and walked down the street, his mind working to untangle the mess surrounding him. It was obvious the twins were ignorant of the small chest so the caravan master must have made a private arrangement with the mystery woman. There was no way around it, he’d have to track the woman down and see what she had to tell him.
    The next problem was Eric. Assuming the twins hadn’t lied to him, and he could see no reason they would, then Eric lied about the circumstances surrounding his learning about the caravan. Jeremiah hated to think ill of a fellow knight, even one he didn’t like, but there was no way around it. The man’s actions stank to high heaven.
    Jeremiah glanced around to get his bearings. His subconscious must have been looking out for him since he found he was a couple blocks from the sage’s shop. A few more minutes walking led him to an unassuming brick storefront, the sign above the door showed an open book and a candle. The name Alzado was carved in the wood below the book. It seemed he had the right shop.
    Jeremiah stepped up and knocked on the door. A few seconds later the door opened and a withered old man bent almost double stood looking up at him, frowning hard.
    “You work for the government?” Alzado said it as half question and half accusation.
    “Yes, sir. I was hoping you could help me.”
    “I don’t work for the government anymore. You people never pay on time and I’m too old to worry about outstanding bills.”
    “My wife recommended you, sir, and I’d be happy to pay up front.”
    The old man’s eyes narrowed. “You’re sure you’re with the government?”
    “Yes, sir.” Jeremiah forced himself to keep a straight face. “I’m Lord Knight Jeremiah Kane.”
    Alzedo slapped his forehead. “Alexandra’s husband, of course, why didn’t you say so in the first place? Come in, come in.”
    Alzedo shuffled out of the way and Jeremiah stepped inside. The old man shut the door and led him deeper into the shop. Books covered every flat surface, some in precariously balanced piles reaching halfway to the ceiling. Jeremiah tried to imagine how the old man reached the top books and failed. A twisting path led to a pair of chairs beside a table, a wood stove heated the place to an almost uncomfortable degree.
    Alzado eased himself into one of the chairs and Jeremiah took the other. “I remember when you got your spurs, Alexandra’s father was so proud. It was a shame he died so soon after.”
    Jeremiah nodded. “Alexandra was heartbroken. You should come out to the estate sometime, I’m sure she’d like to talk about the old days.”
    “That sounds nice, but I don’t get around so good anymore. Now, you had business to discuss?”
    “Yes, sir.” Jeremiah took the scroll out his pocket and handed it to the old man. “I took this off the body of a bandit. Alexandra said the language was Torin and she thought you’d know how to translate it for me.”
    Alzado took the scroll and unrolled it. After a moment’s study he said, “That girl always knew her languages. She’s right as rain, that’s Torin. I’ve got a book around here somewhere with a key. If you leave it here I can translate it and have it ready for you in the morning.”
    “Unfortunately I can’t leave evidence with a civilian. Perhaps you can make a copy?”
    The old man snapped his fingers. “Certainly, I just need to find a pen and parchment.”
    Alzado copied the scroll and handed the original back to Jeremiah. “Stop by in the morning and I’ll have it ready for you.”
    “I appreciate it. How much do I owe you?”
    The old man smiled. “For Alexandra’s husband, no charge.”
    “Thank you, sir.” Jeremiah tucked the scroll back into his pocket. He’d be sure to leave the sage a few coins in the morning. “I should be going.”
    Alzado got up and shook hands with