The Broken Key (02) - Hunter of the Horde by Brian S. Pratt Page A

you said you didn’t start it.”
    “But then why the extra drills?” asked Riyan.
    “Because he had to get out of bed in the middle of the night,” the healer replied with a chuckle. When he finished with Chad, he began working on Riyan. They were soon out of the infirmary and on their way back to their barrack.
    The following morning when they entered the mess for their breakfast before their drills, the others who were there turned and stared at them. Apparently the rumor mill had already begun churning out a version of the previous evening’s events.
    “You two look like death warmed over,” commented Seth when they took their seats.
    “Yeah man,” added Soth, “I hope the other guy looks worse.”
    “He does,” Chad said. “Riyan and I went up against half a dozen and were doing petty well before the watch showed up.”
    From behind Chad, Torin said, “I heard you two were crying like babies when the watch dragged you away.” Torin was one of the Recruits that didn’t care much for Riyan and Chad.
    Chad stood up and turned to face him. “That’s a lie!” he yelled.
     
    “Sit down Chad,” Riyan said to his friend. “Don’t let him goad you into getting yourself into more trouble.” Conversations throughout the mess quieted down following Chad’s outburst. Riyan noticed that many an eye was directed their way.
    Chad stared at Torin for a second then retook his seat.
    “If you guys ever need to learn to fight,” Torin said, “I’m sure we could dig up some old ladies to show you.” He laughed and turned away.
    Seth had a hand on Chad’s arm to keep him from getting back up and attacking Torin.
    “Actually,” Seth said, “the rumor I heard said that you two were in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
    The level of conversation gradually rose once more as it looked as if nothing of interest was going to develop.
    Riyan nodded. “That’s pretty much what it was,” he admitted. Then he and Chad related to Seth and Soth the events as actually transpired there in the inn. After that it was time to report for drills.
    The day passed slowly and when it came to the end of the day and the Recruits were dismissed, Riyan and Chad had to remain behind. For another hour they practiced with the fat-uglies before they were allowed to leave.
    Their arms ached badly and all they wanted to do was crash on their beds and go to sleep. But first they had to get dinner. So after returning to their barrack and putting their swords on, they made their way to the mess.
    While they were there, one of the runners who worked at the Guild appeared and made his way to their table. “Excuse me,” he said once he reached them.
    “Yes?” Chad asked.
    “You two have a visitor waiting out in the foyer,” the runner explained. There were always one or two runners out in the foyer. Their job was to deliver messages that those visiting the Guild wished passed on. More often than not, it was to inform someone that a guest waited for them.
    “A visitor?” asked Riyan. “Who could be visiting us? I doubt if it would be Kevik though I wonder what happened to him last night.”
    “Is it a man or woman?” asked Chad hopefully. One of the girls whom he’s been seeing had shown up once to pay him a visit.
    “It’s a young gentleman,” the runner replied.
    “Could you ask him to wait a few minutes?” Riyan said. “Tell him we’re almost done eating then we’ll be there.”
    “As you wish,” the runner said then turned around and walked from the mess hall.
    “Who do you think it could be?” Chad asked Riyan after the servant left.
    Riyan began shoveling food in his mouth quickly. “I don’t know,” he said through a mouthful of food.
    They finished their meal quickly and hurried out to the foyer. When they saw Bart sitting in one of the chairs on the side of the room they were surprised. After having been gone for so long he was the last person they expected.
    “Bart!” Riyan exclaimed as they came