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

forward.
    “Good to see you,” Chad said. He reached out and gave him a hearty handshake.
    Bart eyed them up and down, then he grinned. “You two sure have changed a lot,” he said.
    “What do you mean?” asked Chad.
     
    “We got into a brawl last night,” explained Riyan figuring the statement must have something to do with the state their faces were in.
    “Not that,” Bart said. Then he reached out and touched his bicep. “Been working out have you?”
    “Not by choice I assure you,” Chad said with a grin.
    Bart laughed. “I can imagine.” Then he gestured for them to take seats near him as he sat down.
    “How did things go in Wardean?” Riyan asked.
    “I’m here aren’t I,” Bart said. “No longer need I fear a dagger in the back.”
    “That’s great news,” Riyan replied.
    “How about what you’re here for?” he asked. Lowering his voice he said, “Anything about the coats of arms?”
    The grin Riyan bore disappeared as he shook his head. “No. When I asked about it they told us that unless you were born into a family that already had one, you couldn’t get one until you were knighted by the king.”
    “Sorry you had to join to find out,” Bart said.
    “I’m not,” replied Chad. “I enjoy being a member of the Guild, it sure beats grinding flour all day.”
    “And herding sheep,” added Riyan. “But I’m not without hope that this could still lead to the information we need.”
    “Oh?” asked Bart.
    Riyan moved closer and lowered his voice still further. “The Guild has an archive on the third floor with dozens of old tomes which most likely hold the information. I tried to gain admittance but was turned away.”
    “There’s an old fighter who runs it by name of Stryntner,” Chad explained.
    “Maybe there’s a way to get on his good side?” suggested Bart.
    “If there is I haven’t heard of it,” replied Riyan.
    “Hmm,” Bart said as he grew quiet and introspective. “Maybe I’ll see what I can come up with.” Turning his eyes back to the other two he added, “Ask around, that sort of thing.”
    “If you want to,” Riyan said. “But he didn’t seem like he was all that sociable.” Bart shrugged. “Who knows? Can’t hurt to try.”
    Chad kept his voice low as he asked, “If we are unable to gain access to the Archives, what’s our next course of action?”
    “I’ve been thinking on that for some time,” Bart said. “I paid a visit to Thyrr while I was in Wardean and managed to find out the name and location of the man to whom he sold most of those silver coins he fenced for you two.”
    “Oh?” asked Riyan.
    “The guy’s a collector of all things associated with the King’s Horde,” explained Bart. “In fact, he took part in the hunt thirty years ago when that last large batch of coins was found.”
    “You think he might know something?” asked Chad.
    “From what Thyrr said, the man’s been pursuing the Horde ever since he caught the fever thirty years ago. I don’t know who else would know more about it.” Bart sat back in his chair and gazed at his two companions. Then he glanced around the foyer to make sure no one was eavesdropping on their conversation. When it didn’t appear anyone had he turned back to the others. “I’m going to drop in on Kevik, then see what I can learn about this Stryntner. See if he has a weak spot we can take advantage of.”
    “Take your time,” Riyan told him. “It’ll be nine more days before we’ll be able to leave the Guild’s grounds.”
    “I’ll be back in a day or so and let you know what I found out,” he said then stood up.
    “Okay, good luck,” offered Riyan. After standing up as well, he patted Bart on the back. He and Chad then escorted him over to the door and said their final goodbyes.
    Once Bart was out the door, Chad and Riyan returned to their barrack and promptly fell asleep. The added exertion of another hour with the fat-uglies had really wiped them out.
    Bart left the Guild