Knights: Legends of Ollanhar by Robert E. Keller Page A

buy go there seeking employment."
    "Hey!" said Brakthas, glaring at Saranna in mock
anger. "What are you trying to do, get us mixed up in a war with the Blue
Vultures? And keep in mind that any added help is going to dilute our share of
the treasure."
    Saranna shrugged. "Greater numbers equal greater
safety. I'll worry about treasure later, when we actually find some."
    "Exactly," said Galandra. "I'd definitely
feel safer with a crowd around me. Makes it less likely I'll be the target of
some assassin's bow."
    "I guess we'll proceed to Malva," said Aldreya,
"and see if we can hire a few more fighters. Any objections? What's your
opinion, Jace?"
    "I have no objections," said Jace. "We need
as many warriors as we can get, wherever we can find them. These Blue Vultures
do concern me, though. I've encountered barbarian gangs before. Very savage and
very cunning. But I think it's worth the risk. Personally, I'm willing to put
up with a few barbarians merely for the sake of good food and a comfortable
bed."
    "I think we should avoid that town," said Lannon,
"and stay on this trail." He was tired of combat and had a strong
feeling they would find trouble in Malva. "We're on a long journey. And
what's so special about Malva? There will be other places where mercenaries can
be found, including Wolfbine Kingdom."
    "Malva is unique," said Saranna. "You want
the best warriors you can hire, and such warriors are not easily found. But
they are found in Malva, thanks to Fodan and his reputation."
    "Saranna speaks true," said Galandra. "We
could visit a thousand towns and come away with nothing. And although Wolfbine
is indeed full of great warriors, Bellis has a strong presence there and could
make the hiring process a huge challenge. I don't want to go to Malva either,
but if you want elite mercenaries that are easy to obtain, that's the place to
go."
    "Do we need a vote?" asked Aldreya.
    No one answered. Lannon shook his head, not caring to
challenge her on the issue, as he was uncertain of his own opinion.
    "Then we ride for Malva," she said.
    Brakthas rubbed his hands together. "Mud belt, here we
come!"
    "Why it is called the Mud Belt?" asked Lannon.
    "Because it's muddy," Brakthas replied.
"What did you expect?"
    "But why is it so muddy there?" asked Lannon.
    "I don't know," said Brakthas.
    "The soil was cursed by evil spirits," said Jace.
"At least, that's my theory. And I think it's a thoughtful and intelligent
one."
    "Maybe it's just a stretch of boggy land," said
Bekka. "Swamps and bogs contain a lot of mud, right? Simple answer."
    "I'm sticking with evil spirits," said Jace.
    Bekka sighed. "If you say so."
    "Me too," said Brakthas. "I like that
explanation. Only evil spirits could mess up the ground like that." He
laughed, then extended his hand to Jace. "You're the size of a dumb Ogre,
yet as wise as a seer."
    Jace shook it. "Now that we appear to be friends,
could you spare me a bit of pipe tobacco?"
    "Forget to buy some in Red Barrel?" asked
Brakthas.
    "Unfortunately, yes," Jace muttered. "I was
too distracted with food and other things. My mind has been quite cluttered
lately."
    "I don't have any," said Brakthas. "I rarely
smoke. I have some wintergreen leaf, though. Good for chewing."
    "I'll pass," said Jace, looking glum.
    ***
    As the afternoon slipped by, the friendly farmlands gave
way to large stretches of swamp and boggy fields where dead trees lay. The road
split in two, with the Aktos Trail leading one way and Mugvos Trail leading
another. They took the Mugvos route, and the land turned even more swampy.
Mosquitoes became such an issue that Lannon went to the extreme of blocking
their attacks with his power. Only Vorden was unaffected, as the bugs didn't
seem to want to go near him--perhaps reacting to the aura of the Deep Shadow
that always surrounded him. Everyone else was busy slapping at bugs, scratching
at bites, and muttering.
    "I once had a technique," said Jace, "to
make mosquitoes avoid me. I could alter my