Garren's Quest, Chapter 2

I mentioned last month that I'd start posting chapters from a fantasy story I've had bouncing around in my brain (working title: Garren's Quest). Bearing in mind that the usual caveats apply, here is Chapter 2:

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Almost in unison, the soldiers drew their swords – all except their captain, who merely kept his hand on his pommel. Likewise, although he held his weapon in his hand, Garren did not draw the blade from its scabbard.

The tension was almost palpable as Garren and the soldiers stared at each other. Needless to say, they were at something of a stalemate. Despite their superiority in numbers, the soldiers were obviously not keen on engaging with an adversary who seemed to wield a magical weapon. On his part, Garren had no desire to cross blades with half a dozen soldiers, all of whom looked skilled and battle-hardened. He had no worries about the outcome, but it was not the way he liked to start his day. Thankfully, it didn’t come to that.

“Hold,” the captain said to his men. “Put your swords away.”

From the looks on their faces, the soldiers obviously didn’t care for the order they had just been given. However, they were apparently well-disciplined and respected the chain of command, because – somewhat reluctantly – they all began to sheath their weapons. Moments later, they were all empty-handed (although they kept their hands close to their blades).

At that point the captain turned to Garren. “As I was saying, our liege desires to speak to you. Only speak.”

“And for that he sends a troop of soldiers?” Garrett inquired skeptically.

“He wanted the seriousness of his request properly conveyed…and clearly understood.”

“No worries there,” Garren said flatly.

“In truth, this is an honor,” the captain insisted. “His Highness doesn’t often deign to speak with commoners.”

“That’s kind of him, but I’m more concerned about what happens after we finish speaking.”

The captain merely stared at him for a moment as if contemplating, then spoke. Obviously, Garren’s meaning was not lost on him.

“I give you my word,” he said after a few seconds. “No harm will come to you.”

Gary raised an eyebrow. “And whose word am I receiving?”

“Your point is well taken,” the captain told him. “Introductions are in order, and I was remiss in not doing so earlier. I am Hynal, a captain in his majesty King Syrod’s army.”

“A pleasure, Captain” Garren said with a nod. “As I stated before, I’m Garren, but you obviously already knew that. Regardless, now that the formalities are out of the way, I was hoping you and your retinue might excuse yourselves.”

Hynal gave him a curious look. “You mean leave?”

“Of course,” Garren replied. “This room, as you can see, is rather modest, and at present it feels a bit cramped. Since I am to be extradited, what say I simply meet you by the stable within the hour?”

“The stable? “Hynal repeated dubiously.

“Yes,” Garren affirmed. “My horse is there, and I presume I’ll need it since I’m being extradited. Extradition means travel; ergo, I’ll need my mount. Plus, I still have to finish getting dressed, settle up my bill with the innkeeper, and hopefully get that breakfast you heard me mention earlier.”

Captain Hynal didn’t immediately respond. However, it was clear that he didn’t favor Garren’s suggestion about meeting at the barn.

“Come now,” Garren continued. “You ask me to take you at your word that no harm will come to me, but you won’t take my word that I will rendezvous with you as promised? One-sided trust is no trust at all.”

Hymnal’s brow creased as he contemplated. After a few moments, he seemed to come to decision.

“Very well,” he declare with a nod. “Please finish dressing and meet us at the stable forthwith.”

“But the innkeep–”

“We’ll settle your bill, and we have rations you can use to break your fast,” Hynal stated. “We’ll see you at the stable.”

With that, he and his men departed.