[CHAPTER 4]

Startled, Owyn drew in a breath, but next to him Gorath remained unfazed, his gaze filled with sharp defiance at the mercenary's sudden appearance, as if he had anticipated the arrival.

The man had black hair, cropped short over his expansive forehead, revealing a dark birthmark which curled from his hairline to just below his left eye. Looking them over, he nodded to Gorath.

VENUTRIER: What business do you have here, moredhel? This is my private stake.

GORATH: Your claim was unknown to us. We saw the cave and assumed it might be a good place to bed down for the night.

VENUTRIER: You know of the claim now and I'd advise you not to forget that Venutrier of Lan runs things here. Now push off.

GORATH: Of course. Good day to you.

The man had black hair, cropped short over his expansive forehead, revealing a dark birthmark which curled from his hairline to just below his left eye. Looking them over, he nodded to Gorath.

VENUTRIER: You're trespassing on private property, moredhel. This area is restricted for commerce, not loitering.

GORATH: But I am very interested in your commerce sir and that is the very reason I sought you out. I wish to sell you the boy.

OWYN: What?!!

VENUTRIER: Pah, pitiful! He bawls like a calf! We'd have to feed him a herd to get enough meat on his bones. He's weak, probably diseased. Doesn't look as if he's eaten in weeks.

GORATH: His looks are deceptive. Singlehandedly he slew my partner with a kitchen knife and he broke my mate's arm. He will grow into an even stronger man.

VENUTRIER: Impressive, but he sounds like trouble. We'd have to fight him every day to keep him from escaping.

OWYN: I'm not getting sold to anybody!

GORATH: A mercenary is of little good if he is easily overcome, don't you think? Break his will and he will be invaluable to you.

VENUTRIER: He looks noble and I don't want bounty hunters sent from the Kingdom in my business.

GORATH: He was a chamber boy of no importance. You'll have no trouble with him.

OWYN: Of no importance?!

VENUTRIER: A hundred fifty sovereigns, take it or leave it. But before we clap hands on this, would you care to view our operations here?

GORATH: An intriguing notion... If it would not trouble you?

VENUTRIER: No trouble at all. My guards will escort you.

Moredhel surrounded them.

Chuckling to himself, Venutrier looked the pair of them over as if they were oxen bought at the market, examining first Owyn and then Gorath with greater interest. "Too easy," he said with a sigh. "What kind of fool do you take me for? The boy is of no use, Gorath, but you are a prime slave indeed. You will enjoy your new life below."

Seized by a myriad of hands, they were dragged to the mouth of the cavern and thrown in. For an eternity it seemed they stumbled down steps...

An astonished look fixed on his features, he looked to Gorath and Owyn, shaking his head.

GORATH: I have looked over your caves, Venutrier, and I am appalled they are run so poorly. Delekhan will be sorely disappointed you have done ill with your stake.

VENUTRIER: What has he to do with this? I see only a renegade moredhel and a sapling of a boy! How does your leader enter into this?

GORATH: His son Moraeulf has sent him word you harbor traitors and has plans to send his assistants to come and attend to you. I have come and found no such traitors, but detain me and I guarantee he shall be on you.

VENUTRIER: And why should I believe you? He has called for your head!

GORATH: Rumor. I have also heard word that Murmandamus sleeps yet in Sar-Sargoth, but as you like - if you enjoy taking risks.

VENUTRIER: Bah! Be off with you then. I have no use for either of you! Stay clear of these caves.

GORATH: We will leave you conduct your business undisturbed.

An astonished look fixed on his features, he looked to Gorath and Owyn, shaking his head.

VENUTRIER: I told you before, I don't want to see you around here anymore, moredhel!

GORATH: My mistake, Venutrier. We will leave you conduct your business undisturbed.