2042nd Day of Needfest, 565 CY
The Brass Dragon Inn, Furyondy
Whoompf... whoompf... whoompf...
The regular beat of Gylandir's wings made a soothing rhythm to Argo's ears. Coupled with the cold air rushing past his face, it was doing a good job of clearing the cobwebs from his mind. He was, not for the first time, functioning on less than four hours sleep. He scanned the ground, passing by about fifty feet beneath them. There was a trace on frost on the ground, but the early morning sky was crisp and clear. Gylandir was circling their property. He could see The Brass Dragon inn, Aslan's house, and there it was; his brand-new home. Like the paladin's home, it was little more a simple, two-room stone cabin, but to Argo it was a mansion. Finally, he and Caroline could have a little privacy. Besides, compared to how he had lived in the Lone Heath, years ago, it was a mansion. Despite the grim events of last night still clamoring for attention in his mind, he smiled.
Thorin shivered and snuggled up a little closer to him. Despite being dressed in the warmest clothes they could buy for him in Willip, it was undoubtedly a little chilly up here for a boy not yet accustomed to a lifetime of harsh travels. Argo could smell the scent of crushed flowers in the boy's hair. Caroline had washed it about an hour ago, and Thorin had run to his father and begged to be taken for a ride on the pegasus. His father, studying his tomes (again), had told Thorin to ask Argo or Caroline for a ride. Gylandir and Sequester belonged to them, not him.
Argo's smile faded. Damn it Cygnus, you've got a son! Spend just a few of your precious hours with him, why don't you? You know as well as I do that either pegasus would be happy to take you and Thorin for a ride! Is this what Hyzenthlay...
His mind veered swiftly away from that gruesome image as Thorin spoke without turning around. He hadn't said much since they had first taken off.
"Uncle Argo, did you really see Scurvy John last night?"
Argo tried to keep his voice level. "Yes, Thorin, I did."
The boy seemed to be trying to find the right words. "Father said that he's been a lot of trouble for everyone. Why does he hate you so much?"
Argo sighed. "I don't really know. I guess just because I mouth off to him more than anyone else. People like Scurvy John irritate me. They bully other people, hurt them, even kill them, just to make themselves feel better. In the end though, they have it coming."
"Are all pirates like Scurvy John?"
"Most pirates aren't very nice people, Thorin. Although John and his crew are the only pirates I've ever met. And hope to. In any case, I don't think he'll be able to come after us anymore. Hey, there's Caroline! Wave to her!"
They could see Caroline come out of the inn, bearing a box of clothing. She was still bringing things into their new house. She looked up, saw them waving, smiled and blew them a kiss. Argo smiled again.
At least I know how lucky I am. And once we have children of our own, I'll be the happiest man in the world. On three worlds, in fact.
"Uncle Argo?" Thorin had turned and was looking right at the ranger now.
"Yes, Thorin?"
"Uncle Aslan said you'd pick a fight with an angel. Is that true?"
Did he now?
"Well," he said, keeping his smile fixed on the child's serious face, "If the angel had it coming..."
Thorin gave him a wide smile and turned to face forward again. Argo, also looking forward again, saw the glint of sun off of armor. Lots of armor.
About three dozen mounted figures were approaching the inn. About one third were knights and the rest were their entourages, squires, servants and so forth. Their shields bore the heraldry of the local ruler, Baron Chartrain; a black ship against a white background, sailing atop wavy stripes of blue and green. Argo frowned and urged Gylandir to land. He could already see his friends and companions coming out of the inn, getting ready to greet the soldiers.
Mighty Zeus, Argo thought. It's a new year. Please don't let this be a new problem.