Chapter 25

After twenty minutes of questions and answers Byron and Ryan knew that the gang had a ship waiting for them in Forston fief in the southern part of the country. They knew the ship was hidden in the fens there. They also knew the names of all ten of the Slavers left and that they had captured nine children from several of the small towns or farms in Coldale fief and from a couple other fiefs. They had been told that the slavers only had two horses so they would not be able to move very fast. It was apparent the slavers wouldn't be able to take the roads that had been established to make gathering the army in times of need quicker, instead they would have to stick to trails and back ways so they wouldn't be spotted with the children. Scott had told them that Brandon had insisted on being paid before fetching the boy and was told that if he didn't show with the boy he and his wife would be killed. He had readily agreed to this. They also knew that Scott was to meet them at the Kingscross road junction in ten days and that they would only be there for one day, after that he would be left behind. It would take a man walking nine long days to reach it so they must have left earlier that day. It also meant they would have to be cruel to the children to get them to walk that far that fast. Byron and Ryan had each decided they really didn't like these slavers and if they resisted they would not make it to trial.

"So now what do we do with them, the castle is in the wrong direction, and we can't take them with us?" Asked Ryan. "This is a little frustrating. I suppose I could take them to the castle as you head out to intercept the slaver gang."

"I have another idea." Byron said as he stood up. Then added "Keep an eye on Aiden and I'll be back in a couple of minutes." He knew he didn't have to say it but didn't want to leave the table without saying anything. He walked over to the bar and asked the Bartender "Do you have anyone who you could send for the town watch?"

"Actually the man in charge of the night shift of the town watch just finished his dinner over yonder. He goes on duty in about," he said glancing at the water clock sitting on the mantle of the fireplace, "quarter of an hour." He called out "Hey Johnny, come over here for a minute would ya."

Johnny looked up at the bartender nodded then lifted his big frame off the bench he was sitting on. He picked up his mug and began to head to the bar. He was a large man, mostly muscle, with a big smile that seemed etched into his face rather than an expression worn part of the time. He didn't walk so much as gracefully flow toward them, pirouetting around others as the other patrons moved about oblivious to him as they were lost in their conversations. He never spilled a drop of the precious liquid in his mug nor did it seem with all his movement did he lose his flow or his grace. He made his way through the crowded tavern without disturbing any others. When he spoke his words seemed to flow the same way he moved, graceful. He seemed to place the words in your ears without you realizing he was actually speaking as he said "How can I help you Claude?" Byron was awe struck by this man.

Claude replied "The Ranger here was asking for someone to fetch the town watch and I know you're about to go on duty so I figured….."

Johnny turned to the Ranger and with that same etched smile asked "What can I do for you Ranger?"

Ranger Byron shook himself mentally and replied "I have two men I would like the town watch to take into custody and escort to the castle. I'll give you a letter that outlines the charges against them. Join me at our table and I can go over the details with you."

As they walked to the table where Ryan, Aiden and Scott were sitting, Johnny nodded toward Brandon and Scott and said "Who are they? I heard there was a bit of excitement just before I got here but no one seemed to know what it was all about."

"We thought the one tied to the wall there was a local named Brandon, the boy Aiden's father but if you don't know him maybe not. The other man tells us his name is Scott and he was here to purchase the boy from his father. He is part of a gang that has taken a number of children and are going to sell them as slaves"

"He was selling his own son into slavery. What kind of monster would do that? How could expect to live once his wife found out? The big man asked.

Byron looked at him and smiled as he said "I would like to meet the woman who could make you fear her wrath like that."

Johnny just said simply "Never come between a she-bear and her cubs. I take it you're not married."

Byron replied "I was married for a while but she died at the hands of someone who escaped after I had had him arrested." He paused, "He tried to get out of the country after that but didn't make it. You never hurt the Ranger family if you want to see the end of the week." He said coldly

Johnny shivered as he thought of what that statement meant. He wondered what had happened to those who had custody of the man when he escaped. Then thinking of what he would do to anyone who hurt his family he knew that he agreed with the Ranger about whatever had happened to the man.

Byron left that subject hanging as they sat down at the table and continued "We're not sure if his wife knows. However it gets worse. He already sold his daughter then went back home to get his son. Now if the wife shows up here looking for her husband ask if he was alone or with his mates when she last saw him. If she doesn't mention her son or daughter is missing then tell her that her husband is under arrest, at the castle, for public drunkenness. Offer to take her there and have her put in a cell out of ear shot of these men."

"What if she comes saying her children are missing as well?"

"Ask when, where, and who they were last seen with. I have a strong suspicion that she not only knows what Brandon has done but agrees with it as well. I also believe she will be the smarter of the two and will act her part well. But I don't think they will raise the alarm about the children until the slavers have had time to leave the area. She will most likely think he has fled with the money if she doesn't have it herself."

"You are probably right. I'll have the men keep an ear open for her asking around and have them bring her to me. I think I know what to say to hear the story she expects to be accepted."

"Good man. Ranger Ryan and I will take Aiden with us to identify his sister when we locate this bunch. I know they have nine children with them and they also might try to grab more on the way.'

"Ok, I'll see you when you get back and fill you in on the details of what happened while you're on the hunt. I'll also keep it quiet that you're gone."

Byron wrote out a letter to the castle Lord documenting the charges against the men and telling them to give whatever authority Johnny needs to do what he needs to do in this case. When he was done he handed it to Johnny and said "They're all yours."

Johnny took the letter and said "Sometimes you see or hear of things you wish were not true but you know you'll never forget the details of it. It is times like those I wish I was a farmer."

"I definitely know how you feel."