Page 11 - Mad Shadows II

paused and gave me another flashing smile. “You fought with
the Wandering Swords, did you not?”

“I ran off to live by the sword at about the same age you
did.”

He acknowledged our years as Brothers of the Sword by
punching me in the shoulder. “Are you here on business or
pleasure, if you don’t mind my asking?”

“I’m here to meet Valuta Jefoor.”
“A good woman, though some don’t hold with her being a
witch and all. Well, if I can be of any service to you while
you’re in town, just ask for me at the local bailiwick.”
“Thank you, Sergeant. By the way, how do I find the
Friendly Frog?”
“At the end of this street. And do try to stay out of trouble.”
He laughed, gave me a friendly salute and went about his
business.
It was a cool, autumn day. Leaves were turning color,
dropping like angel feathers to the ground, and the sun wore a
gray veil. As I walked along I marveled at the many shops and
homes that were decorated for the upcoming festival of
Hallowmas. Dried ears of yellow corn, colorful Shuranho
maize, tendrils of ivy and wispy balls of tumbletherns graced
the lintels of doors and windows. There was purple jazebrush
hanging from eaves and awnings, and kudzu strung across
balcony railings. Miniature scarecrows made of green
tanglebush were nailed to every door, while pomegranates, pine
cones and pumpkins lay piled in straw baskets. These were all
talismans used to ward against the evil spirits that walk free on
Hallowmas Eve, which is always celebrated on the thirsty-first
of Okimar, the Month of the Scorpion.
I neared the corner where the sign of the Friendly Frog
swayed in the gentle breeze, above the entrance to the tavern.
As you might imagine, the sign bore a painting of a smiling
frog dressed like a court jester drinking from a huge flagon.
Three dirty, hard-looking young men were sitting on a long

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