Read The Fur Trader for Free Online Page A

better.”
    William perked up at that and leaned in. “Who is that?”
    Jacop smiled wisely. “I can tell by your list that Orin isn’t going to be taking you anywhere. Now, what you want to do off in the mountains is your own business, but I can’t have it said that Jacop sent any customer off into the forest unprepared. Therefore, go and find a man named Garrin. I’ll draw a map to his house on the back of the list. However, I should caution you, if Garrin refuses to take you, then you should reconsider your trek.”
    “No, this is a once in a lifetime trek,” William said. “It means a lot to both of us.”
    Jacop nodded. “Very well. However, if you go to Garrin and he talks you into changing your mind, I will let you return all of the supplies for a full refund. I don’t want anybody saying I am not a generous shop keeper, you hear?”
    William smiled and said, “Tell me where to find this Garrin fellow.”
    Jacop flipped the list over and started drawing a map. When he finished he handed it to William.
    “Don’t you need the list?” William asked as he took the map.
    Jacop shook his head. “I know what Garrin would order. I’ll get the right supplies ready and then you can be on your way.”



Chapter 3
     
     
    The door to the throne room opened and a pair of halberd-wielding guards stepped in. A thin youth followed them and then made his way across the chamber, the bottoms of his shoes slapping the blue and black marble tiles as he hurried toward the throne.
    Upon the black throne carved from a great ebony tree sat Nor Vindarian. A gold chain hung around his neck, with a large, emerald pendant dangling from the yellow links just above his chest. The flowing, black silk tunic was tucked into a wide, leather belt with gold and silver rings set into it that held his extremely baggy, black silk trousers in place. Atop his head was a tall, cylindrical, black hat of fur. In his right hand he held a scepter made of oak, crowned with a large, purple crystal. If the six and a half foot tall man’s stark beard and brooding brown eyes set evenly in his stoic face did not command respect, then the sizzling arcs of energy that randomly shot across the many facets of the purple crystal in Nor’s scepter would.
    The thin youth dropped to his knees and then bowed prostrate before the throne.
    “My king, I have news.”
    “You have found the traitor?” Nor asked in his deep, thunderous voice.
    The youth kept his face pressed to the marble tile. “No, my king, but I have found a clue.”
    “A clue?” Nor repeated. “And what is that?”
    The thin youth held up a lock of sand-colored hair. “I searched the traitor’s room, and I found this in a waste basket.”
    “Excellent, take it to Zek. He can use the hair to track them. The traitor will be dealt with.”
    The youth pushed back to his knees, bowing twice more before standing, and then another three times as he backed away from the throne, clutching the hair in his hands next to his heart. Then he turned and ran from the throne room.
    The two guards exited and closed the door. The metallic click of the lock sliding into place echoed throughout the chamber.
    Nor tapped the fingers of his right hand upon his scepter. Could it be? Nor wondered. Was the traitor so stupid as to leave a lock of hair? Nor rose from his throne and made his way toward a side door. His baggy silk pants whiffed with each step as the fabric rubbed together. He waved his hand and the door opened by itself, clearing his way. Nor turned to his right, walking through a long corridor with a green carpet running down the center of the tile floor. A pair of servants, who were carrying trays of what looked to be the day’s lunch, bowed graciously and stepped to the side of the hallway, allowing Nor to pass.
    The two servants then turned on their heels and began to follow Nor with the trays of food.
    “Set them in the dining hall,” Nor said without bothering to turn and look at his