by Jaxon Reed
“The reason for the laws about mates between Dikaiosynē and Andreia are . . . the offspring of such unions come out . . . wrong. Any mating between the groups results in . . . problems. And it’s forbidden.”
Everybody turned to stare at Toby who delicately shoved the last bite of apple pie in his mouth. He chewed it and swallowed happily, smiling back at everyone looking at him, oblivious to the reason for their stares.
“The laws were passed ages ago. My mother and Fulcris knew this, but they loved each other so much . . . they ignored it.
“In time, when she could hide the pregnancy no longer, we left the city and she had Toby in a human village a few miles away. We tried to live in secret. She did not even tell Fulcris where we were so he would not get into trouble. But eventually, King Sthenos learned everything.
“He sent a force of three to kill Toby. Because Toby was wrong. Because he was an ‘abomination.’ My mother would not allow them to touch him. In the battle that followed, the entire village was destroyed.
“At the end she was sent me away. She had killed two of them. She told me she knew of a special spell to cast in order to take the last one, but she wanted us gone before she used it. She gave me a portal stone and charged me with protecting and taking care of my brother. Then she bade me wrap my arms around him and I touched the stone just as the last one came to finish her off. I never saw her again.”
Everyone stared at her silently as she wiped away a second tear.
Nessa finally said, “That’s horrible! I had no idea elves were so savage.”
Tawny smiled, bitterly. “We don’t see it that way. Aberrations are not allowed. If they do occur, like with Toby, they are eliminated. But that is how we eventually ended up here in Phanos, far from home with no money and no way to get food. It’s why we attacked your carriage, Lady Lexa, and tried to steal money from you. And I am very grateful you had mercy on us and sent us here to Dungeon Corps. Toby’s getting to eat as much as he wants, and I am finally receiving some good training. Thank you.”
“Think nothing of it, dear,” Lexa said, patting Tawny’s arm in a tender gesture. “But this complicates things, I must say. So long as you and Toby are in Phanos the city is in danger of another attack by . . . Justice assassins, or whatever you want to call them. I will inform my mage of this and perhaps he can help the municipal magicians develop some contingencies. No doubt if Toby is considered so horrendous to them, they will keep trying.”
She slipped into thought, her eyes drifting inward.
Tawny nodded, miserably. “It doesn’t matter where we go,” she said. “They will always be looking for us.”
“Perhaps Lady Lexa’s mage knows a spell or two that can help you avoid detection,” Percel said.
All eyes turned toward him.
He nodded and said, “I’ve heard of such. Justen said something about a knowledge spell cast over the city, which led them to us. Or at least, they knew where to find us. He may have something that could shield you from such a spell in the future.”
Lexa raised her eyebrows, thoughtfully. “It’s worth asking him. When he gets back from his visit with the other mages, we’ll see.”
Percel said, “Aye! And I will check and see what sort of wards and spells we might need to add here at Dungeon Corps. We should all at least be able to sleep well at night, without worrying about assassins and such. Otherwise, what’s the point of having a headquarters?”
They broke up then, the young people and Percel heading to bunks for rest and shuteye. Lexa assured Tawny she would do what she could to deal with the elves intent on killing them, and she asked Percel to contact her personally if she might be needed for anything else.
Then Lexa and Reginald headed for the door. It was late in the afternoon now, and far past time they should return to the ball and her guests.
Reginald offered his elbow to her again and she hooked her arm with his as they walked out the door. She glanced up at his face to see how he might be taking the afternoon’s events.
He smiled down at her and said, “You do keep things interesting around you, don’t you Lady Lexa?”
She grinned back at him and said, “Why, Lord Reginald! You have no idea.”
-+-
King Sthenos sat in the inner throne room, deep within the great tree of Dryadopolis.
This was a holy place, the center of the giant tree, and none could travel within except through a special portal high on the trunk.
The portal was guarded by the strongest of Dikaiosynē warriors, and no one entered without explicit permission from Sthenos himself.
Here, in the heart of the tree, he sat on the wooden throne of his ancestors and stared down in anger at the two assassins bowing before him.
“You failed.”
“We only used our portal stones as a last resort, Sire,” Horst said. “We faced overwhelming odds and were in fear for our lives!”
Sthenos looked down at the cowering pair, lying prostrate on the floor.
He said, “Five years is a mere trifle to be searching. I understand the world is vast, and they could travel far in human lands. But when you found them, I expected better.”
He made a dismissive gesture with his hand, even though they could not see it.
“Begone.”
They stood, remaining bowed with eyes to the floor, and slowly backed out of the throne room.
Sthenos stood in irritation when they finally drew out of sight. He stretched to his full nine feet in height, long heavy white hair flowing down to the middle of his back.
He was old. He could remember the Old Tongue, before it had faded from use entirely. And he was tired. And irritated.
Mnester, his counselor, approached from the side entry. As always, Mnester had remained in the shadows, watching and listening so that he might give the king his best advice afterwards.
Sthenos glanced at his counselor and said, “I should have sent a better force.”
Mnester shrugged his thin shoulders gracefully. He was old too, like the king. Mnester had wizened eyes and a sharp look, making his face appear somewhat fox-like. His black hair was pulled back and held by a leather thong behind his head.
He said, “We had no way of knowing the children would receive assistance from humans. They are not terribly fond of our kind. From what Horst said, half the city of Phanos came out to help them.”
Sthenos snorted and settled back down into the wooden throne again. It had not been carved, but had been coerced to form from the wood.
He said, “No doubt the assassin painted a picture that made him look the best.”
Mnester nodded and said, “Still, it has the ring of truth. They probably did have to use their stones to escape without further injury. I examined his stab wound myself before healing it. Magical blade. Without treatment, it may well have killed him.”
“I will send an elite force next time. I should have done so earlier. Already that whore killed at least two of my people, and her abomination has been allowed to walk the land for too long. It is past time to put him down. He should not have been born to begin with.”
Mnester said, “I must advise caution, my King. Sending an elite force into a human city could be construed as an act of war.”
Sthenos snorted again. Mnester held up his hand and said, “I realize humans could never hope to take Dryadopolis. Nonetheless, after centuries of peace it does not seem prudent to stoke their ire.”
Sthenos looked at his counselor sharply. Mnester served Phronēsis, and as such Prudence was his primary virtue. Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding were strongest with those serving Phronēsis, and Mnester stood as one of the wisest of all elves in the realm.
The king sighed and said, “I will reluctantly take your advice, Mnester. But I want someone better to go after them. If I can’t send in a team, I would at least like a skilled assassin of some sort. Someone who won’t get caught, who can avoid pesky humans and their defenses. Who can go in, do the job, and get it done. An elite individual,
if not a team.”
“We have just such a person, my King. I think you will be well pleased with her. I will inform her of the assignment today, if I may have your leave.”
“Very well,” Sthenos said, making a dismissive gesture. “But make sure whoever you choose is successful this time.”
Mnester bowed in acknowledgement and turned to go.
After he left, Sthenos said, “My brother’s bastard son must be wiped from Creation.”
Chapter 5
Nessa spoke quietly with Norra the following morning in the courtyard while others practiced spells and swordplay.
“I just felt so helpless, Mistress Norra. I couldn’t do anything! The best I did was to cast Minor Damage a couple times.”
“A cleric’s purpose is not to serve as a team’s weapon, Nessa, but to defend, recharge, and heal the other members.”
“I know, but I can’t even do that very well! I’m . . . next to useless.”
“Over time, my dear, you will gain strength, knowledge, and skill. There is a reason why clerics are considered the most valuable team members in the corps.”
Nessa sighed. She said, “I want to do something now, though. Before we’re all dead because I can’t save anybody.”
Norra smiled at the dramatic statement, but a good deal of sympathy came through her expression as well.
Nessa turned and watched the practice fights on the other side of the courtyard. But her eyes remained on Toby, who observed everything going on around him with a finger hanging from his mouth.
Norra said, “Let me talk with Percel over lunch. Maybe we can do something for you.”
Later, while they were eating, Norra broached the subject with the old curmudgeon.
“I understand you retrieved a rather valuable dagger from the crypts yesterday.”
Percel swallowed his bite of game hen and nodded.
He said, “Aye. Very old. Big jewel on the pommel. Worth a lot.”
“I think you should trade it for the enchanted bow we have in inventory and give that to Nessa.”
Percel paused, a chunk of fowl halfway to his mouth.
He said, “That’s a very special bow. It’s a rare item.”
Norra nodded. She said, “I’ve seen it. It’s a Starhelm Bow, and it’s worth about what your dagger is. Maybe a bit more. We’ll have to discuss it with the quartermaster.”
“Why should I give an epic item like that to . . .”
He trailed off. Norra continued for him.
“To your weakest team member? So she won’t be weak anymore. I thought that was obvious.”
Percel abandoned his food, turning to watch the four young people sitting at another table. Toby’s giant frame dominated the surrounding area. He popped an entire game hen in his mouth and chewed away, smiling down at Nessa.
“Clerics get powerful over time,” Percel said, a stubborn note buttressing his words.
Norra said, “They have to live long enough to become powerful. This one will be a worthy asset someday, no doubt. In fact, the day may come when she is the most powerful member of your team, hard as that is to believe at the moment. But she has to live long enough to get there.
“And in the meantime, she would feel much more a part of the team if she could help take down your opponents. The Starhelm Bow will help tremendously.”
“That’s a lot of money to give up for a powerful enchanted item,” Percel said. But the tinge of stubbornness seemed to be fading a bit.
“Ha! What do these younglings need money for, Percel? They’ll just waste it. Better to buy them equipment that will keep everyone alive for more runs. There’ll be time enough for them to amass a fortune later, if they grow old as you.”
“I might want some gold. Ever think of that?”
Norra snorted and said, “Everyone knows you’re already rich. You don’t lead fresh recruits on training runs to collect more gold. Such a yarn might work on the bar maids you fancy, but I’m old enough to know better, Sergeant. Or is it Captain now?”
Percel’s face colored slightly. He said, “It’s Dungeon Lord. But y’ knew that.”
Norra smiled, triumphantly. The tone in his voice now signaled defeat.
She leaned over the table and said, “Have the quartermaster make the switch, and give her time to practice with it this afternoon. She’ll be an asset to the team on your next run, instead of just hanging on for dear life.”
Percel grunted noncommittally, but Norra felt certain he would follow through on her request.
-+-
Percel gathered the four young people together after lunch and spoke with them as a group.
“At Mistress Norra’s suggestion, I am going to trade the ancient bejeweled dagger we retrieved from the doppelganger for an epic weapon.”
He searched their faces for dissension. Finding none, he continued.
“She suggests the Starhelm Bow in inventory here at Headquarters would be a worthy item for Nessa.”
Nessa’s eyebrows shot up in surprise.
She said, “What does the bow do?”
“Starhelm Bows are rare, of course. I think only three or four are known to exist. Mainly they’re used on ships at sea. Supposedly, they were designed for ship-to-ship combat.
“They’re shorter than a longbow, and the wood is enchanted to allow even the weakest to draw the string. It is also enchanted with True Aim, and will generally hit whatever you are looking at when you release.
“If we agree to do this, Nessa, it means you will become an archer and offer us some greater offensive capabilities in the dungeons. You will still need to work on your defensive spells, though.”
He looked them over again. Erik rubbed his chin, thoughtfully. Tawny smiled. Nessa stared back at him, intensely. Toby stuck his finger in his mouth.
“So, does this sound like a reasonable thing to do? Are we all in agreement?”
The young people looked at one another. Erik and Tawny nodded at Nessa.
She said, “Yes!”
“Very well. I will make arrangements with the quartermaster and bring out the bow to the courtyard momentarily.”
The four filed outside while Percel walked up to the quartermaster’s window off the common room.
He rang a small bell sitting on the counter and waited patiently.
At last, a little man with fluffy white hair came out of a doorway behind the counter and smiled at him.
Percel said, “Hello, Dankers.”
“Lord Percel! I heard you were in town. Saw the loot from your little run through the crypts, too!”
“About that, Dankers. My team wishes to make a trade.”
“Ah, the dagger I suppose? I trust your boys and girls did not loot the grave it no doubt came from?”
“No. Found it in a doppelganger’s pack. We think he grabbed some grave robbers down there.”
“Nasty things, doppelgangers. And the grave robbers likely got what was comin’ to ’em. So. What were you thinking of trading it for?”
“I hear you have a Starhelm Bow.”
Dankers’s smile creased his wrinkled face, making more lines appear.
“I have assayed your dagger, and it is indeed close to the same price, via our in-house system. If we were to auction it off in the city, we might not get any more for the dagger since it’s not magical. But, we might get more for the bow since it’s rare.”
“I’m well aware that you have given up countless hundreds of thousands of gold coins over the years due to corps rules, Dankers. We avoid the auction if a team needs an item. And items are more useful than gold in our line of work.”
The old man chuckled at this. It became clear he was not seriously entertaining the idea of sending the bow to auction.
Dankers said, “You’ll be wanting an Endless Quiver, no doubt. One of the platinum coins you brought in will cover that. Finally, we can throw in some Magic Arrows, too, for the other platinum coin.”
Percel nodded at this, agreeing even though he had
not discussed it with the team. Such items were needful, after all.
Dankers disappeared through the door and returned several minutes later carrying a short bow, and a leather quiver stuffed with arrows.
“I’ve updated the books to reflect this transaction, Lord Percel. Happy hunting!”
“Many thanks, Dankers. I’m sure my team will appreciate this new weapon.”
“They say a Starhelm Bow really shines at sea. Mayhap someday your team will find themselves on a ship, and it will show its true potential.”
“Mayhap. In the meantime, we’ll be using it in the dungeons.”
Percel thanked him again, took the epic weapon and quiver, and made his way out to the courtyard.
He found Nessa and Tawny standing beside Norra. When Erik saw them all together, he waved at Toby to follow and they both strode over to the group, too.
Percel tried to instill the proper amount of respect for the bow in all of them. He held it up in front of Nessa, and adopted a serious tone.
“The Starhelm Bow is rare. We only know of a few, although of course there may be more. It is highly prized by sailors.”
Tawny’s eyebrows creased. She said, “Why?”
“I’ll answer that,” Norra said. “One of the enchantments on it is True Aim, if you’ll recall our discussion at the table. When a ship is at sea, it moves a lot on the waves. Shooting arrows accurately becomes much more difficult from a moving boat. A bow with that enchantment must be quite useful when the archer is tossed about on the waves.”
“Oh. That makes sense.”
Percel spoke again, taking back the conversation.
He said, “Other bows have that enchantment, too. But the Starhelm Bow is said to assist sailors in additional ways. I’m not sure, since I’ve never seen one at sea, but I think it has some navigational enchantments, and mayhap some benefits when fighting sea monsters. Things like that.
“For our purposes, it is highly useful in dungeon fighting. For one thing, you’ll notice it’s short, not a longbow, which makes it handy in tight spaces. Two other enchantments on it are Hard Strike and Easy Pull. Both are very useful.
