The Three Charms

by Brian Spielbauer

  “And you believe Deyanira murdered Sera in order to take her place and be queen?” Telon’s questions continued.

  “I am not so sure on either, but yes, I believe that to be the case. I could not guess how or what occurred, but by whatever process, I think that is was happened,” Tegan conceded.

  “Then we are not brothers?” Telon asked his final question, his voice broken several times due to his heartache. This, above all the pains he endured that day, was the most severe.

  Tegan placed his steady hand on Telon’s shoulder, “By blood, Telon, is the only fashion that we are not brothers. In all other ways we are and always will be, family. I will never consider you any less and I pray that despite the many wrongs that brought us together, you would say the same.”

  Tears rolled from Telon’s eyes and he placed his quivering hand on Tegan’s, “I will always say the same.” He accepted the apology and then walked away. He still had plenty to digest and he preferred to do it alone. Tegan allowed him his space and went back to see to his men.

  They decided to camp for the evening. The elves had many food stores available and were in dire need of help. Rufus was the highest remaining elf and offered them as much hospitality as they had. Having said her goodbyes to her departed husband, Philomena requested a meeting with Gulac, Tegan and Telon. While Tegan and Telon had made things straight, Telon still had not spoken with Gulac.

  She walked in carrying a long leather case and noticed Gulac and Telon sitting on the opposite ends. She heard of the news her husband broke and wished it had not been so.

  She laid the case on the table before them, “Before we look at this, I will tell you everything I know. Please forgive me, as I don’t have the interest in being anything but blunt. I will refuse to apologize to anyone for the deeds of my husband. He did what he believed was best for his people, even though it tormented him so.”

  She paused, seeing if any of them was going to talk. With their silence remaining unbroken, Philomena continued. She looked to Gulac, “Though you were not aware, you were seen by Herrog’s guards when you found the hidden castle. He sent his men to find you, but you escaped. They tracked you back to our village and Herrog came looking for you. You were gone by then, so he threatened Argus to turn you over to him, or he would destroy our village and slaughter our people. Argus saw no other choice than to let Herrog know where you would be and when. That is how Herrog came to capture you just before you left Calonia.” She took a deep breath, the information difficult for her to pass on.

  Gulac looked down for a moment, considering if he would have been able to make a different choice given the same circumstances. The answer evaded him.

  “Argus made a map from the directions you gave him, but vowed only to give another the map at the most dire need. Herrog came again later, after he captured you. He demanded to know if anyone knew of the location of his castle. Argus argued with him that none knew, promising him there was no way that any of them would ever seek it. Herrog accepted it, knowing how easy it would be to destroy us at need, and never returned. He turned his focus on his other, larger, endeavors. In particular, his focus went to the humans at the village by the sea. Too the best of my knowledge, he never considered us again. At least not until today.”

  She paused only for a moment and took another deep breath, looking to Telon, “I know of what Argus said to you before he passed and that it was difficult for you to hear. Please know I would do anything to protect my own son. There are even things his father did of which I hope he never learns. Do not be so quick to judge, or hold a grudge against those that have done wrong. Be lenient, especially when the deed was done out of the love they hold for you. Love is not perfect, and neither are you.” Her last words bit hard to Telon, but he knew they were wise.

  Philomena fought through her pain and continued again, “This is the map Argus made.” She slid it toward the two, ready to get rid of it forever. “I have never opened it and do not want to now. I will happily go to my grave not knowing of the location of that place. I have done all for you that I can, and all that I am willing. I am taking the rest of my family and leaving. Rufus chooses to remain. I wish you neither good luck nor ill will.” She stood and departed the tent, taking what remained of her family and walking to the old village with several of her people.

  After Philomena left, Tegan looked to Telon, “I’m going to leave you two alone.” Tegan gathered the map and left.

  Telon was fidgety as he sat there. He had no idea what to say.

  Gulac began, “Telon, I am sorry for the pain that today caused you. That same desire to spare you agony is what caused me to leave when I did and then not tell you during the past several years. I am not sure I would have ever told you, but now that you know the truth, I cannot pretend to be sad. You are my son. If the great reward for what I have endured in my life is that I get to live whatever is left of it with you knowing I am your father, I would call it a small price to pay.” Gulac hoped Telon was understanding of his joy.

  “Why did you leave? Why not stay and fight for mother?” a pained Telon asked.

  “Something changed in her. She was so beautiful and innocent when we first met. An amazing spirit from the fields she was, much like your Lizzy. Then she became troubled and soon began desiring to be more than she was. She considered it being more, but it turned her into far less, in my opinion. The obsession only multiplied after Sera died giving birth to Tegan. I found out that she was with my brother, who I loved also. My last gift to the only woman I would ever love was to let her be. Moro asked me to look for Herrog and I obliged. The agreement was that Moro would raise you as Tegan’s brother and that they would provide you the same status. Moro agreed, so I left them alone. I hope he was a good father to you.”

  “He was,” Telon answered as he thought back on his life. “He treated me very well. Mother was terrific also. If anything, it was she that treated Tegan worse, though few would say it. She desired for me to be king, probably due to the power of the stone she carried for so long. That stone caused so much pain.” Telon grew quiet again and then dared to take his first look at Gulac since finding out the dwarf before him was actually his father.

  Gulac put his hand on Telon’s shoulder, tears building in his eyes. This time, Telon saved him, “You are my father, maybe part of me always knew? I have had a connection to you, even since I first saw you in the dungeons of the Demon’s Chamber.”

  “I saw my son for the first time that day. It was the hardest thing not to tell you.”

  Telon stood tall. He and his father looked for a moment in each other’s eyes and then embraced. After a moment, Telon stood back, looking to Gulac again. “Father,” he said. The sound of the word sweet to Gulac’s ears, “We should go see about this map, don’t you think?” He smiled at his dad, who could not have been more pleased.

  “Yes, the one who caused all this awaits. I hope you and Tegan are able to put an end to him.” Gulac’s spirit rose. If Herrog were standing there himself, Gulac would have challenged him, with his son at his side.

  The two emerged from the tent to see the leaders of their army ready to meet. A large table was set up before them and Tegan had the map ready to show. When Gulac and Telon approached, he began, “Many years ago, Gulac was sent forth on an urgent mission from his brother, King Moro. That mission was to find Herrog’s hidden fortress. After succeeding, Gulac was captured by Herrog, but not before the location was passed onto another who was able make this map,” Tegan held the rolled-up script high in the air. Cheers rose from the crowd, who knew their fortunes were turning for the good.

  Telon helped Tegan roll the map out as the dwarf lords were the first to look it over, along with Arlow and Bryon, who knew the land better than any other present.

  Bryon was disappointed, “I have been to this location many times. The map is false. There is no fortress there, I can assure you.”

  Gulac countered, “No, it is there! I saw it.” The dwarf was confident, but all
wondered if the years of torture affected his mind. Was it seeing something that was not there?

  Tegan did not know what to say. Telon comforted his father with a calming hand.

  “It is there, I know it to be true,” he quietly said to Telon.

  “We need to find out. A search party will be formed to find the fortress.” Tegan offered, to which Telon quickly agreed.

  “Erol, Cergon, and Kyrie, will you go to search the valley?” Tegan asked but had no doubt of the answer.

  “Yes!” the ogre eagerly agreed.

  Kyrie also stepped forth, “I will go too.” Tegan was appreciative of the mighty gargoyle king and warrior.

  Cergon nodded his acceptance of the request. “I also accept. We will go immediately.”

  Gulac could not watch and wait. “I started this many years ago and have endured the rigors of this journey. I did not do either to stand by now and see if the three of you can find the castle. I request your permission to go with them,” the old dwarf grumbled, upset Tegan didn’t appoint him to the group at the outset.

  “I expected nothing less,” Tegan said. “However, none of them will be able to guarantee your safety, nor can I.”

  “I have never desired my safety guaranteed. I intend to spend my remaining days being of use in this cause. I cannot fight against the enemy, but I can help you find the entrance. That is why I came in the first place, isn’t it?”

  Tegan admired Gulac’s determination. “Yes, it is,” he agreed.

  Tegan then looked to Erol, who did not allow the question. “I will carry him,” the ogre stated. If anyone understood the desire to complete the mission, it was an ogre. Cergon was less excited to have the dwarf but chose to say nothing. Kyrie knew Gulac still didn’t fully trust him, or any gargoyle. It was a well-earned suspicion from many years of captivity, which he would seek to break on this mission.

  Telon didn’t like the idea, so he asked his father, “Are you sure you are up to this?”

  Gulac answered defiantly, “Just because it’s a bad idea doesn’t mean it won’t be fun, or necessary.” The twinkle in Gulac’s eyes spoke of his excitement. “Death in service is better than useless living.” Telon questioned him no more, placing him in the protection of Erol.

  Arlow approached Tegan, “Lord Tegan, this is our land, one we hope to win back in the coming days. I would ask that Bryon also be allowed to join the scout party.” Bryon stood behind his father, ready to go. Tegan could not have prevented him from going if he wanted to, of which he had no desire.

  “Bryon will go, having as much knowledge as anyone of the valleys ahead. Thank you for your offer. Prepare to leave,” Tegan shouted, urging them forward.

  Tegan handed Gulac the map, proud of his uncle for all he had endured. The four warriors and the wizened old dwarf prepared to depart. It took little time for them to gather their things, and then left the camp. Erol carried Gulac high above the snow, with Cergon and Bryon following in his tracks. Kyrie took to the air, scouting the way from high above.

  Tegan again addressed the leaders as the others left their sight, “Jaric, organize the forces and setup patrol shifts to cover the area. Herrog will be aware of us by now, we need to be ready should he attack. Telon, Quelna and Timo, please stay after we are done. Are there any further questions?” Seeing none, Tegan ushered the rest of the leaders out.

  After they departed, Tegan addressed Quelna, “I want to talk about the stone. Do you still have it?”

  “Can we go to your tent? Such talk should not be made in the open.” Quelna replied is a hushed voice.

  Tegan impatiently led the wizard and Telon to his tent, closing the flap upon entering. Timo also entered, knowing it would be a tough discussion at the least.

  “Yes, I am aware of where the stone is,” the wizard replied, short with his words.

  Tegan thought his answer suspicious, but went on, “It seems plain to me now the role that stone has played in my family’s misfortunes for many years. We need to destroy it. At the very least, it needs to be as far away from us as possible. I feel it still is working on us now. I fear its influence.”

  “Tegan, you gave the stone to me freely, for safe keeping. I ensure you I stored the stone safely away. It can do no further harm. Will you be so quick to throw out your own jewel, if you are so lucky to wield it again?” Quelna challenged Tegan, pressing him with the hopes of backing him down.

  Telon grew irritated, “Quelna, what are you doing? The King, who you serve, is asking you for the jewel. Deliver it, or tell us where the jewel is, so we can feel comforted it is not here.”

  “Such distrust! I assure you I do not know where it comes from. Such is the folly of our time.” The dwarf brothers put Quelna’s patience to the test and he grew cross to the dwarf, shooting a warning directly to him, “I do not wish to harm you Telon, but be aware that we know you are not the King and will never be such. I have no reason to answer any of your questions, but I will, just this one more time. The jewel is in safe keeping. Up until now my word on things was quite enough.”

  Quelna paused, his eyes locked with Telon’s eyes. Then he answered one more of Telon’s insinuations, “As for my serving the King, that statement is a falsehood. I serve the land of Lemuria. Almost always that has coincided with what is best for the dwarves. I can see however, where your ignorant statement of confusion could be born.”

  Telon upped the challenge, reaching for his axe, “You do not want to hurt me? Just what do you plan to do, wizard?” Quelna stood still, holding his ground. Tegan nervously stepped between the wizard and Telon.

  “There will be no battle here today!” Tegan ordered as he separated the two. He then quickly turned on Quelna, “It is plain to me the grip the stone is having on us. It must be very close. I will have it delivered to me. Then, like my axe, it will be taken back to Tunder Bin. I assure you also, you have no reason to doubt my words or actions.”

  Tegan paused for a moment, as Quelna gave no answer. Then he ventured a further question, probing the thoughts of the wizard, “I am also curious why you wouldn’t identify that you had the Stone to the leaders when it was discussed? Why are you trying so hard to keep it secret?”

  “I am keeping secret the possession and location of the stone, and for good reason I would think! Its power is beyond any of us. Its temptation even greater. I also am still not convinced it is the Stone, as it does not seem to perform any outright magic. Perhaps I didn’t want the incessant quibbling of what to do with it from the minds of those not prepared for such a discussion. Nor do I wish to talk of the ill-informed desire to destroy all things small minds can’t control. Either way, the reasons for my secrecy are mine alone. As for now, so is the Stone that we believe to be the Stone of Doom and Ruin. Is my word still good on such things, or has my time of use with the benevolent dwarves ran out?” His condescending words dripped with contempt for the two dwarves, which only stewed their distrust further.

  Neither Telon nor Tegan could believe their ears. Timo, however, stood up to his old mentor.

  “Often those in power choose to control the information, not to aid anyone, but purely to control the power. No one should stand before the King of Tunder Bin and deny him the information he requests, not for any reason they see fit. I do not know the best way to handle these three charms, but I am sure the decision of what to do does not lay only in your mind, master.” Timo bowed at the end, hoping to maintain the semblance of their prior arrangement. He was careful to push too far.

  Quelna, while seething on the inside, would not allow that anger to surface. “The student becomes the teacher! I believe you are right, my apprentice. I often still think of all three of you as children, but you have grown in wisdom and power. Forgive me Telon, for the barb laid at your feet earlier. I have become a bit irritable in my later days. Perhaps it is the doing of the Stone in my possession. Perhaps it is purely the onset of my days, but either way, the stone is in a locked box with my things in my tent, which your best warriors
continue to guard. If you believe in them, as I do, then we should have no fear of anyone taking it. When we discover the First Mountain, and perhaps it is Tunder Bin as I believe it to be, then we can discuss in earnest the best way to dispose of it, if disposing of it is what we should even do.”

  “Thank you for sharing that. I will double the guards around your tent and we will set guards around many of the tents to disguise which one is yours. I do not want that stone ending up in vulnerable hands.” Tegan said, motioning to Telon to make it happen.

  “Let me say only one more thing,” Quelna began, gaining their attention. “In all my life I have had only one love. It was not a person, but a place. The land of Lemuria and all its inhabitants are what I seek to protect. Always and still, I have felt the best place to protect the land was through my allegiance to the dwarves. I understand that my moves and motives are being judged but know in all things my allegiance is to the survival of Lemuria.”

  The ominous statement hung like dark smoke on the windless day. While they would not argue with what he said, the statement was also not a glowing pledge of allegiance to the Tegan and the dwarves.

  Tegan said nothing of Quelna’s words but thanked them for coming as they left the tent. Quelna was still quite angry and a wall of distrust rose around him. He knew his days of living with the dwarves were coming to an end. He made up his mind of what his next drastic move would be even before he left the king’s tent.

  Chapter 19: The Determined Heart

  Jedrek restlessly turned in his hopeless attempt at sleep. His desire ravaged his curious imagination, torturing him over his father’s axe. He knew Skyler delivered it back to Tunder Bin and its presence relentlessly called for him. While Lizzy promised Skyler his father was fine, and that he only wanted to keep the axe safe, its appearance at the mountain puzzled him. Why would his father do so? That and many more questions pummeled through his brain like a herd of oxen and there was no stopping it.