As if a prayer had been answered, Lady Thora arrived at Ethan’s room just before dinner. He and Markus bowed, while Kat gave her a formal curtsy.
“I see you have some training in etiquette, young lady,” Thora remarked. “That is good.”
“To what do we owe the pleasure?” asked Markus.
“Which of you men is this girl’s guardian?”
The pair looked at each other, then back to Thora, neither knowing how to respond.
“I see,” said Thora. “Then I take it you wouldn’t object if she spent some time with me and my family.”
“I – I suppose not,” stammered Ethan. “That’s really up to her.”
Thora fixed her gaze on Kat. “Well?”
“Well what?” Kat responded.
“Would you like to spend some time with me and see a bit more of the city?”
She shot a look at Ethan, then shook her head. “I had better stay here.”
“I assure you that he will be just fine without you,” Thora said. “You can return here each evening if you wish to see that he’s being taken care of.”
Kat looked again at Ethan, as if expecting him to object, knitting her brow when he didn’t.
“My dear,” Thora continued, “The council’s debate is likely to go on for several weeks, and King Halvar will not allow you to leave this area until it has concluded. I can’t imagine that a young girl like you would prefer to remain cooped up in here the entire time.”
“You should go,” said Markus. “It beats sitting around doing nothing.”
“What will I be doing?” asked Kat.
“I’ve read much about humans over the years,” she replied. “I would be very interested to spend time with one. That you also happen to be a young lady is more than I can resist. I can show you the city, and in return you can tell me about human customs. When I’m forced to take part in the council meetings you can spend time with my two granddaughters. They are excited to meet you as well.”
Kat thought for a moment, then nodded. “Thank you, Lady Thora. I would be pleased to accept your invitation.”
Thora smiled. “Then it’s settled. I’ll send for you in the morning.”
She bowed and left.
“Sounds like fun,” Ethan said to Kat. “That’s just what you wanted.”
The remark was meant to be encouraging. But her response was far from what he expected. After glaring furiously at him, she stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her.
“I’m eating alone,” she shouted from the corridor.
Ethan stood there with a perplexed look on his face. “What the hell was that all about?”
“She has a crush,” said Markus. “She wanted you to say she should stay here with you…and you didn’t.”
Ethan groaned. “I wish she’d leave it alone. She’s way too young for me.”
Markus laughed. “Too young now, maybe. But you wait. There’s only a few years’ difference. I bet she’ll grow up to be a real beauty. Then you’ll be wishing you had been nicer.”
“I am nice,” Ethan protested. “It’s just that I don’t want her to get the wrong idea.”
His friend slapped him on the back. “Poor little Romeo.”
Ethan shot him an irritated look. “That’s not funny.”
Markus laughed even harder. “Sure it is.”
Chapter Eighteen
As the days passed, Ethan felt himself becoming increasingly anxious. With only dwarf books to read and his movements confined, the room that had at first impressed him so much was now starting to feel more and more like yet another prison cell.
To make matters worse, his dreams were becoming ever more vivid. No matter where they were supposed to be taking place – Earth, Lumnia, or those in-between places that only make sense in a dream – they would be filled with visions of dragons dying and people being slaughtered. Each time he woke he would be gasping for breath, still feeling the intense pain of the dragons in his heart.
Kat was spending most of her time with Lady Thora and her two granddaughters. However, she did still make sure to spend at least a short period each evening with him.
From what she had heard while outside the manor, the city was utterly divided. Some believed that Ethan was indeed there to fulfill the prophecy. Others refused to accept it. Tensions were rising, occasionally erupting into open hostility.
Kat told him Thora was growing concerned that the matter should be settled soon, otherwise things might even turn violent. If that were to happen it would give King Halvar more reason than ever to oppose Ethan and those dwarves who were willing to fight.
“We should just go,” he said to Markus one morning over breakfast after nearly two weeks of isolation. “You said you could find us work on the coast, didn’t you?”
Markus frowned. “I doubt they will allow us to leave now. This prophecy of theirs has everyone in an uproar. It looks to me as if we’re stuck here until they can figure it out.”
“I guess you’re right,” Ethan sighed. “But it makes me uneasy the way they’re all looking to me for their salvation. They seem to think I’m some sort of all powerful mage like my father. But I’m not. And who knows if I ever will be.”
“You’ll never convince them otherwise,” said Markus. “Belief is a funny thing. If they believe you can save them, there’s not much anyone can do to change their minds. From what I’ve heard, these people have suffered for so long, they’re desperate for hope. Any hope. And that’s what you are to them. Hope.”
He regarded Ethan for a moment, then cracked a smile. “You’ve just been sitting around here too long. It’s not good to be looking inside your own head every day. It can drive a man crazy.”
That night, while Ethan lay staring at the ceiling, dreading another nightmare that sleep would surely bring, a light knock sounded on his door.
He growled with irritation. “I’m trying to sleep, Kat! Go to bed!”
The door opened, revealing Lady Thora. The sight of her entering jerked Ethan upright. He immediately scanned the room for sight of his clothes.
“Kat is spending the night at my home,” she said. “Get dressed. We must talk. Time is short.”
Ethan hesitated. But it soon became evident that Lady Thora cared little for human modesty. Grabbing his blanket, he wrapped it around his waist. His clothes were piled up in a corner beside the dresser. Doing his best to keep himself covered, he slipped them on.
“Your boots as well,” she instructed. “You’ll be leaving in a few minutes.”
Thora took a seat at the table while Ethan donned his boots.
“Where are we going?” he asked.
“We are not going anywhere,” she replied, gesturing for him to sit.
“Then where am I going?”
“I’m afraid King Halvar has decided to take matters into his own hands. Actually, I think he intended to all along and was just waiting for the right time. He has sent assassins to murder you and your friends. If you stay here, you will be dead by morning.”
The hair on the back of Ethan’s neck stood up. “Why would he do that?”
“He is convinced that you will bring an end to the dwarves. When he brought you before the council last time, he had hoped your words would sway more members to his side. Unfortunately for him, your youth and inexperience was overcome by your heart and conviction. At this point, only two others still support him. And as his support on the council fades, so does his support among the people. Soon he will stand alone and be forced to concede.”
“Can’t you stop him?”
“I’m afraid that King Halvar is determined. He is willing to risk his throne to see you dead.”
She leaned in and focused her gaze. “I am not warning you now because I am convinced you are the answer to our problems. In fact, I have to admit that the king has a valid point. There are no dragons heralding the end of Shinzan’s rule. Your arrival may be a false hope. And though brave you may be, you are no mage. You cannot find v
ictory without magic – and there is no one alive who can instruct you.”
“So what do you want me to do?”
“Flee,” she replied. “Take your friends and flee as far and fast as you can. I ask only one thing of you. Leave Kat here with me.”
Ethan furled his brow. “With you? Why?”
“She has no business on such a perilous journey. And wherever you go, death is sure to follow. I can protect her. King Halvar would not dare to harm a child, human or no. Particularly one protected by a member of the council.”
Ethan thought for a moment and then nodded his consent. “Please see that she is safe.”
Thora smiled and bowed her head. “You have my word. You know, she’s quite taken with you. A pity she is not a bit older. She would make a devoted wife in time. And unless I miss my guess, she possesses a few magical talents as well.”
“Yes, she does,” he confirmed.
“All the more reason for her to stay. She would be hunted in the human world.” Thora rose from her seat. “Now gather your belongings. Birger has already taken the one called Jonas near the passage where you will be leaving. He is waiting with your other friend outside.”
Just as she turned for the door, Ethan stopped her. “Can I asked you something?”
Thora nodded.
“Why are you helping us?”
“Because King Halvar is wrong,” she replied flatly. “Even if you are not the one to fulfill the prophecy, you bring us hope. That is something we desperately need. And I’m helping Kat because I’m a grandmother, and that’s what grandmothers do.”
The moment Thora had left the room, Ethan quickly packed his things. As she had told him, Birger and Markus were waiting just outside his door. Markus appeared calm, but Birger was obviously on edge. His eyes darted back and forth nervously and his hand was planted firmly on the handle of the axe hanging from his belt.
“It’s about time,” he complained. “They’ll be here any minute.”
After taking one final look down the hall, he set off at a fast walk. “There’s no way to depart from the manor unseen,” he told them. “But it will take time for the king’s guards to figure out which way you’ve left the city. Hopefully by then we’ll be far enough ahead of them to escape.”
“So you’re coming with us?” asked Ethan.
“Only as far as the exit to the mountain,” he replied.
“Are you going to get in trouble for helping us?”
“Possibly. But I think that once news of King Halvar’s attempt on your life gets out, I’ll soon be forgiven.”
While making their way through the manor they passed a fair number of servants and various other dwarves. All took notice of them, their eyes drawn especially by the rapid pace that Birger was setting. So fast was it, Ethan was forced into a jog several times just to keep up.
After they were clear of the manor he could see Birger relaxing somewhat. They first headed east, then south through a series of side streets and alleyways until Ethan was hopelessly lost. There were a few dwarves about, but Birger was able to spot them in time to alter their course and avoid detection.
After more than an hour they reached the outer edge of the city. Beyond was an area of flat rock, which ended in a sheer cliff wall that rose high beyond Ethan’s sight. In spite of their peril, his mind boggled at the thought of how long it must have taken to dig out a cavern large enough to house such a grand city.
Jonas was waiting near a small building. As well as his pack, he had with him all of their weapons.
“I was getting worried,” he said. He put on the short sword that Ethan had taken from the slain soldier and handed him his own elegant blade. “You’d better take this. You’ll get more use out of it than I ever will.”
Ethan strapped on the sword. “Let’s hope not.”
Birger led them right up to the cliff face, then over to a spot where there was a small opening in the rock. “This way is not widely known to anyone but the miners,” he said. “It should buy us some time.”
“I think not,” called a voice from inside the tunnel.
The group instantly drew their weapons and backed several steps away from the entrance. A few seconds later a lone dwarf emerged. His red beard was tied in a single braid, as was his waist length hair. He wore black leather armor and carried a large, two-handed axe. He glowered at Birger while resting the weapon on his shoulder.
“Rumhold,” said Birger. “Why have you come?”
“To stop you from making a terrible mistake. I knew where you would go the moment I saw you leaving the manor. You’re not the only dwarf who knows the secrets of the mountains.”
“So you would support King Halvar’s decision to assassinate an innocent?” Birger challenged.
“Innocent?” Rumhold scoffed. “He brings with him certain death for us all. The council members who refuse to see this are fools. They should trust in our king’s wisdom.”
“There is no wisdom in murder. And the king has no right to do this. There is a reason why we have a council. To prevent a king from falling from grace when his mind becomes clouded.”
“It is not the king’s mind that is clouded. He sees quite clearly what this false hope will bring down upon our heads. I implore you to turn back, Birger. I will say that you had a change of heart. Leave the humans to me. I’ll deliver them to the king’s guards.”
“I think you may find it’s not so easy to take us,” cut in Markus. His tone was dark and dangerous. “Unless you have an army behind you, we’ll be leaving now.”
Rumhold drew a short wand from his belt. “I don’t need an army, human. So unless your sword can halt a bolt of lightning, I suggest you keep your mouth shut.”
“Leave this to me,” said Birger.
“So you would fight me?” A heavy frown creased Rumhold’s face. “For the sake of these humans you would bear arms against your own kind? Against a friend?”
“No,” he replied sadly. “I would do it for the sake of our people’s honor.”
“Honor will not save us from Shinzan.”
“You’re wrong. In the end, honor is the only thing that will save us.”
Putting away the wand, Rumhold gripped his axe with both hands. “So be it.”
Birger crouched and broadened his stance. Ethan could see the muscles in his powerful arms quivering with tension, ready to burst into life.
With uncanny speed, Rumhold charged in, swinging his axe upwards from the hip. Birger spun left, easily avoiding the blow and brought his own much lighter weapon down in a deadly backhanded strike. Rumhold only just managed to dive away in time, rolling and instantly regaining his feet.
Rumhold nodded approvingly. “You’ve practiced.” Without waiting for a reply, he feigned right and then stepped left, thrusting the axe head at Birger’s midsection.
Birger swatted the heavier blade down and jumped back, poised to parry. But Rumhold had already matched his movement and was striking at his legs in a tight arc. Birger tried to evade this, but the tip of the blade slashed across his left thigh. In a wild flurry of strikes, he drove his opponent back, then limped out of range. Blood was pouring from the wound and soaking the leg of his pants.
“Don’t make me kill you,” said Rumhold.
Birger glanced down at his injured leg and spat. “I’m not beaten yet, my friend.”
Ignoring the handicap and pain of his wound, he let out a feral roar and ran headlong at Rumhold who, caught off-guard by this unexpected display of aggression, could only raise his weapon and block a series of blows with the flat of his blade. Birger drove him back several paces before planting his boot hard into Rumhold’s chest. A human would have been sent sprawling, but Rumhold’s sturdy legs and low center of gravity kept him on his feet.
Birger advanced again, pressing his advantage. In another hail of strikes he managed to open a deep gash in Rumhold’s right shoulder. Clutching at his wound, the dwarf dropped to one knee.
Seeing an opportunity to finish
it, Birger moved in. But the instant he came within striking distance, he realized his mistake. It was a ruse. Rumhold rolled right and jerked the handle of his axe up hard. It thudded flush against Birger’s jaw.
With legs wobbling, Birger staggered back. Rumhold sprang up and swung at his neck. Birger ducked, but not quite low enough. The massive blade swept above his head, shaving a thin layer of skin from his scalp in the process.
Desperate to get at close quarters, Birger ran in and wrapped his arms around his opponent’s waist. Rumhold smashed the axe handle into his back three times before Birger was able to lift him from his feet and tackle him to the ground.
Scrambling forward onto Rumhold’s chest, he raised his axe. But before he could strike, Rumhold gave a desperate heave, forcing Birger to drop both hands behind him and push hard into the ground in order to prevent himself from toppling back. Once steady, he then squeezed his legs tight around Rumhold’s torso and regained his position.
Rumhold tried to lift his weapon, but it was too long and bulky to be of much use. Now in total control, Birger raised his small axe again, but after hesitating for a moment, tossed it aside. Instead, he produced a short dagger from his belt and pressed the blade to his opponent’s throat.
As the steel touched his flesh, Rumhold ceased to struggle. “You’ve won, my friend. Now finish it.”
Birger shook his head. “Just go back. Tell the king what has happened. Tell him I’m a traitor if you must. But leave.”
“You know I can’t do that. If you release me I will be forced to take up my axe and try again.” He locked eyes with Birger. “You must choose between us.”
With conflict and indecision contorting his face, Birger glanced briefly over to Ethan and the others. No one said a word.
Once again he gazed down at his helpless friend. “Forgive me,” he whispered, moving the blade away from the dwarf’s throat and instead placing it directly over his heart.
“You will doom us all,” said Rumhold. His voice was clear and without a hint of fear.
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