“I understand. I won’t touch anything. I promise,” Maci said.
“Just remember to look with your eyes.”
They followed a wide cavern twisting down under the hillside. It opened at last into a large cavern. It wasn’t entirely a natural cavern. The dragon had used its arts to enlarge it, but there was still some evidence of stalagmites and natural formations. On reaching the final large chamber, the light was swallowed by the size of the room. Tiberius had his staff give off a brighter light. It shone out across the room and suddenly light shone back at them from everywhere. The room was filled with coins, gold, and jewels winking back at them from every place imaginable. In a couple of spots it had been piled into stacks.
“Wow!” Maci whispered. “You are really rich!”
“I suppose I should cut you in for a share. I can set up a college fund for you…”
“Oh don’t you dare. I don’t need to go to college; I’m joining the Rangers, remember! Darras said I could! Anyway, if Dad even thinks for a second that I came here for a share of the treasure he’ll kill me.” A sudden question hit Maci. “Do you actually get to keep all this? I suppose it’s all stolen. I don’t know if you can figure out from whom. You work for the government; do you have to give all this back to them? I know you’ll have to pay taxes.”
Tiberius glanced around the room. “Ordinarily I get a small percentage of what I find, but that’s when I’m patrolling in government service. I took a leave of absence to fight the dragon, so the rate goes up a bit for this. You’re right; probably most of this is stolen property. I’ll return what I can to the rightful owners, but what he took from goblins or other dragons … I doubt that can ever be traced. I’m just guessing but there is about thirty million shillings here. I’ll probably be able to pocket about a third of that. Minus your college fund, naturally.”
“I told you; I’m not going to college. I’m bored with school already. Oh, hey! A wakizashi. Looks like a nice one.”
Maci moved towards the Japanese short sword. An Asian sword was unusual enough to attract Maci’s interest, especially as it had been strategically placed on top of a pile of treasure.
“Don’t touch that!” Tiberius screamed. Maci froze and slowly backed away from the short sword.
“It’s a cursed sword. Can’t you feel the evil?” he yelled.
“I wasn’t going to touch it!” Maci said. “I just wanted a closer look. I’ll just back up a bit and let you sort things out.” She did look worried.
Tiberius walked over to the sword. He shone his truthlight spell over the weapon. “Cute. Looks like it’s cursed to kill whoever draws the blade. Wonder where he picked up that little trinket? He put it just where you would be sure to see it too. I bet it’s not the only little surprise waiting around here. I wonder if he’s got any useful magic items about. A decent sword for Darras would be too much to hope for, I suppose. I’m going to need to rent some mules. You can help me drive them up here.”
“Me?”
“What, you’re going to leave when you can actually do something useful? We’ll need help moving this.”
Chapter XIV
The Lord of Vonair
Tiberius sent off a few frantic notes, and Russ and the elves were quick to respond. In a matter of hours, Russell, Gillyian, and some elves arrived and took charge of the body. Tiberius left Maci with Gillyian and the arriving mules. He wanted to report in quickly and let Lord Brandon know he'd need a few days to clean up the dragon's treasure.
Tiberius rode back to the familiar confines of Vonair. He stopped for a quick look at the castle. This was his home now, he realized. He no longer felt comfortable among the city streets of his hometown. This was where he belonged, out at the edge of the frontier. He rode up the road and into the castle, leaving his horse with the groomsmen. They told him there was a meeting going on in the main keep and that he was wanted. Always something, he thought. He turned and headed straight for the main chamber.
Tiberius walked in and saw the officers gathered around the main table. From the moment he walked in the door there was a sudden silence. You could have heard a pin drop in the room. The expressions on everyone’s faces were grave as Tiberius approached the council table. Why everyone was staring at him, Tiberius didn’t know. He hadn’t been gone that long.
“You’re back,” Lord Brandon managed to say.
“Yes, sir. I’m reporting in, but I may need a little more time off. I killed the dragon, but I think I’m going to need to hire a lawyer to deal with the disposal of the treasure. I know I need to file a personal salvage claim report, but I’ve also got to arrange for transportation of the treasure. I also need to arrange for some college trust funds…”
“Wait! Stop!” Lord Brandon said. “Go back to the ‘I killed the dragon’ part.”
“It’s dead, sir, yes,” Tiberius explained.
“This dragon?” Lord Brandon said, holding out an official message. Tiberius glanced at it. It was from the Archbishop warning them of a possible dragon attack in the wake of Dallen’s death.
“Oh, yes, I’m sure this is the one. I’m surprised the Archbishop knew about it. I never knew him to produce any useful information; I thought he was just a political hack,” Tiberius said calmly.
“Never mind the Archbishop. What about the dragon? You killed it already?” Lord Brandon exclaimed.
“Yes, I said that already. That’s why I’m going to need to talk to a lawyer…”
“Can you prove this?” Lord Brandon asked.
Tiberius just blinked at him. It wasn’t like Lord Brandon to challenge his word. “Really, sir? You mean legal proof? I do have an eyewitness but she’s a minor. That’s one of the reasons I think I’m going to need some legal help. I want to set up a college fund for her as well as my niece and nephew, naturally, but her father doesn’t really want to encourage her running off and putting herself in danger like that. I did bring a couple of parts with me. I thought I might need them for the paperwork. I'm sending the head back to Pastor Adams, but I brought a couple of claws if that’s sufficient…”
Lord Brandon held up a hand and Tiberius stopped speaking. The lord of the castle then summoned a page. “Jimmy, would you be so kind as to prepare an immediate dispatch to General Schwartz, informing him that we have positive proof that the dragon is dead and that we won’t be needing to mobilize his divisions after all.”
“Yes, m’lord.”
“We’ll need several copies, as soon as possible,” Lord Brandon said.
“Yes, m’lord.”
“Make sure the riders are ready. Don’t stand there; get moving.”
He turned back to Tiberius. “I’m correct that we won’t be needing those divisions, aren’t I?”
“No, sir. I shouldn’t have thought…” Tiberius started.
“I was under the mistaken impression that my job was to deal with threats to the region, but apparently my job is just to wait till you walk in, say that whatever it is, is dead, and then fill out some paperwork.” Lord Brandon collapsed into his chair with a deep sigh of relief and put his feet up on the table. “Not complaining about that, mind you. Makes my job one hell of a lot easier. But you’ll understand the ‘a dragon is about to attack you’ message did make our lives a bit complicated this morning.”
“I understand, sir. I hadn’t realized the news was in the official channels yet,” Tiberius stated apologetically.
“Even the Archbishop occasionally thinks something is important,” Lord Brandon said. He waved a page boy over, signaling for a round of drinks. Turning back to Tiberius he motioned him towards a chair. “I suppose you’d better sit down and fill us in.”
∴
Later that day, Darras and Tiberius walked along the walls of the castle.
“Your sister told me you started your study of the magical arts on account of this dragon,” Darras said. “What now? Do you put aside your cloak and retire?”
Tiberius gave a sad laugh. “I wish I could. I wish
it were that simple. Becoming one of the magi has changed me forever, Darras. I can’t forget all that I’ve learned. I can’t run away from the responsibilities I’ve assumed.”
“What then?” Darras asked.
“I continue as before. We’re never done with evil, Darras. Any good soldier knows that. When you’ve defeated one enemy, you may have a breather. But it isn’t time to beat your sword into a plowshare. We must be more vigilant now than ever.”
Tiberius took a few steps and looked out over the river. It was a beautiful and peaceful night. The moon and the stars were shining brightly over the rivers.
“Salina had a vision one night,” he explained. “She told me about it. She saw enemies ahead of us. Many enemies. An ancient sleeper, a mad professor, a jade prince, an aristocrat. None of it made much sense. But she was right about me and the dragon. I’m sure she’s right about the others. My life’s work is far from done. Until the King of Kings returns there will be work for us, I’m afraid.”
“We’ll handle them as they come,” Darras said.
“I know,” Tiberius said. “I just wish I knew what to do about Maci.”
Darras blinked at the sudden change in subject. “Why do you have to do something about her?”
“She’s too headstrong,” Tiberius explained. “She had no business following me going after a dragon. What was she thinking? She could have easily gotten killed. Worse than killed. I know she’s talented, but she’s got to learn a little common sense.”
“You’re a fine one to talk,” Darras laughed. “I seem to recall another story about another young kid from Sherwood City going after a dragon with nothing but a stick. Seems to me he came out all right.”
“That was damned stupid of me. Not something anyone should imitate,” Tiberius explained.
“It was an act of courage, just like Maci’s. I train a lot of young knights and the only thing you can do with someone like that is keep training them. Hold them back as long as you can so that maturity and discipline can catch up to their heart. She’s got good teachers; she’ll do all right.” Darras said.
“You really think she can have a career out here with us on the frontier?” Tiberius said frowning.
“Why not? Because she’s a girl? I wouldn’t put just any girl, or any man, out on the frontier. But I’ve met your godsister, and she’s not just any girl.”
Tiberius turned and glanced out again over the waters. “Maybe you are right. Funny, I can order the elements about, but I still can’t do anything with women.”
Lord Brandon came by. “Ah, there the two of you are. I don’t mind saying that I’m going to miss having the two of you serving under me, making me look good.”
“Sir?” Darras asked.
“It’s not official yet, but I got word from one of my friends in the capital. They are going to put me in charge of Maxwell’s legion. Be a nice change I think, running a full division near the capital. The Mrs. will like it. Not to mention that I get a raise. I’ve got you two to thank for it.”
“Congratulations, sir,” Tiberius and Darras said together.
“Well, it’s not quite official yet but near enough. I expect they’ll be promoting you to the commander here, Darras. El Gato’s still got too many enemies in the capital for a promotion. I don’t think he really wants one anyway.”
“That’s as it pleases the Steward,” Darras said.
“Oh, I think he will be pleased. I do have one word of career advice for the two of you. Get married,” Lord Brandon stated.
“Really, sir, I...” Darras stammered.
“You know I’m right, Darras. An officer’s expected to be married. Only black spot on your record. Still, I’m confident they’ll overlook it. For now. Pick out one of these ladies that’s falling over you and marry her for heaven's sake. And what about you Ti? When are you going to settle down? I heard that elvish countess is rather sweet on you.”
“I don’t think that’s a possibility. The countess part gets in the way. I think I may have to leave that dream behind. I was engaged once, but she didn’t fancy the life I’m leading now. Frankly, I don’t know any respectable woman who would.”
Lord Brandon put an arm on his shoulder. “You know, Ti, I may not know much about magic or dragon slaying, but I do know a little something about women. And it so happens I signed that salvage claim form you filed. Let me give you a little advice. Next dance we have, try introducing yourself this way: ‘Hi, my name’s Tiberius and I’m disgustingly rich.’ You try that line, and since it happens to be true, I somehow think you’re not going to have that much trouble attracting a new girlfriend.”
-The End of the Beginning-
APPENDIX A
Many fantasy authors are great language scholars. I'm not one of them; nevertheless, I've tried to provide translations of foreign languages used in the story.
Alfaran (The language of the local elves)
"Abba vaster paidir" – Father answers our prayers
Conversational Esperanto
“Bone, dankon Sinjoro Fuller,” - Good, thank you Mr. Fuller
“Estas plezuro. Ĝis la revido!” -It's a pleasure. Until the next time!
"Adiaŭ" -Goodbye
Mystical Esperanto
A list of the verbal spell components Tiberius uses (also in Esperanto) follows:
Spell: Verbal Component: Comments-literal
Offensive spells
Blade strike-Klingoj frapu-Blade strike
Fire Strike-Flamoj frapu-Fire strike
Boiling strike-Bolanta frapu-Jet of boiling metal
Water strike-Akva jetu-Water jet
Lightning strike-Fulmo trafu-Trafu= hit the target
Metal storm-Stala pilko eksplodo -Steel ball blast
Webs-Teksajo impliku-Weavings entangle
Flash-Ekbrilu-Flash
Hit you-Trafu vin-Hit you
Steel strike-Staloj flugu-Steel strike
Strike and divert-Staloj flugu kaj deturnu por frapu!-Steels fly and divert for strike
Mind strike-Menso punado-Mind punish
Kinetic strike-Kineta frapu-Confirmed but obscure
Arrow strike-Flugu fidela kai rapida!-Fly faithful and fast
Defensive spells-
Dallen's Shield -Mi forgu Kiraso de Dio-I forge armor of God
Protect-Sirmu-Protect
Displace-Delokigas skemon kaj iri nevideblan-Displace figure and go invisible
Dispel-Dispelu-Dispel
Unnoticeability-Ne rimarku nin-Don't notice us
Miscellaneous spells-
Summon staff-Vergo venu-Stick come
Open door-Malfermegu!-Open!
Change appearance-Vestoj sango aspekto!-Garments change look
Peace be still-Silentu! Kvietigu!-Peace be still!
Teleport-Movu-Move
Adjust air pressure-Egaligu aerpremo!-Equalize air pressure!
Rapid horse-Kuru kiel la vento-Run as the wind
Make illusion-Forma iluzio-Make an illusion
Make phantom-Forma fantoma-Make a phantom (illusion with -substance)
Reverse-Inversigu -Reverse
Command-Mi ordonu vin-I order you
-Mi ordonas vin, vi respondas al mi-
-I order you, you respond to me.
Behold-Jen la lumo de li kiu venkis morto eterne-
-Here is the light of him who beat death -evermore
Spell: Verbal Component: Comments-literal
Information spells
Truth light-Verlumo-
What's wrong-Montras min kio estas malguste-Show me what is wrong.
What's hidden-Montras min kio estas kasita-Show what is hidden
What's inside-Montras min kio estas interne-Show me what is inside
Find your master-Montras min kie estas via mastro-Show me where is your master
Summon elementals-
Earth -Forma tero vira bonveno Roka-
Air-Forma aero virina bonveno Loretta -
Fire -Forma fajrego virina
bonveno Sorcha -
Water-Forma akvo virina bonveno Murgen
These are all spoken as follows-
Form
Ti has specific names for his standard elementals, hence the 'welcome' subroutine-
Names are Rocky, Loretta for Our Lady of Loreto, Sorcha (Gaelic for bright) and Murgen for St. Murgen the Mermaid-
The layered defensive shield of Tiberius (spoken as a chant, last line repeats)
Kvin faro mano fari la volon de Dio
Mi banas en la lavo de regenerado
Mi forgas la hauton de la drako
Mi forgas la kirason de Dio
Mi forgas la sildon de prismoj
Mi teksas la mantelon de vento
Kvin faro mano fari la volon de Dio
Five form a hand to do God's will
I bathe in the wash of regeneration
I forge the skin of the Dragon
I forge the armor of God
I forge the shield of prisms
I weave the cloak of wind
Five form a hand to do God's will
APPENDIX B
A Quick Guide to Currency In the Stewardship
Take a quarter out of your pocket. Imagine that it is made of 1/5th of an ounce of pure silver. That's a 'shilling' in the Stewardship. It looks and feels pretty much like a modern American quarter. It will buy you a hot dog, and five of them will buy you a hamburger, fries, and a drink at the local pub.
I used to say it was worth about a modern American Dollar or a Euro, but that was in 2003 before gold and silver prices went nuts in our world. If you want the current exchange rate, look up the current price of one ounce of silver and divide by five.
Why five? Isn't it a 'quarter'? Ah, well there you hit on the one big difference in the currency of the Stewardship and other classic historical currencies that used gold and silver coins. Like most modern banks, the Stewardship decided to decimalize their coins so it would be easy to make change. The practical problem in doing this is that the two most popular coins in the old, non-decimalized world, are the quarter (¼ ounce of pure silver) and the old Spanish silver dollar (1 ounce of pure silver, also called a 'piece of eight') The simple solution was to start chopping silver dollars up into five pieces rather than four. So ten shillings = 2 silver dollars. The classic piece of eight (aka the Spanish silver dollar) becomes a five shilling coin.
Path of the Magi (Tales of Tiberius) Page 44
