Ahiram smiled. “Well, perhaps you could find me a sheath for this treasured sword?”
The old dwarf shook his head.
“He does not have the gold and precious stones of the quality this sword requires,” replied Orwutt on behalf of the dwarf.
“A sturdy leather sheath will do just fine.”
“Very well then. Follow me.”
A short while later, Korx Terix Tal, Orwutt, and Ahiram returned with Layaleen in a sheath slung over his shoulder. The Silent looked at Zurwott and gave him a beaming smile. Something good came out of Zurwott’s misplaced curiosity after all.
Ahiram felt his shoulder vibrate violently. The wall of the adjoining cave exploded and the béghôm thundered as she leaped into the cave. Ahiram and the dwarfs jumped to their feet, but the trap worked as expected. Surprised, the beast fell into the pit but managed to land standing. She roared angrily and jumped, her fingers gripping the edge.
“Drop the lid,” yelled a dwarf. “Drop it now!”
The beast roared and pulled herself up as the lever was released. The chain roiled noisily and the lid came crashing down. Despite the lid’s weight, the beast did not lose her grip. Three dwarfs shouted a rallying cry and attacked, axes in hand. The béghôm recognized the danger and pulled her hands away just before the axes fell.
“Drop the rocks,” ordered the same dwarf. Another dwarf jumped to his feet and snatched a pebble from the large pile, then gave the rock at the summit a quick shove. The entire pile tumbled down, buried the cover, and forced the three dwarfs that had attacked the monster to escape through the crumbled wall.
The lead dwarf turned to Zurwott, “We shall securely secure, and secure most securely the beastly beast within the confining confinement we have constructively constructed for it. You may speedily speed along your peregrine peregrination.”
Both dwarfs bowed while the béghôm roared her displeasure and pounded the walls of her subterranean jail.
They had walked through a maze of dark, cold hallways deep within the mines for a long time. Ahiram could no longer tell how long it had been since they left the halls of Master Xurgon, and he marveled at the size of the mines. The caves that I’m familiar with must be no more than a tenth of the actual size of the whole mine system; perhaps even less. He had so many questions he wanted to ask the twin brothers, but he was barely able to keep up with them. These dwarfs are amazing, I need all my wits to walk on these slippery steps without breaking my neck, and they walk as if strolling on a comfortable straight path. Even the dwarf with the heavy blanket we brought to carry the slave walks unhindered.
They had entered the domain of the béghôm and had walked on this slippery ground ever since. Water trickled from the ceiling and the walls were constantly wet, but otherwise, the journey had been uneventful. Dwarfs could be quiet when necessary. They walked as a band of cats on the prowl. Intermittently, Ahiram would hear hushed grunts. He quickly realized they were warnings of holes in the ground, a sudden drop in the ceiling, or rocks that blocked the way. He felt the sword; safe in its sturdy sheath, against his shoulder, for the Silent wore their swords in the Empyrean’s fashion. He thought of the wings and the rest of his treasure tucked safely in his small room, hidden in a hole in the wall behind the bed. He wanted to bring them with him to scare the tribesmen while the dwarfs attended to the slave, but he knew he was not yet ready to use them. He could only fly up and down with the wings, and he had not yet dared to use the mask.
A few quick grunts broke his train of thought. The company had stopped. The dwarfs stood in a circle examining a dark mass. Ahiram moved closer and in the dim light saw a massive boulder blocking the way. They were on a ledge that flanked a cliff to their left and a steep ravine to their right. Their torches could barely pierce through the darkness. The rock leaned on the cliff and extended a few feet over the ravine, blocking the way. An animated discussion went on for a while. Finally, Orwutt told Ahiram, “We are not going to move this boulder.”
“You mean, you could move it if you wanted to?”
Orwutt smiled. “Of course. But if we did, it would make a mighty noise tumbling down the ravine. Can you climb silently?”
It was Ahiram’s turn to smile. He ran his fingers on the boulder’s surface and crawled up. Supple as a snake, he slithered through the narrow opening between the boulder and the cave’s roof and dropped down quietly on the other side. He tapped lightly on the boulder and waited. One by one, the dwarfs crossed over. They are fast, but not as fast as the Silent, thought Ahiram, proudly. Orwutt patted him on the back, which he took as a sign of approval. The company continued along its way without any further incident.
After a long, winding passage, the ground was dry, and they were able to move faster. After rounding a long bend, a brightly lit cave came into full view. The rescue team crawled slowly forward until they reached the end of a ledge that sloped gently into a lower and wider cave. A bare-chested man, skinny and tall, and as pale as the moon stood facing a victim tied to a pole. He was barefoot, with chains of broken bones tied to his ankles and wore shorts and gloves of bearskin and fur. Three claws protruded from each glove, and four fangs were secured to his head-cover—a hollowed bear head that reached down to his shoulders. Ahiram glimpsed a pair of eyes glittering from inside the bear’s jaw, and as the man began to circle the victim, the Silent saw that his back was branded with an image of a béghôm. The man dipped the claws into a nearby jar, sprinkled the victim with blood, and broke into foreign songs. Next, he sprinkled the ground with a gray powder. Behind him, and hidden from view, drums began to beat in a slow threnody.
“The sacrifice has already begun,” confirmed Orwutt.
Ahiram winced. “This complicates our mission.”
“What do we do?” asked Orwutt.
Ahiram smiled. “We improvise. Why these drums, I wonder?”
“The béghôm’s hearing is acutely acute,” Zurwott mentioned.
“She can hear a fly in flight twenty yards away,” added Orwutt.
Ahiram looked at the man circling the victim one more time. With a short whip, he lightly lashed the victim. The slave did not react and his slumped posture told Ahiram he was most likely drugged. Ahiram gestured to the dwarfs to follow him and withdrew from the cave to a place where he would not be heard. The dwarfs stood around him.
“We must stop those drummers at all cost. They may be calling the béghôm. If we don’t, saving the slave will be almost impossible.”
“How do you suggestively suggest we stop them?” asked Orwutt. “Their warriors are standing right behind them and not a foot farther. They are mighty and we are only thirteen.”
“They are expecting the béghôm to show up. Let’s give them what they are waiting for.”
Looks of confusion told him the dwarfs did not understand the plan. “Give me the blanket you brought with you.” He unfolded it. It was made of a twelve-foot square thin layer of cotton, but when folded, it was strong enough to carry the weight of a man without tearing. Orwutt had thought to bring it with them in case they needed to carry the slave back.
“Which of you can carry the weight of two dwarfs on your shoulders?” asked Ahiram.
“Arax, Xern,” Orwutt called out.
“Arax and Xern, stand side by side, one foot apart. Orwutt, we need two dwarfs to stand on their shoulders.”
Orwutt called for Birix and Kruxon. The two dwarfs quickly climbed up and stood on the shoulders of their companions.
“Good. Zurwott, stand on their shoulders,” directed Ahiram, “then we will throw the blanket over you and that will complete our béghôm.”
“But they will see it’s a trick right away.” replied Orwutt.
“Not if our béghôm stays in the shadows grunting, howling, and pounding. He will trick them long enough for us to rescue the slave and get out. Keep in mind they are expecting the béghôm and are afraid of her. As soon as they see something this big step into the cave, they’ll believe it’s the creature. They have no reas
on to doubt it.”
“Fine. Suppose they do as you say and we free the slave. What happens when they discover our subterfuge?”
Ahiram was not used to the methodical approach the dwarfs were famous for. The Silent had turned agility and unpredictability into an art of deception. As far as he was concerned, he had the best plan, given the circumstances. “Well, for one thing,” he replied as calmly as possible, “they may be too scared to pursue us in these caves, and even if they do, they are not used to this environment, but we are. I believe we have an edge here and we had better use it. Any other questions?”
The dwarfs looked at each other, then at Ahiram. Clearly, they were not at ease with his plan. Yet they did not know what else to do.
“All right then,” continued Ahiram, “let’s finish our béghôm.”
A short moment later, an imposing béghôm, at least twelve feet tall, stood before them with an ominous look.
“Good,” whispered Ahiram, “This will do. Walk to the cave, grunting and growling as you go. We will follow you and guide your steps.”
Two dwarfs supporting the scaffold moved in lockstep with the makeshift beast. Ahiram and the rest of the crew followed the strange cortège down the slope. The powerful beat of the drums inside the large cave drowned the sound of their movements and grew faster and louder just as they reached the entrance. The officiating magician was reciting strange incantations while bowing to the ground before the victim who was still slumped while held to the post by the iron chains.
Suddenly, the man sprang up as though bitten by a serpent. Though haggard, his eyes were fixed on the back of the cave where the company stood and from where he expected the béghôm to walk in. The man yelled something and gestured violently. The drumming stopped, and all the desert people stood with worried looks on their faces.
Perfect, thought Ahiram, they are afraid. Their fake béghôm now grunted and snorted continuously as each of the five dwarfs took turns to produce the cacophony, so much so, that Ahiram feared their trick would be discovered.
“Slower with those sounds,” he whispered. “Let Zurwott do it.” A grunt answered him. “Good, now move forward some more and let them see you, then roar, all five of you together. The rest of you get ready to storm in and free the slave.”
“How are we to break these chains?” asked one of the dwarfs, “they are mighty thick.”
“Leave the chains to me,” replied Ahiram.
The fake béghôm eased forward, careful to stay in the shadows, and roared. The man yelled excitedly and then bowed to the ground. All the standing members of the desert people did the same.
“Grunt some more to accept their worship,” whispered Ahiram, “and then roar impatiently.” The five dwarfs applied themselves to the best of their abilities. First, Zurwott grunted in a low voice, and then the five of them roared in imitation of the béghôm. The sound seemed to come from every pore of the creature, and the man lifted his head, then signaled toward his companions, ordering a hasty retreat. They took a few steps back but kept their gaze on the entrance of the cave where the grunting came from. Ahiram peeked into the cave. It was large with a sandy floor and had a narrow back entrance that was blocked by warriors who stood with their backs turned to him. He was about to whisper to Zurwott when Jedarc leaned over to see what was happening. Ahiram saw his friend and stood speechless for a moment.
Since Ahiram was dressed in dwarfish clothing, Jedarc did not recognize him, but his trained eye caught Ahiram’s movement.
“There’s a rescue party in there,” he whispered.
“Who?” retorted Banimelek surprised.
“Dwarfs, by the looks of it. They’ll need a diversion.”
“Crazy maze?” asked Sondra.
The two Silent nodded.
“Sheheluth,” whispered Banimelek, “Get ready to do what I told you.”
The three Silent sprang to their feet and started a bewildering dance, like three drunks stumbling in a narrow, confined maze. With arms tied behind their backs, they kicked each other, shouting as they went.
For a few seconds all eyes were on them. Crazy maze. Jedarc saw me, noted Ahiram. As all eyes were on him, he allowed himself a longer peek. They must be here to save this slave as well, so this must not be a slave but a member of the Silent Corps. He saw the two tall men standing on either side of Sheheluth. What is she doing here? Beginners are barred from joining a whisper. What’s wrong with them? She’s under tight surveillance. This is bad, but I’ll have a word with Sondra later. Now is the time to move.
“When you hear my sword hit the chains, roar as loud as possible,” he coached the fake béghôm. “As soon as the slave is free, grab him and run back as fast as you can.”
“How can you breaking break these chaining chains with your swording sword?” asked one of the dwarfs, incredulous.
Ahiram did not answer. He signaled to the other dwarfs to follow him, and they leaped inside the cave. When Ahiram reached back to grab the sword, the weapon flew out of its sheath and its grip landed into his open palm. He slammed the blade against the chains. The links exploded under the impact and the post was dented. Zurwott roared. Ahiram looked up and saw a few of the desert people patiently trying to subdue the three dancing Silent. He broke the last few links and set the slave free. Sheathing his sword, he aimed four smoke pellets toward his friends, and they landed at Sheheluth’s feet. Following the instructions Banimelek’ had previously given her, she dropped to the ground, then, as the smoke became thicker, she rolled over and crawled in his direction.
Who threw the smoke pellets? Banimelek wondered.
“Charge!” ordered Jedarc. Quick as a cat, Banimelek snatched Sheheluth and followed Jedarc inside the cave. Two warriors lay unconscious by the entrance.
“Keep running,” urged a familiar voice. Jedarc’s jaw dropped and he nearly stopped in his tracks. “Not now, Jedarc,” snapped Ahiram. “Keep running.” Banimelek pushed Jedarc forward and managed to slap Ahiram on the back before disappearing inside the cave.
“Sondra, smoke the entrance,” ordered Ahiram as the young woman reached him. Hearing his voice, Sondra’s eyes widened then grinning wildly, she whirled around and peppered the entrance with smoke pellets, creating a smoke barrier.
“Banimelek, lend me a hand,” called Jedarc who knelt by the unconscious victim, who was still covered with a hood.
“Why is she here?” snarled Ahiram pointing at Sheheluth.
“Jedarc’s choice. He is the leader,” replied Sondra.
“Ahiram, is that you?” asked the young Silent astonished.
Ahiram gazed at her. He was tense and angry. “Don’t slow us down.”
“Are they of the Silently Silent stock?” inquired Zurwott.
“The best of the stock,” replied Jedarc as he snatched the blanket. “Banimelek, we’ll do a carry-ho.”
They slid the blanket beneath the victim and wrapped it tightly around her shoulders and legs. Quickly, Jedarc and Banimelek secured the makeshift stretcher around their chests and foreheads, leaving their arms free for action.
“Everyone out,” ordered Ahiram. “Move!” They bolted out of the cave. “Sheheluth, what are you doing here?”
She stiffened. “It was Jedarc’s idea to bring me along.”
Ahiram scoffed. “He’s going to be reprimanded when we get back,” he muttered. “What was he thinking?” He glanced behind him and winced. The tribesmen had just emerged from the cave and were quickly coming after them. He had assumed they would be able to confuse the desert people and disappear inside the passage before a pursuit was organized. The dwarfs ran as fast as they could, but the company was hampered by the weight of the slave who was still unconscious. Ahiram looked back and noticed they were losing ground. Soon their pursuers would catch up to them and things would get difficult.
Abruptly, the ground became slippery. There, the agility of the dwarfs and the Silent proved to be a real advantage. The pursuers began to lose ground and soon were ou
t of sight. Ahiram began to hope they would rid themselves of the tribesmen, when one of the dwarfs shouted, “The boulder!” Ahiram looked ahead and saw the boulder they had crossed over on their way to the cave. His sword vibrated violently.
“Climb!” yelled Ahiram. “We don’t have a moment to lose.”
“But what do we do with the slave?” shouted one of the dwarfs.
“That’s no slave,” protested Jedarc, “that’s—”
“We will have to hoist him up,” Ahiram cut in, “drag him along the rock toward the other end, we have no choice.”
“Look,” shouted one of the dwarfs. “The boulder. It’s moving.”
Everyone froze. The base of the huge boulder shook and was suddenly whisked out of the way as if a child had just kicked a small pebble. It tumbled down and exploded in the valley below. The vibrations on Ahiram’s back were now so strong that he was almost shaking. He glanced back to see if their pursuers had caught up with them, when everyone shrieked. Sheheluth stiffened. Ahiram turned around and felt his hair stand on his head. A fourteen-foot monster barred the way: red fierce eyes in a white face.
“The béghôm,” he whispered. “Back, go back to the cave.”
The Silent reacted swiftly. Jedarc and Banimelek forced their way through the transfixed dwarfs. Ahiram yanked Sheheluth back. “Run,” he said, “run as fast as you can. Sondra, go. Now!” Turning around, he shook the dwarfs. They snapped out of their shock and scampered back to the cave. The béghôm stood motionless for a moment, then roared with so much power, it nearly took their strength away and shot waves of fright up and down their spines.
“Faster,” yelled Ahiram.
“But what about the tribesmen?” asked Orwutt.
“I don’t know. Run!”
They ran as fast as they could, almost breaking their necks on the slippery pass. The intermittent roar of the béghôm grew distant. Evidently, the beast had not decided to give pursuit.
“Why is he not following us?” shouted Ahiram.
“You have my shared wondering wonderment,” replied Zurwott. “This is an abnormally abnormal on the part of the xarg-ulum. Normally she attacks with ferocious speed. She delays, and I know not why.”
Wrath of the Urkuun (Epic of Ahiram Book 2) Page 13
