Dwarven Ruby

by Richard S. Tuttle

  “That might cause them to act,” nodded Lattimer. “It would also dry up our funding though.”

  “We would not need any funding if one of the Children dies,” crowed the Dark One. “What gem are the Children working on now?”

  “The Dwarven Ruby,” responded Lattimer.

  “And where do you suspect that will be found?” inquired Sarac.

  “There are dwarves in all of the mountain ranges,” answered Lattimer, “but their ancestral home is in the Southern Mountains. If I had to wager where the ruby is, that is where I would look.”

  “That puts them well to the south of Tagaret,” smirked Sarac. “This would be an appropriate time to strike out at Tagaret. What are the goblins doing these days?”

  “They are gearing up for another attack at Tice,” reported Lattimer.

  “Attacking Tice was just something I gave them to do to keep them from becoming bored,” declared Sarac. “It is not important in the grand scheme of things.”

  “It might not be to you,” frowned Lattimer, “but the last attack hurt the goblins tremendously. They will stop at nothing now to destroy Tice completely.”

  “They do not do what they want,” snarled Sarac. “They do what I want them to. Tell them to prepare to attack Tagaret.”

  “The goblins are a stubborn lot,” Lattimer shook his head. “It will take a great deal of time and effort to even convince them to abandon their goal of destroying Tice.”

  “This is not a request,” growled Sarac. “If they do not obey me, I will create a Universe just for them. It will be one without food of any kind. The goblins will spend the rest of their short days devouring one another until the last one starves to death.”

  “I think they will heed your call,” swallowed Lattimer. “Still it will take a great deal of time to organize. It could be months before they reach Tagaret. By that time, the Children may already have the Dwarven Ruby and be back north.”

  “It will not take months,” snarled the Dark One. “Arrange for the Yaki to join up with them. Let the goblins ride through Tor Pass and onto Tagaret.”

  “Tor Pass?” echoed Lattimer. “I thought we agreed that the losses going through there would be too great. Do not forget the fortification from the Estara Universe. That castle controls the access through Tor Pass. It is much safer to go west to the Lavinda Pass.”

  “I am not interested in safe,” argued Sarac. “I am interested in speed. If the attack on Tagaret is to occur quickly, Tor Pass is the only option. I want Tagaret destroyed while the Children are still down south. I want our forces to wait in the smoldering ruins of Tagaret to destroy the Children when they respond to the horrible news.”

  “I understand,” frowned Lattimer. “You realize that our losses will be great, and that we will be jeopardizing the attack on Tagaret that we had planned for later?”

  “There will be no need for the later attack,” laughed the Dark One. “Besides, if there is, we will have time to rebuild our forces. If you are worried about the Tor Pass, gather the ogres to join in the battle. Let them tear down that castle that blocks the pass. If we need to attack Tagaret later, the pass will be clear.”

  “It shall be as you command,” assured Lattimer. “Is there anything else?”

  “Yes,” nodded Sarac. “This Emperor Hanchi, what do we know about him?”

  “He is a nephew of the old Emperor,” replied Lattimer. “He is aggressive and has amassed a huge army. The latest reports are that he will move to take over Sordoa soon and add it to his empire.”

  “Do we have people on his staff?” questioned Sarac. “Perhaps a close advisor who can manipulate him?”

  “Not on his staff,” Lattimer shook his head. “We do have a few people in the Imperial Palace, but they are not in a position to control the Emperor.”

  “That large of an army begs to be controlled by me,” smirked the Dark One. “It would serve us well as a backup for any great losses we incur attacking Tagaret. See if we can get someone close to the Emperor. Someone who can step in and seize control.”

  “I will see to it,” promised Lattimer.

  “What about Azmet?” continued the Dark One. “Has there been progress in taking control of his army?”

  “We do have a man very close to the prophet,” smiled Lattimer. “It will be hard to actually replace Azmet, but it will not be so hard to control him without replacing him. Their army is heading for Tagaret already. Currently they are laying siege to Klandon and will work their way down the Boulder River to Tagaret. It will be impossible for Arik to raise his banner over Alcea. There will be no Alcea to govern.”

  “Excellent,” smirked the Dark One. “Tell Everich that more money is needed. There is no sense in losing the future gold of Tagaret when we can take it before the city dies.”

  “He will argue loudly,” warned Lattimer. “We have already pushed him so far that riots are commonplace in the city. Taxes are so high that people are starting to leave. Businesses are closing their doors, and people are going without food. If we ask for more, Everich will be overthrown.”

  “That is his problem,” cackled Sarac, “not mine. He need not know that his city will cease to exist soon. Besides, he has no options here. He does what we tell him or he dies. Get the gold while we can.”

  “I will see to it,” nodded Lattimer.

  Chapter 22

  Shifting Sands

  “How long are we going to wait for them to return?” asked Tanya as she sat on the bed in the room rented by Arik and Wylan.

  “They have been gone much too long already,” frowned Alex. “If they are not back soon, I am going down that sewer in the stables to search for them. It is bad enough that they left the room, but nighttime came a while ago. They should know enough to be back by now.”

  Jenneva sat with a smile spread across her lips and Alex stared at her. “Have I missed something?” asked Alex. “How can you find humor is us losing the heir?”

  “It is not the absence of Arik that I find humorous,” smiled Jenneva. “Rather it is witnessing the father instinct in you. I can almost imagine you readying your strap for when Arik does return.”

  Tanya giggled and nodded, “He is to become king soon, Father. Should he not be credited with enough sense to know when to return to his room?”

  “I like hearing you say that,” smiled Alex. “I could not have imagined a finer daughter than you. Perhaps you are right about Arik, but I cannot just dismiss my concerns.”

  “Mother and I are concerned as well,” nodded Tanya. “Still, we must have faith in Arik’s judgment. If there is something wrong, we will not hesitate to act.”

  “You might by more cautious in your speech, Tanya,” warned Jenneva. “Alex and I are not the safest people to be associated with. One can never tell who is listening.”

  Tanya nodded as the door opened, and Arik and Wylan entered the room. Surprise radiated from Arik’s face as he saw who was waiting for him.

  “Out showing the sights to Wylan?” Alex asked sarcastically.

  “Sort of,” Arik shrugged. “We were cautious. And we returned safely.”

  “Who was the girl?” asked Tanya.

  “Sheri,” Wylan gleefully volunteered. “She is one of gang stealing food from the army. Very nice girl. She even sewed up Arik’s tunic.”

  Arik glared at Wylan and shook his head.

  “Why did your tunic need mending?” Tanya asked.

  “Alright,” sighed Arik. “We saw a gang of children preparing to steal a wagon of bread. The army was waiting for them with a trap. We went down and warned them so they could get away.”

  “And you got involved in fighting?” asked Jenneva.

  “Involved?” chuckled Wylan. “Arik and I held off the entire army while the children ran. Arik got hit in the back with a couple of arrows, but he didn’t even feel them. It was great.”

  “Enough, Wylan,” scowled Arik. “I can dig my own grave, thank you.”

  “The breastplate?” asked
Alex.

  “It must have been,” Arik nodded glumly. “I know that it was foolish, Alex, but I could not stand by and watch them get slaughtered. What kind of king would I be if I let my own people die for a loaf of bread?”

  “I am trying to teach you how to survive long enough to become the king,” frowned Alex. “Your premature death will not aid your people at all. Next time try shouting a warning from the window.”

  “I will be more careful,” promised Arik. “Still, it was an interesting lesson about the situation in Tagaret. The gang uses the sewers to move around the city. They are very clever and talented. I can see why the army has become frustrated in dealing with them.”

  “Is that why you waited until dark to come back?” asked Jenneva. “You cannot tell how late it is in the sewers?”

  “No,” frowned Arik. “We did not stay long with the gang. Prince Midge told me the news, so I went to see my mother. I would love to meet my grandmother too if she wasn’t in the Royal Palace.”

  “Oh great,” Tanya said as she rolled her eyes. “Why don’t you just surrender to the Targa army?”

  Alex paced to the window and stood staring out into the darkness. Everyone stared at him, wondering what was going through his mind. Finally he appeared to have made some decision and turned around.

  “And so you shall,” grinned Alex.

  “Are you crazy, Alex?” asked Tanya. “You cannot take him into the palace, and you dare not bring her out. Tell me that you are joking.”

  “Getting to know your family is no joke, Tanya,” smiled Alex. “Either Arik or Queen Marta may be dead when their next chance comes. Besides, Arik appears to be in an adventurous mood today. Wear your sword, Arik. No staff and no bow. Leave most of your gold with Wylan. Having too much will cause suspicion.”

  “He gave all of his gold to Sheri,” Wylan offered.

  “What for?” Tanya said accusingly.

  “For food,” sighed Arik. “I told them to buy food instead of stealing it. I don’t know how long it will last them. They are trying to feed the whole neighborhood.”

  “It was gold well spent then,” smiled Alex. “Tanya, escort Jenneva back to our Inn. Wylan, you stay put in this room. Your adventures for today are over. Arik, let’s go.”

  Tanya opened her mouth to object, but Alex and Arik were already out the door. At the stables they mounted and rode to the Grakus Mercenary Company. The office was closed and Alex banged loudly on the door. David Jaynes opened it. His eyes opened wide when he saw who his visitors were, but he displayed no other surprise. He opened the door wide and waved them inside.

  “You take a chance coming here,” David said. “Especially with Arik.”

  “We made sure that nobody was watching,” Alex assured David. “There are things I would like to discuss with you, but we also need two uniforms.”

  “Grakus uniforms?” questioned David.

  “No,” grinned Alex. “Red Sword uniforms.”

  “I am not liking the sound of this,” replied David as he led the way down the hall. “What do you plan to do with them?”

  “We are going to see the queen,” answered Alex.

  “Do you want me to come with you?” asked David.

  “No,” responded Alex. “Your face is more known in this city than mine or Arik’s. I have something that I think you should be doing, though.”

  “Name it,” replied David. “You know I will do whatever you want.”

  “I want the Red Swords and the mercenaries to start befriending the Targa soldiers,” requested Alex. “Get them involved in sports contests or whatever it takes to create bonds.”

  “Our men would destroy them in any contest,” chuckled David. “The lads have had no training whatsoever.”

  “Don’t compete against them,” suggested Alex. “Make it true sport by mixing members from each side. The idea is for them to see you as big brothers. It will ease what comes in the future.”

  “I think that is a great idea,” grinned David as he handed the uniforms to Alex and Arik. “We can win their confidence instead of their hatred or envy.”

  “Exactly,” nodded Alex. “Who mans the gates and doors to the Royal Palace now?”

  “Targa soldiers still control access,” answered David, “but Red Swords entering or leaving should not be a problem. Most of the Targa soldiers are fearful after the display of entering the city. There are a few that will challenge you though. Fortunately, Colonel Salvo keeps most of them close to him. They will not be on duty at night.”

  “That was what I was hoping,” declared Alex. “Are you ready, Corporal?”

  “Me?” asked Arik.

  “Yes, you,” laughed Alex. “You must learn the signs of rank if you are to portray a soldier. I will explain it to you on the way. Call me Sergeant if anyone talks to us before then.”

  David let the two Red Swords out the door and locked it. They rode towards the Royal Palace while Alex explained what he could about the army. He not only detailed the various ranks and emblems, but also told about the mindset of soldiers. It was a short lesson, but enough for Arik to get by if any questions were asked.

  The Targa soldiers at the gates to the Royal Palace were neither friendly nor hostile. They merely opened the gates for the two Red Swords to ride through. The Red Swords on the other side of the gates were not so casual. As Alex and Arik dismounted, Red Swords surrounded them.

  “Pretty fancy uniforms for city boys,” chuckled one Red Sword. “Where do you think you are going?”

  “To see the queen,” Alex smiled as he turned around and gazed at the men surrounding him.

  “Blessed sword!” exclaimed one Red Sword. “It’s…”

  “Two of our troop,” interrupted another Red Sword. “We thought you guys got lost. I think the queen wants to see you. Do you need an escort?”

  “I know the way, Sergeant,” smiled Alex.

  “You vouch for him?” the Red Sword sergeant asked as he nodded at Arik.

  “He vouches for me,” smiled Alex. “There is an order to everything in life, if you know what I mean.”

  Puzzled looks appeared on all of the Red Sword faces except the sergeant. The sergeant’s eyes grew large.

  “Blessed sword indeed,” the sergeant said softly. “Is it time then?”

  “Not yet,” Alex shook his head. “Just a visit this trip.”

  The sergeant nodded as Alex led Arik through the door to the Royal Palace. Alex knew his way around the Royal Palace fairly well. There was little traffic in the corridors and those people they did pass, paid no attention to them. After a few minutes, they reached the residence section of the palace. A dozen Red Swords stood blocking the corridor. The sergeant in charge looked carefully at Alex and Arik and then looked at Alex again.

  “Why are you here?” the Sergeant asked.

  “To see the queen,” Alex replied.

  “I can admit you,” responded the sergeant, “but I do not know the corporal. He will have to wait here.”

  “He is the one who wishes to see the queen,” countered Alex. “I am merely escorting him.”

  A puzzled frown fell over the sergeant’s face, “Am I supposed to know him? Because I don’t and that means that he doesn’t get through.”

  “You are not supposed to know him yet,” smiled Alex. “In fact, you never saw him here. Tell the Queen Mother that she has company.”

  Realization dawned on the sergeant’s face, but it was not enough to allow Arik to pass.

  “Wait here,” ordered the sergeant as he ran down the corridor.

  He returned a short moment later with a much older man.

  “General Gregor,” greeted Alex. “Always a pleasure seeing you again.”

  “And you, Sergeant,” grinned the general as he placed his hand on Alex’s shoulder. “Bring that corporal into my office, please. He is real, Sergeant,” the general said to the Red Sword sergeant.

  “Thank you, Sir,” replied the Red Sword sergeant. “I thought it best to c
heck, Sir.”

  General Gregor nodded as he led Alex and Arik to his office. He closed the door and turned to kneel before Arik.

  “It is a great pleasure to finally meet you as Prince Arik,” declared the general. “Your grandmother will be thrilled to see you in the flesh instead of a fairy image.”

  “Thank you,” Arik replied awkwardly. “I fear that I do not know how a prince behaves. Forgive me.”

  “There is nothing to forgive,” smiled General Gregor as he rose. “Small things like that matter little to real Alceans. Let me show you to your grandmother.”

  “I will wait here,” announced Alex. “I would like to speak with you if you have the time, General.”

  “I shall return quickly,” promised the general as he escorted Arik out of the room.

  The general was good to his word and returned after a few moments.

  “He seems to have grown since the last time I saw him,” commented the general.

  “In more ways than one,” nodded Alex. “His warrior skills are impressive. His judgment, which I can still find some fault with, is excellent. He will make a great king. He is intelligent and compassionate.”

  “What are his faults?” asked General Gregor.

  “He is still reckless at times,” replied Alex.

  “Now if that isn’t a dwarf calling someone else short,” laughed the general. “I should expect as much considering who his teacher was.”

  “I tried not to teach him those skills,” grinned Alex.

  “Have a seat, Alex,” the general said. “What is it you wanted to talk to me about?”

  “A couple of things,” Alex said as he sat down. “I spoke with David Jaynes about a strategy to win over the Targa soldiers. I will let him discuss it with you. I also spoke with Oscar today. He brought me current on events here in the city. I do not think the Council is going to bend to the queen’s demands.”

  “Truthfully, we have little hope for that,” nodded General Gregor. “Our entrance was rushed a bit. Her speech was to catch Duke Everich off guard. It won’t be long before we find out what he intends to do.”