by Charles Lamb
However, rather than exploding, as the captain was surely expecting, Tantalus became very quiet as he calmed himself. He examined the three vessels blocking their way and suddenly smiled, noting the captain shivering at his expression.
“Oh, yes there is,” he replied as he walked to the rail.
Chapter 29
Alex could see all the commotion on the deck of Tantalus’s ship as the man berated the captain standing nearby. He smiled as he watched the man flailing his arms and shouting at everyone. Beyond, he could see Captain Regas and the other ships Alex had placed under his command.
Before departing with the dwarves, he had drafted a letter to be delivered to Windfall, giving Regas the authority to take any of the inactive ships currently at anchor there for his use. It had been Alex’s intent to deal with Tantalus in Gundor, but on the off chance the man escaped, he wanted the harbor blockaded to prevent him from sailing west once more.
He knew it was a gamble, as the pirate could have simply presented the document and then sailed off with the prize of the Windfall fleet. However, with the events around battling the dragon and his generous offer of command, Alex doubted the man would turn tail and run from the opportunity.
As he watched the scene before him, Alex did a quick check on the mermaid twins, while he waited to see if Tantalus would cooperate and finish the trap he had set.
----*----
Tantalus looked out to sea, past the ships blocking their exit and concentrated. He knew he was bluffing his way at this point, but had little choice. He smiled as he envisioned the devastation that was about to befall the hapless victims before him.
His wait wasn’t long as he could see the disturbance in the water just beyond the blockade. He concentrated as he summoned the dragon to him. With an explosion of water, the creature breached the surface, towering over him and the others on deck.
He spread his arms wide, presenting himself to his minion as he had done many times before. Concentrating, he closed his eyes and focused his wish that the dragon clear a path to the sea, crushing and burning anything that blocked their way.
Tantalus opened his eyes, expecting to see the dragon facing him, only to see the side of its head. Following the dragon’s gaze, he could see that damn wizard standing on the dock, with several of his followers next to him.
Tantalus did a double take as he realized what two of the females were holding.
----*----
Alex watched as the Sea Dragon breached next to the ship Tantalus was using to escape. He could hear in his mind as the man instructed the creature to destroy the vessels blocking his way. The arrogance in the tone was like fingernails on a chalkboard to Alex.
While Tantalus continued to shout his instructions to the dragon, Alex subtly projected images of the eggs held in the mermaid’s arms. Doing his best to be calm and reassuring, Alex envisioned the dragon eating Tantalus and in return, receiving her eggs from those on the dock.
As he did so, he didn’t feel the same sense of intelligence that he had from the Red Dragon. It was more an exchange of images, visualizations of what each was communicating.
In response to Alex’s projections, the dragon responded with images of his death as well as those with him. In addition, he could see Nyland burning all around them.
The message was clear, deceive me and all will die. With that. Alex watched as the dragon turned and faced Tantalus once more.
----*----
Tantalus was at a loss for what to do. His bluff had been called as the dragon saw its eggs in the hands of others. His entire life, he had maintained control over the dragon’s eggs, as had his father and his father before him. He had been taught how to control them, bend them to his will, but always in possession of the precious eggs.
His family had been the unquestioned masters over the beasts who could bring them prominence. Only Tantalus had been brilliant enough to bring them forth out of hiding and use them to propel him to greatness.
Now this upstart of a magician was ruining all his plans. He could see the stupid beast struggling to follow his basic commands, so he simplified them.
“Kill them and take your eggs!’ he shouted, not bothering to think it at her. He watched as the dragon turned back to those standing on the dock. As he watched, the women stepped forward and set the eggs gently on the dock, insuring they were safe. Once completed, they stepped back behind the wizard as he stood alone, the eggs at his feet.
With nothing left to bargain with, Tantalus shouted at the beast, his anger turned to panic. His only hope was that the dragon would still follow his commands out of confusion and fear that it was all some trick.
----*----
Alex stood calmly with the eggs at his feet, projecting a simple message: Kill the man and take the eggs, yours to keep forever. He watched as the dragon switched back and forth between him and the frantic Tantalus, now almost hoarse from screaming.
Suddenly, the dragon lurched forward, snatching Tantalus up from the ship’s deck as those around him scrambled to get clear of the snapping jaws. Almost playfully, the dragon tossed the struggling form into the air before bring crashing jaws down on the man, ending his struggles.
In one swallow, Tantalus was gone and the dragon turned its attentions firmly onto Alex. By now, the others had retreated several steps leaving Alex alone with the eggs at the end of the dock.
The dragon approached slowly, wary of any treachery, until it came within reach of Alex on the pier. He backed away with a flourish, indicating the eggs were now in the custody of their mother. All watched as she gently placed both in her mouth before retreating back into the harbor and disappearing beneath the waves.
Alex turned to face his companions, only to find both sisters teary eyed.
“You mother is avenged,” was all he could say before he found himself engulfed by both women, arms wrapped around him tightly as they wept.
----*----
Alex was astride Shadows, with Rose flying without a rider, as they headed back to Gundor. He had left Leander and the twins to manage the chaos they had created in Nyland with the appearance of the Sea Dragon and the death of Tantalus.
With the loss of their master, the crew of the ship offered no resistance when Alex claimed the vessel and its contents for Windfall. He didn’t hold the crew responsible for their master’s crimes, but he warned them that any disobedience would be dealt with swiftly. He promised any who wished it a safe return west or employment in Windfall. From their faces, he didn’t expect any problems either way.
He had also flagged Captain Regas from his position outside the harbor, suggesting they take shore leave before beginning their new role as coastal patrol. The Captain was eyeing Tantalus’s ship as an unclaimed prize, one Alex reminded him was unavailable to him in his new position.
Once everything was in motion, Alex asked Leander to message Ben and let him know all were well and they would soon be returning with Lady Amelia, safe and sound. He really needed to send the man a progress report on all that had occurred and the new holdings they acquired in the west with Tantalus’s passing.
It was with all this going through his mind that Alex arrived at Gundor Stronghold, the dragon still firmly seated in the courtyard below. He had Shadows pass over the area once to be sure everything was as it should be and nothing unexpected had occurred in his absence.
He could see the three women surrounding a small fire, warming themselves. Apparently, someone had provided a small brazier for them, rather than have them move inside. Alex was pleased at the decision.
He could also make out Kinsey parked in the open space between the three women and the dragon. He laughed aloud as he saw the wolf and the dragon nose to nose, as if facing off with each other, the wolf putting her on notice that she was on guard.
After the second pass, he nudged Shadows down until both horses set down lightly, the activity drawing the attention of those standing there.
“Leander?” Abrianna asked, as she noted the r
ider less Rose.
“In Nyland attending to matters for me there,” Alex replied with a smile.
“And Tantalus?” Cassie asked as she stepped up to kiss Alex after he dismounted.
“He is now one with his dragon. We won’t be seeing any more of either of them,” Alex replied after releasing Cassie.
“You sir, are awfully familiar with my daughter,” Lady Amelia declared as she approached from the far side of the horses, blocked from Alex’s view.
“I beg your pardon, Lady Amelia, I do not believe we have been properly introduced,” Alex replied, unsure of what had transpired in his absence. He had assumed that Cassie and her mother had time to discuss her relationship with Alex before his return.
As he stumbled to bow before the woman, all three burst out in laughter.
“Forgive me, we are being unkind,” she said between breaths.
“Mother, may I introduce my fiancée, Lord Protector of Windfall and master of my heart, Alex Rogers. Alex, my mother,” Cassie finished, completing the task while suppressing her laughter.
“My Lady,” Alex began before being interrupted.
“Am I free to go now?” the dragon projected, strong enough that both Alex and Abrianna cringed at the outburst in their heads.
“Forgive me,” Alex said to Amelia while stepping away from the women and walking over to where the dragon sat nearby.
“I assume all went well?” the dragon asked, less forcefully.
“The Master of the House Drakon is no more. The Sea Dragon has her eggs and while I have no idea whom else may be involved, you are free to leave.”
“Then I will do as you say. Remember my warning, Wizard. Take great care, for the elves are not your friends,” the dragon said with finality.
With that, Alex watched as she scooped up the two chests and took to the air. After no more than a few beats of her wings she was high overhead and heading west, to what Alex assumed was her lair in the Dragon’s Teeth.
Turning back, he could see all three women staring at him.
“What did she say about the elves,” Abrianna asked him.
“She warned me that the elves had motives of their own and not to trust that they had our best interests at heart.”
“Maybe so, but for now our interests are aligned, and that’s good enough,” Abrianna replied.
Alex nodded at the comment, but privately wondered if that was still true. Unwilling to delay any further, he got Cassie and her mother mounted on Rose while placing Abrianna behind himself.
He had carried materials from Nyland that would allow him to secure the chests to the back of each mount’s saddle. It created an awkward riding situation, but he couldn’t leave the last two eggs behind with the Vassal King.
Lastly, Alex needed space for Kinsey. He was concerned about overloading Shadows, but doubted Cassie and Amelia would enjoy the trip with 200 pounds of wolf in their lap. Climbing into the saddle, with Abrianna sandwiched between him and the egg chest, he coaxed Kinsey into the spot across his lap.
Shadows made a disapproving snort, but made no other protests as Alex nudged his mount into the open space vacated by the dragon. He checked to see Cassie was following before he did one last check.
Once he was sure all were mounted, the flying horses took to the sky, winging their way west to Nyland.
----*----
It was several more days before all was well enough for Cassie’s Quest to depart Nyland for Windfall. The people of Nyland were quite happy for the off-season boon to their economy as the ships’ crews made use of the inns and taverns while Alex and the captains transferred cargo and crew between ships.
Alex and Ben exchanged several message birds during this time, Ben anxious for more information about the demise of Tantalus and the situation with the Vassal King. Alex doubted very much that they had heard the last of the Vassal Lords, but had no reason to doubt the desire for the peace currently proclaimed.
Captain Regas had found willing recruits from Tantalus’s old crew to flesh out his ships’ rosters. Those sailors uninterested in joining up would be provided transportation home once the ships were all safely anchored in Windfall harbor. Captain Yeagars assured Alex that there were more than enough men aboard each to make the trip safely.
Alex discovered a substantial amount of treasure still in Tantalus’s ship’s hold, thankfully all under lock and key. Apparently, Tantalus had not trusted the Vassal King to protect such riches, instead leaving it to the ship’s crew to guard on pain of death. He would need to check with Ben on the final distribution of the wealth, but suspected some would find its way into the Windfall city coffers.
Once those questions had been addressed and everything was in order, he had Regas escort the cargo ship to Windfall before he began his patrolling of the shipping lanes. Yeagars gave Alex a look of astonishment on the orders, but kept his opinion to himself on Alex’s sanity.
As busy as he was during the day, each night he found himself aboard Cassie’s Quest, where they spent their nights. Alex was not entirely convinced they were safe in Nyland, even with the King’s decree that they were to be treated as honored guests.
Enough people had seen the interaction with Alex and the Sea Dragon that he was confident none would risk attacking their ship by water. He was particularly happy to learn that Kelby and Leena had arranged for the local mermaids to patrol the harbor, insuring nothing approached the schooner without permission.
Cassie and her mom spent the entire span aboard ship, catching up on the time they had lost and discussing their plans for the future. Alex was gratified that he needn’t worry about their safety during the day, but found his evenings to be a bit challenging. It seemed to him that every night was a quiz, testing his knowledge of weddings and life planning.
Amelia was extremely pleasant, seemingly quite satisfied with her daughter’s choice. He did notice a disapproving look each night when they retired, but not a word was mentioned on the subject, and Alex was not about to broach it.
She also took the time to explain her outburst in the dragon’s lair. The disclosure that Tantalus had threatened to marry Cassie off should they win the war caused Alex to flinch as he remembered the scroll proclaiming the same for her mother.
When the day came to set sail for home, Alex was the first to breathe a sigh of relief. After what seemed an eternity of searching, they had finally completed their quest and were homeward bound.
Alex was surprised to learn the Kelby and Leena would be accompanying the group home. He was even more surprised to learn that it was at the specific request of Ben. Alex had learned long ago that if Ben asked something like this not to ask questions.
Chapter 30
Cassie’s Quest arrived in Windfall harbor late in the afternoon. With their arrival in Windfall, the entire city turned out to see the Lord Protector and his bride-to-be. The delivery of Tantalus’s ship and the accompanying wealth had everyone anxious to see the couple. After the failures of Renfeld, the stories of dragon slaying and pirates had glorified the couple to near god-like status.
Alex wasn’t surprised to see the banners of Great Vale flying over the castle. He had little doubt that Ben was anxious to see both his daughter and adopted sister alive and in person as soon as possible. Leaving instructions with Captain Yeagars to get their belongings and the horses ashore as soon as possible, he joined the others in the long boat that met the schooner after it dropped anchor.
As they crossed the open water between their ship and the docks, Alex could see masses of people lining the water’s edge. With the throngs of well-wishers on the docks, the group had to work their way to the gates of the castle before they were met by King Ben. Once in the courtyard, they crossed the open area to meet him on the steps of the keep.
“Father!” Abrianna cried out as she crossed over to meet him before the others. After a kiss and a hug, it was Ben’s turn to speak.
“Amelia,” he said warmly as he embraced his sister.
�
��I am so sorry for what happened, you are unhurt?” he asked as he held her at arm’s length while inspecting her.
Cassie and Abrianna had been able to replace her clothing while in Nyland, but had been limited to what was on hand. Alex had been impressed that the Lady had not spoken a word of complaint over her ordeal nor in her treatment since. Like her daughter, he suspected there was a bit of a tomboy still in her.
“I’m fine, Ben. Please, let’s get these kids inside and we can talk there,” she answered as she led Ben by the hand past the door guards and into the stone keep.
No sooner had they entered the main floor of the keep than Ben had stopped and turned to the rest of the group.
“Can I have a word with Amelia and Alex privately?” he asked, inciting a look of surprise from both Cassie and Abrianna.
“Ah, sure, Father,” Abrianna replied as she grabbed a confused Cassie and led her up the stairs to presumably get cleaned up. She had waved to the mermaid twins to follow as well. Leander took his cue and excused himself as well.
“Follow me,” Ben said as he led the two up the stairs into the all too familiar private study. Once everyone was seated comfortably, he poured drinks and then seated himself. Kinsey had followed the group and found the place she usually occupied. If Amelia found the wolf’s presence surprising, she made no comment.
“To Amelia’s safe return!” he toasted. Alex and Amelia mirrored the action, with everyone drinking.
“I asked you both here for two reasons, the first being Amelia’s opinion of this marriage,” Ben asked as if Alex were not even present. Amelia stared at Ben for a moment, the question clearly unexpected. She then looked at Alex before turning to Ben.
“I have been watching these two for several days now. I never expected Cassie to find someone after all she has been through. He seems to be able to bring out things in her I have never seen before…but is he committed?” As she said the last, she turned to face Alex with a stern look on her face.
