Chapter 10 – Allies
Returning to the Great Hall, the queen smiled at them, letting her gaze linger on Steve. “So tell me, what do ye think of Kahvel? Impressive, is he not? To think there are much larger dragons than he still amazes me.”
Sarah raised her hand. “Pardon me, but did you say he is a small dragon? How big do they get?” She looked quickly over at her husband who was chatting with the king. “Never mind, scratch that.” She took a deep breath. “We’re leaving tomorrow to find Maelnar?”
The queen nodded.
“Do we get some sort of guide? We don’t know the way, and I personally don’t want to get lost.”
Callé put a reassuring hand on her arm. “Aye, Sarah, ye will. In fact, ye just met him.”
Sarah gasped aloud. “The dragon? We’re going to be travelling alongside that dragon??”
“Aye.”
“Just the two of us? Alone?!”
“One other will accompany ye. Who that is, I do not think my husband has decided. Many have already volunteered to go.”
Sarah was dumbfounded. “There are actually people who would willingly volunteer to travel with a dragon?”
Callé shook her head. “If ye must know, the dragon is the deterrent. Dragons have been a known threat to our welfare for so long that it has been hard to break the stereotypical attitudes that people have towards them. Everyone would much rather travel with the Nohrin.”
“Us? Why?”
“Ye are the famous Nohrin! To travel with the two of ye guarantees themselves a place in our history books!”
The king, Rhenyon, and a strangely quiescent Steve joined them. “Consider it an honor, Steve,” the king was saying. “Ye have been deemed worthy by Kahvel. A dragon has the same feelings toward men that we have towards them. They do not trust us, as they are not trusted by men. To allow men to accompany them is a feat unprecedented in our history.”
“So in just a matter of a few minutes, he decided he liked me?”
“Aye, that he did.”
Sarah spoke up. “I just don’t think travelling alone with a dragon is such a hot idea.” She looked at her husband. “Sorry, no pun intended.”
Steve grinned.
“Fear not, Sarah, for you will not be alone. Rhenyon here will be accompanying the two of ye tomorrow. He will speak on behalf of R’Tal should the need arise.”
Rhenyon smiled at the two of them. “I am glad I was chosen for this honor. I will serve ye well.”
Steve held out his arm. Rhenyon grasped it. “Glad you’re here, buddy. Can’t think of a better person to have with us for this little excursion.”
Suddenly realizing he had some unfinished business with the captain of the royal guards, Steve unbuckled his belt and slid the jeweled dagger off to hand to the newest member of their party.
“I believe this is yours. Thanks for loaning it to us. Sorry it took so long to get back to you. Forgot about it until just now.”
Rhenyon took the dagger, sliding it out of the sheath, gazing at it with unrestrained affection. “I am glad to have this back. This has been in my family for many generations.”
“Thanks for trusting me with it.”
Later, after they had finished their evening meal, both had elected to retire to their quarters early so they could rest prior to their departure the following day. However, as they were preparing to leave, Mikal called to them from across the Hall.
“Steve, Sarah! Wait!”
Steve paused, allowing Mikal to catch up. “Hey there, sport! What’s up?”
Becoming accustomed to Steve’s familiar monikers, Mikal grinned. “My father was wondering if you would come to the Antechamber.”
Both Steve and Sarah hesitated. “Right now?” Sarah asked.
Mikal nodded.
“Did he just now send you?” Steve wanted to know.
“Aye, I just came from there. I think he wants to wish ye luck for yer journey tomorrow.”
“Oh, okay.”
They turned to follow their young friend back to the enchanted Antechamber, only to discover that the king was clearly in the middle of some type of meeting. Several people they didn’t recognize stopped in mid-sentence to turn and stare at them. Sarah blinked. The closest person to her was incredibly short, with a thick, braided beard. The other was a thin, middle-aged man with short, steel-gray hair. Why did Mikal have them come here now? Clearly his father was busy with other matters. She stared at the short, stocky figure that was standing closest to her. In fact, she blinked a few times more, if she wasn’t mistaken, this was a dwarf! His long, braided beard was tucked into a belt that had several small tools hanging from it. The dwarf studied the two humans intently.
“I beg your pardon,” Steve said, as an uncomfortable silence began, “but your son asked us to come here. You’re busy. We’ll come back at a different time.”
The king held up a hand. “Not at all. I asked the two of ye here.”
Awkwardly, Steve and Sarah approached the strangers who were staring unabashedly at them.
The king walked over to them. The visitors followed. “Steve, Sarah, may I present Quisen, of the Kla Renhn clan.”
The dwarf nodded.
“And may I introduce our resident wizard, Shardwyn.”
The thin man jumped forward to excitedly pump Steve’s hand. “Pleasure to meet ye, m’boy. Great things I have heard about ye! Are ye really a fire thrower? That is simply amazing! To think that outsiders can have that much power without -”
“Later, Shardwyn,” the king murmured, “there will be more than enough time at a later date.”
“Of course, yer majesty, of course.”
“Now. Steve, Sarah, I asked ye here for a reason. The two of ye will be heading out on a long journey tomorrow.”
They both nodded.
“It is customary in our land that when someone goes off on a long journey to send gifts with them. Quisen and his people volunteered their services. Let me just say that they have outdone themselves.”
Steve held up a hand. “Wait a moment. You’re a dwarf?”
Quisen nodded.
“Then can you tell us where to find Maelnar?”
Quisen shook his head. “With regret, lad, I cannot. My clan lives far to the south, deep in the heart of the Selekais. I know naught of Maelnar but legends of his skill.”
“Oh, okay. I didn’t know there was more than one dwarf clan.”
“There are far more that ye would think, human.”
“Getting back on track,” the king interrupted, “Quisen, go ahead.”
Turning, the dwarf retrieved his bundle of gifts that he had placed next to the hearth. Untying the straps, he withdrew a white shirt. He handed it to Sarah.
“This is the finest armor our craftsmen can make. The threads are of pure bryl, our strongest metal. Ye will find it as light as a feather.”
Sarah took the shirt and felt the texture. It felt like silk! This was armor? It looked as though a simple thorn would be capable of ripping it to shreds.
Sensing Sarah’s thoughts, Quisen took the shirt, laid it on the floor, and with a yell, struck it a mighty blow from an ax that was on his belt. Not the slightest mark could be found on the shirt.
“That’s remarkable! Thank you so much!”
He turned to Steve, who was admiring Sarah’s gift. The dwarf handed him a package next. Opening it, Steve discovered a pair of leather gauntlets. He fit one to his right hand. Flexing his fingers, he was pleased to see a perfect fit.
“These gauntlets,” the dwarf began, “are also made of bryl. They will protect your hands from all types of injuries. Observe.”
Quisen turned to a slab of stone that had been brought in for this very occasion. Donning the other gauntlet, the dwarf punched the stone. With a resounding crack, the stone broke in two. Pleased, he returned the gauntlet to Steve.
“It’s ma
de of the same material as that shirt? Looks like leather! Thank you! I will treasure this always!”
“The gauntlets were indeed crafted to resemble leather. We thought it best to disguise their true nature, lad, lest ye run afoul of thieves.”
“Absolutely perfect. Many thanks, Quisen of the southern mountain dwarves!”
The dwarf bowed and stepped aside.
Shardwyn stepped up. “Guess it’s my turn, is it not?” He chuckled and slapped Steve heartily on the back. “Thought long and hard, I did.” He reached behind one of the chairs to retrieve his parcel. “I personally think,” he continued, as he opened his bundle, “that this is one of my finest achievements. But then again,” he winked at Sarah, “I am biased. Here we go.”
He handed the separately wrapped packages to the two of them.
“Go on, go on, open ‘em!”
Chuckling to himself, Steve couldn’t recall ever having a more misguided preconception of what a wizard would look like or how he’d behave. He acted like, well, like how he could see himself behaving when he hit that age. He chuckled again. Best not to bring that up.
He took his package and unwrapped it, revealing… a billy club? There was also some type of harness there with small pouches sewn into the straps. He checked to see what Sarah’s held. Hers was some type of a medallion with a big, fat purple crystal sitting in the middle of it. He removed the wrappings from his ‘club’, picked it up and glanced at the wizard. What was he supposed to do with this? Sneak up on an adversary and thump them on the head?
Shardwyn noted his quizzical expression and started laughing. Big, fat tears rolled down his wrinkled face as he tried to control himself. Still chuckling, he wiped his eyes with his beard.
“I am very sorry, but ye should have seen the look on your face! Priceless!” He snorted out a few more chuckles.
Sighing inwardly, the king yet again steered the wizard back on track.
“Disguise, m’boy! It is in disguise! Just like Quisen here, I decided to make it look undesirable! Who’d want to steal that? Hoo hoo! My best work ever!”
Hefting it in his hand, he looked at the (still) laughing sorcerer. “So what does it do, then?”
“I will show ye, I will, and ye will see how clever this is! This is the ‘nohrstaf’, named in yer honor!” He took the club from Steve and then faced the dwarf, who had been watching with rapt attention. “If ye would be so kind, sir Quisen, as to approach with yer ax in hand. Go on, come at me!”
“And what will happen?” Quisen hesitantly asked. Tales of the quirky wizard have been told as far south as his beloved Selekais. He cautiously pulled his ax off of his belt.
“No harm will befall ye, trust me! Come at me!”
The dwarf approached the wizard, waving his ax from side to side. Suddenly, Shardwyn was holding a sword. Stunned, the dwarf retreated, putting his ax away. The sword vanished, and the club returned. Amazed, he again drew his ax and made a downward striking motion towards the cackling wizard. He stopped the descent of his ax lest it hit the shield that had appeared.
“That is truly amazing, wizard,” the dwarf admitted. “I would know how ye came about crafting that weapon.”
“A wizard never tells his secrets!”
Sighing, the dwarf returned to his spot by the hearth.
Sarah took her medallion out of the box and admired it. It had a large amethyst centered in a silver and gold setting, but it looked tarnished! Was it supposed to look that way? Must be in disguise, too, she mused.
“What does this do?” she asked the wizard.
“That is the strongest protective charm I have created thus far in my life!” Shardwyn said proudly. “While ye wear that ye will be immune to any jhorun. However, if ye are physically attacked, then it will be ineffective. Very important to remember that, miss.”
“Will ye demonstrate the medallion’s charms please?” the king asked.
“Thought ye would never ask!” Shardwyn gleefully rubbed his hands together. “Let’s see, who can we get to attack the lady?” The wizard’s crafty eyes alighted on Steve. “Perfect! Fire off a blast at yer wife and watch what happens!”
Steve snorted. “I don’t think so.”
Sarah shoved the medallion into her husband’s hands. “Nuh uh, no way. You’re not going to make me the guinea pig.”
“Here, let’s do this.” Steve took the medallion from Sarah and placed it around his neck. “Okay, use me. Someone try to do something to me.”
In the blink of an eye, Shardwyn had summoned an intense, frigid blast of air and fired it straight at Steve’s chest. Within moments, a ten foot tall block of ice had completely enveloped him, hiding him from sight.
Sarah rushed to the mini-iceberg. “Omigod! Honey, are you okay? Say something!”
Steve’s muffled voice could barely be heard through the thick ice. “This is freakin’ cool!”
Sarah scowled at the grinning wizard. “Okay, you put him in there. Get him out!”
Shardwyn had just raised his arms when Steve’s faint voice sounded again.
“Move back! I can get out of this.”
Rivulets of streaming water poured off the block of ice, creating pools of water on the floor. In a matter of a few seconds, the ice had rapidly melted right before their eyes.
“See?” Shardwyn was cackling triumphantly. “Not a hair on his head has been harmed!”
“From his own jhorun keeping him warm or from the medallion?” the king wanted to know.
The wizard’s mouth closed with a snap.
“I have a better idea.” Kri’Entu turned to address the shadows on the far wall. “Tristan.”
The tall, quiet soldier materialized next to the king’s side.
“Sir.”
“Use yer daggers. Try to attack sir Steve.”
Tristan didn’t even blink an eye. A dagger appeared in his hand as he faced the fire thrower. A split second later, the knife had been thrown straight at the dumbstruck Nohrin.
Steve blinked. One moment Tristan had been standing right before him. The next, a flash of green light had temporarily blinded him. When the spots finally cleared from his vision, he could see the dagger lying on the ground in front of him. Tristan was just regaining his feet from his hasty journey across the Antechamber.
Sarah was giving the fallen soldier a hand up.
“Are you okay? That was a nasty tumble you took.”
“I am fine. I have taken worse.”
“I would say that was a successful test,” Steve observed, removing the medallion from his neck and returning it to his wife.
Quisen was staring at the medallion with unabashed curiosity. Seeing that the dwarf wanted a closer look, Sarah took off the pendant and handed it to him.
Surprise spread over his features as the dwarf was handed the prized medallion. His respect for these two trusting humans increased by several notches as he held the medallion up close to his face, inspecting it this way and that. He gently prodded the metal, applying pressure to one end, then the other. With a soft click, a hidden compartment on the back of the medallion appeared, exposing a tiny vial. With a triumphant grunt, the dwarf held up the medallion.
“Hah! I thought as much.”
“Ye are good, dwarf,” Shardwyn admitted, “Ye found that very quickly. That is a vial of kaormac juice. Just one drop will heal practically any wound.”
The dwarf grunted his approval, tucking the precious vial back into the compartment. He returned the pendant to Sarah, who placed it back around her neck.
“Thank you, Shardwyn, this means a lot to me. I don’t think I’ll ever take it off.”
The wizard beamed with pleasure. “One more thing, Sir Steve. Ye will notice the nohrstaf harness has pouches on it?”
Steve pulled the harness out and inspected the pouches sewn into the straps. He opened one to reveal a mimet, the nine-sided crystal disc.
“Ye are familiar with a mimet?”
Steve nodded. “Yes, actually the king here told me what they were and even demonstrated their use for me. Trust me, I won’t forget what it can do.” He absent-mindedly ran his hands down the front of his tunic.
Sarah smiled, and had to look away. The king smiled as well, noting her behavior.
“Excellent, m’boy, excellent! Start charging them now. Incredibly handy, those things! Never know when you will need ‘em!”
The king clapped his hands together. “So! The two of ye will start yer journey tomorrow morning. Rhenyon will meet the two of ye out by the southern moat just before sunrise. Ye need your rest. Go now, for ye have a long day ahead of ye. Good journey to ye.”
Both Steve and Sarah bowed before the king. “Thank you, your majesty.”
The Prophecy Page 21
