King Hergung's mouth fell open, and a collective gasp went through the crowd. This was a serious breach of etiquette. But Tallin simply didn't care.
“While Duskeye and I are here, we will not attend any parties, nor take part in any hollow displays of pageantry. Duskeye and I will not be attending any banquets. Do you hear me? War is coming, and the time for festivity is over!”
King Hergung's face was pale. No one dared to speak. Rali covered his mouth with one hand, hiding a smile. Bravo, Tallin, he thought. It was everything that he had wanted to say, but could not because of his title.
“Prongva-hrofkkva!” Tallin said again, more forcefully. He stretched his arms in front of him, and then expanded them slowly as if parting open a curtain. The startled crowd split down the middle, creating a path. Tallin and Duskeye walked forward, leaving the hall and entering the caverns. Hergung and the crowd remained silent, still reeling with shock.
Rali left Hergung's side and followed Tallin, with Aor, his honor guard, close behind. Tallin noticed Rali walking behind him. He leaned down from the saddle and asked, “Sire, where are your quarters? We must talk.”
“On the north side of the mountain, near the mushroom fields,” said Rali. “Look for my banner. It's posted outside the suite.”
“I'll meet you there,” said Tallin. Duskeye moved to the edge of the pathway, which dropped off onto a sheer cliff. Duskeye spread his sapphire wings and took flight, soaring above the fields within the mountain. The dwarves on the ground pointed and stared, watching the dragon with wonder. Duskeye circled above for a few minutes, and then landed near the mushroom fields. Tallin dismounted and they both disappeared into the northern part of the caverns.
Rali and Aor continued to walk, arriving at their quarters much later. Rali didn't see Tallin or Duskeye, but as soon as they arrived at the chamber entrance, Rali heard Tallin's voice.
“Letta-hud-leyna!” he said, releasing the concealment spell. They had been waiting for Rali outside the chamber, hidden from view.
Duskeye was too large to enter, so he remained outside, blocking the doorway. Aor walked up to him, but when Duskeye failed to move, the guardsman calmly climbed over him. Duskeye never stirred, and Aor didn't say a word; he merely took his place by the chamber entrance.
Aor glanced at the dragon. Duskeye opened one eye and blew a gentle smoke ring around the stoic guard. Aor didn't move as the smoke drifted down around him, but just for an instant, the corner of Aor's mouth lifted in a tiny smile.
“How was your journey?” asked Rali, removing his heavy robes. After a year of wearing light tunics in the desert, it felt odd to wear the type of gaudy imperial clothing that the dwarves expected.
“Interesting,” said Tallin. “On the way here, I took a detour and decided to pass over the ruins of Aonach Tower. There's some activity there.”
“Is it Vosper's men?”
“No. They looked like regular villagers. They're rebuilding the tower.”
Rali's eyebrows shot up. “That's unexpected. Vosper destroyed Aonach Tower to send a message. Those ruins are a permanent symbol of the emperor's triumph. To rebuild them is an act of treason.”
“Yes. It's significant. The common people are rising up-preparing to defend themselves. They know that war is imminent.”
“Yes, war is coming, but the dwarves refuse to accept it.” Rali sat down, his shoulders hunched. “The treaty talks are stalled. The infighting between the clans is intense.”
“Have any of the clan leaders shown a desire to cooperate?”
“Yes. Sundergos and Akkeri support the treaty. Utan and Skemtun abstain, and Bolrakei is opposed.”
“Bolrakei?” said Tallin, scratching his chin. “That's a surprise. I would not have thought that Klora-Kanna would oppose this alliance. Has Bolrakei told you what she wants?”
Rali took a deep breath and told Tallin about Bolrakei's demand for a dragon stone. Tallin's face darkened with anger, and he spun on his heel to leave.
“Where are you going?” asked Rali.
“I'm taking care of this right now,” said Tallin, who exited the chamber. “Duskeye, wait for me here.” The dragon nodded, then yawned. He settled down to take a nap.
Rali watched Tallin's retreating figure. Seconds later, Tallin raised his hand and disappeared, casting a concealment spell so he could walk through the caverns unmolested.
I wonder what that was about? thought Rali, who went back inside his chamber and waited.
Tallin made his way silently through the vast caverns, taking a less-known path to Bolrakei's suite of rooms. It took him almost an hour to reach her by foot, but walking helped him control his anger. By the time he reached the entrance of her cave, he had calmed down.
The air shimmered, and Tallin made himself visible again, startling the guards outside.
“Tell Bolrakei that I am here,” he said. One of the guards nodded and disappeared into the chamber. The guard returned moments later, his face pale.
“Ah… I apologize, Mr. Tallin, but Mistress Shalevault isn't accepting any visitors at this time.”
“I see,” said Tallin, raising one eyebrow. “Perhaps you misunderstood me. It wasn't really a request. Sofna!” Tallin snapped his fingers and the guards slumped to the ground, fast asleep.
Tallin walked into the chamber unopposed, and saw Bolrakei Shalevault eating braised lamb from a giant platter with her bare hands. She gasped with surprise. “How did you get in here?” she said, her mouth full of food. Droplets of grease dripped from her chin and ran down her neck. She wiped her mouth with the back of her sleeve.
“I walked in. Did you really think that your guards could stop me?”
She gulped. “What do you want?”
“You know why I'm here. I know about your request for a living dragon stone. Besides being ridiculous, it's impossible. A dragon stone cannot be separated from its rider. Did you really think you could stall these talks indefinitely with such an obscene request?”
“I'm not stalling. I'm merely… negotiating for something I want. There's no harm in that, is there? And who says my request is obscene? A dragon stone can be separated from its rider. Elias Dorgumir carries a living dragon stone-an emerald that belonged to his father. The boy will go through his binding ceremony soon. After that, he will have no use for the stone. Why not give it to me? It sounds like a perfectly reasonable solution.”
Tallin wondered how Bolrakei knew this information. “While it's true that Elias carries his father's stone, after the boy goes through his binding ceremony, the emerald will be returned to Chua, his father.”
“But why?” she asked. “Chua has no use for it. He's done just fine without it for all this time. Why not just give his stone to me?” Bolrakei smiled.
Tallin couldn't believe her obstinacy. “Are you mad? Listen to yourself. What possible use could you have for a dragon stone?”
“I'm a gemstone collector, Tallin. Beautiful stones are the pride of my clan. I promise I will care for the stone and give it a place of honor among my vast collection.”
“Dragon stones aren't regular gemstones, Bolrakei. They're living things. They can't be separated indefinitely from their owners, just to sit inside a glass case for your amusement. We're at war. Parthos needs your support in order to solidify this alliance. Don't you understand that this is an irrational request?”
“I don't care about your petty war! I don't even understand your desire to help these humans. What have the humans ever done for me? They're nothing to me-less than nothing! I'm not backing down. Either give me that that stone, or I'll continue to block the treaty. It's that simple. The choice is yours.”
Tallin walked over to her, hands clenched at his sides. “You greedy witch... this insult won't be forgotten.”
“What insult? I simply know what I want. And you, Tallin? Have you forgotten where you came from? Why do you fight for them?”
“You presume too much, Bolrakei. You understand nothing about my motivations.”
“Bah! You are a fool! Look at yourself. You sound ridiculous, defending those humans. Wake up, Tallin! You aren't human. And you aren't a dwarf. You're a filthy half-breed-an abomination!”
Tallin's stretched out his hand and grabbed her robe. Her eyes opened wide. “W-what are you going to do?” she asked.
At that moment, five guards burst into the room, swords drawn. “My lady! Are you all right?” The guards pointed their weapons at Tallin.
Tallin eyed the guards and then looked back at Bolrakei, who looked like she was about to scream.
“It looks like our conversation is over… for now. Don't bother getting up. I'll show myself out.” Tallin turned on his heel and left without another word.
One of the guards approached, offering his hand. “What happened, my lady?” he asked. “Did he try to harm you?”
“No, no… I'm fine, Migan. Nothing happened. But double my guard, just in case,” she said.
“The two guards that were stationed outside your chambers are still unconscious, my lady. Shall we notify King Hergung?”
“No,” said Bolrakei. “That won't be necessary. I'll have my vengeance. Sooner or later, I'm going to destroy that filthy half-breed.”
Fighting Shadows
Stop!” said Sela, running ahead of Thorin and Floki. The path was blocked again, this time by a wall of dirt that had collapsed the surrounding walls. The passageway was overgrown with tree roots in numerous areas, which forced them to stop and clear the path.
“We’ll have to use our hands. I can’t risk another explosion—the walls are too weak here.”
They dug furiously to clear the passage. Eventually, enough dirt had been cleared away for them to crawl through and continue on.
Thorin chopped at the roots with his ax while Floki pulled them out of the way. Sela kept the passageway lighted and remained on alert.
“How long have we been down here?” asked Floki.
“An hour, at least,” said Sela. “How far does this tunnel go, Thorin?”
“If I remember correctly, the exit to the tunnel is in that little wooded area, right outside the city,” said Thorin. “We have at least another league to go.”
“We can’t afford any more delays,” said Sela. “We’ve been down here too long already.”
They were lucky, and the passage remained clear for the remainder of their journey. Floki stumbled a few times, tripping on the uneven ground. Thorin traveled expertly through the tunnel, a testament to the years he spent underground working with his mining clan, Marretaela.
They finally made it to the end of the passage. The left side of the wall had collapsed. After they cleared away the dirt, a circular iron door was plainly visible. Sela closed her eyes and sent a telepathic message to her dragon. “Brinsop, we’ve arrived at the exit. Can you trace our position using your dragon stone?”
Easily, said Brinsop. I can feel your presence in the distance. But what should I do with this mage? He’s frozen in place like a frightened rabbit.
“Just start walking. He’ll follow you,” said Sela.
Sure enough, as soon as Brinsop got up and started making her way toward Sela’s location, Islar hopped up and followed, albeit at a distance.
You were right, said Brinsop. He’s right behind me like an obedient puppy.
“I expected as much,” said Sela. “He’s frightened out of his wits, and he doesn’t have much choice except to trust us. Vosper was planning to use him as cannon fodder for one of his spells.”
Minutes later, Brinsop stood directly above the exit door. The door was obscured by blackberry brambles. Brinsop used a massive clawed foot to clear away the brush, exposing the door. She tapped the door with her claws, and the sound echoed below. Sela, tell the others to step away, she said in dragon tongue.
Down below, Sela grabbed Thorin and Floki and pushed them back, away from danger. Brinsop looked over at Islar, who stood trembling several feet away. She waved her paw, and he stepped back a few more paces.
Brinsop grabbed around the circular door with her paws and her feet. She grunted once, and tore the entire door out of the ground. Brinsop lifted it in the air and tossed it aside, sending a huge spray of rocks and soil into the air. The door clattered against a nearby tree, and Islar yelped. Then Brinsop reached into the opening and pulled Sela and the dwarves out of the hole.
“Thank you, Brinsop,” said Sela, wiping off her dusty trousers. Then she turned to Islar and introduced herself. “Hello, young man, I’m pleased you made it out of Morholt alive.” She reached out her hand in greeting.
Islar smiled, reached out, and shook Sela’s hand. “Me too,” he said.
“Do you have Hanko’s dragon stone?” she asked.
Islar nodded, pulling the stone from his pocket. Sela examined the stone, nodding with approval. “This is indeed Hanko’s stone. Good job, young man.”
Islar blushed with pride. “Thank you,” he said. “It wasn’t that difficult to get. Vosper leaves the stones unguarded.”
“Just hold onto it for now, okay? I have many questions for you,” said Sela, “but they’ll have to wait. We can’t stay here, even for a moment. Empire soldiers are looking for us, and the necromancers aren’t far behind.”
Thorin looked around, but didn’t see the rest of Floki’s family. “Floki, where are your wife and children? Did they stay in Morholt?”
Floki hung his head sorrowfully. “I didn’t tell you, Thorin… The children are dead. Halda left me. When we fled Jutland last year, we went to Faerroe. The water is contaminated in that city, and we all fell ill with cholera shortly after we arrived. Our children were sick for months. We both recovered, but they didn’t make it.”
“Oh, cousin… I’m so sorry for yer loss."
Floki nodded, and his eyes misted over with tears. He continued quietly. “Halda—she blamed me for the children’s deaths. Halda never forgave me. We went our separate ways last fall. I don’t know even know where she is now.” Floki put his face in his hands and sobbed.
Thorin patted Floki gently on the back. Islar and Sela stood at a respectful distance, waiting for Floki to compose himself. Sela stepped forward to remind them that they had to go, but she never got the chance. The air shimmered with red light, and a necromancer appeared nearby. The necromancer hissed. He held a short, hooded figure by the neck.
“Baghra help us!” Islar gasped. “It’s Uldreiyn! One of Vosper’s necros!”
“Islar… how fortunate… to have found you here… with your traitorous friendssss… the emperor will be sssso pleased.” The necromancer cracked a ghoulish smile, his sharpened red teeth gnashing silently behind grayish lips.
Sela swirled around, facing the necromancer. She raised her hands, already glowing blue with the mage’s flame. “Stay back, necro,” she warned.
The necromancer laughed—a bubbling hiss erupting from his blackened mouth. “I recognize that voice…. Ssssela. The leader of the dragon riders… oh, how I have longed for thissss day…. to kill you will give me ssssuch exquisite pleasure…”
Sela held her ground. “Get back, all of you,” she ordered. Sela’s dragon stone began to glow as she prepared for battle. Brinsop growled, rearing up on her hind legs.
“Not so fast! Aren’t you the least bit curioussss… to know how we found you?” said Uldreiyn, yanking the hood off his captive. The woman fell to the ground, her face covered with bruises. Thorin and Floki gasped.
It was Halda, Floki’s wife.
“Recognize her? She was sssso cooperative… she gave us all the information we needed to find you; even how to translate your quaint secret dwarf language…” The necromancer laughed again. “We’ve been intercepting your messages…. for weeks.”
“H-Halda?” asked Floki, in disbelief. “You turned traitor for the emperor? How could you do this to us?”
Halda lifted her head and screamed. The necromancer struck her on the back of the head, and she tumbled face-first into the dirt. Her hands were tied behind
her back, her wrists chafed and bloody from the ropes. Floki stepped forward to help his wife, but Sela jerked him back. She shook her head. “Not yet,” she whispered.
Halda spat blood. She looked at Thorin with hatred. “You! It’s your fault we were forced to leave Jutland! You showed up on my doorstep with that cursed child and destroyed my life! My children would still be alive if it wasn’t for you. You signed our death warrants!”
Thorin swallowed hard, but said nothing.
“Sssshut up, dwarf,” said the necromancer, kicking Halda in the stomach. She collapsed to the ground, writhed in the dirt for a few moments, and then lay still.
Floki tore out of Sela’s grip and ran to Halda, tears streaming down his face. “Halda! Halda! Speak to me!”
“Floki, don’t!” cried Sela.
The necromancer leered. “A pity… that you’ve both outlived your usefulnessss.... I would have enjoyed… torturing you both at my leissssure… but my emperor has no use… for dwarves.”
The necromancer’s hand sliced the air in a high arc, and the air crackled with crimson fire. “Bruni-andlat!” he shrieked, and Floki gasped, clawing at his throat as red flames shot from his mouth and nose. He was burning from the inside out. Floki’s skin blackened as he was burned alive. Halda screamed as the spell attacked her as well.
“No!” said Thorin, reaching out. But it was too late. Floki and Halda were dead, their bodies charred beyond recognition.
Uldreiyn smiled, pleased with his handiwork. The necromancer turned to face Sela. “Dragon rider… you will be a more challenging quarry…. Vosper preferssss that you are captured alive, unfortunately.”
Sela raised her glowing hands in defense. “You’re welcome to try, deadrat. It will take more than a little fire spell to best me.”
Thorin drew his ax. The necromancer looked amused, as if noticing Thorin for the first time. “What do… you plan… to do with that little toothpick, dwarf?”
Vosper's Revenge Page 11
