by Bruce Leslie
Six-Toe said, “You sure are a big fella, Lump.” His face turned toward Meena. “I like ya, chief!” He pointed at the thick braid hung over her shoulder. “You got hair like a Twisty-Beard, nice’n ruddy like mine.”
Meena frowned. “Again, I’m not a chief.”
Six-Toe nodded. “Whatever you say, chief.” He wrinkled his forehead. “How old was you when you was stole away?”
Meena raised her eyebrows and tilted her head. “I guess you could say I was a baby.”
“Just a baby?” Six-Toe wiped his nose with a sleeve. “Was you born into the Twisty-Beard clan?” he asked.
Meena shook her head. “No.” Her brow furrowed, and she looked down. “I mean, probably not…” She gave her shoulders a slight shrug. “I don’t know, to tell the truth.” She looked at Six-Toe and asked, “Were the Twisty-Beards by the Wretched Water? Near the ruined city?”
Six-Toe laughed and shook his head. “Oh no, they was west, but not that far west.” He said, “No Hill-Folks go to the ruined city, it’s cursed.”
“I see.” Meena nodded. “Well, I was found at the western shore, in the ruined city of Molgadon.”
Six-Toe pointed a finger at Meena. “You’re sure fierce enough to be a Twisty-Beard.” He held his hands out by his sides. “And look at ya now, you’re the chief of the Dragonblinder clan.” He put his hands on his hips. “Even if we’re a small clan, at least we got a bear!”
“I’m not a chief,” said Meena, “we’re not a clan, and we’re definitely not Dragonblinders.”
Flynn pointed at the Lump. “Well, he sort of is.”
“You’re not helping, Flynn.” Meena drew in a deep breath. “We are friends traveling together on common business. No chiefs or clans among us.”
Six-Toe smiled and nodded. “Whatever you say, chief.”
Flynn looked at Meena and raised his eyebrows. “Perhaps you should save your energy, and just indulge the man.”
Meena lowered her eyes and shook her head. She looked at Six-Toe and asked, “Do you think you can lead us to the dragon?”
Six-Toe nodded. “Sure I can. It’s made old Itchy-Leg Hill into its lair. That’s why we was here in the foothills”
The Lump crossed his arms. “Why do they call it Itchy-Leg Hill?”
“On account of the ivy growing there,” answered Six-Toe. “It rubs up on your legs and makes ‘em itch!”
The Lump frowned. “Then why did you live there?”
Six-Toe scratched behind his ear. “Because nobody else is wantin’ to go there.” He shook his head. “But I don’t live there no more, I’m a Dragonblinder now.” He looked at Meena and wrinkled his forehead. “Where do we live?”
Meena laughed. “Nowhere at the moment.” She held a hand up by her shoulder. “We are nomads.”
“Nomads?” Six-Toe turned his face away for a moment of quiet contemplation, then looked back to Meena with a perplexed expression on his face. “I thought we were Dragonblinders.”
The Lump let out a loud laugh and his belly shook. He smiled at Six-Toe and said, “Don’t trouble yourself with it.”
Meena waved a dismissive hand at the Lump. “Call our clan whatever you wish. You will be with us until we finish our dealings with the dragon.”
Six-Toe pointed at Flynn. “He said it’s a worm.”
Meena shook her head. “It’s not important what we call it. What we need is more dragon’s bane, and a way to use it.”
Six-Toe put his hands on his hips and pushed his chest forward. “I’ll do what you order, chief.”
Meena beckoned at the others and walked toward the white bear. “We need to keep moving.” She whistled at the bear. “Come on, Snowy! We need to be off.”
The bear shifted on the ground and rose.
The Lump grinned and asked, “And which way are the Dragonblinders roaming, chief?”
Meena glared at the Lump through narrow eyes. “We are going to Galliston.”
Six-Toe’s face twisted into a disgusted grimace. “There ain’t nothin’ good in Galley-Town, chief.”
“I know,” said Meena. “But we need to speak with the King’s smith. We need him to make something for us.”
“I can show you the quick way to Galley-town.” Six-Toe pointed to the pine laden hills. “Over the foothills will be quicker and safer’n the road.”
“Oh brother!” The Lump took off his leather cap and rubbed his head. “This should be interesting.” He slapped his cap back on.
Six-Toe scratched his matted, red beard. “Are ya sure you don’t wanna see my extra toe?”
19: An Appeal
Traveling through the foothills unsettled the Lump. He followed along as Six-Toe scrambled from tree to tree along no discernible path. It was a mystery how the red-bearded man knew where he was going, if he truly knew at all. In all likelihood, the man was simply mad, perhaps he had eaten too many wild mushrooms.
The forests here were easier to travel through than in Aardland. The pines stood tall, but well spaced, and there was very little in the way of undergrowth or brambles to impede their walking. Making camp was easy and more comfortable being so far from the road. Between the bear and various other animal sentries Meena had on watch, the party got uninterrupted sleep during the night. Aside from further encounters with Hill-Folks, the possibility of meeting other travelers seemed remote. They avoided building a fire during the night, and dined on pine nuts before sleeping. Six-Toe offered to forage for mushrooms, but the rest of the party thought better of it.
On the second day’s journey the hills gradually faded away into rolling pine forests and the hiking was less taxing. The change in both the landscape and Six-Toe’s demeanor suggested that Galliston must lay nearby.
Six-Toe pressed a finger against the side of his nose. “Smell that!”
The Lump gave the man a sideways glance. “I’m not sure I want to.”
“Smell what, Six-Toe?” asked Meena. She gripped her staff with both hands and leaned against it. The large white bear beside her lowered its hindquarters to the ground and sat.
“That stink in the air,” answered Six-Toe. “It’s Galley-Town, just past the edge o’ the woods.”
The Lump chuckled. “Maybe the King cut the cheese again.”
No one responded to his statement.
Flynn straightened his blue tunic. “So we have arrived, at last. Now to decide how best to proceed.”
“That’s what the chief is for!” Six-Toe bounced over to Meena and stood beside her. “What we do now, chief?”
Meena put a hand on the bear’s flank. “Snowy should stay here, in the forest.” She gave the animal a gentle scratch. “We stormed in last time. Perhaps, we should be more diplomatic now.”
Six-Toe nodded. “And I’d better stay here with the bear.” He squinted his eyes. “They don’t like Hill-Folks none too good down in Galley-Town, stayin’ here would do me good.”
Meena shook her head. “No, you’re going with us. Remember, you’re a Drag— you’re a member of our clan now.”
Six-Toe frowned with a groan. “Yes, chief, whatever you say.” The words did not carry his usual enthusiasm.
Flynn asked, “Shall we depart at once, then?”
The Lump grunted. “The sooner we get started, the sooner it’s done with.”
“Yes,” Meena agreed. “We have nothing to gain by delaying.”
Meena spent a quite moment with the bear and it settled into a resting position at the base of a large pine. The group trudged along toward the city and could hear its denizen’s activity before they saw it. They emerged from the trees onto the packed soil of the road into Galliston. The party drew unwelcoming stares from the people coming and going amongst the hovels that passed for domiciles in the unhappy city.
The group reached the unimpressive wall surrounding the castle and Meena hailed the guards manning the gate. She rapped on the small door fixed into the larger gate.
A small slat of wood slid aside, and a guard ordered, “St
ate your business.” He peered through the opening. “By Luna, it’s you again!” He snorted. “I see you don’t have any bears this time, you won’t be able to force your way in now.”
Meena whacked the gate with her staff and the guard jumped back. “We need to report to the King.”
The guard growled and leaned close to the rectangular opening. “You should know we don’t allow wild men past the walls.” His eyes fixed on Six-Toe.
Meena narrowed her eyes. “We are agents of your king, and we need to speak with him.”
“Oh, is that so?” The guard laughed. “Who should I tell him is calling?”
Six-Toe sneered at the man and said, “We’s the Dragonblinders!”
Meena sighed and her face looked like she had bitten into something sour. “Yes, tell him the Dragonblinder has returned with news to report.” She arched an eyebrow. “I assure you His Majesty will be most unhappy if you fail to announce our arrival.”
The guard turned away and spoke to some unseen person behind the gate. “Go ahead, then, pass it along to the herald.” The wooden slat clanked as he slid the opening shut.
Flynn wrinkled his forehead. “I wonder why Six-Toe is unwelcome?”
The Lump raised his eyebrows. “You have to admit he’s, um… a little different.”
Meena wrinkled her nose in annoyance. “Six-Toe is in our party now, and he deserves as much respect as any of us.”
“That King’s just jealous!” Six-Toe scratched his scalp through his red mess of hair. “Hill-Folks ain’t gonna be subjects to no king what can’t even dig a proper sleeping hole.” He poked a thumb into his chest. “We only answer to the chief, and nobody else.” He nodded toward Meena. “I gots me a right good chief, don’t need no king.”
The wooden slat slid open and a different guard’s face appeared. He wore a shocked expression on his face, wide eyed and mouth agape. “We’ve been order to deliver you at once.” He grimaced. “Even the wild man.”
The smaller door within the larger gate opened and the four travelers passed through. Two guards clad in black mail and armed with halberds stood on either side of them and escorted the party to the castle’s entrance. One of the guards mumbled a few words to the herald, and he opened the door.
The herald stepped into the throne room and announced, “Here to present a report to our supreme and glorious leader, His Majesty King Ferte, is the Dragonblinder and his company.”
The herald ushered the group into the throne room. The Lump was relieved to see the chamber devoid of the torture rack, but in its place stood a complement of at least a dozen armed guards. The guards were divided into two groups and lined up against the wall at each side of the room. The King sat upon his throne with Baron Eugene standing to his right. Tarak stood at the King’s left, he had a most disdainful scowl on his face as he watched the party enter.
Baron Eugene stood with one hand resting on the hilt go his sword. “What have you to report?”
Without giving the party a chance to answer, the King furrowed his brow and asked, “Why is this wild man with you?” He shook his head. “They are less than animals, you know.” His eyebrows raised, and he looked at Meena. “Does your witchery have a hold over him as well?”
Six-Toe snarled and bared his teeth. “I do as my chief says!”
Baron Eugene held out a hand to quiet the man. “It will not address the King!”
Meena struck the bottom of her staff against the stone floor. “His name is Six-Toe, and you will give him the same respect you give any man!”
The Lunari sneered at the party. “I have reported your treachery.”
Baron Eugene laughed. “He gets pushed into some mud and declares it treason!”
Tarak shot a quick glare at the Baron then looked at the Lump. “Your wounded leg is healed. What kind of witchcraft did that?” His eyes turned to Meena. “Did you do that, witch? Is this further evidence against you?”
Meena met his gaze with her own unflinching stare and said nothing.
The Lump shook his head. “She didn’t do it!” He smiled and held his hands wide. “It was Tilley.”
The King asked, “And what is Tilley?” He leaned forward on his throne. “Is there another witch about?”
The smile disappeared from the Lump’s face. “No, Tilley ain’t no witch, she’s my mule.”
Tarak crossed his arms. “You mean to tell us a mule healed your leg?”
The Lump chuckled and put his hands on his hips. “She’s not just any old mule, she’s a ghost-mule.”
Tarak dropped his arms to his sides and looked at the King. “I fear your Dragonblinder has gone mad, Your Majesty.”
The Lump clenched his jaws. “My leg’s healed, ain’t it!” He pointed a meaty finger at the Lunari. “You’re convinced a witch is in your presence, why is it so hard to believe a ghost-mule healed my leg?”
The Lunari answered, “Because ghosts aren’t real!”
“Well, I’m telling you they are!” The Lump crossed his thick arms. “At least Tilley is.”
Tarak raised his chin. “I do look forward to seeing you receive the King’s justice.”
The King waved a hand. “Passing judgement may have to wait.” He tilted his head. “Again, what have you to report?”
Meena said, “We encountered the dragon cult—”
Baron Eugene held up a hand to quiet her. “Does the girl speak for you?”
Meena glowered at the Baron and squeezed her staff.
The Lump grinned and nodded. “Oh yes, she speaks for us and a whole lot of other people.”
Meena said, “I speak for myself.” She gave her head a quick nod toward Six-Toe. “Our new friend can lead us to the dragon’s keep.”
“Is that so?” The King opened his eyes wide. “Then why are you here?” He swatted the back of his hand toward her, in a shooing motion. “Be off, get on with the business.”
Meena frowned and her forehead wrinkled. “We need something.” She placed a hand on her chest. “Could we request the services of your smith?”
The King leaned back on his throne and arched an eyebrow. “Why?”
“We need to build a device.” Meena let her hand fall from her chest. “We need something special, to deliver smoke.”
The King asked, “Like a pipe?”
“No.” Meena shook her head. “Something larger.” She leaned her head to one side and looked up at the King. “We also need to collect some rare flowers.” She glanced at Six-Toe then back to the King. “Our previous supply was stolen.”
The Lump asked, “Do any blue aster-flowers grow near here?”
The King looked over at the Lunari. “Tarak, do you know this?”
Tarak nodded. “They are quite rare, but they grow near the Grey-Top Heights. There are very few of them, and they will be most difficult to collect.”
Meena smiled and nodded. “I believe we will be more than capable of gathering what we need.”
The King clutched the armrests on his throne and leaned forward. “What, exactly, do you need the smith to make?”
“Once we obtain the flowers,” Meena answered, “we need to burn them and direct the smoke at the dragon.” She held a hand out by her side. “The smoke will make the creature fall dormant.”
Tarak cocked his head to one side. “The smoke will put the dragon to sleep?”
“Something like that,” answered Meena, “but deeper than sleep, and it can last for many years.”
The King brought a hand to his chin. “So, you’re asking me to sacrifice the services of my smith to you so you can make the dragon fall asleep?”
Meena nodded. “It will eliminate the threat the beast poses to your kingdom.”
Six-Toe stepped forward and held his hands out. “It’ll be a simple thing to piece together.” He held up a finger. “All’s you need is a clay burning pot, a small flame to burn it…” He put a finger on his red-bearded chin. “Of course, you gotta have a collectin’ bell, then you need a breather and a blower
…” He looked down at the stone floor for a moment. “You put a narrow spout to aim it, and there ya have it!”
The Lump looked at Six-Toe with his mouth hanging open. “How in the name of Sol do you know all this.”
Six-Toe grinned a yellow-toothed grin. “Why, I’ve always been good at makin’ things!”
20: Short On Time
Meena turned to Six-Toe. “Would you stay here and work with the smith?” She brought a hand to her chin. “You could help make the smoke device while we retrieve the bane.” She gave him a slight smile.
Six-Toe met her smile with a frown. “I don’t think I’d like being cooped up in Galley-Town when I could be climbin’ the Grey-Top Heights.” He looked down at the floor.
Meena put a hand on the red-bearded man’s shoulder. “It would be a great help if you would do so.” She paused for a moment. “It would also help the Hill-Folk.”
Six-Toe sighed and nodded. “I’ll do as you say, chief.”
The King cleared his throat to gain everyone’s attention. “I haven’t offered my smith’s services yet.” He pointed a finger at Six-Toe with a brief gesture, then let his hand fall. “If your wild man can build the thing, should I lend you my smith at all?”
“Could you?” The Lump clasped his hands together and held them up. “Please!” He glanced at Six-Toe, then back to the King. “I think a craftsman with a little experience would be good for this labor, it’s an important one.”
The King rested an elbow on the throne’s armrest and leaned his face against his hand. “If your wild man thinks he can build this device, I’ll have the smith watch over him.” He grunted. “At the very least to make sure he doesn’t steal anything.” His eyebrows rose. “But, the duty of building it will fall solely on…” The King furrowed his brow. “What was your name, again?”
Six-Toe grinned. “I’m Six-Toe.” He raised one leg and grabbed his ankle. “Do ya wanna see why?”
The King waved his hand. “No!” He grimaced in disgust. “I am certain I can figure it out on my own.”
