“Ho, Zollin,” Hammert cried, as he hurried across the huge expanse of the cavern.
“Hello, Hammert,” he replied.
“Back already and causing more trouble I see.”
“I guess it’s just in my nature.”
“Wizards are troublemakers, but don’t let me catch anyone else calling you that. How is your Fire Spirit? Rumors are she made dragons.”
“That’s right,” Zollin said. “She is well. She is with her pride to the south in Yelsia.”
They spent an hour reminiscing before Babaz arrived. Babaz had a curly beard and unlike most of the other dwarves, his skin was light brown.
“So, you’re back,” said Babaz. “I knew you couldn’t stay away from the beauty of our caverns for long.”
“It’s good to see you Babaz.”
“And you, tall one. Where is your fair lady?”
“She is on another mission. I’m afraid the news from the world of men isn’t good,” Zollin said.
“It never is,” said Babaz.
“The tall folk spend too much time in the sun,” Hammert said. “It cooks their brains.”
“How would you know anything about brains?” Babaz said.
“I’ve got a fair deal more than anyone from the Oliad clan,” Hammert retorted.
The two dwarves continued to pick at one another, although the joking was lighthearted and playful. Each of the clans had sent a small delegation, so by the end of the day, there was a large crowd of dwarves in the Dome. Bloc sat with Zollin, away from the commotion of drinking, feasting, and feats of strength.
“What about the Jaq clan?” Zollin asked. “Can they really get here in three days?”
“No,” Bloc said. “We shall make a decision and then take that decision to the clans in the southern mountains.”
“Oh,” Zollin said, a little disappointed that he wouldn’t see Jute at the gathering. He’d hoped to have as many friends at the conclave as possible.
“What are the chances that the dwarves will join our fight?”
“I’d say fifty, fifty,” Bloc said. “Dwarves don’t fear a fight, nor are we ignorant of the dangers that have been unleashed from the underworld.”
“How do you know so much about it?” Zollin asked.
“News travels through the stone far beneath your feet, my friend,” Bloc explained. “And the underworld is a foul place. The beings held in bondage, deep in the earth, have been our natural enemies for centuries, but they dwell in the flat places; we dwell beneath the mountains.”
“There is so much about our world that I don’t know,” Zollin said. “How is it that no one knows about dwarves, and dragons, and giants anymore?”
“Memory is a short thing, especially among men whose lives are fleeting. For the last three centuries, magic has been suppressed in the world. You have seen the decay even among the dwarves. Our Stepping Stones have fallen into disrepair and very few dwarves have seen the light of the sun outside of this great cavern.”
“But still, shouldn’t at least some people know about magic?”
“Some did,” Bloc insisted, “but they hoarded that magic in an effort to control it. You are an example of that effort. You have wondrous power, but very little knowledge. That lack of knowledge is a weakness your enemies can exploit, even if they cannot equal your raw magical power.”
“Okay, I guess that makes sense,” Zollin said. “But it is hard to believe that people don’t even remember what things were like before the Torr came to power.”
“Perhaps they don’t want to remember,” Bloc said. “I’m afraid that many of my kin may wish to stay hidden in our caverns rather than risk open war. It will be a difficult choice.”
“Tell me what you know about the underworld,” Zollin said.
“It is a dire place,” Bloc said. “There are caverns under the flatlands, just as there are under the mountains. Some of those caverns have been filled with creatures better left forgotten.”
“So, Gwendolyn just happened to crack open the caverns where the Leffers were banished?”
“In a way,” Bloc said. “I don’t think her choice of ground was random, any more than a king would randomly choose a field for battle. I cannot say what she knows or even what type of magic she has tapped into, but the underworld is full of dark magic and wicked creatures. I would guess she is calling them to her cause, offering them the chance to roam freely through the world again.”
“Can she do that?”
“If no one stops her,” Bloc said, his eyes peering deeply into Zollin’s, as if he were trying to read the young wizard’s thoughts.
“I guess you mean me,” he said, trying not to sound as sheepish as he felt at the prospect.
“There are a precious few who can,” Block said, raising his mug of beer to his lips.
Zollin sat thinking about what Bloc said. He had no doubt the dwarf spoke the truth. He had known all along that stopping Gwendolyn was up to him, but he felt so inadequate. How could he hope to defeat the evil witch when he had no idea what she was capable of?
“I can’t do it alone,” he said. “I need your help.”
“The question is… can you do it even with our help?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean that nothing can stand in your way, not fear, not hardship...” Zollin started to interrupt, but Bloc held up a hand. “You have proven yourself in these ways, but you cannot let your feelings for the people around you hold you back.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’m saying that you are a man with great compassion. The clans are all talking about how you risked your life to save the Jaq clan. All dwarves hold you high esteem, Zollin, but if you are to defeat the Witch, people around you will die. The very people you are asking for help will give their lives in that fight. You have to be prepared to see the people you care about die. You have to be willing to sacrifice your own happiness, and that is a great sacrifice for anyone to make.”
“Are you willing to do the same?” Zollin asked. “Are you willing to lead the dwarves out of your home beneath the mountains and onto the field of battle?”
“I honestly don’t know,” Bloc said, taking a long drink of his beer. “That is the ultimate question for any leader. My forebears have made that sacrifice and been lauded in this very hall for their courage and honor. But I care deeply for my brothers and sisters. Leading them into a war we may not win will be difficult.”
“So we both must be strong,” Zollin said. “I have one advantage over you; I have seen the sorceress’s power. I have seen her cruelty and what she is becoming. That gives me a resolve that you perhaps do not have. I will fight her. I will do all I can to stop her and if that means sacrificing my own life to stem her tide of evil, I will make that sacrifice.”
Bloc nodded; his gaze steady and unblinking. Neither man nor dwarf spoke for a long minute. Then Bloc, king of the dwarves, spoke.
“Perhaps, you are ready.”
Chapter 15
In Orrock, a large wooden wagon rumbled through the cobblestone streets. The exterior of the wagon was plain, heavy wood, forming a large coach, with a driver perched on a narrow bench mounted on top of the carriage. Inside, the wagon was lined with silk cushions and velvet. A lone occupant sat in the wagon with his long, thin hands twisting nervously.
The wagon rolled quickly through the streets and made straight for the castle. It slowed at the massive gate and then rolled to a stop on the servant’s side of the castle. Homan, the King’s personal steward, met the wagon and escorted the thin, nervous looking man into the huge structure. The servant’s quarters, kitchens, and storage rooms were all bustling with activity, but no one paid Homan or this guest any attention. They went up narrow flights of stone, the steps polished from years of constant use; higher and higher into the castle they went, until finally, they came to a long, broad corridor.
Homan led the way down the corridor to a set of heavy wooden doors. The man noticed th
e horses carved into the doors, and then they were flung open and the man was hurried inside. He noticed the large desk, the thick carpets, and rich furnishings. Then two men stepped out of a side room. One was a soldier, his back straight, his shoulders broad. The other was an older man, his thinning hair gray under the thin circlet of gold that graced his brow.
“Your majesty,” Homan said in solemn tones. “May I present Estry, Tailor of Tranaugh Shire.”
“My Liege,” Estry said, dropping to one knee.
“Ah, it is good to meet you, Master Estry. Thank you for coming so quickly. You may rise.”
“Your men made it possible, Sire,” the thin man named Estry said, as he got back up on his feet.
“Good, I hope you were well cared for. And your family?”
“They are coming,” Estry said. “The escort said they should arrive in a few days.”
“Yes, I’m sorry I had to separate you, but we needed you here as soon as possible. Have you heard from your daughter?”
“My daughter?” Estry said, not understanding the question.
“Forgive me; I forget you have four daughters. You are a busy man.”
Estry smiled nervously.
“I meant your eldest daughter, Brianna,” King Felix said.
“We haven’t seen or heard from Brianna for over a year, my Lord. I’m afraid she was killed.”
There was a note of profound grief in the tailor’s voice as he spoke about his daughter. King Felix smiled.
“She isn’t dead, my good man. She’s here, with us.”
“My daughter is here?”
“She is. She’s been through some changes, but she is perfectly safe now. In fact, the reason I brought you here is because I need your help. You see, my son is in love with Brianna.”
Felix paused to let the weight of his last statement sink in. He watched as Estry’s eyes widened, and he struggled to swallow.
“Unfortunately, these are difficult times, and Brianna needs a little help committing herself to Prince Willam.”
“I don’t know what to say,” Estry said.
“Well, first, let us talk about this arrangement. Is the match suitable to you?”
“Yes, of course, my Liege. It would be the greatest honor to give my daughter to your son.”
“Excellent,” King Felix said.
“But you must know that she has been married once before. It was in our village last year, just before she disappeared. Her husband was killed the day she disappeared.”
“Yes, that is tragic, but it need not concern the future happiness of our children,” Felix said. “They are young and both of them need the other. I think it best that we forget the past and do all we can to help them now.”
“Yes, of course,” Estry said.
“Now, if it would please you, I could bring your family to Orrock on a permanent basis. I will give you enough money to set up a lucrative business for yourself here, so that you can be close to your daughter.”
“That is very generous, your highness.”
“It is the least I can do. Brianna would bring Prince Willam so much happiness. But there is one other problem that I need your help with.”
“Anything,” Estry said. “Just name it, my Liege, I stand ready to serve.”
“Brianna still has feelings for the Wizard Zollin.”
A look came over Estry’s face, both fear and hatred. For the last year, Zollin had been blamed for every problem in Tranaugh Shire. The mercenaries who had come into the small village with the wizards of the Torr in search of Zollin had wreaked havoc on the inhabitants. Four had been killed, included Zollin’s best friend and Brianna’s husband, Todrek. Rumors had trickled in about Zollin, some good, others bad. The black dragon that had run roughshod across Yelsia had been blamed on Zollin. The invasion by the armies of Osla and Falxis had been blamed on Zollin. Everything from failed crops to sickness had been blamed on the boy wizard who had fled the village taking Brianna with him. Estry was torn between a debilitating fear of Zollin and an intense hatred for what Zollin had taken from him.
“Is he here as well?” Estry asked.
“No, but I believe he will return soon. I have treated Zollin like a son,” the King said, a sneer slipping past his otherwise controlled demeanor, “but he turned his back on my good will. I will not lie; he has been a help to our Kingdom, but I do not trust him. I am not certain where his true loyalties lie.”
“I don’t want him anywhere near my daughter,” Estry said.
“Then help me convince Brianna to wed Prince Willam. He has not asked for her hand yet, but he will soon. I am not the kind of man who leaves this sort of thing to chance. That is why I felt it was important to bring you here.”
“I will do everything in my power to see that she makes the right choice,” Estry said.
“That is all I ask,” King Felix said. “Homan will show you to your room and make sure that you have everything you need.”
“Thank you, my Lord.”
“We will soon be family. Please, join me at dinner tonight.”
“I would be honored,” Estry said.
“The honor is mine.”
The King waved to Homan, who hurried to escort Estry out.
“That was shrewd,” said General Corlis, who had been in the room but remained silent throughout the King’s conversation with Estry.
“Like I told you, I never leave things to chance,” King Felix said. “If my son cannot woo Brianna into marrying him, then perhaps her father can convince her.”
“And if both fail?” Corlis asked. “She is a powerful person after all; she might not be convinced.”
“Then I shall bring the full weight of this kingdom onto her.”
“You’ll force her to marry him?”
“No, of course I can’t do that, but I can be convincing.”
“What are you getting at?” Corlis asked.
King Felix whirled around so quickly it caught the haughty, young, commander off guard.
“Who the hell do you think you’re talking to?” Felix shouted. “I’ll have you flailed alive if you ever have the impudence to question me again.”
Corlis paled visibly, but he did not shrink back. His reaction was taken to be fear, because that is what King Felix wanted to believe. He had no idea that the young general was already plotting to topple his sovereign and take Felix’s place upon the throne of Yelsia.
“My apologies, O King,” said Corlis bowing deeply. “Forgive my lapse of decorum. I was caught up in the moment. I beg your forgiveness.”
“You forget yourself at your peril, General,” Felix said, his voice still high pitched with anger. “I am sure you have things to do.”
“Yes, my Lord,” Corlis said. Then he hurried from the room.
King Felix sank into a chair by the fireplace and rang a bell for a servant to come and build up the fire, which had burned down to embers. He steepled his fingers and smiled. His plans were coming together perfectly.
Out in the corridor, General Corlis stalked toward the suite of rooms he’d been given. He was furious, but he kept his feelings in check. He knew that Prince Willam would try to take his father’s place once Corlis had dealt with the King and if the Prince was married to Brianna, it would make his task of usurping the throne that much harder. He locked himself into his room and went to the window. He looked down and saw the dragons below. They couldn’t be allowed to subvert his plans. He needed to find a way to stop Brianna from marrying the Prince.
Homan took Estry down one story from the King’s domicile and showed the tailor a large suite with three adjoining rooms. He was given hot water and towels. His small trunk of clothes had been carried up and placed in one of the bedrooms. He cleaned himself up and changed clothes. Then he waited nervously for Brianna. Homan showed her in and for a long time both father and daughter stood staring at each other.
For his part, Estry thought his daughter looked more beautiful than ever. Her raven black hair was now strea
ked with highlights of auburn and her once pale skin was now golden. Her eyes, always his favorite feature of his eldest daughter, sparkled with a light he had never seen in them before.
Brianna couldn’t believe what she was seeing. Her father was thinner, his hair turning gray and there were deep lines around his eyes and across his forehead. Tears welled up in her eyes. She had always loved her father so much. She loved sitting on his lap as a little girl and then as she grew older, she loved to watch him work. He had a skill with fabric that was as wondrous to her as Zollin’s magic.
“Daddy?” she said softly.
They rushed together, tears spilling down both of their faces.
“I can’t believe it,” Estry said. “I can’t believe you’re alive. We feared the worst after Todrek was found.”
“I’m well,” she said, her voice constricted as she spoke above the soft sobs.
“Better than well,” her father said. “Look at you.”
He pushed her to arm’s length, staring at her.
“You look beautiful,” he said.
“Oh, thank you, daddy. I’ve missed you so much.”
“Your mother will be so relieved to see you again,” he added, but Brianna doubted that was true. “And to find you here, in the King’s castle, it is like a dream come true.”
They spent the next three hours talking. Brianna told her father everything that happened to her since she left Tranaugh Shire. He was shocked and amazed. Then she showed him her power over fire, making flames dance and twirl in the air. He looked frightened at first, and then a fierce pride appeared on his face, making him look younger, more like the man she remembered.
They went down to dinner together, and found that the King had seated them at his own table. It was the first time Brianna had been invited to dine at the King’s table since she had been in Orrock with Zollin months ago. They ate a lavish feast of roasted rack of lamb with vegetables and fresh baked bread. Rich red wine flowed in abundance and by the time Brianna and her father walked back up to the suite he’d been given, both were tipsy. They leaned on each other as they navigated the long hallways.
Five Kingdoms: Book 06 - Evil Tide Page 14
