by M. L. Forman
After a few days, Thrang began talking about leaving Kazad-Syn to continue their quest, but Alex reminded him that they still needed a place to sort and divide the treasure they had collected on the Isle of Bones. Thrang asked Thorson if he had a place large enough to put the treasure.
“We won’t be in the city long enough to sort and divide it all,” Thrang told Thorson. “Still, it would be good to make a start.”
“You can use the lower chambers,” said Thorson. “They have been empty for some time. And, if you like, you can leave the treasure here, and I’ll have some of our cousins do the sorting for you.”
“That would save time,” said Thrang. “If the rest of the company agrees, we’ll leave the treasure here to be sorted and divided.”
That night at dinner Thrang asked the rest of the company what they thought about his plan, and they were all in favor of leaving the treasure with Thorson. Thrang was pleased by their willingness to trust his family with so much treasure, and he accepted Thorson’s offer at once. Thorson thanked them all for their trust, rising from his seat and bowing several times to the company.
“Well, with that settled, I have some other news for you,” said Thorson, his smile changing to a serious look as he returned to his chair. “I’ve learned a few things about the Lost Mountains, though I’m not too happy about what I’ve found.”
“Trouble?” Thrang questioned quickly.
“Possibly,” said Thorson. “You should know that there are a few dwarf villages in the mountains, mostly on the western edges. There might even be a few cities, but I can’t confirm that. The dwarfs who live in the Lost Mountains seem to be prosperous, though they try to hide that fact as much as possible.”
“Don’t want thousands of dwarfs rushing in on them, most likely,” said Thrang.
“True, that would explain their secrecy,” Thorson allowed. “Still, there are rumors of trouble. Nothing solid, of course—just rumors.”
“What kind of trouble?” Arconn asked, leaning back in his chair.
“Rumors about an ancient evil reborn,” said Thorson as he nervously looked around at his guests. “An evil that is killing people, and the dwarfs in the villages seem unable to stop it.”
“An ancient evil?” Alex prompted, seeing Thorson’s hesitation.
“The stories say there are packs of wolflike creatures in the area,” said Thorson, glancing quickly at Thrang. “Vicious creatures that show no fear.”
“Wolflike creatures,” Thrang repeated, stroking his beard. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
“The rumors—and mind you, these are just rumors—sound like . . . Well, they sound like the hellerash,” said Thorson, his eyes dropping to his plate.
Alex quickly glanced around the table at his friends, but it was obvious that none of them had the slightest idea what a hellerash was either. Whatever they were, both Thorson and Thrang were afraid of them.
“It can’t be,” said Thrang, a stunned expression on his face. “There hasn’t been a hellerash seen in almost a thousand years.”
“Well, they are only rumors,” said Thorson hopefully. “I’ve had a hard time getting any information about the Lost Mountains, and it’s possible this rumor was started by the dwarfs of the area to keep others away.”
“Yes, that must be what it is,” said Thrang, looking only slightly happier.
“What in the world is a hellerash?” Nellus asked, voicing the question they all wanted answered.
“The hellerash were vicious creatures, like giant wolves,” said Thrang slowly. “They killed just for the sake of killing, and they almost always traveled in packs.”
“The dwarfs used to hunt them down and kill them,” Thorson added. “They were dangerous and clever creatures, so never fewer than thirty dwarfs would go in a hunting party.”
“But the last hellerash was killed almost a thousand years ago,” said Thrang, more to himself than the others.
“Then perhaps this is just a rumor,” said Barnabus.
“It must be,” said Thrang, shaking off the fearful look that had been on his face. “These rumors must be false, but we will stay alert along the road, just in case.”
“A wise plan, considering what happened the last time we heard rumors of trouble,” Arconn said.
Chapter Sixteen
The Hellerash
The days before Alex and his friends left the city were spent depositing the treasure from the Isle of Bones in the lower chambers of Thorson’s home and sorting as much of it as they could. Thorson was amazed by the amount of treasure they had, and he worried that the lower chambers would not be large enough to hold it all.
“Well, brother, I can see you’re far richer than you’ve let any of us know,” said Thorson, smiling at Thrang.
“I’ve had a great deal of luck,” said Thrang. “Been on some good adventures with good people, and Master Taylor here has added a great deal to my wealth.”
“Never hurts to have a wizard along on an adventure.” Thorson laughed. “That’s what our grandfather always said, and I can see he was right.”
“It may not hurt to have a wizard, but it’s better to go with good people,” said Alex. “I’d remind Thrang on our first adventure together that I was not a wizard, and yet we managed to collect a fair amount of treasure on that trip.”
“Perhaps not a wizard in name,” said Thrang with a sly smile. “Still, you’re correct in saying that it’s better to go with good people.”
With their treasure safely stored, Thrang was ready for the company to move on. Thorson seemed a little worried about the time of year, reminding Thrang that winter was coming.
“We should have a month or so of fair weather before winter arrives,” said Thrang thoughtfully. “Plus we’ll be moving south, so winter won’t catch up to us too quickly.”
“And with luck, you’ll reach a village in the Lost Mountains before snow comes,” Thorson added. “Still, I wouldn’t mind having you all spend the winter here.”
“But you might mind before spring came again.” Thrang laughed. “No, we’ll move on in the morning, and return quickly after we find success.”
That night’s feast was a grand one, even compared to all the feasts they’d already been to. Alex suspected Thorson had been preparing it for several days, and the preparation showed. Most of Thrang’s family was there, along with several other important dwarfs from the city. All of them wished the company good luck and a quick return to Kazad-Syn, once they’d completed their quest. The party went late, and would have gone on all night if Thrang had not put an end to it.
“We’ve a long road ahead of us still, and if we sit here much longer we won’t be away before midday,” Thrang said. “I’ll thank you all for my companions and myself, and wish you each a pleasant good night.”
It still took some time for Alex and his companions to make their way back to their rooms. Alex was sad to be leaving Kazad-Syn, but at the same time, he was happy to be moving on. They still had a long way to go on their adventure, and unless he was mistaken, there would be time for dinner parties when they returned from their journey.
Alex was preparing to climb into his bed when a small popping noise and a loud ding announced the arrival of a geeb. He was only slightly surprised to find that the geeb had a message from Whalen; he’d been expecting and hoping for one for quite some time.
Dear Alex,
I apologize for the delay in getting back to you, but I’ve been busy with several other matters. I would point out that you haven’t been sending nearly as many messages as you should, but as I haven’t been sending any at all, let’s start over and this time I promise to keep up with you.
Looking back over your messages, I see you’ve met Bane. He’s an interesting fellow with an even more interesting story. I’m happy to hear that the two of you have become friends; I’d hate to have to clean up the mess if the two of you were enemies. I’d like to talk about Bane and his suspicions of a conspiracy in the kn
own lands the next time we meet.
Nice work with the Nagas. I’ve run into a few of them in my travels and I know how quickly they can move and how deadly they are. It’s lucky you have some good people around you.
Now, on to more important things. The dragon on the Isle of Bones is of great interest, both to myself, and the council. It is a pity that you had to hide the island from everyone, though I suppose the dragon asked for that, and I can’t say that I blame him. And you’re a dragon lord now, which is something very special. There hasn’t been a true dragon lord for at least two thousand years, and even I don’t know all the details of the title. The council is hoping you will come to our next meeting. The date and location aren’t set yet because we don’t know when everyone will be available to attend.
Keep me posted on what’s happening, and I’ll try harder to write to you on a regular basis. I’m sorry to say I don’t know why you are having reckless feelings. Perhaps it is your age. As long as you are able to control the urge to be reckless, I wouldn’t worry. I’ll remind you again, though, as I’ve done so often in the past, don’t let your anger get the best of you. Never act out of rage alone as something really terrible might happen. Enough said.
Yours in fellowship,
Whalen
P.S. If you want to know more about your family, I would suggest you talk to Mr. Clutter. He should have the records on your father, and he might know something of your mother as well.
Alex read the letter twice then smiled and put it in his bag. It seemed like it had been a long time since he’d heard from Whalen. He knew he hadn’t been sending as many messages as he should have, and he promised himself that he would make time to send at least one message every two or three weeks from now on.
Alex was surprised by the council of wizards’ invitation for him to attend their next meeting. The only wizard Alex knew was Whalen, and while he did want to meet others, he was a little nervous about meeting the entire council at one time. He was still young, and even though he’d already done some impressive things, he wasn’t sure the other wizards would take him seriously. After all, they were all much older than he was and had a great deal more experience.
In the end, Alex decided not to worry about meeting the council of wizards. He would have time to worry if and when the meeting came. He moved on to Whalen’s comments about his reckless feelings. Alex knew where those feelings were coming from now, even if he wasn’t completely comfortable with the answer. He would have to tell Whalen what Salinor had said, but maybe he would wait until he could talk about it with Whalen face-to-face. With that final thought, Alex dropped into his comfortable bed and quickly fell asleep.
The next morning was gray and windy, and it looked almost certain to rain before the day was over. Thrang’s mood darkened with the change in weather, but he remained determined to get back on the road.
“A gloomy day to part on,” Thorson said as he stood beside Thrang. “I wish you all a safe journey, and promise a great welcome when you return.”
“You’ve been most generous to us,” said Thrang, bowing to his brother. “We will not forget your kindness.”
“Oh, stop it,” said Thorson. “I know very well that your adventurer’s code demands that you say such things, but it means little here. You are family, and you and your friends will always be welcome.”
“You are most kind, my brother,” said Thrang. “I hope we will return soon to take advantage of your kindness.”
Thorson laughed, then he and Thrang embraced. Alex and the others bowed and thanked Thorson as they moved toward their horses. Thorson waved off their thanks, though he looked pleased just the same. They all mounted their horses—except for Thrain.
“Thrain, are you coming with us?” Thrang questioned loudly.
“Yes, I’m coming,” said Thrain, hurrying to climb onto his own horse.
“Where did you run off to?” Thrang questioned, a knowing smile on his face.
“I wanted to say good-bye to Dain,” said Thrain in an apologetic tone. “I didn’t get a chance to last night, and I thought it would be rude not to.”
“And Fivra?” Thrang questioned.
“Well, yes, Fivra was there as well,” said Thrain, his face turning bright red.
“Plotting with my own family, I see,” said Thrang with a laugh. “So has Fivra agreed to wait for your return before going to Vargland?”
“Oh, well,” Thrain stammered, clearly surprised that Thrang had guessed the truth. “Yes, he said he would wait until I could go with him.”
“That may be a long time,” Thorson said. “After all, you have this adventure to finish before you can go anywhere.”
“Yes, well, I did say I’d try to come back,” said Thrain. “Or I thought maybe Fivra could come to Benorg, once our adventure is done.”
“At least Thrain was able to talk Fivra into waiting,” Arconn pointed out. “I don’t think any of us could have done that.”
“I suppose that’s true,” said Thrang with a laugh. “But I think I would keep a closer eye on our young friend just the same.”
“Until you return, my friends,” said Thorson. “And perhaps Fivra will indeed be able to go to Benorg when you return.”
“Farewell, my brother,” Thrang said. “Keep an eye on the youngsters—they seem to be plotting together.”
Thorson laughed and waved to them all as Thrang led the company through the gates, away from Thorson’s house and into the city.
It appeared, however, that the people of the city were unwilling to let them leave without wishing them good luck once again. The streets of Kazad-Syn were crowded, and all along the way dwarfs were cheering them on and wishing them a safe journey.
“You are well thought of by the people of this city,” Arconn said as he rode beside Thrang. “They honor you greatly by this display.”
“Their wishes are for all of us,” said Thrang, smiling and waving to some friends as he spoke.
“Yet I doubt we would receive such a send-off if you were not our leader,” said Kat.
Soon they left the cheering crowds behind, and the city became a small green spot on the road behind them. Thrang’s good spirits did not falter, however, even when a soft rain began falling after their midday meal.
“Winter moves south quickly,” said Barnabus. “I am glad we are going south and not north.”
“This rain is hardly winter,” Thrang said with a laugh. “Though I confess I also am glad to be moving south. Winter is hard in the north, and travel is almost impossible.”
“How long will it take us to reach the Lost Mountains?” Alex questioned.
“Two, maybe three weeks,” said Thrang. “They are south and a little east of us, but the people Thorson spoke to in Kazad-Syn said the road is good. If we stay on the main road we shouldn’t have any trouble.”
“That’s what we thought when we left Benorg,” said Nellus with a grin.
“And there is the rumor of the hellerash,” Thrain added.
“That’s just a rumor,” said Thrang, looking a little uneasy. “I doubt we will see anything.”
“Some creatures grow strong when rumors remain rumors,” said Kat, her voice so low that only Alex heard her.
As they made camp for the night, the rain stopped and the clouds slowly broke apart and drifted away. Alex glanced up at the thousands of stars in the sky, letting his mind wander freely. It was a pleasant evening, yet something in Alex’s mind made him nervous. He glanced around the campsite, wondering if something was watching them, but he could see nothing.
“You felt something,” Kat said, moving up beside him; it was not a question.
“A nervous feeling, nothing more,” said Alex.
“I felt it too,” said Kat, a look of concentration on her face. “There is nothing there now, only the empty land.”
“Perhaps that is why I’m nervous,” said Alex, laughing softly.
“Too many dangers,” said Kat.
“What do you mean?�
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“You’ve faced too many dangers for one so young. Now you feel nervous when there are no dangers to face.”
“Perhaps,” Alex agreed. “Though I’m not in any rush to look for danger.”
“Danger seems to find you,” Kat answered with a smile. “I find that strange, but I am at a loss to explain it.”
“Don’t be troubled by it,” said Alex, turning back to the campfire.
Kat remained at the edge of the camp for a few minutes and then returned to the campfire as well.
The days passed and the weather seemed to change with each new day. Some days were warm and dry, others wet, and still others windy. Alex and his friends were not troubled by the weather, but they were starting to feel strangely nervous as they moved south. Nellus and Barnabus both tried to lighten the mood with jokes and songs, but were not always successful. Alex felt watchful, and he noticed that both Kat and Arconn would often stand and stare into the darkness around their camp at night.
On the eighth day away from Kazad-Syn, they camped beside a small stream, eating in silence as rain poured down on them. The campfire popped and sizzled in the rain, but because Alex had conjured it up with magic, it would not go out.
“Winter is moving south fast,” Thrang said, looking at the dark sky. “But we should still reach shelter in the Lost Mountains before the weather gets too bad.”
They finished their meals and hurried off to their dry tents. Alex let the conjured fire burn, though he had some misgivings about such a bright light on such a dark night. Arconn remained at the fire during Alex’s watch, and Alex had the feeling that the elf was listening for something, something that he could not hear over the noise of the falling rain.
