"That wasn't my fault,” Cera countered. "Something else grabbed you from me.”
Shaunna laid her hand on his shoulder. "She really is getting better and she could use the practice.”
Taren shrugged. "Okay, do it"
"Commencing transfer,” Cera said
The crystal hanging around his neck grew warmer as the room around him dissolved into nothingness, to be replaced by the common room of the Dragon Storm's Refuge.
The startled innkeeper smiled brilliantly. He quickly regained his composure "Welcome young master."
Taren bowed slightly. "I need to speak with the bard.”
The innkeeper frowned. "The bard is not here. He is gone on personal business and is not expected back until tomorrow night. You are welcome to stay here until he returns.”
"How much for the night," Taren asked, reaching for his pouch?
The innkeeper looked slightly offended. "There will be no charge for my mother's king.”
"Wha…” Taren started but stopped himself.
The man presented himself for inspection. He wore a simple green tunic with brown leggings. Shoulder length blond hair framed a friendly face with high cheekbones. Almond shaped, blue, eyes shined with great intelligence. He swept his hair behind one ear, revealing slightly rounded tips, too sharp to be human, yet too rounded to be elven.
"You are half-elf,” Taren observed.
The innkeeper nodded. "Not all elves suffer from the prejudice that plagues most of the race. Though, admittedly, it is rare. I have even heard the tale of an elf how fell in love with a dwarf.”
The memory of Narissa leaped to the forefront of Taren's thoughts. "I’ve met their child.”
Curiosity ignited in the older man's eyes, but he kept himself in check.
"I refuse to stay here without some form of compensation to you. If you will not take my money, what can I do to help you?"
"I could use some help preparing for tonight's patrons. Are you handy with an ax?"
The rest of the afternoon was spent in various chores. After days of walking and fighting, good honest work felt really good.
The innkeeper provided a private booth for his dining, so he would not be bothered by the other patrons that would come in. It was a light night for business, due to the bard’s absence, but there were still quite a few people who came in to dance and socialize in the large common room.
He was thankful for the anonymity.
He awakened the next morning before the sun rose, with the distinct feeling that he was being watched. He tried to survey the dark room without alerting the other presence that he so strongly felt. His keen vision scanned the perimeter of the room. He saw the figure sitting in the window, staring into the darkness.
The figure was obviously female. She had a slight build and raven colored hair that fell to her mid back. A deep green cloak adorned her shoulders. He couldn't see her face, but he was quite sure he knew who this was. He was barely able to contain the excitement that was welling up inside him.
"Parel," He asked quietly?
The sound of his voice startled her. He noticed the sad smile on her lips as she turned to face him.
"I thought you were dead,” he continued.
"No, I'm alive and well,” She answered.
"What happened?"
The sad smile deepened. "I'll tell you later. Go back to sleep,” Without another word she left the room.
He lay in bed for several more hours trying to puzzle out what had just happened. In that time, the sun rose and he could hear the sounds of patrons arriving downstairs to partake of the morning meal that could be bought at the inn. He was brought out of his reverie by a knock at the door.
He rose, quickly dressed and answered the door.
The tall figure of the Dragon Bard stood before him. The obsidian skin glinted in the light of the candles that flickered in the hall.
"Shantar…” he said surprised, "Come in."
The bard passed silently into the room.
"You wanted to see me,” The statement was a little unnerving.
Taren nodded. "I've retrieved the orb, but all of my attempts to destroy it have met with failure.”
Shantar nodded. "As far as I know only two beings knew the secret to destroying the orb. One of those is dead. I am speaking of your father and his sword. Why have you not asked the ice blade?"
Taren's eyes dropped to the floor. "Cyan is dead.”
"That's impossible,” Shantar murmured. "The Crystal Blades are immortal.”
"Apparently they are not as immortal as everyone thought,” Taren replied.
Shantar shook his head. "This complicates things,” He paused and thought for a few moments. "There is one more possibility. Paron had an apprentice that he trained to create the heart stones for the Crystal Blades. He may have imparted the knowledge that we seek to this apprentice. Last I heard, the apprentice was still alive, and living in the deep forests just east of the Sea of Skies. Find this apprentice and see what he knows"
Taren nodded.
Shantar continued. "I want you to take Parel back with you when you go. Please do not press her for details of her ordeal, she will tell you when she is ready.”
"This is going to complicate things," Taren said, almost to himself.
Shantar laughed warmly. "I don't think you have to worry. She knows.”
Taren didn't know what the bard meant. He didn't get a chance to ask before the bard left the room.
A couple of moments later, Parel knocked on the door. "Nathan, I have some supplies that the innkeeper gave us for the trip. I am ready to go when you are.”
Taren just rolled his eyes at her use of his human name. "It will only take me a couple of minutes to be ready.”
He quickly gathered his items, stuffing them back into his satchel. When he was finished, he walked up to Parel and embraced her tightly.
"It's really good to see you,” He said.
She smiled.
Taking her hand in his, he spoke. "Cera, we are ready,” As soon as he finished speaking; Parel Zalek and Taren Elloy vanished into thin air.
Master's Mind: The Dagger of Dragon Rose: Book 1 Page 27
