by Rick Brown
“Their weapons have been confiscated,” Lillia reminded. “What defense could they have?”
“They have Abigail,” Bri answered with a smile.
After many twists and turns, Lillia led us to her private apartments. Being very careful to make sure we were unseen. Inside the apartment, there was a buzz of activity as dwarves filled the room, arguing amongst themselves.
“We should make a run for Vaelin!” I heard someone shout.
“Olingard is not lost!” argued another.
An older man approached as we entered the main suite. “Lillia, what have ya done?” he asked with a worried expression.
“These are two of Orlik’s friends. I found them near the Royal Suite,” she answered with her chin held high in defiance.
“And you just happened to be near the Royal Suite? Don’t tell me you didn’t go looking for them! They will tear Olingard apart looking for these two,” he answered angrily.
“Phellyn, I will not sacrifice me conscious over fear of Dommeran,” she defended. “I did that once before, to my great regret. This time, I plan to fight!”
“Fight? Fight with what?” he yelled. “Dommeran’s army now occupies our walls. We can’t muster our army because they took us by surprise. Our troops are scattered across the city.”
“The dwarves will fight. With clubs or hammers, we will fight!” Lillia announced.
Phellyn sighed. “We are broken and divided,” he said while shaking his head. “Our people looked the other way while enemy soldiers escorted us from the council. Our guards just dropped their arms when challenged. Dommeran his spent centuries breaking away our morale, and they have succeeded.”
Lillia shook her head defiantly. “I wish to fight, and if I feel this way, others will too! They just need leadership to guide them together.”
"Who? You, Woman?" the Councilman challenged with a sneer. "Because It won't be me. Many wise dwarves are fleeing from these mountains, and I will join them." With that, he pushed his way past us and out of the room.
“Don’t fear him. He will not betray us,” Lillia said as she turned to us. “He’s just afraid.”
“Will many feel like him?” I asked.
“There will be some, but we are dwarves. Our backs have carved a home into this inhospitable mountain. I’ll no be leaving it,” Lillia answered as she patted her hand against the stone wall.
We followed her through the crowd of dwarves as she tried to calm down the terrified group. Finally, with a quick step on a chair, she leapt up onto a table.
“Everyone relax!” she yelled out. “There won’t be no resolution found if we just be panicking.” The crowd quieted at the shock of her voice. “Let me explain what has happened. The Dommerian Ambassador has captured our gate and allowed in the armies that were waiting outside. He entered the Council Room and captured the King and his guests, declaring Olingard in martial law and disbanding the Council.”
“Who are these guests of the King?” someone shouted out.
“King Eberon of Alsselya and Prince Orlik,” She answered calmly, but the response was anything but peaceful. There was such acrimony that I couldn’t tell if it was about Orlik or Lee.
Finally, another voice shouted from the crowd. “It be Prince Orlik they wanted. He brought this on us!”
"You dare speak against the only dwarf that fought against Dommeran? Ya liked the last three hundred years of poverty, did ya? Orlik foresaw what we didn't. A slavish servitude to Dommeran. We should have followed his lead back then and fought the bastards! I admit I feel ashamed I didn't, but I don't have to make the same mistake twice. We have another chance. Not just to cast them Dommerians from our halls, but back to Dommeran where they belong.
"Did ya not hear what I said? The King of Alsselya has returned. Not just a charlatan claiming his name. A true Eberon! With all the power that goes with 'em. We can unite! We can fight!" Lillia ended in fury.
The crowd was quiet, in awe of the enthusiasm of Lillia. Finally, there was a quiet voice from the back. “Councilor Lillia? How do we fight? There are only a handful of us?”
“Aye, there be just a handful in this room, but there be rooms all over Olingard just like this. Filled with dwarves wanting to defend their home,” she responded to her rapt audience. “Spread out. Find them. We’ll meet at the water reserve over the city. There be plenty of space there to muster an army.”
She hopped down from her table and approached us as the crowd dispersed to spread the word. "It no be safe here for you two. I'll take ya to the lake with me."
“Like these dwarves, we’ll follow you anywhere,” Brianna agreed with a smile.
“Me? No, I’m just organizing. It be what I’m good at. These dwarves just needed a kick in the arse to get going.”
“Right, that’s what good leaders do,” I said with a nod of respect.
Chapter 20
(Ryan)
With a shove, I fell into the damp cell where the Dommerians were keeping us. Father Pild bent over to help me up. "Are you alright?"
I nodded in shock. I wasn't injured but being pulled from my bed by Dommerian soldiers was not something I would quickly get over. I looked around at the others. We were all still just wearing our short clothes. At least Abi was allowed to grab a jacket. Other than some bruises and a little blood, I didn't see any significant injuries on anyone.
“And you, my dear,” Father Yagen stated as he walked up to Abi. “What sort of men would throw a woman into this hell hole?”
“No!” she said with fear in her voice. “I don’t want to be alone. I feel much better with you, my friends.”
“So, did anyone see what happened to Barad and Brianna?” Father Pild asked.
“I heard fighting from their room,” Farloc answered. “I couldn’t see what happened.”
“Well, I refuse to believe anyone could take those two,” I said defiantly. “I bet they escaped.”
Father Yagen smiled. “I’m sure they did, boy.”
“So, what do you think happened?” I asked.
Father Pild rubbed his face. “They must have found out about King Eberon. Somehow, Dommeran was able to get enough of their soldiers through the gate to march their army through. Once in the city, there would be little the dwarves could do to stop them.”
“So, you think they caught Lee?” Abigail asked.
“I don’t know,” Pild admitted. “That may be why they have taken us prisoner. So that Lee would do as he was told.”
Father Yagen sighed. “I fear you are right, Father. We are hostages.”
“Can we escape?” I asked.
“Not without our sneaks to pick the lock. Sadly, neither one is here,” Yagen pointed out. “Besides, right now we are in an underground city held by our enemy. We have nowhere to run.”
“What do we do?” Abigail asked.
“We wait,” Father Yagen answered with a shrug.
An hour later our need for a sneak was resolved when Lenux, Captain Whilhoit, and Orlik were thrown into our cell. Lenux quickly leapt up and scanned the room. “Are we alone?” He asked. I had to smile at his sneak training. His first concern was privacy.
"We believe so," Father Yagen said as he assisted Captain Whilhoit and Orlik to their feet. "I have searched the walls and did not find any holes. The cell has been carved from the stone itself, so I believe a spy-hole would be easy to spot."
“Nor do I think the Dommerians would have had time to organize a spy. It took them an hour of stopping dwarves and asking directions just to find this place,” Father Pild pointed out.
Lenux nodded in agreement, then scanned the room again. “Where are Bri and Barad?”
“We do not know,” Farloc answered again. “I fear I heard fighting from their room. I do not know if they are safe.”
Lenux smiled. “Bri knows when to fight. If they did, it’s because she thought they could escape.”
“Where’s Lee?” Abigail asked.
“He was taken by the Dommerians,
” Orlik answered. “We be the leverage to make sure he obeys.”
“So, now that Lenux is here, should we escape?” I asked.
Lenux walked over the lock. "It's doable. The question is, should we?"
Father Pild shook his head. “We still have nowhere to escape to. Let’s bide our time. There’s no need to act in haste.”
“What happened in the council meeting?” Farloc asked.
Lenux and Whilhoit took turns describing the meeting. I laughed as I pictured the rude Councilor Ganis rising in the air, screaming. My mood fell as Lenux explained the part of Benlok, the Dommerian Ambassador, taking over the meeting and having Lee arrested.
“At least we know that Lee is safe,” Father Yagen said as they finished their story. “There is still hope.”
“I fear we can no count on me people,” Orlik said as he shook his head. “They watched as the Royal Family was paraded at sword point to be put in prison, and no one did a thing.”
Abigail put her arm around him. “Don’t give up on them, Orlik. They may still surprise you.”
“Aye, I just feel I let them down. I should have come home sooner,” he said admitted uncharacteristically. “Now that I am here, I realize that I’ve got much to learn about being a King, but I swear here and now that I will do better by my people!”
“Now that sounds like a king!” Father Yagen cheered.
"Just think of what you will be able to do for your people once Dommeran is defeated," I added. "You'll have a good friend in Alsselya."
“Thank ya, Lad,” he said with a smile. “There’s one other thing them Dommerians have to answer for. They took Slayer from me. I’ll kill every one of them to get me axe back.”
“There’s the nasty dwarf we love,” Barad said, patting Orlik on the back.
“Careful, or I’ll crack ya head for practice,” Orlik joked.
“Well, the Dommerian’s have made one tactical error already,” Father Pild pointed out. “I believe they have underestimated us. They have taken a very capable group and locked them all into the same cell. We have magicians for defense, a sneak with all his talents, and the rest of us are well trained in combat. If we do decide to take action, they will regret this lack of foresight.”
“Aye, we’ll make sure of that,” Orlik agreed.
Chapter 21
(Lee)
The room that I now occupied was filled with a luxurious bed, fine rugs underfoot, a giant fireplace to light the room, and a fantastic selection of wines. It was also a prison. Once separated from my companions, I was roughly escorted to the Dommerian Embassy within Olingard and shoved into this room.
Olingard made a perfect prison. The walls were carved from solid stone and the city had only a few points to exit. Sadly, what should have provided a fantastic defense, fell to an enemy force within its walls.
Following what felt like hours of waiting, I finally gave in to temptation and slid into the bed. After the long ride across Alsselya, spending my night sleeping on a thin blanket laid across dirt and rocks, the bed felt too soft. Still, I was asleep in mere moments of setting down my head.
I had no idea what time it was when I awoke. Without windows, time in Olingard was indeterminate. At some point while I slept, wood had been added to the fire. Lighting a candle, I approached a bookshelf and reviewing the titles. I wasn't familiar with many books, so none seemed familiar. Opening one of the books, I sat and read some of the history of Dommeran. No surprise, it was a kingdom built on a bedrock of violence and treachery. Either it was a brutally honest telling, or the truth was even worse than the words expressed.
Not having Ryan's affinity for reading, I sat the book down and started going through some exercises. I found my lack of practice while traveling had made me stiff and unbalanced. It took well into my practice until my muscles loosened up enough to flow correctly through the positions.
“You warriors, always practicing your boring drills,” a voice came from the doorway. Spinning, I found Ambassador Benlok standing in the doorway. “Had you ever been king, you would have learned it is the dagger in ones back that risks a king’s life. That or poison.”
“I will try to remember that,” I answered cautiously.
Benlok shrugged as he walked into the room. “You shouldn’t bother. It would appear you shall never get the opportunity to utilize it.”
Walking over to the wine cart, he started reviewing the bottles. “Ahh… From the coast of Tiber. This is a fine wine,” he said with a smile. Taking the bottle and two glasses over to the fireplace, he made himself at home in one of the plush chairs before the fire. Opening the wine, he poured two glasses and indicated for me to take the other seat.
Looking for any sign of treachery, I took the seat across from him, taking the proffered wine. After telling me of poisoning a king, it seemed unwise to actually drink it. Benlok watched me for a moment, then laughed. Raising his glass, he took a sip. Sitting back, he relaxed in the chair. After a moment, I took a sip of mine. I had to admit, it was a very good wine.
“You know, Your Highness, it’s possible that I built up a tolerance to a poison, just so I would survive, and you perish. Also, I could have simply poisoned your glass,” he said with a sly smile.
“But why would you?” I answered more calmly than I felt. “I am already your prisoner. A ‘prize’ for Grenlow. No, you wouldn’t do anything to me.”
“Ahh… A wise king. How novel. Hopefully, we will get to spend some time together before the order comes for you to be sent to Dommeran,” Benlok said after he took another sip. “I must confess, it’s tedious being stationed here with all these heathen dwarves that believe the poison they squeeze from fungus is a civilized drink.”
“Don’t let their speech fool you, Ambassador. There’s more depth to these dwarves than you realize,” I responded while thinking of my poor friend Orlik. “Tell me, what has become of my companions?”
Benlok smirked. “Oh? Would you like me to tell you where they are? No, I don’t think so. I have no knowledge of your power, but with the anxiety you have caused the priesthood, I don’t think I shall take any chances.”
“But they are safe?” I pressed.
He sighed as he looked at me. "Yes, they are all safe, but that can change in a moment if you disobey me." After a final tilt of his glass, he finished the wine. Standing, he sat the empty glass on a table as he walked to the door, turning to me just before leaving. "You would have made a weak king, I think. You are too concerned about others." With that, he left, closing the door behind him.
No, that’s what makes me strong, I thought to myself.
I spent two intensely dull days locked in my room before the Ambassador visited again. This time he came bearing his own wine. “Good evening, Your Highness. I hope you don’t mind, but I have brought my own wine this time. The collection in the room is fine, but sometimes the palette craves something different.” Again, he grabbed two glasses and walked over to the fire.
I took the seat opposite him and accepted the glass of wine. Once again, waiting for him to drink first. I may be of value to him, but I saw no reason to let down my guard. After my first sip, I decided to find out what was going on outside my room. "How goes the subjugation of the dwarves?"
Benlok sighed as he stared into the fire. “These dwarves, they are so chaotic. For people who seem to say whatever is on their mind, they hide much from us. They are up to something, I can feel it.”
I hid my smile by taking another sip. Apparently, not all goes well with the occupation of Olingard. "It is my understanding that they were basically defeated before you took over."
Benlok's eyes quickly flashed to me, trying to read my intent. I merely sat and waited. Finally, he sighed. "I believed that as well. They aren't as intelligent as humans. They do not realize they are defeated. Still, a few more sacrifices in the square should shut them up."
It was my turn to be taken off guard. “Sacrifices?”
Benlok smiled, knowing that he had just
scored some points against me in his strange game. “Yes. Well, the priests need to be kept happy, don’t they? They do so tire of just sacrificing Alsselyians.”
I fought every instinct to strike him down. Finally, I turned my gaze to the fire. Unable to look at him. Eventually, he broke the silence. “Now, now, my friend. Let’s not fight on our final evening together.”
“Final evening?” I asked, turning back to him.
“Yes. Unfortunately, the priests have someone else they want guarding you. I fear they do not trust a non-magic user, such as myself. You may turn me inside out or something. Can you do that?” He suddenly asked, sounding curious.
“Inside-out?” I asked, shaking myself from my thoughts. So, they were turning me over to the priests. That couldn’t be good. “No, I don’t think so. I’ve never tried, really.”
"Shame. It seems that it would be an entertaining thing to watch," he said as he stood. "I wish you a good night, Your Highness. Tomorrow your new guards shall arrive."
I spent the evening trying to think if there was anything I could do about my situation, but I was unable to come up with anything. Nothing that wouldn't leave my companions in jeopardy, anyway. Maybe while they were transporting me, there will be an opportunity to escape. Luckily, Benlok seemed unaware of the stone's existence. It was resting in the pouch around my neck next to Alynon's coin. I could still feel the constant flow of energy to the stone as it gathered my power for its stores. The gods had been unusually quiet since my captivity. Maybe Gorath was watching.
The next morning, Ambassador Benlok returned. This time, he was not bearing any wine. Instead, his usual smirk had been replaced by a grimace.
“I apologize, Your Highness. This was not my doing,” He explained as he stepped aside. From behind him loped in a werewolf, followed by three others. The ambassador leaned away from the beasts as they passed.
The largest of the werewolves walked directly towards me. I recognized it as the same one I faced off with at the grate just before entering Olingard. Its golden eyes staring at me. Before I could even react, it leapt up, knocking me to the ground. Its paws pinning down my shoulders.
