by Pedro Urvi
“It’s a shame I don’t have magic like you,” said Viggo. “The things I could do …” he added roguishly.
Nilsa put her hands to her head. “Oh no, never!”
“By all the snow-covered mountains, never!” Gerd agreed.
Viggo shrugged, looking amused. “I don’t know why you get so upset, it’d be a real laugh.”
“I think I’m with them on this,” Lasgol said with a smile.
“You’re just a bunch of boring party-poopers.”
“What are the rumors in the Castle?” Lasgol asked Nilsa. He knew she would be up to date with all the news.
“This time I’ve got good news for a change. They’ve confirmed that the hosts of the Frozen Continent have crossed the mountains. They’re heading back to the Frozen Territories.”
“What d’you think they’ll do?” Gerd asked. “Will they go back or stay?” He had decided to wake Camu up and was tickling his tummy. The creature seemed to be enjoying this immensely, and was twitching from one side to the other.
“I think part of them will stay in the Frozen Territories,” Lasgol said. “The Wild Ones of the Ice and the Semi-Giants regard those territories as theirs. The Tundra Dwellers and the Arcanes of the Glaciers I guess will go back to their land in the Frozen Continent.”
“Until they see another chance to come down and conquer us,” said Viggo.
“Very probably,” Lasgol had to agree.
“Gatik has sent some veteran Rangers to keep an eye on them.”
“Has the King sent any troops?” Lasgol asked.
Nilsa shook her head. “The whole army’s being kept in the city. Thoran isn’t confident, and he won’t move his forces out of the capital, where he’s strong. At least for now …”
“And not for a while yet,” Viggo said. “I have a feeling the King doesn’t trust his own shadow. He wants all his soldiers by his side, behind the walls.”
“The King has awarded Eicewald and the Ice Magi a decoration for their work in the defeat of the Specter,” Nilsa went on, “and for forcing the enemy to retreat.”
“I’m glad for Eicewald,” said Lasgol. “I’m surprised he didn’t tell me. He’s been coming to see me every day to make sure I’m well.”
“Well, better that than have his head chopped off, which was the alternative,” Viggo said, and Gerd nodded.
Nilsa winked at Viggo. “The King wants to prove that his Magi are exceptionally powerful, so that the kingdoms nearby who hear about what happened don’t get ideas into their heads.”
“That’s logical,” said Gerd. “The Zangrians are watching to see what happens, and the moment they see a chance …”
“Your friends the uglies, are licking their lips over our lands,” Viggo said ironically.
Gerd smiled. “They’re certainly not my friends, but ugly they certainly are. They’re not to be trusted, that much I can assure you.” And his smile vanished.
“Has the King said anything about us?” Lasgol asked. He was a little worried about the possible answer.
Nilsa shook her head. “As far as he’s concerned, we don’t exist. He didn’t even mention us. I think he was just interested in destroying the Specter, and we were just a handful of pawns who helped solve the problem. He’s not interested in us.”
“It’s almost better that way,” Gerd mused.
“Much better,” Lasgol assured him.
“And let’s hope it goes on like that,” Viggo added. “If he were to take an interest in any of us …”
Lasgol nodded emphatically.
“Although I have to say we deserve a statue.”
“You reckon so?” Gerd asked.
“Certainly. Didn’t we save the kingdom, after going to the end of the world on a very dangerous mission?”
“Yeah … that’s right …”
“Well then, I want my statue,” Viggo said with dignity.
“I don’t think they’ll give it to you,” Lasgol said with a smile.
I want statue, came Camu’s request.
There are no statues for anybody.
I save realm. I kill magic.
Yes you did, and you probably deserve it, or rather we all do, we deserve some sort of recognition. But a statue’s too much …
I like.
Ona chirped.
Ona too.
There are no statues for anybody, Lasgol said with finality.
“Well, I’ve got some more good news,” Nilsa went on. “The King didn’t think of us. But our Leader Gondabar did. He’s granted us additional time to rest, for exceptional services rendered to the Crown.” She clapped her hands eagerly.
“All of us?”
“All those of us who went on Eicewald’s mission to get hold of the Star of Sea and Life.”
“Wonderful!” cried Gerd.
“I could do with a holiday,” said Viggo. His face took on a look of exhaustion after all the efforts he had made.
Nilsa rolled her eyes.
“Where’s Ingrid?” Lasgol asked. He was surprised that she was not there with them.
“She’s with Molak,” said Nilsa. “They went for a walk in the fields and a talk …”
“Talk?” Viggo repeated darkly. “That sounds ominous …”
“What would you know about it? I hope they can settle their differences.” She poked her tongue out at him.
“I know plenty.”
“Sure, and I’m a princess locked up in a tower.”
“If you were locked up in a tower, you’d be sure to trip and fall head-first out of the window.”
Gerd laughed, and Nilsa glared at him. The giant looked contrite and stared at the floor.
“You don’t know anything whatsoever,” Nilsa said to Viggo.
“Well, we’ll see. I bet my pay they have a final break-up.”
Nilsa jabbed her finger at him. “You can wish for something, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to happen.”
“I bet they don’t split up,” said Gerd.
“You’re betting against me just to annoy me.”
“Maybe, little one,” Gerd said with a broad smile.
“Little one? Me?”
“Beside me, yes, you are.” He went to stand beside Viggo and crossed his arms over his huge chest. He was a head taller and twice as wide.
“Oh well … beside you, even a Wild One of the Ice would look small.”
Lasgol smiled. Listening to his friends had restored his good spirits, and the pain and suffering vanished from his mind.
´The door opened and Ingrid came in with long strides.
“How was that walk?” Viggo asked caustically.
“And what’s that to you?” she replied, sounding annoyed.
“Ah, I see it went very well,” Viggo said. He smiled and gestured to Gerd to pay the bet.
Gerd shook his head. Viggo looked at Nilsa, inviting agreement, but the redhead ignored him.
“I had a visit from Milton,” Ingrid said.
“News from Egil?” Lasgol asked at once.
“Yeah, we’d better all read it.” She handed it to him, and he read it out, making use of his ring:
Dear friends and colleagues. It is with great joy and not without a certain healthy envy that I have been apprised of your achievements in the mission entrusted to you in the Islands of the Turquoise Queen and the subsequent destruction of the Frozen Specter. If anybody in Norghana could have succeeded in such a deed, there is no doubt that you would be the ones, of that I am absolutely sure.
The reason for this letter, however, is not to congratulate you but for something else, rather less gratifying. During your journey I went on with my investigations, and my searches have finally borne fruit. I have discovered something of great importance which requires action. I cannot reveal my discovery in a letter, but I can assure you that it is of the greatest importance in clarifying an example of suffering, and something somber which seems to extend from our past into our future.
I hereby appeal to my comr
ades, since I require help, because in my present position it is impossible for me to continue searching or acting.
Hoping to see you soon.
I take my leave of you, your friend.
Egil Olafstone.
“Well, this is quite a letter,” Viggo commented. “This smells to me like a new mess.”
Lasgol was surprised and puzzled after re-reading the letter. “He needs our help …”
“What for?” asked Ingrid.
“Whatever it is,” Gerd commented, “it’s clear he can’t take care of it on his own.”
“They must keep him busy and constantly under their eyes at the Camp,” said Ingrid.
“Could be,” said Lasgol. He had remembered that Angus Veenerten was in command there now. He also remembered the surveillance Egil was subjected to, which he himself had discovered. Not to mention the strange, recent interest Ivana and Haakon had shown in him.
Nilsa was biting her nails. “If Egil’s asking for our help, that must mean he’s found out something really important.”
“But what?” asked Gerd.
“He says something about suffering,” Viggo grumbled. “I don’t know what he means. As usual, he talks in mysteries.”
“That’s so nothing would be obvious if the letter were to fall into the hands of indiscreet eyes, you numbskull,” Ingrid pointed out.
“Suffering …” Nilsa was musing. “That might be an illness …”
“Yeah,” Lasgol said, following the logic, “that has to refer to what Dolbarar’s suffering from.”
“Wasn’t he just ill?” Ingrid asked.
“There might be foul play going on,” Nilsa suggested.
“If he’s summoned us,” Viggo said, “it’s obvious that there is foul play going on.”
“It’s rather worrying …” Lasgol murmured thoughtfully. He did not like the implications of the letter.
“And the other part?” Gerd asked. “Where he talks about something somber, and the past and the future? What does that mean?”
“Hmm … somber … “Nilsa mused. “I’ve got it! Somber is dark. Which has been after us for some time and will go on in the future: the Dark Rangers. It must mean that.”
Ingrid nodded, as did Lasgol.
“We’ve got to go and help him,” said Gerd.
“Yes, and right away,” Nilsa agreed.
Lasgol was silent and thoughtful, and Ingrid became aware of this. “What’s the matter, Lasgol?”
“There’s a small problem,” said Viggo.
“Problem? What is it?” Ingrid asked.
“Astrid …” Lasgol replied worriedly, still lost in his thoughts. He wanted to go and help Egil, and he would do it at once if only he could, but he had to go back for Astrid.
“Can’t we go back for Astrid after we go to see Egil?” Gerd asked.
“I’m afraid not,” said Lasgol. “I’ve already given my word to Eicewald that I’d leave tomorrow with the Star of Sea and Life in a ship he’s arranged for me. He recommended that I should leave at once, before Thoran or his brother or the nobles realize the value of the Object of Power, and try to keep it for themselves.”
“That’s very good advice,” Viggo agreed.
“I have to leave at once, before they ask where the Star is. I want to go and help Egil, you know that, but if I don’t leave now I’ll miss my chance, and I fear I won’t get another one.”
“You’re right to fear,” Viggo said. “Kings and nobles are extremely greedy.”
There was a silence. They all understood how complicated the situation was, and what Lasgol was going through because of having to choose between helping Egil or Astrid.
“Also, Eicewald’s very interested in studying Camu, and if I stay here in Norghana I worry that he’ll take him away from me, and that’s not going to happen in any way whatever. I’m taking him with me to get him a long way away from the Ice Magi and their ‘studies’.”
No studies, Camu transmitted uneasily.
Don’t worry, I won’t let them do anything to you.
Better leave.
Yeah, that’s what I think too.
“Every problem has a solution, as Egil would say,” Gerd pointed out.
“And that is …?” Viggo asked.
“We split up and help both of them,” Ingrid said confidently.
“We split up and help both of them?” Nilsa repeated in puzzlement.
“It’s the only solution we have,” said Ingrid.
“I agree with Blondie,” said Viggo. “We have two friends who both need us at the same time. We’ve got to help both of them. Therefore, we split up.”
Lasgol took a deep breath and thought about it. He did not relish the idea, since it implied dividing the team, and that was always risky. But they were right; there was no other viable solution.
“Agreed,” he said at last.
“All right, then, who goes on which mission?” Nilsa asked.
“I’m coming with the weirdo,” said Viggo. “Someone has to babysit him.”
“You want to come with me?” Lasgol said in surprise.
“Do I want to come with you? Of course, I want to come with you. A trip to exotic islands with beautiful beaches and girls even more beautiful and exotic … who wouldn’t want to go?”
“If this pumpkin-head is going,” Ingrid said suddenly, “then I’m coming too.”
“Can this be jealousy?” Viggo asked eagerly.
“Of course not, it’s common sense. If you go, I’ll have to come too, to keep order and make sure you don’t get into one of your messes and you both end up in the hands of pirates, or at the bottom of the sea, or something worse.”
“Worse than the bottom of the sea?”
“With you in the middle of things, it’s sure to be something worse.”
Nilsa laughed, and Gerd joined her. “That I can believe,” she said.
“Besides, Astrid’s mission is riskier, in my opinion, and therefore it’ll be best if I go on that one. This way there’d be three of us in each group.”
“How d’you work that out?” Gerd asked.
“The three of us on one side” – she pointed to herself, then to Viggo and Lasgol – “and then you, big guy, Nilsa and Egil on the other.”
“Oh yes, of course.”
“How does that look to you?” Lasgol asked them.
“I think Ingrid’s right,” Nilsa said thoughtfully. “Whatever he’s found out, Egil’s at the Camp, and the risk there is limited.”
“True, it’s less likely that we’d come up against serious trouble there,” Gerd agreed.
“Well, that’s it, then. We’ll split like that,” Ingrid said, passing judgment.
His friends’ gesture touched Lasgol’s heart. “You know that crossing the seas as far as the Turquoise Realm’s going to be dangerous. You oughtn’t to come … you’ve already done more than enough. I can go by myself, with Ona and Camu.”
His two faithful companions looked at him. I go. Fun, Camu transmitted happily.
You don’t say, as if I weren’t perfectly aware you’d enjoy the journey …
Ona not like ship. I do.
Poor Ona. Ona good.
The panther moaned and came to Lasgol’s feet, and he made a fuss of her.
Ona say she come.
Yes, because she’s very good,
“Nonsense,” said Viggo. “A little danger and excitement is what we need. I was all set to be bored to death during these holidays they’ve granted us.”
“Very well said!” Nilsa said, and applauded.
Gerd nodded. “I couldn’t have said it better. We’ll help Astrid and we’ll help Egil. The Snow Panthers don’t leave any of their own behind.”
Lasgol was speechless, and there was a lump in his throat. He had the best friends he could possibly have wanted: friends who would go to the end of the world for him, and do it all over again if it turned out to be necessary.
“Thank you … for myself, for Astrid and for
Egil too. I know he’ll be really grateful.”
“Not at all,” Viggo hastened to say. “I need a vacation, and a little sea-trip to some wonderful beaches is just what my body is begging me for,” he explained, as if he were really going on a holiday.
“What my body is begging me for is to hit you on the head,” Ingrid shot back.
“You’re always so romantic,” Viggo said. He assumed a lovelorn expression, fluttering his eyelashes and blowing her kisses.
“I’m going to kill him!” Ingrid yelled.
Viggo ran out of the room.
Nilsa, Gerd and Lasgol laughed as they watched her running out after him, cursing.
“Those two just have to end up together,” Lasgol commented, shaking his head.
Nilsa laughed. “They really do. They’re fated to love and hate one another at the same time.”
Gerd was laughing too. “They’re two of a kind. Anyway, we’d better get ready for the journey.”
“I’ll get everything ready,” Nilsa said. “I’ve got very good contacts.”
Lasgol was left alone with Camu and Ona, who were playing on the beds. He reflected. He really had the best friends anybody could wish for, and this gave him strength to face up to whatever might come.
They would come through, he was sure of it. They would make it, even knowing that what was to come would be extremely complicated and dangerous.
He thought of Astrid and Egil. “Hold on. We’re coming. The Snow Panthers are on their way.”
The end Book 8
The adventure continues in:
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While you wait for the next installment of the Path of the Ranger, I invite you to explore my other series that have different protagonists, but are related:
The Ilenian Enigma
Click the image or link.
THE SECRET OF THE GOLDEN GODS
Click the image or link.
Acknowledgements
I’m lucky enough to have very good friends and a wonderful family, and it’s thanks to them that this book is now a reality. I can’t express the incredible help they have given me during this epic journey.
