The Dragon Eaters

by Duke Kittle

  * * *

  Tina opened her eyes and blinked several times. She didn’t know how long she’d been meditating, but the effect of it had been significant and immediately noticeable. She thought clearly, and her memory of the previous day was returning to her. After casting the Ritual of Preservation, she had asked Lazur to bring her back to the Stumble Drum so she could rest. Tina had entered into her pocket quarters and collapsed in bed without the energy to even undress.

  Having met with the Maldavian and discovered more about the Dragon Eaters, she decided it was time to introduce herself to the governor. But first, she wanted to wash up and clean her robes.

  Tina threw her legs over the side of the bed and opened one of the drawers to pull out a simple, grey cloth slip. Pulling it on over her head, she collected her robe and removed her armlets, necklace, and ring. She picked up her belt as well and stowed all of her personal jewelry in the drawer from which she’d taken the slip.

  Looking down at her necklace, Tina retrieved it from the drawer. She noted the empty socket which usually held the door handle for her quarters. Recalling the crystal produced by the Ritual of Preservation, she retrieved her leather spell kit and opened it. She removed the precious, lava-colored crystal. She wanted to keep it safe. There wasn't a need to take it outside her quarters while she bathed, but afterward, she would want it close.

  Tina put the crystal against the necklace and closed both hands around them. It took a little concentration and a touch of her magic, but when she opened her hands again, the crystal was fitted into the necklace as if they'd been crafted for each other. She set the necklace back into the drawer and closed it.

  After grabbing her rucksack, Tina walked out of her pocket quarters and onto the counter of the Stumble Drum. She took a moment to observe who might be up, also wanting to know the time of day. The light of the stars and moon came through the windows, and the only patrons inside the Stumble Drum consisted of one passed out weasel in a far corner and the familiar black bull whom Tina had met at the docks. The bull was drinking from a mug at the far end of the counter and didn’t seem to notice Tina. A badger woman was roaming the tavern with a mop as she cleaned the floor while the rabbit woman Tina had met was putting chairs on the tables upside down.

  The mink who had been behind the counter that morning emerged from the door leading to the kitchen. He was carrying a tall, broad pan which he set on the counter. He deposited a couple of mugs and wooden plates and bowls from the counter into the pan and carried them back through the door.

  Tina crossed the counter with her robes over her arm and perched at the edge in wait for the mink. When he emerged again, she called to him. “Mr. Kilba.”

  The mink lifted his head and looked around for who might have called him. Tina had to call for him again before he was able to focus on her tiny figure. He set the pan down on the counter next to her and wiped his hands. “Ah, Wizard. I hope you’re feeling better. Lazur was concerned about you.” The mink scratched the back of his neck. “Wouldn't have thought he'd give any kind of care about a wizard.”

  Tina pulled her glasses from the bridge of her muzzle to fold them up. “None of the people here are too fond of wizards, it seems.”

  The mink seemed confused for a moment, but then nodded his head. “Oh, yes, well, there isn't much favor for wizards in Likonia because of the High Theorist's decision, but Lazur has more reason to dislike wizards than the rest of us.”

  Tina wrinkled her muzzle. “What do you mean?”

  Mr. Kilba hesitated. “Ah. Well, maybe it's something he'd be the one to ask about. But, I digress.” The mink clasped his hands. “Was there something you wanted, Wizard?”

  Tina wiggled her whiskers. “There is, in fact. I wonder if you wouldn't mind selling me one of your wash bowls. I need something to take a bath in.” Tina set her glasses on her robes. “I'd ask to borrow one, but I don't believe your patrons would thank you for washing dishes in a bowl someone had bathed in.”

  “Ah, that's probably right.” The mink scratched his chin. “But since you've paid for a room here, it's kind of included in the cost.” He shrugged. “I don't think we'll miss one wash bowl.”

  “I see.” Tina gave a friendly smile to the mink. “It's appreciated, Mr. Kilba.”

  “Not at all. Ah, where would you like it set up?”

  Tina pointed toward the stairs. “Just set it next to my door, if you would, with a cloth so I can cover it for some privacy.”

  The mink nodded his head. “Have it for you in a moment, Wizard.” He turned and walked back into the kitchen.

  Tina watched him leave and was about to walk back to the stairs when she remembered the bull sitting at the far end of the counter. She recalled that his name was Kravek. The fact he was drinking at this late hour gave some credence to his foreman's frustration over his “praying to the pier,” even if he hadn't been correct about the situation at the time. It struck her as odd. Her exchange with Kravek hadn't left her with the impression of him being a heavy drinker. He had been pleasant, friendly, and helpful. Yet, she saw him drinking very heavily from his mug.

  The mink returned with the bowl and placed it under the stairs with a cloth over top. He turned to Tina and wiped his hands. “Anything else I can get for you, Wizard?”

  Tina shook her head. “No thank you, Mr. Kilba. Your hospitality is greatly appreciated. Though, if you could answer a question, I would appreciate it.”

  The mink nodded. “Of course.”

  Tina gestured toward Kravek. “Is he always here this late?”

  Mr. Kilba looked at Kravek and nodded. “Yes, Wizard. He has a room here, actually. Drinks a lot, but never causes any trouble.”

  Tina thought to ask more about the black bull, but she was beginning to feel nosy, and it occurred to her that it might be rude to be asking about him particularly when he was only a few yards away. Having taken on the role as an investigator, being nosy had become a habit. But inquiries of a personal nature didn't fall under the job of an investigator. She gave the mink a smile. “Thank you, Mr. Kilba. That's all I need.”

  The mink nodded, retrieved his pan, and returned to collecting dishes and mugs from the counter and nearby tables.

  Tina thought to go speak with Kravek and thank him for his treatment of her that morning on the docks. But she wasn't exactly dressed for casual conversation, needed a bath, and needed to wash her clothes. She walked back to the bowl of water and disappeared under the cloth laid over top of it. Once undressed, Tina climbed into the bowl of water. She noted that Mr. Kilba had only put in enough water to reach halfway up her shins while she stood. It was just right.

  Tina pulled the cloth over top of the bowl, covering it up again and concealing her from the rest of the tavern. She had just started washing herself when she heard the door to the Stumble Drum swing open. The sound of heavy, armored footsteps entered the dining area. Tina kept one ear turned back toward the door to listen, but otherwise continued to wash. The armored boots approached the bar, and Tina heard Mr. Kilba’s voice. The name he spoke made Tina pause.

  “Captain Cephalin,” Tina noted the hint of anxiety in the mink’s voice as he spoke, “what brings you to the Stumble Drum at this late hour?”

  “I have been informed,” the wolverine began, “the wizard from the Council of Stars is staying here.”

  Tina wrinkled her nose. Only a few people from Likonia knew she was at the Stumble Drum. From the look of it, the rabbit woman, the badger woman, and Mr. Kilba had a busy evening. She imagined only one other person would have told Captain Cephalin of her whereabouts. After the conversation she’d had with Lazur, it surprised her that he would have told the wolverine. On the other hand, she didn’t know a great deal about Lazur, and as Mr. Kilba had said, he had more reason than other Likonians to distrust wizards.

  “Ah, yes. She’s staying here, but with all due respect, I don’t think this is the ho
ur to be disturbing her, Captain.”

  Tina heard a thud from one of the armored boots and felt an impact on the bar. She pushed the cloth from one side of the bowl so she could see what had caused it. The captain of the guard was holding the mink’s shirt and had him all but pulled across the counter, the claws of his metal gauntlet tearing the fabric.

  “With all due respect to your patrons, Kilba,” Captain Cephalin’s words dripped with malice, “I could not care less about the hour. She was supposed to report to the governor upon her arrival. It is long past the time the ship carrying her arrived. So I will disturb her regardless of the hour if I have to snap your key ring from your belt and wake every patron in this inn searching rooms for her.”

  The mink looked terrified that the wolverine would make good on his promise and beat Kilba to a pulp beforehand without a moment’s hesitation. From the look of the wolverine, he’d probably do it again afterward just for good measure. Tina decided she should intervene, regardless of her state of dress.

  Before she could, Tina saw the black bull stand at the end of the bar. The sound of his hooves on the floorboards of the dining area was as distinctive as the wolverine’s boots had been. Kravek gripped the wolverine’s wrist, pushing his fingers against spots where only chain mail covered rather than plates. The wolverine’s fingers slackened as he was forced to release the mink.

  “Not a need for that, sir.” Kravek ushered the wolverine’s arm back from the mink and let go of his wrist.

  Captain Cephalin turned and glowered at the black bull. “Are you looking for another night in the stocks for public drunkenness, Akoan?”

  “No, sir. But the wizard is preoccupied.”

  Tina blinked. She didn’t think Kravek had taken notice of her speaking with Kilba, let alone to have heard what she had asked. In spite of the clarity with which he spoke, Tina could see slack in the bull's stance common to someone who was inebriated.

  Captain Cephalin sneered. “You know, Akoan, you’re about due for another stint in the stocks.” The wolverine punched the metal gauntlet against his palm, the resulting sound a metallic clank. “Another charge of public drunkenness and impeding a guard in his duties are plenty justification.”

  Kravek stared at the wolverine dully for a moment. He didn’t look ready to react to anything, let alone to be able to put up a fight. Once more, Tina felt it was time to intervene. But what happened next startled her.

  The wolverine swung at the apparently drunk bull, but Kravek moved with the ease of a trained soldier. He turned his shoulders so the punch glanced one side of his chest while he slapped the wolverine’s armored shoulder with a massive hand. Even his bare fist left the metal ringing. It threw the captain of the guard off balance, forcing him to overextend. Kravek gripped the slapped shoulder and with a yank, slammed the wolverine into a quickly rising knee.

  The resounding clang from the wolverine’s breastplate almost hurt Tina’s ears. Kravek tossed the wolverine backward, sending him stumbling. Cephalin looked down at his breastplate and noted the dent in the front left by the powerful bull’s knee. He looked up at Kravek with a smirk.

  “Assaulting a guard. You’ll be in the stocks for a month, Akoan.” The wolverine, armed with the knowledge that Kravek wasn’t as drunk as he appeared, opened his fists to reveal the metal claws. He didn't seem intimidated by the bull's ability to dent his armor.

  Just as he was about to lunge for Kravek, Tina pulled herself out of the bowl and quickly yanked the cloth from the top of it to cover herself. She then clapped her hand around her throat and loudly cried out. “That’s enough!”

  The wolverine paused at the sudden shout and looked back over his shoulder. He blinked at the sight of Tina. And blinked again. “What in Cerra’s name…?” In spite of his perplexed state, he still looked ready to deliver a rake of his claws to the black bull.

  “Captain Idori Cephalin,” Tina spoke, holding the cloth wrapped around her as she walked across the bar, “this is far more than is necessary for keeping the peace. I am Theorist Tina van Schtoffen, Wizard of the Council of Stars.”

  The wolverine finally lowered his hand. He turned around to look at Tina with his back facing Kravek. “You were supposed to report to the governor on arrival, Wizard van Schtoffen. Is there a reason you did not?”

  “I was supposed to report to your governor at my convenience, Captain. Or has your governor decided to start making up my orders from the High Theorist just as he’s making up promises from the king?” Tina stopped several feet away from the wolverine. “I was in the middle of taking a bath. Out of courtesy to me, Mr. Kilba informed you it was not a good time to disturb me.”

  The wolverine lifted his hand and pointed a metal claw at Tina. “Courtesy would have led you to the governor when you arrived here.”

  “Judgment led me not to introduce myself when I found him. I am not obliged to your governor, nor you in any way. Your governor asked for a wizard to investigate this situation, and unless Harkon Keldo is as forgetful as he is a liar, this investigation is to be conducted with his help, not his permission or guidance.” Tina reached up to adjust her glasses but realized she wasn’t wearing them and just rubbed the bridge of her muzzle. “Once I finished bathing, I was prepared to leave for the governor’s home to inform him of my arrival, nothing more or less.”

  The wolverine sneered at Tina, but held his tongue in check. He turned his head for an instant, noted Kravek’s position behind him, and abruptly stabbed his elbow upward. The black bull’s head pitched back suddenly when the armor-clad elbow slammed right into the space between Kravek’s chin and throat. The bull fell to the ground with a heavy crash. Sprawled out on his back, Kravek's head lulled to one side.

  Captain Cephalin smirked. He looked back down at Tina. “See that you do. I have to take this disturber of the peace to the stocks.”

  Tina glared at the wolverine. “That was not necessary.”

  The wolverine shrugged. “But it was lawful.” He tapped the dent in his breastplate with a metal claw and then looked at Kilba. “On second thought, send for a couple of guards to retrieve this lummox.” He then turned to look down at Tina on the counter top. “Get dressed, wizard. I will escort you to the governor's house.”

  Tina wasn't happy with Kravek being arrested for interceding on her behalf. As she headed for her door under the stairs, she resolved to do something about it while at the governor's house.