***
They reached the stable without further incident, where their horses were already prepared for the journey. The Knights of Ollanhar--including Daledus, who stood apart from the others--were gathered in a crowd waiting for the arrival of their leaders. They wore cloaks over their armor, and no banners of Dremlock were displayed. This was strange to Lannon, not at all like the festive departures the Divine Knights typically received. There was no one to cheer them on--just tired, sullen warriors slipping off into the shadows.
Furlus Goblincrusher, looking tired, was there to speak a few words of encouragement to the crowd. Then he added, "Unfortunately, the Nine Axes have not arrived yet. Their whereabouts are not known."
This news seemed to alarm Aldreya. "Should we delay the journey? I want to make sure the tower is well defended in our absence."
"No need for that," said Furlus. "I suspect they may have gotten sidetracked by a few of the taverns along the way. This quest is long overdue. Let Taris and I worry about Ollanhar. If you want to truly defend the tower, then bring back that Flamestone. Only then will we be assured of defeating Bellis."
Aldreya reported the incident with the Vulture, but Furlus seemed to dismiss it as unimportant.
"All that matters now is the Flamestone," he said, his bearded face somber in the lantern light. "You must retrieve it at all costs."
"Is something troubling you, Furlus?" asked Lannon.
"Many things trouble me," said Furlus, with a shrug.
"I was referring to something specific," said Lannon. "Something that would cause an immediate need for this new Flamestone."
"Yes," said Furlus, "but I am not allowed speak of it. If we fail to obtain the Flamestone, Dremlock will surely be doomed."
"We will not fail," said Prince Vannas. "My own Flamestone will make sure of it and guide us through fog and shadow and raging sea."
"I believe in you, my cousin," said Lothrin, patting the prince on the back. "Victory will be ours."
"We will find a way," said Vorden. "We always do."
"Such talk is pointless," said Bekka. "We have no idea what awaits us in distant lands. We're all powerful fighters, certainly, but we may be overmatched beyond the mountains of Silverland." In spite of being new to the group, Bekka had no issue with speaking her mind. She made no effort to fit in, but simply lived as the warrior she had always been.
Jace nodded. His huge form blocked out the lantern light. "Bekka is correct. Overconfidence will be our downfall. We cannot go on this journey expecting an easy victory. We will need our wits to survive."
"Who needs wits," said Daledus, his eyes sullen, "when we have this?" He balled up his meaty fist. "I'll crack a few jaws before this quest is ended!"
No one replied to the angry Dwarf. They just let him talk.
"Good luck to you, my friends," said Furlus. "May the Divine Essence watch over you and bless your journey so that you return victorious. May it shine its light on you when the darkness seems impenetrable and reveal a path."
"We're all tired," said Aldreya. "But we must ride out. Are you ready, Lannon?"
Lannon nodded. It was time to depart.
Knights: Defenders of Ollanhar Page 18