by M. L. Forman
“I knew it was more than money that troubled you,” said Alex.
“The lords and kings of Thraxon will soon know there is an oracle here,” Kat said in a soft voice. “They will come or send messengers. Some of them will want answers that I might not have. Others will want to take control of the tower and make the oracle their servant. Even good King Thorgood will be tempted by this.”
“You do not know your full power yet,” said Alex. “Inside the walls of this tower, your power cannot be challenged, except by some great evil. Here, your word is law. Even I would not dare challenge you here.”
“Only because you are good and kind,” said Kat in a mournful tone. “Others may not have such an honorable soul.”
Alex shrugged. “In the city of Darvish, you will have great power, more than kings or lords. Perhaps even as much as a great wizard.”
“You seem so sure.”
“I am certain of what I say,” Alex said firmly.
“And if wars are started by men attempting to control Darvish and the tower?” Kat questioned.
“I will do what I can for you, as I promised, but it is your job to prevent the wars that might come,” Alex answered.
“Already the weight of being the oracle is so heavy.”
“It will become less in time, and I can give you two powerful allies to call on if you are ever in need.”
“Two?” Kat questioned.
“I will make sure that Thorgood and the dwarf realm will always stand at your side,” Alex answered. “Thorgood has made a great promise for the return of something I carry, something that was lost long ago. I will give it back to him only if he promises to always be an ally to the Oracle of the Empty Tower. And I will place a spell on the object so that if the dwarf kings ever turn against the tower, it will be lost once more.”
“That is a powerful promise indeed,” Kat said with a weak smile.
“And I will give you more,” Alex went on. “If ever you need me, send for me. I will come if I am able. If I cannot come, I will send help. If you cannot wait for me or for the help I send, there is one close at hand who will be at your call.”
“The dragon on the Isle of Bones?” Kat questioned. “How can you bind him to me? You are the dragon lord; he has no reason to serve me.”
“He will come at your call because I wish him to,” said Alex in a definite tone. “I will give you the words to speak, but I warn you to speak them only at your greatest need.”
Alex leaned close to Kat and whispered in her ear. When he pulled away, he looked into her eyes to make sure she had understood everything he had said. Kat nodded her understanding but said nothing. For a long time the two of them stood in silence at the top of the tower, looking deep into each other’s thoughts. Just before sunrise, Kat turned away, pale and shaking from the effort.
“Rest while you can,” Alex said softly. “The days of celebration are about to begin, but that will be a small thing after this night.”
“I owe you everything,” said Kat, just as she had before.
“Everything and nothing at all,” Alex answered. “Now rest, my friend, we will say our good-byes when the days of celebrations are over.”
Alex didn’t wait for Kat to reply. He stepped to the edge of the tower and took the form of an eagle. He caught the morning wind and soared up into the dark sky, gliding like a shadow over the city. He knew that Kat understood him, and that she would understand him better as the days went by. He also knew she was far more powerful than she thought. She would somehow find a way to prevent war from coming to Thraxon.
Chapter Twenty-Four
The Crown of Set
Two days after the celebrations for the oracle’s arrival ended, Alex and his friends prepared to leave Darvish. Barnabus and Nellus had found six horses, and Thrang had released Kat from the adventurer’s bargain so she could remain in Darvish as the oracle. Alex spent the hours before dawn in the tower with Kat, helping her to understand her new powers. When the sun touched the top of the tower, Kat and Alex entered the courtyard where the rest of the company was waiting for them.
“So, it is time to say farewell,” said Kat with a smile. “And I have no gifts to give you in parting.”
“You have already given us a great gift, lady,” said Thrang. “You have honored us as your guests during the days of celebration. Few have ever been so honored, and we are all in your debt.”
“Then ride on to your reward, my friends,” said Kat. “And know that you all will be welcome here whenever you choose to come.”
“And may we find our way here often in happiness,” Thrang answered as he bowed.
Alex and the others also bowed to Kat before they climbed into their saddles. With a final bow, they rode out of the courtyard and into the city of Darvish. Alex knew how much Kat wanted to be riding with them, but he also knew that she was happy with the choice she had made.
“So the tower has an oracle,” said Thrang as he led them through the city. “That is something I never thought to see in my days.”
“I never thought I would call an oracle friend,” Nellus said as he rode beside Alex. “Though I never thought I’d call a wizard a friend either.”
They began talking about their adventure as they rode out of the city gates and back toward the mountains. It would take them at least two weeks to reach Benorg, perhaps longer, but the weather was good, and spring was spreading quickly across the north of Thraxon.
Their journey was pleasant, and they made good time along the road to Benorg. They passed groups of dwarfs going east from time to time, and all of them asked questions about the new Oracle of the Empty Tower. Thrang answered their questions carefully, not wanting them to know that Kat had once been a member of their company. Thrain asked Thrang why he didn’t tell people that they knew the oracle, and Thrang laughed when he answered.
“It seems a little bigheaded to claim the oracle’s friendship so openly,” Thrang said. “After all, not many people ever know an oracle as well as we know the lady of the tower.”
“But she is our friend, and she was part of our company,” Thrain persisted.
“And that is nobody’s business,” Thrang answered in a stern tone. “You still have a lot to learn about what should and should not be said openly. I would think being around Alex and Arconn, you might have learned something.”
“But they both say a great deal,” Thrain complained.
“They say only what they want you to hear,” Thrang corrected him. “It seems like a lot to you, but it is little compared to what they could say.”
Thrain looked puzzled, but both Alex and Arconn smiled. Nellus and Barnabus both found the exchange funny, but refrained from teasing Thrain.
***
Spring was well underway when Alex and his friends finally reached Benorg, and the city had transformed into something that looked like a giant garden. Thrang had been talking more and more the closer they got to the city, but Alex noticed that he would sometimes look troubled. He knew Thrang was worried about the return of the crown of Set. Thorgood had made some great promise in exchange for the crown’s return, a promise that Thrang didn’t want to discuss unless Thorgood was present.
They rode into the city just after noon and were greeted warmly once again. The streets were full of dwarfs going about their business. It wasn’t long before a messenger from Thorgood arrived, welcoming them in Thorgood’s name and asking them to follow him to the king. The messenger, however, did not ride ahead as he normally would do. Instead, he fell back and rode beside Thrang as they went through the city.
“Your brother, Thorson, arrived two days ago,” the messenger said. “He told us that you would be here shortly and that we should watch for you.”
“Where is Thorson staying?” Thrang questioned. “I would like to talk with him.”
“The king has asked Thorson and his company to stay at the palace. I’m sure you will have time to speak with him there,” the messenger answered. “And there is other
news. Thorson hinted that you might know something about it.”
“What news is that?” Thrang questioned.
“There are stories that a dragon was seen in Darvish,” said the messenger. “The rumors are that the dragon brought an oracle to the empty tower, and that the tower is no longer empty.”
“That is true,” said Thrang in a lowered voice. “But such things should be discussed with Thorgood, as he will want to know the whole story.”
“Yes, of course,” the messenger said quickly. “I meant no harm.”
The messenger, obviously thinking he’d said too much, bowed to Thrang and moved ahead of the company. After a moment, Alex moved forward so he could speak with Thrang quietly.
“What story do you intend to tell Thorgood?” Alex questioned.
“The true one, of course,” Thrang answered in surprise. “What do you think I would tell the king?”
“I mean, how much of the truth do you intend to tell him?” Alex pressed. “Remember, you have sworn to remain silent about some things.”
“I remember,” said Thrang. “I don’t know why you wish to keep it a secret, but I will not go back on my word. It will make the story more difficult to tell, and I think Thorgood may guess what I leave out.”
“He may,” Alex allowed. “But it would be best for his guesses to remain guesses. The time may come when I choose to tell him the whole truth, but I alone will make that decision.”
“As you wish,” said Thrang. “A wizard’s ways are not to be questioned.”
“And a dwarf’s tongue will always hold true,” said Alex with a smile.
“You have learned a great deal about dwarfs,” Arconn said from Thrang’s other side. “I didn’t know you had read the great dwarf poets.”
“Only some of them,” said Alex, still smiling. “I’ve not learned enough about dwarfs to love all of their poetry—at least not yet.”
Thrang and Arconn both laughed, and Alex slowed his horse slightly to return to his place. He managed to get back in line just as they entered the courtyard of Thorgood’s palace, where the king himself was waiting for them.
“Thrang,” Thorgood called. “Thorson told us you would be coming. I take it you’ve found success on your adventure.”
“We have, my lord,” Thrang answered as he dismounted and bowed to the king.
“Wonderful,” said Thorgood. “This is the best news of all, but . . . one of your company appears to be missing. Thorson did not say you would bring sad news.”
“And we do not,” said Thrang. “But perhaps the story should wait until the lords of Thraxon can be gathered.”
“Yes, that would be best,” said Thorgood after a moment. “For now, I will thank you and the members of your company that are with you. I’ve had rooms prepared for all of you. Tonight we will feast, and then you can tell the story of your adventure.”
“You are most kind, great king,” said Thrang as he and the rest of the company bowed.
Alex knew Thorgood didn’t want to wait to hear the story of their adventure, but being a good king, he knew he had to. So instead of asking questions and talking to them as he had done on their previous visit, he had servants lead them to their rooms and ordered that they were not to be bothered.
“Once he hears our story, he will guess that Kat is the new oracle,” Thrang said when they were alone.
“And what action will he take?” Arconn questioned. “After all, it is not often that a new oracle appears. He may feel that Kat is in his debt, as it was the adventure he paid for that brought her to the empty tower.”
“I’ve known Thorgood for many years, but I don’t know what he will do now,” Thrang said slowly. “Kat becoming the oracle was unexpected, and it might cause trouble.”
“Not from Thorgood,” said Alex. “Perhaps the lords of the dwarf realm will see things differently, but I don’t think Thorgood will start any trouble.”
“New oracles are often the center of trouble,” said Arconn, sounding worried. “I’ve seen several come and a few go. In most cases, there is confusion and some kind of trouble.”
“Yes, I believe you’re right,” Alex agreed after some thought. “Kat saw trouble coming after she became the oracle. I’ve promised to help her in any way I can.”
“Well, that should be enough to prevent any real trouble,” Nellus said with a smile. “After all, most kings will bow to the wishes of a wizard.”
“Most wise kings would,” Barnabus added. “Yet not all kings are so wise.”
“You don’t think Kat is in danger, do you?” Thrain questioned in a worried tone. “If she needs help, I can send to Vargland for soldiers. I know my grandfather would send a small army to protect the empty tower.”
“And risk war with the dwarf realm of Thraxon?” Thrang asked, shaking his head. “Don’t be silly, Thrain, it is too great a risk. Your grandfather may rule in Vargland, but that is far away.”
“I’m not worried about a war,” Alex said thoughtfully. “And I think Thorgood will listen to reason. As for the lords of the dwarf realm, I think I can make them see reason as well.”
“Yes,” said Thrang, his eyes resting on Alex. “I’m sure the lords will do as you wish, but remember, the dwarf realm is not the only power in Thraxon.”
“No, it’s not,” agreed Alex. “It is, however, one of the greatest powers, and there are few that would challenge it. If the dwarf realm is an ally of the tower, I doubt anyone will start any trouble. And I’ve also given the lady of the tower a powerful defender if she should ever need him.”
“The dragon?” Arconn said in wonder.
“She may call upon him only in the hour of her greatest need,” said Alex. “I hope that she never needs to call, but she knows how.”
“Well then, there is little for us to worry about,” Thrang said in relief. “We will tell our story to Thorgood and deliver the ring to him. He will keep his word and make the payments he has promised. Once that is done, our company’s business in Benorg will be finished.”
“But you live here,” Nellus said. “You can’t pretend that Kat being the oracle won’t affect you.”
“I’m sure there will be a lot of talk, but if anything, it will improve my standing in Thraxon,” Thrang said with a smile. He glanced at Alex. “And I think there is some other business that must be dealt with before we return to Telous.”
“Yes,” said Alex. “I would be honored if you would arrange a meeting, Thrang, with Thorgood and his lords. If you and I could speak with them, I think we might solve a great many problems before they actually become problems.”
“As you wish,” Thrang said with a bow. “I will speak to Thorgood tonight, after we return the Ring of Searching.”
“Thank you,” said Alex. “Now, I think we should all get cleaned up. We will be the honored guests of the king tonight, and we should look our best.”
As Alex turned, he heard Thrang say softly to Thrain, “You see, he said a great deal and you still don’t know what he’s talking about.”
Alex smiled as he headed toward his room.
Once Alex and his friends had cleaned up from their journey, they didn’t have to wait long before they were summoned to the great feast of King Thorgood.
Thrang looked happier than he had in a long time, and Alex could tell that his friend had already worked out the story of their adventure to the last detail. He was glad, because Thrang would have to leave out or make up several important parts of the story while he told it.
As Alex and his friends took their seats for the feast, Alex looked at the assembled dwarfs. Many of the dwarf lords looked as happy as Thorgood did, but a few looked troubled.
“My friends,” Thorgood said once everyone was seated. “As many of you know, I asked my good friend Thrang Silversmith to set up an adventure some time ago. The details of this adventure I may now share with you all as Thrang and his company have returned to our fair city, and they have been successful in their quest.”
Th
ere was a slight buzzing of conversation as the dwarfs in the great hall whispered to each other. Alex wondered how many of them had guessed what Thorgood had asked Thrang to do.
“As you all know, our mines have become less productive over the past several years, which has caused some difficulty for the kingdom,” Thorgood explained. “I asked Thrang to find the one item that would solve this problem for us: the legendary Ring of Searching. Thrang has found the tomb of Albrek and retreived the ring, which has been lost for so many years. He and his company have done the dwarf realm of Thraxon a great service, and I am sure you will all wish to honor them.”
Thorgood paused, allowing his words to sink in. Alex glanced around at the assembled dwarfs and saw that many of them looked both happy and excited.
“As the person who arranged for this adventure, it is my duty and privilege to declare the adventure a success,” Thorgood said with a wide smile. “Thrang, if you would be so kind.”
Thorgood motioned for Thrang to come forward, and Thrang slowly stood up and walked to where the king was standing. Bowing to the king, Thrang took the Ring of Searching from his magic bag, holding it high above his head so the assembled dwarfs could see it.
“Will you accept this ring as fulfillment of our bargain for this adventure?” Thrang questioned in a loud, clear voice.
“I will,” Thorgood answered. “And I will fulfill the terms of our agreement to you and your company. This adventure is a success, and may all dwarfs honor you for what you have done.”
Thrang knelt in front of the king and offered him the Ring of Searching. Thorgood took the ring from Thrang and motioned for two of his guards to come forward. The guards carried a large golden chest between them, which Thorgood opened, carefully setting the ring on the velvet lining. With the ceremony complete, Thorgood bowed to Thrang and thanked him for his service.
“And now, my friends, we feast!” Thorgood said in a loud voice. “A feast to honor these great adventurers. And after we have eaten, Thrang will tell us the story of their adventure, and how they found the tomb of Albrek.”