“Still,” said Farling, “it does seem odd that we know both of the Draugr’s victims.”
“He must have been at our forge as well,” said Arastead.
Farling nodded, said: “This Draugr has taken an interest in us. He probably asked many pointed questions to these two before he killed them.”
“About us?” asked Grum.
“About us,” said Farling flatly.
Arastead’s face clouded with worry. Then: “Search Brascan’s body.”
“What are we looking for?” asked Grum as he rummaged around.
Arastead whispered: “His amulet that gives him access to the guild.”
After a few seconds, they came up empty handed.
“Well, looks like we are off to the guild,” said Farling.
“Better have some food there,” grumbled Grum.
***
Soon, they were walking through the fake antique store, spoke with Horund who entered their names in the ledger, and made their way to the library.
They found Pressan and Einar scanning the contents of many books.
Pressan noticed them and said: “Welcome, blacksmiths, what brings you three here on such auspicious notice.”
“Auspicious indeed,” said Farling. “We have a name for the night walker.”
“As do we,” said Einar. “A Draugr.”
“The same,” said Arastead nodding.
Grum rubbed his stomach, said: “You know, this conversation would be much easier if there were some food.”
Einar clapped his hands and told the young thief that appeared to bring some food from the kitchen.
“We found the name of the demon this morning,” said Pressan.
“We also discovered that Brascan was killed by this Draugr,” said Farling.
“We know as well,” said Einar.
Arastead said: “It appears you know everything we do.”
“Stepon brought us news this morning from the Paupers Temple,” said Pressan.
“The same temple we just came from,” said Farling. “We have other news you may not have heard.”
“Try us,” said Einar.
Farling looked to Arastead, said: “Probably best if you tell.”
Arastead nodded, then told Einar and Pressan everything he had seen this morning at Jakobus’s home. Then: “That is why we were at the Paupers Temple, we were hoping Sihr could help heal Jakobus, but Sihr was still asleep, exhausted from last night’s adventure.”
“We have not heard the news about Jakobus,” said Pressan. “So, the same demon that killed Brascan and Ostend also attacked Jakobus last night, but why?”
Between bites of food Grum said: “This disappearing war hammer seems to be part of the mystery.”
“Why would the Draugr be interested in it?” asked Einar.
“Perhaps he is not so much interested in it for himself, but more interested in keeping it out of our hands,” observed Pressan.
“We have only so many hours of daylight left,” said Einar. “We had better ready our defenses for tonight as this Draugr seems to have a perverse interest in this guild.”
“And he has Brascan’s amulet,” said Farling.
“My fear exactly,” said Einar.
“We will visit Princess Margret, to see if she is well enough to help us heal Jakobus,” said Arastead.
“A good idea; see if you can find out from Jakobus where he has hidden the war hammer,” said Einar. “I will speak with our High Council, demand our defenses are increased.”
Pressan cleared his throat, then said: “Before we part, I have found something on the Draugr that I must share. Many years ago, before the age of wizards ended, the elves created a demon most foul. In every way, in every manner, this demon appeared as we do; nothing distinguished it or marked it as a demon except for its aversion to sunlight. But it was not human, far from it. For this demon could also feast on the essence of people. The elf black magic that bound the Draugr, that gave it corporal form, needed energy for this demon to continue living. Animal essence does not suffice, but will do. What gives the Draugr all his strength and all his power is energy from people, which he drains from his victims using one hand.”
To demonstrate, Pressan lightly pressed his hand against his chest. Then: “The Draugr has weaknesses, but he is not invulnerable. He is cursed, but like so many curses, they can be unraveled like the loose thread on a sweater that when pulled destroys the sweater. The black magic that holds him together, that binds him, can be undone.”
He continued: “When it feeds, it kills the person. But they are not dead, they live as undead, followers that are loyal to him and only him. These followers are much like the Draugr but do not have his power to make undead. When they feed on people, those people remain dead.”
Farling asked: “So, how do we stop a Draugr follower?”
“Much like other demons, fire consumes them, destroys them, unbinds the magic that holds them together. They cannot stand the touch of pure silver, it is anathema to them and sears their flesh. The last time the Draugr roamed Midgard creating followers, the people would determine who was a Draugr follower by making them hold a piece of pure silver. If their flesh smoked, they would be tied down and burned till their bodies are ash.”
Einar said: “We will have to burn the bodies of the people at the Paupers Temple.”
“I will do that,” said Grum, a smile spreading across his face.
“Later,” said Farling causing Grum to look disappointed, “as we need you with us if Jakobus awakes.”
Einar said: “I will send someone down to the temple to tell that old caretaker to at the very least tie the corpses down.”
***
At the castle, they found that Princess Margret had just woken. As always, the druid Nas was close by, protecting his ward.
She met the young blacksmiths in her room’s solar, where a castle servant had laid out a spread of cakes, sweets, tea, and other food to break her fast.
Arastead said to Grum: “Just make sure you save some food for the princess.”
“Of course,” he replied, trying to look offended.
Nas shook his head, asked: “What news?”
Once Farling had described everything, Nas asked: “How does Jakobus fare?”
“Poorly,” answered Arastead, “which is why we seek Princess Margret’s help.”
Nas grumbled, said: “The princess is not some common healer that can be summoned at any beckon call.”
Margret laid a hand on Nas’s arm. Then: “We have a history with these young blacksmiths. Be easy on them, Nas, we do consider them friends, and we have eaten at their home.”
Nas did not look mollified.
“You must excuse Nas,” continued Margret, “as he did not sleep as much as I. He stayed awake much of the time.”
Nas, his voice still sounding grouchy, asked: “Why the interest in Jakobus?”
Farling explained how the Draugr seemed interested in the war hammer, the one the Norn intended for Grum. Then said: “We must not let it fall into the Draugr’s hands. We do not believe he intends it for his own use, merely to keep it from us.”
Nas rubbed his face. Said: “So, the princes must heal Jakobus so that he may speak?”
“We did ask Sihr first, but he still slept,” replied Arastead. “We tried not to bother you, princess. But we are desperate. As the sun lowers on the horizon and the shadows lengthen, we fear the Draugr will attack again tonight, more fiercely than ever.”
Margret looked at Nas, who held her gaze at first, but then dropped his eyes. “Your father tasked me with protecting you,” he said.
Margret smiled, said: “The sun shines; the night walker hides.”
“Wear your magical circlet,” added Nas. “You will need all the protection you can afford.”
***
At Jakobus’s house, it was an odd-looking group that approached. One was the Aarlund princess, dressed impeccably in her hunting outfit. Nas, as always, made an
impression due to the bright blue tattoos that adorned his bald head. And, as requested by the druid, Margret wore the Circlet of Freya, its large pearl reflecting the light. The three young blacksmiths added to the oddity of the group as they were obviously not of royal descent.
The guards motioned the group to stop.
Arastead stepped forward, said: “I was here earlier today. I spoke with Jakobus’s manservant.”
One of the guards, who recognized Arastead, stepped aside, allowing the group to enter.
Inside, they found a sedate household. The servants all looked worried. By the roaring fire was a propped-up Jakobus, still unconscious, unable to sit on his own. Bandages covered most of his body, while both arms were in slings.
Jakobus’s manservant nodded at Arastead, said: “I see you have returned and brought friends. I hope you can help.”
Arastead introduced everyone, saving the princess till last. Then: “And I would like to introduce Princess Margret of Aarlund, daughter of King Cormac.”
“An honor, My Lady,” said the manservant, bowing low.
Margret said: “I have the rare ability to heal injuries, allowing the person to be back on their feet much more quickly than would otherwise be expected. It is of great importance that we bring Jakobus out of his stupor. We need his knowledge if we are to defeat the demon that attacked this house.”
The manservant bowed, said: “By all means; my master’s fate rests in your abilities.”
Coats and jackets were taken and hung in the closet. Stools and chairs were brought out for the guests.
Margret sat on a stool beside Jakobus. She inspected the bandages, then said: “A very good job of binding his wounds.”
“My thanks, My Lady,” said the manservant. “My mother was the healer in my small village. I learned a great deal from her.”
Margret added: “If I may, I would like some tea made, please.”
“Of course,” and the manservant busied himself in the kitchen making tea.
Nas bent his face close to Margret’s, said: “Tea? You do not need tea for healing.”
Margret smiled, said: “Do not worry yourself with the details, Nas, the tea is for me.” Nas then smiled at his own foolishness.
The manservant returned with the tea, which Margret drank gratefully. She breathed deeply, trying to relax as much as possible then reached out to Yggdrasil, the source of healing. She laid her hands on Jakobus’s forehead.
She whispered aloud: “He will need stone to build his bones. Fire to burn away his infections and fever. Water to clean his wounds, ice to heal his bruises, and fire again to close his open cuts.”
“Are you ready?” asked Nas.
“I am.” She then stood behind Jakobus and placed her hands on his temples. The flames in the fireplace crackled merrily while everyone watched in awe as Margret healed Jakobus.
With one last deep breath, Margret began. First one type of healing then another. His injuries were grievous, but nothing he would not have healed from on his own, given enough time. But they were running out of time.
Margret’s breathing changed and became more labored. Her forehead furrowed as her concentration focused.
And then, as soon as it began, it was done. Margret opened her eyes, wiping a hand across her brow in exhaustion.
Nas helped her sit down. Then said: “I was worried that would be too much for you after last night’s adventure.”
She weakly smiled, said: “I am young, Nas, I recover quickly. Still, if I may ask for some more tea and cake, I would be most grateful.”
“Your Grace is too kind,” said the manservant. Soon he returned with cake and tea for all, then said: “If I may inquire, when will my master awake?”
Margret said: “I think if you wave some of his favorite cake under his nose that may help bring him out of his slumber.”
The manservant did as directed, and as Margret foretold, Jakobus’s eyes opened.
“I had the strangest dreams,” he said. “I dreamt I was in great danger. But there was this woman with hair of red fire that brought me to a stream. There, I drank deeply from the water and I felt safe and whole again.”
“No dream, my master,” said his manservant. “Your house was attacked last night by a demon most foul. He broke you. It was this Aarlund princess who brought you out of your dream.”
Jakobus struggled to sit. Then said: “I am most stiff. My bones and muscles ache as if I have ridden Odin’s famed eight-legged horse for a week.”
Margret said to the manservant: “You should be able to take his arms out of his slings. And unwrap his bandages.”
The manservant did as asked. Slowly he unwound Jakobus’s bandages, and gently removed his arms from their slings.
Nas said: “You should stand, Jakobus, and allow your blood to flow through your limbs.”
With his servant’s help, Jakobus stood on unsteady legs. Within a few moments, he stood unaided. He breathed deeply, enjoying the moment. One of his cats rubbed against his leg.
Then: “Now, who would like to tell me what happened?”
Farling, Grum, and Arastead took turns telling Jakobus everything they knew of the demon.
“The Draugr,” muttered Jakobus, wiping the nervous sweat from his brow. “It is amazing I live.”
His manservant said: “You fought bravely, my master. But it took you by surprise. It was when the demon grabbed the Book of Princore that it decided to leave. As well, your cats had formed a protective circle about your body, which the Draugr did not feel like crossing.”
“Did you recognize the demon?” asked Farling.
“No, it covered its face with a thin scarf. And I did not recognize its voice.”
Jakobus moaned, said: “My book. I need it back.” Arastead nodded vigorously.
“Speaking of getting things back, what of the war hammer and gloves?” asked Grum.
“All in good time, young Grum,” said Jakobus. “Now, all this talk has quite exhausted me. I need to make my way to bed and rest more. Many thanks, Princess Margret, I am most grateful for your help.”
In a few moments, everyone had said their farewells and left Jakobus’s home.
Outside, Farling said: “We should make our way back to the guild, tell our friend the librarian the latest news.”
Arastead and Grum nodded. They said their good-byes to Margret and Nas, and then left for the thieves guild.
***
Watching the blacksmiths leave, Margret and Nas left for the safety of the castle.
Once in her solar, alone with Nas, she whispered: “Do you know who Jakobus is?”
Nas looked a little confused by the question. Then: “He is the owner of the Knights Stable.”
Margret gently shook her head, said: “No, he is much more than that. I have never seen him before without wearing the Circlet of Freya. With it, I can see through illusions.”
At that, she had his full attention.
“Then who is Jakobus?”
“It is not so much who is, but what he is.”
“And…”
“He is a dwarf.”
“I know he is not very tall, but I would not call him a dwarf.”
She lowered her gaze at Nas. Then said: “Not a short person, but a dwarf of the race of dwarves.”
Nas looked shocked, said: “Impossible, the dwarves left a long time ago for their own realm.”
“And that is not all. He is not just any dwarf, he is their king.”
***
On their way to the thieves guild, Farling changed his mind.
“We should go back to our forge,” he said. “Then, we should drop in again on Sihr. I think we will need all the help we can find. Nas would never let Princess Margret fight against the Draugr.”
“You are certain the Draugr will attack the thieves guild tonight?” asked Arastead.
“As sure as Grum likes cake,” said Farling.
“It will happen then,” agreed Grum.
At their forge, F
arling strapped his father’s sword to his back. “There may not be any frost giants around, but it is one of sharpest blades I have yet handled.”
“Your shield will be of the most use,” said Arastead. “If it was designed to absorb the blows of a giant, it should protect you from the Draugr.”
“Agreed,” said Farling, attaching the shield to his arm.
Grum held his unstrung bow in one hand, his quiver of arrows on his hip. He also wore the special belt given him by the Norn. Arastead carried his quarterstaff, letting it tap lightly on the ground as he walked.
Peg the cat rubbed against Arastead’s leg. Arastead spoke to his cat, said: “We are off to fight the Draugr. Are you interested in helping?”
Peg looked attentively at Arastead. Then, she jumped on a chair and made the leap to his shoulders. There she held on with a firm grip of her paws.
Farling watched, said: “A cat going into battle. Well, that was unexpected. Another small addition to our group. Now, let us be off to the Paupers Temple.”
***
Darkness settled over Trondheim. Inns and pubs lit torches and candles for their customers.
At the Paupers Temple, Rickters was lighting many candles.
“How may the…” he began, then stopped short seeing that it was Farling, Grum, and Arastead. “Sihr is in the kitchen,” he said.
“Many thanks, Rickters,” said Grum.
There, they found a much refreshed Sihr.
“We understand it was quite the night last night,” said Farling.
Sihr smiled, said: “A great deal of good was accomplished. In some ways you may say we saved Dennland.”
“It sounds like,” agreed Arastead. Peg left his shoulders and explored the temple. “Looking for mice,” he added.
“Something tells me you are not here just to discuss last night,” said Sihr.
Farling shook his head. He described what had happened to Jakobus, how two people were dead by the Draugr’s hands.
Farling added: “Which reminds me, those two people with the black handprints on their chests should be tied down to their tables at the very least.”
“Already done,” said Sihr. “Word made its way here from Einar, which we took action on immediately.”
“Good,” said Farling, “then with that done, grab your staff, Sihr, and let us hurry to the thieves guild. We may have to save Dennland again.”
The Abomination of Asgard Page 29