The Andy Smithson Series: Books 1, 2, and 3 (Young Adult Epic Fantasy Bundle) (Andy Smithson Series Boxset): Dragons, Serpents, Unicorns, Pegasus, Pixies, Trolls, Dwarfs, Knights and More!

by L. EE

  “Looks like that letter did the trick,” commented Sergeant Albin, buckling his weapons belt. Andy shouldered his pack over his good arm.

  The dwarf trio escorted the group through the heavy metal door. Its slam echoed behind, squelching the cawed protests flung at them as they exited.

  Out in the hallway, Andy spotted torches hanging every ten feet or so. They illuminated the stone-lined corridor just enough to see a few feet ahead, but cast creepy shadows on the walls that seemed to come alive as the flames flickered and danced. No one said anything.

  The dwarfs led them through a maze of tunnels that continually twisted and turned. Andy gave up trying to remember where they’d been. I hope someone else remembers the way if we need to escape. He paused, then thought, Not that the prison is the way we’d break out. Ah, well…

  They walked for several more minutes. Andy’s shoulder had started feeling better as he rested in the cell, but now it resumed throbbing with each step. How big can this place be? he growled inwardly.

  At last they reached a narrow set of stairs and ascended single file, bookended by the guards. One flight, two flights, three flights brought them to a polished white marble hallway. Overcast natural light shone through windows that divided the apex of a domed ceiling, reminding Andy of the dome in the library of Oomaldee. Hundreds of rubies and sapphires inlaid in the walls and ceiling gave the hall a lavish feel.

  The group continued until they reached a central domed atrium. A dozen hallways similar to the one they’d just existed branched off it. A white marble fountain depicting a dwarf king rose a good twenty feet and occupied the center of the space. The figure stood proudly with one marble foot resting on a mound of marble dirt. Multiple jets of water shot into a circular basin beneath. The gray light from above, the white marble, and the statue’s reflection off the water combined to make it appear to move.

  The group paused.

  “Wow!” exclaimed Hannah. “It’s beautiful!”

  “I’ve heard of the wealth of the dwarfs, but the tales don’t do this hall justice,” Mermin marveled.

  Andy walked around the curved walls, studying the intricate carvings of battle scenes interspersed with etched portraits. “They must have been kings,” Andy guessed aloud.

  “You’re very astute,” Brufn confirmed, puffing out his chest. “The history of the line of Nithi is preserved on these walls.”

  The leader smiled and replied, “Nithi XXVI enjoys his fineries, as have his predecessors.”

  They reached the end of the hall and the leader turned to address the group. “My name is Eero. I’m the captain of the prison guard, and these are Mazar and Brufn, my sergeants.”

  “Mazar, see to the care of these two,” Eero commanded, motioning to Andy and Captain Ladilas.

  “It shall be done, sir!” The dwarf drew his hands behind his back and clicked the heels of his boots together.

  “Everyone else, follow me,” Eero instructed. “Brufn, follow up the rear so no one gets lost.”

  Andy’s eyes shot toward Captain Ladilas as the group divided.

  “It’s okay,” the captain mouthed.

  “This way, please.” Mazar raised an arm and motioned toward a hallway on the opposite side of the atrium.

  “We’ll see you later, Andy,” Alden encouraged, trailing the larger group that headed down a different hall.

  “Keep up,” Brufn commanded, sweeping up the stragglers with outstretched arms.

  Hannah waved, but her frown betrayed any sense of calm.

  Andy and Captain Ladilas followed Mazar down another impressive white marble hallway, walked under an archway with a caduceus carved into its keystone, and turned right. After passing several empty rooms, Mazar led them into one with containers lining every wall. A dwarf child played quietly with her doll on a rug in front of the fireplace at the far side of the room.

  “Have a seat, and a healer will be with you shortly,” a stout but kindly she-dwarf greeted them. She saw them notice the child and explained, “My daughter. She comes with me sometimes.”

  Andy set his pack down next to the intricately carved stone bench he and the captain shared. Mazar waited nearby. Before they’d settled in, another she-dwarf swooped into the room. Unlike her male counterparts, this sturdy lady had no facial hair, but her long brown locks had been pulled into a braid that ended at the small of her back. She wore an elaborately decorated crimson tunic and a fine white linen blouse that hung over the top of leather breeches.

  “I’m Bridrika,” the healer introduced herself. “This is Elganora, my assistant.” She approached Andy and studied the wood protruding from his shoulder, then inspected the captain’s arm.

  Choosing to treat Andy first, she instructed, “Have a seat on the table. Let’s get your wet clothes off so I can examine that wound thoroughly.”

  Andy thought he would pass out as they removed three layers of soggy, blood-soaked clothing. The bridge fragment had stapled his rain poncho, tunic, and linen undershirt to his flesh, and he cried out when Bridrika disturbed it.

  “Cut the material away from the wound,” the healer instructed her assistant.

  With his shoulder now bare, Andy saw the thickness of the chunk of wood for the first time. Knowledge somehow intensified his pain and he gritted his teeth, doing his best to remain quiet.

  “It’s a good thing you didn’t attempt to remove this,” the healer encouraged.

  That bad, huh?

  “Andy, please lay down.”

  As he did, he felt his breathing quicken. The little girl looked up from her play.

  “Elganora, Captain Ladilas, hold him still.”

  Andy felt hands clamp down on his ankles and his good shoulder.

  “Bite down on this,” Bridrika instructed, placing a piece of cloth between his teeth.

  Andy’s eyes opened as wide as saucers. This is gonna kill!

  The healer placed a handful of cloth next to the wood and, in one fluid motion, yanked.

  Ow! Andy screamed in his head, biting down hard and groaning.

  Andy felt pressure being applied, making the pain more intense, if that was even possible.

  “You can let go,” she instructed her helpers.

  After several minutes Bridrika let up on some of the pressure, eventually removing the cloth to inspect the wound. She shook her head and brought a bottle of what looked like wine to the table, commanding, “Hold still.”

  Andy saw stars as she poured it into the wound. He directed his pain into a fist he made with his good hand, smashing it down on the table next to him. Not yet satisfied she’d inflicted enough pain on her patient, the torturess found a container of foul-smelling goo and proceeded to slather it in and around the hole in Andy’s shoulder. Andy winced but didn’t cry out.

  “That’ll speed the healing,” she informed. “Elganora, dress the wound while I tend to the captain.”

  “Okay, you can sit up, Andy,” the assistant coaxed. “Slowly.”

  Elganora helped him to the bench and proceeded to retrieve a needle and thread. Stitches? No!

  The little girl stared at Andy as he winced with each suture. She seemed surprised at his groaning. As the assistant fastened the eighth stitch in place, Andy wondered, Does she think she’s working on a piece of needlepoint?

  After completing ten stitches, Elganora examined her work and smiled with satisfaction, to which Andy sighed.

  Andy watched as the healer treated the captain. He sat stoically on the table while Bridrika followed a similar procedure, although when it came time to extract the projectile, he declined anything to bite into. Instead, Captain Ladilas stared fixedly at the ceiling and winced as the healer removed the wood, but that was it. I’m such a wimp.

  When all the excitement ended, the ladies left. Andy overheard the girl ask, “Why’d that boy make such a fuss over his injuries?”

  “Not everyone is like the dwarfs, dear,” Elganora replied.

  Andy rolled his eyes.

  “Ne
ed help?” Mazar asked, bringing his attention back. “You can clean up, then I’ll take you to join your king.”

  Andy and the captain willingly complied. Despite the dampness of their clean clothes, it felt good to be out of their filthy apparel. Mazar fitted both of them with fresh slings before exiting the infirmary.

  Several minutes later, Mazar knocked on a heavy wooden door framed by more ornate carvings. A dwarf servant welcomed them into a large but cheery room with a roaring fire in the stone hearth.

  “Your king is enjoying tea with His Majesty,” the servant stated, looking from Andy to the captain.

  “Thank you, Montag,” replied Mazar, handing off his charges.

  The servant escorted them down the corridor and knocked twice.

  “Enter!” a deep voice boomed from inside.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Male Bonding

  “Andy!” The King hurried over and hugged him. “I’m glad to see you’re doing better.”

  “Where is everyone, Father?”

  “They’re freshening up. They’ll join us before dinner. Speaking of which...”

  The King turned.

  “Please pardon my lack of manners, Your Majesty, but this is my son, Prince Andrew.”

  The portly dwarf nodded and smiled from where he reclined, sipping a cup of tea. “No apology necessary. I would do the same.”

  The dwarf king wore a long-sleeved tunic of fine red linen trimmed with luxurious embroidery and topped by a sleeveless surcoat of linsey-woolsey. A glint of silver chain mail peeked from under a pepper-gray beard that covered his chest and abdomen. Black leggings, leather boots with silver buckles, and three rings on each hand sparkling with sapphires and rubies enhanced the regal ensemble.

  That’s quite a beard. Looks like that’s where all the hair from his head migrated, thought Andy, noticing the sovereign’s shiny noggin. Andy approached and bowed. “Your Majesty.”

  Captain Ladilas followed.

  “Please, take a seat and have some tea,” Nithi invited as he dismissed Sergeant Mazar with a wave. “Your father and I were getting acquainted. We’ve corresponded previously but never met. He tells me you know a thing or two about dwarfs of the line of Durin.”

  “That’s right, Your Majesty,” Andy confirmed even as he thought, I hope these are the same dwarfs.

  Another servant appeared bearing a tea service. He handed Andy and Captain Ladilas each a steaming cup and a plate of biscuits. Much had happened since Andy last ate, and he bit into a warm biscuit with enthusiasm, drawing a chuckle from their host.

  “Well, I’d be interested in swapping stories if you’re up to it.”

  Andy smiled between bites and replied, “Sure.” He glanced at Father who grinned encouragement.

  After consuming thirds, Andy began, “What I know starts with Thorin Oakenshield and a group of dwarfs of the line of Durin going on a quest to regain their homeland, Erebor. It had been stolen from them by the dragon, Smaug.” He recounted as many details as he could remember, hoping he’d put them in the right order.

  Throughout his telling, Nithi nodded, but Andy couldn’t decide whether it meant he agreed with the story or whether he was acknowledging he listened. Surely this isn’t new to him.

  When Andy finished, Nithi asked, “Do you know how the dwarfs began?”

  “Yes, sir. It all started when Vala Aulë—you call him Mahal—created the dwarfs. He was a smith who worked metal and earth; he formed the dwarfs from the ground. Then Ilúvatar, the master creator, gave them life. Sorry, I’m probably not pronouncing their names correctly.”

  Father raised an eyebrow.

  The dwarf king smiled. “No worries, Andy. I’m impressed. King Hercalon, you seem surprised that the boy knows so much about dwarfs.”

  Father laughed, “This is all new to me.”

  “And what else do you know about dwarfs, Andy?” Nithi probed.

  “Well, I know Mahal created seven dwarf fathers. Durin was the first. Nithi…I think Nithi was the third.”

  “Very good,” the dwarf encouraged. “Prince Andrew, how did you come by such knowledge that your Father does not possess?”

  Andy locked eyes with Father, who raised an eyebrow slightly, before replying, “I read about it in the Voluspa. It’s a poem.”

  “Indeed it is, lad. And it is why this place is called Völuspà, home of the great hall of the dwarfs of the line of Nithi, in the shadow of Mount Mur Eyah.” He added the proper dwarfish enunciation as he spoke.

  “I thought it might be!” Andy exclaimed. Before the dwarf king could probe further, he added, “Would you tell me about your line, Your Majesty?”

  “That was the deal, wasn’t it?” King Nithi beamed as he began. “Mahal gave Nithi dominion over Lower-earth where the deepest and purest veins of jewels and precious stones are found. The line of Nithi multiplied and took up mining to trade with the peoples of Middle-earth. Peace and prosperity prevailed throughout the rule of Nithi I until Nithi III.

  “But during Nithi IV’s reign, in the late Third Age, we were drawn into the War of the Dwarfs and Orcs and sustained major casualties. When we were weakest, a dwarf calling himself the Whitehearted Potentate rose up. He was convinced the dwarfs of Lower- and Middle-earth had become overly greedy and obsessed with their jewels and hoards of precious metal. Believing dwarfs were held in bondage to their desires and not truly free, he vowed to wipe out all the lustful dwarfs and start over, if it came to that.

  “He invited a trove of dragons to join him on his quest, for he knew no one could win against these beasts. The dragons were perfectly suited to this task. They’re smart, and they hid their greed from him. The Whitehearted Potentate waged a violent and ruthless campaign against his fellows, usually ending with dragon’s fire wiping out whole villages. After each victory, he would then dispatch a single dragon to watch over the treasure cache. Eventually, the Whitehearted Potentate ran out of available dragons and his fight came to a brutal end, but not before virtually all the dwarfs of Lower-earth had been wiped out. And, I would add, the dragons refused to give up the treasure they guarded, even though the Potentate’s campaign ended.

  “During the slaughter, some dwarfs escaped, tunneling into Oomaldee. They sought permission from your ancestor, King Matillis II, to establish a home here. The king accepted their request and granted them mountainous land not suitable for farming. Since that day, we pay an annual tribute to your kingdom.”

  “Tunnels connect Lower- and Middle-earth with Oomaldee? Cool! Do you know where they are?” Andy quizzed.

  “It’s my understanding they were blocked off long ago to prevent dragons or any other crusader from following. Needless to say, dwarfs are not fans of dragons.”

  “I can see why,” Andy replied. I wonder where Daisy’s line started?

  The dwarf king rose and announced, “It’s nearly time for dinner. I’d like to freshen up, and no doubt you’d be interested in seeing the rest of your company.”

  Father, Andy, and Captain Ladilas stood as the king excused himself.

  Before Montag returned for them, the King commented, “Well done, Son. You’ve done much to extend the congenial relationship we share with the dwarfs. Dwarf friendship is hard to earn but strong once it’s won. The difference between an acquaintance and a friend among the dwarfs is about a hundred years.”

  “A hundred years! But I won’t live that long.”

  “Don’t worry, Andy. Some of the strongest friendships are those between human and dwarf, as long as the human ancestors were on good terms. I consider myself a friend of Nithi XXVI, and I believe it’s mutual.”

  “I hope you’re right, Father.”

  Montag rejoined them and escorted them down several halls, finally entering a suite with shiny marble floors, a circular common area, and half a dozen chambers branching off. A round marble fireplace inlaid with rubies and sapphires blazed with a roaring fire and served as a focal point for the space. A blue rug spread out in front of it, and cushy
chairs and a cozy sofa invited the trio to sit a spell.

  Hannah and Alden, who had been enjoying the fire while conversing with Mermin, rushed to greet Andy.

  “How are you feeling?” Hannah queried.

  “Okay, I guess.”

  The captain joined the pair of sergeants off to one side of the couch and shared his experiences before the trio rejoined the rest of the company several minutes later.

  “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go change before dinner,” the King interrupted the chatter.

  “Oh Andy, you really missed out!” Alden began. “Fendrel, he’s a miner, took us on a tour of the Corundum mine.”

  “It smelled damp,” Hannah informed, wrinkling her nose, “but it was still amazing!”

  Alden continued, “Yeah, the mine went down so far I couldn’t see the bottom! They’d run strings of torches up and down the walls where miners hung at various points.”

  “Fendrel led us down rickety scaffolding that wobbled as we walked. I looked over once and wished I hadn’t,” Hannah added.

  Alden laughed at the memory.

  For his part, a fluttery feeling again crept into Andy’s chest as he watched Hannah recount their adventures with exuberance. He tried to refocus as she demonstrated how the miners carefully chiseled away at the rock, making sure no sapphires fell into the abyss.

  “Oh, I almost forgot.” Alden walked over to his backpack and rummaged in the front pocket. “This is a piece of sapphire for you. Fendrel gave one to each of us.” Alden pulled out a small stone, returned to where Andy and Hannah sat, and handed it to him.

  Andy brightened and held the stone up in the firelight. “It’s beautiful! Thanks!”

  “Fendrel said there are only four types of precious stones: emeralds, diamonds, rubies, and sappires. Other stones are considered semiprecious. They mine both rubies and sapphires here,” Hannah reported.

  “So this is worth something. Excellent!” Andy responded as Father rejoined the group.

  “What’s worth something?” the King asked.

  “This,” Andy replied, showing him the jagged blue pebble.