As he passed Jarla and her group, he waved to them in farewell. Jarla saw him and called out as she was boarding her own wagon.
“We are well met, Tartum Fuin! Thank you for your aid! I shall tell Quaray of your deeds here today!” she called to him.
Tartum smiled, “My family, my honor, my pride, my life!” he called out in return. With his senses still heightened by his magic, Tartum clearly saw the astonishment form on Jarla’s face.
Thrusting a fist into the air, Jarla replied, “Stike hard, stike true, stike proudly!” she yelled. As she finished, the rest of the dwarves thrust their fists into the air and repeated her words. Tartum had whipped his horse into a trot, and his wagon was moving quickly out of the area. He assumed that Jarla’s final farewell to him was her clan’s oath. He found he liked it, but not near as much as he liked the Bottom Barrel clan’s oath. The sun broke through the trees that surrounded him, and its warmth filled him. Smiling, Tartum reached for his spell book and began channeling magic into its pages. This was quickly becoming the best day of his journey so far, and it had felt very good to use his magic in a battle for a change. Sitting back in his seat, Tartum allowed his horse to guide them down the road as he tried to unlock another spell from his book.
…
The next two weeks of his journey went by without incident. Try as he might, he couldn’t get his spell book to relinquish any new spells. This didn’t disappoint him, however; he was more than content to sit back and enjoy the ride. The one thing he did discover during his journey was that the wagon Oldrake had given him had compartments hidden under the seats. Once he removed the cushions he found the area beneath hollow. The compartments were deep enough for Buddy to jump into and after seeing what was inside of them, he believed they were not intended to be hidden at all. Oldrake had filled the compartments with enough food and supplies for him and Buddy to make the trip back to Yucoke and back again. Finding the supplies made the journey that much easier, and before he knew it, two weeks had flown by.
It was late in the afternoon as Tartum guided the wagon through the gates of Yucoke. Most of the townspeople were at home enjoying dinner and winding down from a long day of hard work. As much as he missed his dwarven friends, he had to admit it felt good to be home. Stopping his wagon in front of his house, Tartum was relieved to see Dannurn had done well and everything seemed to be undisturbed. Shouldering his pack, Tartum gathered up the runic weapons he’d taken from the bandits and unlocked the door. His home was exactly as he’d left it, which sent another wave of relief through him. Heading to his study, Tartum placed his newly acquired weapons on the mantle over his fireplace. He was proud of these treasures and wanted to display them prominently. Taking a step back, he admired them for a moment as he recalled the battle in his mind. Happy with their placement, he walked over to the chest that held the components he had, to create his regent ring and removed the blanket. Opening the chest, he saw that nothing had been disturbed. Not even dust had gotten inside the container to which Tartum now added the ring he had Varnar make for him. Adding to his collection thrilled him; he had to resist the urge to head directly to Dannurn’s house to find out if he’d been able to scry the whereabouts of a troll or dragon. Closing and securing the chest, he replaced the blanket and stood up. After seeing to his horse’s needs, he left him teathered outside of his home. He had no stable to shelter him in, and he didn’t want to bring him into the house. The nights hadn’t been cold, so he believed the horse would be ok for just one night. In the morning, he’d see about finding more permanent arrangements for his beast. With the sun set, Tartum began to feel weary, as easy as the last two weeks had been, traveling still took a lot out of him. Stripping down to his small clothes, he took a bit of aloe and smeared it on his yeti hide blanket. It had become filthy during his weeks on the road, and he was curious to see if his spell would work on it.
“Eth-bereth yee-oond!” he commanded. He watched with a grin as the dirt and grime of the road literally jumped off his blanket and disintegrated into the air. Picking it up off the floor, Tartum tossed it onto his bed before throwing himself on top of it. Lying on an actual mattress, inside his own home, surrounded by his possessions felt wonderful; it wasn’t long before Tartum was snoring happily.
The next day he was awoken by loud knocking at his door. Groggily rising from his bed, Tartum wrapped himself in his robe before answering the door. He knew who it was the moment he heard the knocking. He was happy; he had saved him the trouble of going to him, although he wished Dannurn had waited till later in the day before coming to visit.
“Good morning, Dannurn.” Tartum said as he opened the door.
The look of surprise on Dannurn’s face was priceless, and Tartum couldn’t help but laugh. “How did you know it was me?!” Dannurn asked, flustered.
Tartum shook his head, “Magic! Come in, my friend! How have you been?” he asked.
Dannurn held his breath as he walked through the door, causing Tartum to laugh once again. He was surprised to see the man still believed his ward spell was going to hurt him, even after the assurances he had given him.
“Good, Tartum, good. Betty and Vessa keep me plenty busy, and of course there’s always the day-to-day happenings of the town. Somehow I muddled through the past few months.” he chuckled. Waving away the small talk, Dannurn fixed Tartum with an inquisitive look. “Enough of this boring prattle! I want to hear all about your visit with the dwarves!”
Over the next few hours, Tartum recounted the events of his trip to Windswept. He told him about Thorn and his reaction to the gold, he told him about the Bottombarrels and his honorary membership into the clan, he told him how he learned to brew simple ales and about the warmachines he’d been introduced to. When he told Dannurn about the battle against the Blurs, he didn’t believe him until Tartum pointed out the two weapons that adorned his fireplace. Dannurn had marveled over the weapons to the point that it made Tartum uncomfortable. In an effort to be polite, Tartum cleared his throat loudly, causing Dannurn to jump and put the weapons back over the fireplace.
“Sorry, Tartum, those are some incredible weapons you have there. I’m envious; I won’t lie.” Dannurn said apologetically.
Nodding, Tartum decided to change the subject, “So, any luck with that other favor I asked of you? The location of a troll, or a dragon perhaps?” he asked.
With another long look at the runic axe, Dannurn shifted his attention over to Tartum and nodded. “Yes, I found a man that claims to know where to find a troll, says he has a map and everything.” he told him, something about the way he said it concerned Tartum.
“But?” Tartum asked.
Relunctantly, Dannurn continued, “…but, I don’t trust him. He’s shifty, I think he only claimed to know the location because he is hoping to get paid. He’s the only person that’s claimed to know where one can be found, however, so I’ve given him a room at the inn, and he’s been there for about four days now. According to my wife, he’s eating more than should be humanly possible.” Dannurn replied.
Tartum sat for a moment before responding. “Well, it’s better than nothing. Let’s go talk to this guide you found. If it turns out he’s wasted our time, I’ll see to it he never sets foot in Yucoke again.” an ominous look creeping onto his face as he made the statement.
Tartum quickly dressed and gathered his spell components. Calling for Buddy, he smiled as his pet came running from the study. Their trip home had been rough for him as well, so it didn’t surpise Tartum that Buddy hadn’t moved from his rug near the fireplace since they had returned. Together, the group walked the short distance to their destination.
The inn was named Traveler’s Haven and acted as Yucoke’s sole inn and tavern. It was a large, rectangular, three story log cabin that was as unique to the town as Tartum was. The woman that owned the inn was the decendant of the family that had built it when Yucoke was just a blossoming village. The first floor functioned as a tavern. Square tables that sat anywhere f
rom two to twelve people were positioned in symmetrical rows that lined the walls of the building. Everything was made of wood, which was common for the town. It took Tartum a minute to adjust, as he had become accustomed to the all stone furnishings of the dwarves over the past couple months. The second floor functioned as the inn. Spiraling wooden stairs led the way to ten very nice rooms that were meticulously maintained by the owners. Tartum had never stayed in one of the rooms, but from what he’d heard people say, they were nicer than most of the bed rooms found in the rich section of town. Considering how much they charged for a room, Tartum had no doubt the rumor was true. The third floor was used as personal housing for the owner of the establishment and her family, which of course, no one was allowed to enter.
As they made their way inside, they found the tavern to be mostly deserted. A fat, balding, middle aged man sat at a table nursing a mug of ale and picking at a plate of bread and cheese. Other than the stranger, the only other people on this floor were the owner of the establishment and her husband. They both looked up as the group entered the building, and as one, they greeted them.
“Tartum! I didn’t know you were back!” Gaiana gushed. She was a very large, very fat woman with a heart made of solid gold. She was the first person in Yucoke, other than Dannurn and his family, which had made him feel welcome when he was first settling into the town. The woman never had a bad thing to say about anyone. One of the running jokes of the town was that she was so kind that she would compliment a dragon on the plesentness of it’s breath as it was eating her. Tartum liked the woman very much.
“Just got back last night, Gaiana. Woke up this morning to the mayor pounding on my door!” Tartum said, feigning irritation. “So I said to him, ‘Dannurn, we needed to go and have a drink at the best damn tavern in all of Yucoke!’ Tartum said. He laid on the compliment thick because he knew Gaiana would love it. Nevermind the fact her tavern was the only one in Yucoke.
Gaiana began giggling so hard, Tartum thought she was going into convulsions. Her face turned beat red, and she began fanning her face. Laughing, Tartum waved to her husband, Markum.
“Hey, Markum! Gaiana keeping you busy, I hope?” he asked.
Markum was as large and fat as his wife, Gaiana. He was also just as friendly and tender hearted. Markum and Gaiana Polimo were the two easiest people to get along with that he’d ever met. He recalled a conversation he had with a random patron on one of the first nights he drank here. The man had said that if someone had a problem with the Polimo’s then there was something wrong with them. Truer words may never have been spoken. As it was, the big man was grinning proudly as his wife giggled loudly.
“Tartum! It is good to see you back where you belong. Few people can get my wife to laugh as hard as you. Does my heart good to see her so happy!” Markum said sincerely, “What can I get you this fine morning?” he asked, as he produced two mugs from under the bar.
Tartum and Dannurn both ordered a mug of ale that they drank while catching up with Markum and Gaiana. Tartum told them about the brewing techniques he had learned, to which they both showed much interest. Tartum wasn’t sure if he was allowed to show them the techniques he had learned by his clan and told them as much, but he promised to brew them a few barrels and donate them to the tavern. They worked out a deal that if the dwarven brews became popular they would cut Tartum in on the profits. As Tartum agreed to the deal, he couldn’t help but smile. The ales he’d learned to make would easily out-sell the crude ales the Polimo’s sold currently. He looked forward to counting the coin this deal would earn him. With his business, and catching up with the Polimo’s concluded, Tartum focused his attention on the man who sat alone behind them. Pushing himself away from the bar, Tartum motioned for Dannurn to follow as he went to join the stranger.
The man saw them coming, and Tartum watched as he sized him up. He couldn’t tell what conclusion the man had come to, but judging by they way he suddenly looked nervous, Tartum assumed it was favorable. He always found it was easier to get people to do things for him when they started off nervous in his presence.
As Dannurn and Tartum sat down at the man’s table, Dannurn began making introductions. “Tartum, this is the man I told you about that claims to have a map that leads to a troll’s lair. His name is Keves Swiward, and he says he’s a trader from the east.” The way he introduced the man, it was clear he didn’t believe a word of the man’s story. Judging by the way the man was glaring at Dannurn, he had picked up on the innuendo too.
Ignoring Keves’ glare, Dannurn continued, “And this, Keves, is Yucoke’s protector! The great and powerful caster, Tartum Fuin.” Dannurn said haughtily. Tartum half expected him to jump up and applaud as he finished introducing him.
Keves looked up at him and smiled timidly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.” he said as he held out his hand for Tartum to shake. Shaking the man’s hand, he wasn’t surprised to feel his grip was meek. He was becoming less and less impressed with the man, and he hadn’t said two words to him yet.
“Yes, it is.” he began rudely, “Like Dannurn said, you claim to know the location of a troll’s lair and apparently have a map to prove it. Let’s see this map.” Tartum said. He had decided to be aggressive with the man in the hopes he would reveal whether or not he was a con-artist or just an honest guy trying to make a few coins selling information.
The man swallowed hard before replying, “Yes sir…uhh…Mr. Tartum. I have this map here, that will show us where the troll’s cave is.” Reaching into the pocket of his shirt, Keves produced a folded piece of leather that had a very well illustrated map drawn on it. Tartum saw that Saroth was the point of origin, but that the path the map indicated took him directly through Yucoke before it diverged east and ran far into an area that indicated nothing but forest. There was a large stone next to a dead tree that indicated a landmark that showed the entrance to the troll’s lair. The quality of the map and the fact it was in color written on a piece of leather led Tartum to believe Keves was telling him the truth.
“How did you come by such a nice map to such a dangerous place?” Tartum asked.
Keves swallowed hard before answering, “Won it in Saroth in a game of chance. I hope to find the troll’s home and loot it while it’s away.” Tartum watched as the mention of looting brought an intense greed to the man’s eyes. “They say trolls keep hoards of treasure they take from their victims. Rings, crowns, magical weapons and armor. They say if a man is brave enough, he can make his fortune raiding the lairs of these kinds of beasts!” Keves was panting as he finished his explaination.
Tartum didn’t know how much of this was true, and he didn’t care. If after the troll was dead, Keves took his weight in treasure from the cave, then good for him. “Ok, Keves, what is this going to cost me to have you take me to the cave?” Tartum asked.
Keves’ eyes grew large as Tartum posed his question, and he quickly folded the map and returned it to his pocket. “I will gladly take you to the troll’s home for two hundred gold. When we get there, you’ll kill the troll, and I get first pick of the treasure inside!” For the first time, Tartum saw fire in the man’s eyes, and he couldn’t help but be slightly impressed with the man’s spirit.
He knew the man was bidding high so that Tartum could counter the offer and thus the haggling could begin. He just wished it hadn’t been necessary. “I will pay you nothing to take me somewhere you’re planning to go anyway.” he said scornfully, “I will, however, provide us with all the food and supplies needed in order to complete such a journey, free of charge. Also, after we kill the troll, I don’t care what you take from its lair, provided that any magical spells or components are given over to me immediately.”
Keves seemed to consider Tartum’s question, as if his counter offer never crossed his mind. After a few moments a pouty look formed on his face. “I don’t know. I feel like I should get something for bringing you with me. It is my map, and without me you will never find the cave. I think you should have
to pay me and provide the provisions for our journey.” As he made his offer, he frowned deeply and folded his arms across his chest. Tartum realized this negotiation wasn’t going the way he’d hoped. Tartum decided this was a good time to show the man just how little he needed him.
“Listen, Keves…” Tartum began. He moved closer to the man as he continued allowing his voice to take on a dark tone that turned the man white. “I like you, you have spirit…but I really don’t need you, I need your map.” he said, as his tone became even darker. “So here’s my proposal…you will take me to the troll’s lair, we’ll leave later today just so we don’t waste anymore of my time. When we get there, I’ll pay you twenty-five gold, as well as, allow you to take as much treasure as you can carry after I’ve had my pick of the loot.” Seeing the man’s brow furrow as he mentioned looting the cave, Tartum decided now was the time to crush his spirit. “Relax, Keves, if what you say is true there will be plenty of treasure for you even if I find anything I’d want. It’s not as if I’m giving you a choice, the only thing stopping me from turning you into a toad, putting you into a jar, and selling you to one of the local town’s children as a pet is my belief that you wish to do the right thing.” Tartum smiled as the man’s eyes became huge at his threat. “So what do you say, Keves…are we both going to get what we want? Or are you going to become a wart infested pet?”
The Jade Mage: The Becoming: Volume 2 Page 38