Chapter 14
The Road to Mt. Pizenchaffe
Locmire, Lot, and Red rode along the main road toward Morgorath.. The road was well kept and free of danger. Guards from Galdarath patrolled the road constantly, keeping away any bandits or wild animals that may seek to ambush an unsuspecting traveler. While on the road, the three heroes passed by many travelers and wandering salesmen, who tried to unload their goods upon them.
The sun poked through the white, fluffy clouds. Signs of wildlife were abundant in this area. Many rabbits, deer, wild hogs, and other commonly known animals crossed their path. The peaceful songs of several different variants of birds filled their ears. The travelers that they encountered were just as pleasant as the countryside. Everyone they came across on the road was very friendly, often times heartily greeting them as they passed. They came across many small villages and encampments along the way. There were several dwellings near the banks of Lake Ormavon, not to mention the countless number of windmills. Farmlands stretched for as far as the eye could see. It was some of the most beautiful country that Locmire had ever laid eyes upon.
“So, deez Dainties be believed ta be dead? No one seen one since da big war?” asked Red.
“Yes, Red. That is correct. During the war both male and female Dainties partook in the battle. Even their younglings took to the field of battle. Every last one of them was thought to have been killed in the encounter with Hasbarie and his forces. But not all of them died, some remained hidden underneath the mountain, as they did so many years before,” answered Locmire.
“An ye sure dey still thar?” asked Red.
“Yes, I am sure,” replied Locmire.
“An ye say dey be fond of da drink?” Red asked, with a look of lust in his eyes.
“Yes, Red. They are very fond of the drink, and it has been rumored that they have the best drink in all of Calencia,” Locmire said.
“How do you understand a single word that he is saying?” asked Lot.
“His language will grow on you,” replied the old man.
“Ye thanks me talks funny, do ye?” asked the Cap'n.
“Yes, yes I do,” Lot replied.
“Well den, me thanks ye talks funny too,” rebutted the Pirate.
Lot, with a grin on his face, just shook his head as the three rode onward.
It had been only a few hours since the group had parted ways, but it felt like ages. Locmire wondered how Thaddeus and his group were faring. It would be a day's ride or more until they would arrive at Mt. Pizenchaffe. The dealings with the Daintish King should go smooth enough. The Dainties always showed great respect for the Wizards and vice versa.
“I can get us into the mountain. Are you certain that you know who we are looking for?” asked Lot.
“Yes, I am certain. His name is Oggius Stonefist. He is the King of the Dainties,” replied Locmire.
“What is it with all of these kings? Do we not have enough personality as it is?” asked Lot, undoubtedly making a reference to his brother.
“You must remember, the first Saviors were all kings. It is natural that the last of their bloodline will be of royalty as well,” said the Master Wizard with a grin.
“I suppose I should just leave now, for I am no king,” Lot replied with sarcasm in his voice.
“If I am not mistaken, you also share a royal bloodline. You are next in line to inherit the throne of Galdarath if something should ever happen to your brother,” said Locmire.
“You do not have to remind me,” Lot choked out.
“What do deez Daintish wenches look like?” Red asked, as he pulled out his pistol and dropped a vulture beside the road.
“Why not just announce to the whole world that we are coming!” exclaimed Lot.
“Me hates dem vultures. Always sittin round waitin to pick da flesh from yer bones if ye have a mishap,” replied Red.
“Well, what if that particular bird had been someone we know?” asked Lot, making an obvious reference to the Shifter of their group.
“Well. . . me reckons da next time he be takin shape of sumpin else,” said Red.
Locmire suddenly stopped and Red immediately drew his steel. He had learned from previous experience that whenever Locmire stopped like he just had, it was usually a sign of trouble.
Lot asked, “What is it?”
“Up ahead, coming down the road,” Locmire replied as he pointed ahead of them.
“I do not see anything coming our way,” said Lot as he squinted his eyes against the blazing sun. "What is it that you see?"
“Aye, da old man gots him a set of peepers like a hawk. Never doubt em,” said Red as he pulled his telescope from his side and peered into the distance. “Me don’t know who or what it be, but it be purdy big.”
The riders held fast in the road. Lot finally saw what it was that had Locmire worried. A very large figure was bounding down the road, and it was headed right toward them.
Locmire's Quest: Book One A Tales from Calencia Novel Page 31