Chapter 25
Inside Pizenchaffe
The golden glow from the torches lit the way through the otherwise dark tunnel. Lot had taken the lead, rather easily navigating his way through the winding passages. If there ever was a doubt about whether or not Lot had actually visited Pizenchaffe, those doubts were now laid to rest.
“It is not much further now. We will be in the Daintish city before long,” said Lot.
“Let us hope. This is a very tight squeeze for me,” Urganox said as he wiggled his way through the tunnel on his hands and knees.
“I do not believe these tunnels were made for one such as yourself, Urganox,” Locmire added.
"You must be the single most perceptive being I have ever met," Urganox said sarcastically.
“Once inside the city we will undoubtedly be met by the guards of Pizenchaffe. We must all keep our heads, or we may lose them. For such small people they can become very violent,” said the Thief.
“There should be no reason to worry. Wizards have always been on good terms with the Dainties,” said the Master Wizard.
“Hopefully they still honor your friendship,” Lot said as he swept a large spider web aside. "How many years has it been since you have had communications with them?"
"Five hundred," Locmire answered. “When we arrive, we must go to the castle and speak to King Oggius Stonefist. Our dealings with him should go rather smoothly. The Dainties, namely the Stonefists, have always been welcoming to Wizards."
“Urrr. . . well den, you lot go to da castle and me will be doin some checkin at a few udder places. Ya know, in case he be’s out fur a drink,” Red said enthusiastically.
“We are entering the city,” Lot said as he finally stepped out of the winding tunnel.
“Blow me down,” Red said in awe, stepping out of the narrow tunnel and into a huge underground city.
The Daintish dwellings were breathtaking. They were built with Pizenore, a bright, bronze colored ore found only under Mt. Pizenchaffe. Even the streets were formed from the rare element. This was one of the most beautiful cities the group had ever laid eyes upon. For it to be an underground dwelling, the Daintish city was lit extremely well. Basins of petrom, acting as sunlight, were set ablaze up and down the streets, illuminating the underground city. As the group stood gazing in wonder, their moment of serenity was soon disrupted by the sound of accelerated footsteps, all marching in unison toward their location.
Twenty or so armor clad warriors quickly surrounded the group. The short, stocky Dainties brandished weapons that were much larger than their own bodies. They would have almost been comical looking if not for the snarls on their faces. A host of battle axes, war hammers and great swords were all pointed at Locmire and his party.
“Halt! In the name of the King! Who goes there?” demanded a plump little warrior.
“Locmire, Wizard of Fogarth. These are my companions," he said pointing at the others. "We seek the council of the King. We come in peace."
“A Wizard, eh,” the Dainty replied.
“Yes,” said Locmire.
Another small warrior came over to the Dainty in command, and they began to speak. The commander nodded his head.
“If you are in fact a Wizard, show us a bit of magic,” the Daintish commander said.
“As you wish,” said Locmire.
“And nothing tricky,” replied the Dainty.
Locmire nodded his head.
When the Wizard took a step forward, the Dainties took a step back with their weapons still pointed at the unannounced guests. Locmire readied his staff and removed the hood from his head, revealing the leather bound goggles that covered his eyes. He hoisted his staff high into the air. A pink light floated away from the tip of his staff and began to descend upon Red.
“Forgive me, friend,” Locmire said with a smile.
“Forgive ye? Forgive ye for what?” Red asked.
The pink light struck Red in the chest. The light erupted, producing a blinding flash. A loud squeal came from within the wall of light. The light slowly dimmed and Red was gone, sort of. The Pirate's form had been replaced by that of a plump, pink pig. The cute little swine was rooting around on the ground and prancing back and forth amongst the Dainties. The tiny warriors erupted with laughter. Lot and Urganox joined them in their moment of merriment.
“I like him much better as a pig. Can we keep him like this, Wizard?” Urganox laughed.
“I am afraid not. Although . . . he is rather cute,” Locmire said as he pointed his staff at the pig.
Another pink light came from the staff and engulfed the pig. A bright flash of light later, and Red was back. He stood in wonder trying to figure out why everyone was laughing at him.
“What be’s so funny? What do ye's be laughin at?” asked Red.
Everyone laughed even harder.
After a moment the laughter subsided and the Daintish commander spoke, “You are welcome in our home, Wizard. We must ask you to disarm before you go any further.”
“What? Disarm me? You must be mistaking me for a Brazurkin who has lost his gall. I will never disarm,” Urganox exclaimed.
Locmire gave Urganox a look of disapproval. Urganox did not like this look. Even though he could not see the Wizard's eyes, he could tell exactly what Locmire was thinking.
“Fine, I can do just as much damage with my bare hands,” Urganox said as he threw his flail to the ground.
The rest of the group did the same except for Red. Red laid down his cutlasses, but decided it would be best if he kept his pistol with him, considering the Dainties would not know what the device was. Locmire glanced at Red and gave him a nod of approval.
“Your arms will be collected and protected until your visit here is over. No need to worry. They will be perfectly safe,” said the commander as another guard gathered their weapons.
“We know they will, my friend,” said Locmire.
“Coming to see the King, eh? Well follow me to the castle. Easy to get lost down here if you do not know where you are going. By the way, the names Golgar, head of the Royal Army of Pizenchaffe. Sorry for the unpleasantness, but we can never be too careful. We don't get many. . . we don't get any visitors down here, can't trust anyone these days,” the long winded Dainty rattled out in only a few seconds.
“We completely understand. Thank you for your hospitality,” Locmire squeezed in.
Golgar was an auburn haired Dainty with rosy red cheeks. His long hair was woven into five braids that hung down to his shoulders. His matching beard split up the middle by two larger braids, which came half way down his chest. He wore the traditional pizenore armor of the Royal Guardsmen of Pizenchaffe.
“Dis half man be full of wind. He could fill me sails an get me ship half way cross da country wiff one breath,” Red whispered to Lot.
Golgar was escorting the group to the castle and giving them the royal tour as they went. He had something to say about every structure they passed by. When he happened to mention the town pub, Red's eyes lit up with excitement.
“A pub, ye say?” asked Red.
“Yes, a pub. The best pub in all of Pizenchaffe to be exact,” Golgar replied.
Red looked at Locmire and motioned his head toward the pub. The Wizard motioned him on, and Red scrambled his way toward a place called The Broken Lamien. Locmire thought a little break would be good for Red. He was in a strange land, far removed from his home, and he had been through a lot in the past few days. A little time to himself would not hurt, at least he hoped.
Locmire, Urganox, and Lot continued on with Golgar to the castle to meet King Stonefist.
Locmire's Quest: Book One A Tales from Calencia Novel Page 44