“What was he talking about? Gnath!”
Fighting was going on in the alleyway as we exited the tower, and Gnath drew his sword. Nyssa was already doing her best to combat the attackers, and Rika was nowhere to be seen.
Gnath began swinging his huge sword, knocking and slicing Edenkeep warriors left and right, forging a huge path amidst the skirmish. No one could get near the giant as he plowed his way through like a half-ogre wrecking ball. Before long, more of the landing force was turning and running than advancing.
Zaleus watched as his dragon fell from the sky. He cursed and made his way to Captain Mancovoni.
“Damn those bastard fast ships!” the captain was yelling. “We can’t get a decent shot at them!”
“Never mind those ships, my dragon has fallen out of the sky.”
“Dammit, Zaleus, if we can’t get past these ships, we will all die! We’ve already lost twenty ships, either sunk or completely disabled. Even more of our ships are damaged badly enough to need repairs before we sail north again. We need to retreat. We need to retreat now!”
“And tell me how you think you can retreat when those ships can outrun you?”
“Because to chase us they would have to be going the same direction, and when that happens, we can fire upon them easily. They will not pursue us once they know we are retreating.”
“Fine. You will leave me at Bane. I will need a horse and escorts to get me back to Edenkeep and hope for the return of my dragon.”
“Aye,” the captain said, in his heart relieved that the sorcerer would be departing the ship. “Chief! Raise the flags to announce our retreat!”
The Edenkeep army began to falter as the death toll rose, and the dragon failed to weaken the defenses of the city sufficiently. The wizard had at least seen to that, within an hour the invading Edenkeep army had been defeated, and most of the fires were extinguished.
Standing on a balcony above the common area, King Baminex paid tribute to the fallen wizard and the warriors that died defending the city that day. The king vowed to rebuild the city and be ready for the next attack whenever it should come.
Later, he sat down with Gnath, Nyssa, Rika and me, and we sipped wine and ate meat on a stick. We toasted the Wizard of Whitshire, Defeater of Dragons, and the good people of Farrador.
“So, I suspect you will be moving along, then? You are welcome to stay here if you like.”
“Kill dragon,” Gnath said, the end of a stick full of meat still in his mouth.
“Kill the dragon? You? You are no wizard.”
“Wizard tell me, kill dragon.”
“Gnath, here, thinks that he has the ability to kill the dragon because the wizard told him so.”
“Maybe the wizard made it so that he could kill the dragon?”
“I don’t see him glowing, or anything. Seems like the same old, meat-eating Gnath he always was. Granted, he’s good in a fight, as you have seen here, but against a dragon? I am not so sure.”
“Kill dragon.”
“You’re pretty sure of yourself,” the king said. “Sure enough to go after the dragon on your own?”
“Not alone. Wellington with me.”
“You want me to go with you? Look, you might be crazy enough to go take on a dragon, but not me.”
Gnath looked at me, and he had that sad look on his face again, like I’d taken away his last meat-on-a-stick. “Wellington go with me.”
“It’s suicide, big guy.”
“Go with me.”
I sighed. “What’s the worst that could happen?”
“I’ll go with you,” Nyssa said. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“I’m going too,” Rika chimed in.
“Okay, okay. I guess I am in too. Any chance we could get a wagon and a couple good draft horses?”
“Whatever you need. When will you be leaving?”
“I guess as soon as Gnath is done feeding his face.”
Gnath reached his arm around me and drew me into his side. “Gnath ready!”
Chapter 30
The great sorcerer Zaleus stepped off the launch with the escort of half a dozen well-armed and trained warriors led by the Captain of the Guard, Captain Dandridge, and made his way along the splintered and burning docks of Bane. The city smoldered and the stench of burning dead bodies lingered in the air which burned the nostrils and eyes. Behind him, the launch made turned away from shore to return to the Maiden Quest, it’s captain relieved to be rid of the sorcerer, if only for now.
Ahead of them, horses were being readied for their journey back to Edenkeep, with enough provisions for the two-day journey.
The horses snorted and bucked just a little as the armor-clad warriors mounted them. The sorcerer, helped onto his mount by a young page, had no such reaction from his steed.
“Captain Dandridge, we will take a southerly route. I must find my dragon and heal him if I can.”
“But Master Zaleus, that could add a day or more to our journey. We are not previsioned for such a detour.”
“Then your mighty warriors will have to provide some meat along the way.”
“Yes, Master Zaleus.”
And with that, they each kicked their heels into the horses and started them off on their trek, the mid-day air made cooler by the speed of their equestrian mounts.
The rolling hills to the south of Bane offered resistance little to slow their pace. It would be a full day’s ride ahead of them before they would be anywhere near where the dragon went down. The sorcerer wanted to get as close as possible before he would attempt to call his dragon to him.
In the early morning light, we made our way north from Farrador on the bench seat of the horse-drawn farm wagon. Though we didn’t request it, the king had seen to it that we were provisioned well, with stores of food and drink, as well as blankets and bedrolls of which Rika and Nyssa were making themselves comfortable in the back.
Gnath had his sword, that for some reason he was now calling Dragon Venom, and I now had a new sword of my own, which I was calling My Sword. Shorter than most, the blade was light and strong. I was no swordsman, but I have been known to poke a few holes in attackers when necessary, and this new blade would make that a viable option once more.
Gnath was doing a fine job mastering the horses, which allowed me to sit back and admire my old stomping grounds. To some degree, I had missed this place, but not enough to keep me here. Like Gnath, I was a bit of an outcast, and I found it difficult to be comfortable in any one place too long. And up until this recent adventure, life on the road with Gnath was enjoyable, seeing different places and meeting new and interesting people. Lost in my thoughts, I almost forgot why we were here.
The dragon had made its hard landing the day before somewhere over the hills ahead of us. It was my sincere hope that we find it dead, having bled to death from the wizard’s blade spell. But as we crossed the line of hills we found no dragon corpse. Thankfully, we found no dragon alive either. But we did find a large amount of blood on the ground in the valley below. Dragon’s blood, I hoped.
When we were close enough to inspect the area, we found evidence that the dragon had made its way along the ground in a northward direction.
“We may get lucky and find it dead,” I said, hopefully.
“Or healed up and pissed off,” Nyssa said from the back of the wagon.
“Or that.”
But hill after hill, we found no dragon, alive or dead. Just more blood trails, though they were getting thinner as we went on. I speculated that the dragon was either running out of blood, or worse, was beginning to heal, and its bleeding was beginning to slow.
We made it halfway to Vanderspar by nightfall, and we decided to make camp for the evening. We cooked some venison over our open fire and toasted the wizard with the wine the king had provided us. As the fire died down, the ladies claimed the back of the wagon as their berth, Gnath and I made our beds under the wagon, swords by our sides. Just before I could fall asleep, I sw
ear I could hear a dragon screeching in the far distance. It took a long time for me to finally doze.
The next morning, we consumed a bit of breakfast; mostly fruits except for Gnath who insisted on some form of meat. If we’d had sticks, he would have wanted his breakfast hanging from one, but he seemed happy enough to gnaw on some fresh jerky. We fed and watered the horses before continuing north to Vanderspar. We’d given up on finding the dragon on our travels and were now betting that it had found its way to Edenkeep with the help of the sorcerer.
“If the wizard couldn’t kill the dragon, how are we supposed to?” Nyssa asked from the back of the wagon. “I mean, this is really a suicide mission.”
“The wizard asked us to finish this, so that is what we are doing.”
“Gnath finish.”
“Gnath,” Rika said, “You are a mighty warrior, but you are no match for the dragon. Nyssa’s right. This is suicide.”
“The wizard wouldn’t have asked us to do this if he didn’t think we had the power. I think he did something to Gnath.”
“Dragon Venom.”
“Yeah, whatever that is. Gnath is sure he can kill the dragon. You two are welcome to depart anywhere along the way if you like. I want to see this through, with my friend here.”
Gnath reached over with his big arm and pulled me tight, almost dislocating my shoulder and breaking a few ribs.
“Friend!”
“Yes, buddy. We’re friends. Stop, you’re killing me.”
Gnath eased up on his grip, but he was grinning from ear to ear. I don’t think Gnath ever had a friend before, and it warmed his heart to hear me say it now and then.
By nightfall, we were rolling into Vanderspar. The town was bustling with activity; completely unlike the Vanderspar we passed through not too long ago. There were armed soldiers everywhere, including two at the main entrance to the city. They let us pass without incident, but they looked us over thoroughly as we rolled by. They were preparing for something, that was clear. As we neared the center of town, we passed the familiar tavern called the Rat Hole.
“The dragon’s coming for us next! Make peace with the Gods, we’re next!” an old man was preaching from atop a shipping crate, half a mug of ale in his hand, slopping about as he gestured. “They’ve taken Angkrage, Bane and Farrador, and now they’re coming for us!”
“Who’s they, old man? There’s only one dragon!” someone yelled from the small gathering the man had attracted.
“The army of Edenkeep, that’s who!”
“He’s right, at least about the army,” I yelled over to the questioning man. “The Edenkeep army could very well be coming, but they did not take Farrador. The dragon was chased off by the Wizard of Whitshire!”
“The Wizard of Whitshire! Praise him! Did he kill the dragon?”
“Well, no. The wizard died trying, but…”
And suddenly I realized I let my mouth ramble on about half a sentence too long. Suddenly everyone was in a panic, and I decided that it was time to find a place to park the wagon for the night and be ready to brave the Forest of the Damned in the morning. We pulled away as the cries and pleas for more information were directed our way.
We managed to find a stable that would keep our wagon and supplies safe that night for a small fee. I paid the up-front fee and walked away with the others back towards the center of town. Nyssa and Rika split away from us in search of lodging, but my destination was the Rat Hole once more. A bit of Ale sounded good to me, and Gnath, I am certain, was hoping to get a giant portion of Meat on a Stick.
“The wizard’s dead!” the old man outside the Rat Hole was screaming upon his shipping crate. “All is lost! Run for the hills!” The crowd was mixed between those that believed him and those that thought he was crazy.
The mood inside the Rat Hole was different than the last time we visited. Many tables were empty, and those occupied were quiet with simple conversation – none of the ruckuses that such establishments were known for. Except for one young lad that seemed intent on upsetting the quiet atmosphere.
“It’s a real dragon claw, I tell you!” the unshaven, and unbathed young man announced across the common area of the Inn. “I picked it up on my way from Farrador. Ten d’nars gets you a peek!”
Gnath and I easily found an open table and sat in the old wooden chairs. The chair under Gnath creaked in protest under his weight.
“How about you two? Have you ever seen a dragon’s claw?”
“Have you ever seen a gryphon talon?”
“You have one?”
“Well, no. Not anymore. But we have no interest in seeing your claw.”
“Well, then, I will leave you to your boring, unfulfilled lives.” He turned and made his way back across the bar. “Ten d’nar to see the dragon claw! Ten d’nar!”
“He probably carved it out of wood and is trying to get money for a bit more ale.”
The corseted bar wench finally made her way to our table and stood before us without saying a word.
“Pitcher of ale and two mugs,” I said.
“Meat on a stick,” Gnath said.
“Better bring him two plates full. He’s a growing boy. And I will take one myself.”
“I remember you. The big tippers. Do you want me to throw a mug at your extra-large head now? Or after you finish your meal?”
“Um, after would be just fine. About that tip…”
“Never mind.”
The wench turned, again without saying another word, and headed back to the bar area.
“Cheery young lady, isn’t she?”
“Angry. Bad day.”
“Yes, maybe she’s having a bad day.”
As our food and ale arrived, Nyssa and Rika were walking into the inn, spotted us, and headed our way.
The bar wench came over again just as they were sitting down.
“No soliciting or hustling.”
Nyssa straightened up and stood full upright. I don’t think her butt ever touched the seat.
“Excuse me? I am here to eat and drink. What’s your problem?”
“No offense… we see a lot of your type trying to make a quick buck—”
“Our type? Woman, you need to bring us more ale and a couple more mugs, or you will see just what type of girl I really am.”
“Yeah, that goes for me too,” Rika added.
The waitress stood there, jaw agape. “My apologies. I meant no offense. We don’t get your types of… women in here often. We get the other type.”
“Can we get some ale and some… whatever you consider edible, and make it quick? We’re hungry and thirsty.”
“Yes’m.”
When the bar wench was gone, I settled in eating my meat on a stick, but it appeared that my plate was one shy of when it was placed before me. Gnath already had a couple empty sticks next to his plate, and a big toothy grin on his face. I smiled. I could never eat a full portion of anything without giving my leftovers to the big guy.
“Last chance, people!” someone started yelling. “Last chance to get into a game of chance before the dragon comes”
Of course, the idea of a friendly game of Onesy-Twosy sounded good to me. I was running low on funds, and Gnath eating enough for four of me could drain a coin purse quickly.
Several people got up and headed towards a table on the other side of the bar. I finished off my meat on a stick and slid the remaining portion over the table to Gnath. He smiled and took it eagerly.
“If you will excuse me, I hear a game starting.”
“Are you sure you want to do that?” Rika asked.
“I was born for this.”
Chapter 31
“Get the midget a highchair!” a scruffy looking fellow with yellowish-green teeth and a long beard said as I stepped up to an empty chair. “Wench! Grind some vegetables into a paste for the baby, here! Ah-ha-ha-ha!”
“Do you play as sharp as your wit?” I asked, slipping myself onto the chair and tapping a five d’nar piece on the ta
ble to signal my buy-in. “Are we talking or playing?”
“This is a game for adults. The young’un’s table is in the schoolhouse down the street.”
“Do they know you’re missing?”
The three other men at the table laughed, and the scruffy man growled between his teeth. Gnath leaned over the table and growled back. I didn’t even know he was behind me.
“I think my friend here doesn’t like you. So, I ask again – are we playing or talking? Gnath, I think you can go back to our table now. I am good here.”
Without a word, the aggravated man picked up the cards and began to shuffle. As he was mixing the cards in his hands, the filthy young man with the dragon talon stepped up and took a seat.
“Got room for one more?” he asked.
“Get tired of selling peeks at your dragon claw?”
“No one believes it’s a real dragon claw.”
“You don’t make the most convincing salesman. Maybe with a bath and a shave?”
“You buying in? We don’t take artifacts at this table,” the scruffy man with the cards asked, finishing his shuffle.
The young man reached into a side pocket on his tunic and pulled a badly worn five d’nar piece and thumbed it onto the table.
“It’s all I have. Might as well go for broke.”
“Young man, maybe you should use that money to get yourself some food and lodging for the night?” I said, hoping not to see the lad become his own worst enemy.
“You worry about your own tender. I know what I’m doing.”
Tokens were doled out in acknowledgement of our buy-in. I counted mine, but the young lad was happy without counting his stack.
“Fair enough. Who’s dealing?”
Scruffy-man picked the deck of cards up and gave them one more quick shuffle. “I’ll start,” he said, as he began passing cards around the table.
My hand was good, and my amulet never needed to flinch. I took the pot easily, and it was a good way to start a game of cards.
The second hand, the young man seemed convinced that he would win, and his bets began getting larger and larger until he only had a few tokens left in front of him. I had a good hand, but I felt sorry for the young lad, so I folded despite my amulet vibrating off my chest.
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