by Hans Bezdek
We paused our conversation as we got closer to the light, unsure of what waited for us on the other side. Cassandra gripped the Shattered Sword’s hilt when we were nearly there, while Dhot reached in his bag and pulled out his metal sledgehammer arms.
Emerging from the tunnel, we found ourself in a clearing. Down the hill was Lake Quip, and up to our right was the city of Mela. The sun was close to setting now, which gave us a perfect backdrop as we watched the Nicole and her Gray Adders frantically run back and forth around the lake.
Seeing that we weren’t in any immediate danger, I shifted back to my human form. Dhot cast a curious eye over at me while Cassandra continued to look down at the lake.
“Can’t let myself be seen,” I explained to the goblin.
He nodded, turning back to look at Lake Quip.
“How long do you think they’ll stay out there?” asked Cassandra.
They all held bows and crossbows, pointing at various points on the water. The rest of the lake had been cleared, probably after the explosions from Nicole’s boats. If that didn’t do it, I’m sure a group of angry armed people scared the rest off.
“Probably the rest of the night at least,” I said. “Maybe even most of the day tomorrow. Should buy us some time before we have to skip out of town.”
The three of us watched the Gray Adders scramble for a few more minutes, before all agreeing that we could use a stiff drink. Finding a small tavern on the northern part of town, the three of us settled in at a table in the back. The tavern had a few other patrons, but none seemed to pay us any mind. Even Dhot was ignored for the most part.
A young barmaid came by and took our order. We all ordered beer in their largest containers, and a large plate of boar and bread.
“This one’s on me, guys,” said Dhot, pulling out a large amount of quat and handing it over to the girl. The barmaid’s eyes lit up, especially when he added, “Keeps our drinks filled, and keep whatever is left over.”
The well tipped barmaid hurried off to get our drinks and put our order in.
“Wow, and here I was, thinking I was going to have to pay for everything again,” I smiled.
“It’s only fair to spread the cost around every once in a while,” shrugged the goblin. “Besides, I stuck enough gold and quat in my bag while we were down there to get by for quite some time.”
I wanted to ask if he was factoring in coming with us or not yet, but dropped it as the barmaid came back.
“Here are your drinks,” she smiled, placing them all down before us. “Please don’t hesitate to ask me if you need anything else while you’re here.”
“This is all for now, thanks,” smiled Cassandra.
The barmaid smiled and made to leave, before seeing my Shield and hesitating.
“Um, excuse me, sir,” she smiled. “I’m sorry if this is a silly question, but is that by chance a replica of the famed Time Shield?”
I glanced down at the actual Time Shield and couldn’t help but smile.
“It is indeed,” I said. “I thought it looked pretty authentic, but I’ve got nothing on my friend’s Shattered Sword replica.”
Cassandra held up her scabbard, showing the girl the hilt of her blade.
“Our goblin friend also has very realistic looking Goggles of Greshok, if I do say so myself,” smiled Cassandra.
Dhot smiled and tapped the goggled on his forehead, before taking a big drink from his mug.
“I used to love all those stories!” beamed the barmaid. “The Lance of Power, the Time Shield… oh, how I wish all those children’s tales were true! Can you imagine?”
“I wish I could,” I smirked.
“Everyone is always spreading rumors about the whereabouts of these things,” she laughed. “Why, just this morning, I heard a fellow from The Guild going on and on about how he was going up to the western part of Brumark. Apparently there’s been talk of Grimkell’s Mace being up there. Grimkell’s Mace! Believe that?”
I shared a quick look with Cassandra and smiled politely back.
“Barmaid!” shouted another patron. “Need a refill!”
The barmaid shook her head and sighed. “If only I had that Mace on me now, huh? Enjoy your drinks you three.”
We watched as the barmaid walked off to help the other patrons, waiting until she was out of earshot before turning back to each other.
“Grimkell’s Mace,” whispered Cassandra excitedly. “We should go for it!”
I nodded and smiled back at her, before pausing and turning to Dhot. The goblin sat quietly, staring down at his beer without showing any expression.
“Well, Dhot?” I asked. “What do you say? Will you join us?”
The goblin picked up his beer and took a big swig. He set it gently down on the table, gulping down any remaining contents in his mouth, and cleared his throat.
“Of course I’m in,” he smiled. “How else would the two of you manage without your crazed inventor? Maha!”
The End.
The Half Dragon of Yaerna Series:
The Shattered Sword (Book 1 of The Gathering)
Released December 2017
The Time Shield (Book 2 of The Gathering)
Released January 2018
Grimkell's Mace (Book 3 of The Gathering)
Releasing January 2018
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