Carnesîr didn't get a chance to answer because Elias moaned. “Ugh….my head. What happened?” he said groggily.
“You were charmed by elvish magic,” said Tallin. “Cast your wards, Elias. Do not move any closer until you're protected.”
Elias stood up and stumbled, still wobbly on his feet. Nydeired stooped down and offered his wing as support, and Elias leaned his weight on it. He still felt incredibly drowsy.
Are you all right? asked Nydeired quietly.
“I feel dreadful,” said Elias, “like I've been sleeping for days. How long was I out?”
Only a short while. The elves cast a spell on you. Nydeired quickly explained what happened.
“My body itches all over,” said Elias, scratching his arms. He shook his head and took a deep breath, trying to clear his mind. “Traust-nand-rammlingr,” he said, quickly reciting the wards that would protect him from the elves' enchantments.
A short distance away, the terse exchange between Tallin and Carnesîr continued.
Carnesîr stepped closer. Tallin stood his ground, but unsheathed his sword. The other two elves stood a few paces behind Carnesîr, their faces serene. Elias was astounded by how attractive they were. Their skin was flawless-even Carnesîr, who was obviously the eldest of the three, had no wrinkles on his face.
Each of the elves’ dragons, save the hatchling, wore an exquisite saddle made from spun silver. Their dragons had an air of dignity and serenity that seemed almost regal. Duskeye and Nydeired, tired and covered with sand, looked like grimy ragamuffins in comparison.
Tallin turned away from Carnesîr, lowering his voice to a whisper. “Elias, it's not safe for you here. I want you and Nydeired to return to Parthos immediately.”
“Tallin, I'm so sorry,” said Elias.
“Stop,” said Tallin. “Don't say another word. The elves can hear everything we say-they have better hearing than bats. We'll talk later. Just get out of here. Fly straight to Parthos, and don't stop. The sandstorm is waning.”
Elias nodded silently.
Tallin turned back to face the elves, who all kept the same placid expression. They said nothing else to one another. Tallin waited until Elias and Nydeired had flown some distance, and then he mounted Duskeye and flew away from the plateau.
When Elias looked back, the elves had disappeared. Colored orbs floated in their place. The elves had restored their glamour. The globes floated upward, rotating around each other like fireflies. It was captivating, and Elias started to smile. But then he looked over at Tallin. The dwarf's face was grim. Duskeye looked somber as well.
When they reached Parthos, Tallin and Duskeye disappeared in the opposite direction without saying goodbye. Elias, who had expected to receive a firm scolding, turned to Nydeired and shrugged.
Whether they liked it or not, the elves had come to the desert. Was their presence a blessing… or a curse?
Greed
Back at Mount Velik, Rali walked wearily back to his quarters, exhausted after another long night of fruitless negotiations. Days had turned into weeks, and now a month had passed without any real progress. Aor and Thorin followed silently behind. Thorin struggled to keep up while juggling his ever-present pipe.
Minutes later, they arrived at their suite. The two dwarf soldiers stationed at the entrance stepped aside, making room for Aor and Rali to pass. Thorin stumbled inside seconds later, gasping for breath. Rali sank into a chair and rubbed his aching temples.
“By Baghra, what a mess,” said Rali. “I was hoping we could return to Parthos weeks ago. Do the clans always argue like this?”
Thorin nodded. “Aye-the clans are rarely in agreement, 'specially at the beginnin' o' these negotiations.”
“The beginning of negotiations?” said Rali incredulously. “Golka's curses! It's been a bloody month already, and we're no closer to a treaty now than when we arrived. At this rate, my beard will be gray and Vosper will have conquered all of Durn before the clans come to an agreement.”
“Now, now, yer highness, it's not as bad as all that. Ye must admit that we've made some progress.”
“I certainly don't see it, Thorin, and we're running out of time. The intelligence reports coming from Morholt aren't good. No one knows for sure when Vosper will attempt another attack, but I expect it sooner rather than later.”
Just then, Sela arrived, followed closely by her dragon. Brinsop crawled in sideways in order to pass through the narrow entrance. Sela had stopped attending the negotiations altogether, although she decided to stay at Mount Velik in order to offer advisory support and additional security.
Sela walked over to Rali and kissed him gently on the forehead, ignoring honorifics while they were in private. “Hello, Rali. How did the negotiations go today?”
“Just more of the same, unfortunately,” said Rali. “We're at an impasse. The clans refuse to agree on a treaty, much less the terms.”
“Don't get discouraged,” said Sela. “Everything is slower here, son. For the dwarves, no decision is taken lightly.”
“I know, I know,” said Rali, putting his face in his hands. “That's what everyone keeps telling me, but I'm still dreading the next meeting. The talks began well enough-everyone polite, talking pleasantries. But it always ends in a screaming match.”
“I'm sorry, but we have no choice. We must stay. The elves will never agree to a treaty. And since I was unable to secure a treaty with King Selwyn, that leaves only the dwarves as potential allies. ”
“It wouldn't be so bad, if it wasn't for Bolrakei. She's positively dreadful.”
Thorin nodded in agreement. “Bolrakei's doin' everythin' she can to derail these talks. She's a master o' debate. She's very convincin' when she wants to be.”
“Indeed,” said Rali. “I've seen the evidence of her persuasiveness every day since we've arrived.”
“She'll be the last holdout,” said Thorin. “She always is.”
“Well, Thorin, you're familiar with dwarf politics,” said Sela. “What do you suggest we do to move these negotiations along? I may be forced to return to Parthos soon, and I would hate to leave Rali here to fend for himself.”
“Aye,” said Thorin. “I understand, Miss Sela. May I make a suggestion?”
“Yes, of course,” said Rali. “Anything to get us out of here sooner would be a blessing.”
“Bolrakei is crafty, but deep in her heart, she's a businesswoman. There's more to 'er refusals than simple politics. Find out what she really wants, and she'll cooperate. The truth is, if war comes to Mount Velik, it affects Klora-Kanna less than the other clans. The jewelcutters' clan continues collectin' and tradin' gemstones-even durin' the war. They did durin' the Dragon Wars and durin' the Orc Wars, too. Business will continue as usual for them, whether we're at war, or not.”
“So if she has nothing to lose, why is she opposing the treaty?” asked Sela. “Is it on philosophical grounds? Or does she simply dislike humans in general?”
“Nay,” said Thorin. “She's holdin' out for some type of concession. Y'all must have somethin' she wants.”
“Hmm. I didn't think of that,” said Rali. “We ask for an audience with her, then?”
“Nay, nay, that's not how ye do it,” said Thorin. “Ye can't let the other clan leaders know that ye've reached out to her. She won't respond to ye directly.”
“Well, how do we find out what she wants if she won't talk to us?” said Rali with exasperation. “Baghra's garters! Nothing is ever easy with the dwarves.”
“Get used to it, son,” Sela chuckled. “Believe me, it's not much easier with other leaders. Human politics are equally frustrating at times.”
“So, Thorin, what do you suggest?” said Rali.
Thorin grinned. “Give me until tomorrow. At the very least, ye'll be a wee bit closer to a resolution. I'll speak to a few of me kin, and we'll get somethin' goin' for ye,” said Thorin, winking. Then he turned on his heel and left the chamber, whistling down the hallway.
Rali turne
d to Sela. “Do you have any idea what he's going to do?”
“I haven't the foggiest,” said Sela. “But Thorin is an experienced negotiator. I trust him. Whatever his plans, as long as it helps break this gridlock, it's a good thing.”
Brinsop, who had been lying quietly in one corner, piped up. Perhaps the old dwarf plans to bribe the fat one.
“Perhaps,” said Sela. “But what could she want? Money? She couldn't possibly need more. Bolrakei's already dripping with gold and jewels.”
Greed takes many forms, Sela. I would not be surprised if Thorin returns with some outlandish request from that woman, said Brinsop.
***
Early the next day, Thorin stood outside the luxurious private chambers of Bolrakei Shalevault, the leader of the jewelcutters' clan. Bolrakei's guards announced his presence, and Thorin stepped into her private chamber. The walls were embedded with thousands of semi-precious gems, some set in mosaics and others set in swirling designs with no discernible pattern.
In the center of the room, Bolrakei reclined on an enormous upholstered sofa. All the furniture was draped in red velvet, and Bolrakei herself was dressed in red robes. As always, her neck and wrists were adorned with dozens of jewels.
Although Bolrakei had changed her clothes from the previous evening, she hadn't bothered to bathe-her arms, hands, and face still glistened with fat from the previous banquet.
“Good day, mistress,” said Thorin, bowing deeply.
“Well, well… Thorin, one of King Hergung's favorites. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?” she said. Bolrakei wiggled to the end of the couch, belching loudly once she was upright. She scratched absently at her distended belly.
“Mistress Bolrakei, I've been sent here to speak with ye regardin' a private issue.”
“Would this have something to do with our visitors, the dragon rider and her royal whelp?”
“Aye, mistress,” said Thorin. “King Rali was wonderin' if ye would consider a compromise.”
“Ah, I see,” said Bolrakei, licking her lips. She hobbled over to Thorin, pointed a greasy finger at his chest, and whispered, “Yes, as a matter of fact, there is something I desire from your human friends.” Then she paused, her face eager.
Thorin waited for a moment, and when Bolrakei did not elaborate, he asked, “Well? What is it that ye want exactly?”
Bolrakei demurred. “Thorin, look at all my jewels.” She swept her flabby arms in the air, pointing at the gem-encrusted walls. “Aren't they breathtaking? These, as well as the thousands in my vault, are my legacy. Klora-Kanna is the wealthiest clan in all of Mount Velik-our precious stones are the finest in the land, sought after by kings and commoners alike!” Her voice rose at the end, and she beat her fist against her chest with pride.
“Is that what you want? More jewels?” asked Thorin.
Bolrakei rose up and spun on her heel. He was shocked by how fast she could move, considering her size. “More jewels? No… not really. I'm interested in a single jewel. The rarest gemstone of all. The only gemstone that I don't currently own.”
“What is that exactly?” asked Thorin, puzzled.
“I want a living dragon stone,” she said, rubbing her hands together.
Thorin stepped back, his eyes wide. “A living dragon stone? But that's impossible.”
“No, it's not, actually. I own several dragon stones already. The problem is that they're all dead stones-from deceased riders and dead dragons. They're shattered, cracked, or splintered. They're gray and ugly. What good is a stone like that? No, they just won't do. I need a dragon stone from a live dragon rider for my collection.”
Thorin frowned. “It cannot be done, Mistress Bolrakei.”
“Yes, it can! Don't lie to me. Rali can arrange this, if he so chooses. He's the leader of Parthos, is he not? His realm is the last dragon sanctuary, and his own mother is a dragon rider!”
Thorin protested again. “Me lady, it's an evil thing to separate a rider from his stone.”
“Bah! Who says it's evil? The dragon riders? Their power has all but disappeared from this land. All negotiations have a price-and this is mine. I want that stone!”
“This talk is unseemly, me lady,” said Thorin, frowning.
“Who are you to tell me what's 'unseemly,' eh, earth-digger?” she spat, using an offensive epithet for Thorin's clan, Marretaela.
Thorin bristled at the insult. Bolrakei noticed his discomfort and sneered. Then she walked back to her sofa and sank into the plush cushions. This woman's greed was limitless.
Thorin tried again to reason with her. “Ye won't reconsider? Ye want a living dragon stone? Is that really the price for yer cooperation, me lady?” said Thorin, still incredulous.
“Yes. Now stop looking so surprised, and go tell your human friends that I'll continue to block treaty negotiations until I get my stone.”
“And if they don't agree?” said Thorin.
“Then I know the humans aren't serious about their desire for a treaty with us. Don't forget, Thorin… no one can hide secrets from me. I have spies everywhere. I know about the mageborn boy. He carries an emerald dragon stone from another rider. That stone would suit me just fine.”
“How do ye know this information?” asked Thorin.
“Humans are easy to bribe, almost pathetically so, and I can afford the best informants. Klora-Kanna has spies throughout the empire, even in Morholt. My spies make these political negotiations more enjoyable, at least for me.”
Thorin knew she wasn't going to change her mind. “All right then,” he said. “I will relay yer message to King Rali and Sela. But there ain't no guarantees.”
“Of course,” said Bolrakei, waving him off. “You're just a simple messenger, after all.”
Thorin bowed, backing out of the chamber. As he turned to exit, Bolrakei called him back. “Thorin!”
“Yes, mistress?” asked Thorin, looking over his shoulder.
“This conversation never happened-understood?” she said, her eyes narrowing into slits. “If you tell Hergung, I'll have you branded a liar. No one will ever believe your word against mine.”
“Understood, me lady,” he replied. Thorin turned on his heel and left the chamber. As soon as he was a safe distance away, Thorin stopped, taking a deep breath.
She wants a livin' dragon stone! he thought. A dragon stone torn from the chest of a livin' rider! The idea made his stomach churn. Thorin pulled out his pipe and filled it with smokeleaf. His hands were shaking. Now he had to relay this dreadful request to King Rali and Sela.
Thorin realized something. Bolrakei Shalevault, clan leader of Klora-Kanna, was their enemy.
Carnesîr
The next morning, the sun rose early on the city of Parthos. “The elves are here! The elves are here!” screamed a frantic palace servant, running downstairs to alert the rest of the staff. The elves and their dragons materialized in the sky, flying out of the desert like jeweled giants.
Amandila and Nagendra came first, followed closely by Fëanor and Blacktooth. Several minutes later, Carnesîr and the elder dragon Poth arrived, flying slower than the others. They circled above the city for several minutes. The citizens of Parthos came out and observed them with wonder.
Tallin and Duskeye were already waiting on the palace rooftop. Tallin wore his finest leather armor. Duskeye had been outfitted with an elaborate dragon saddle. Elias stood close by, dressed in a clean tunic and new breeches.
Tallin had awakened Elias before dawn; he had correctly predicted that the elves would make their formal appearance in Parthos today.
As they stood on the ramparts, Elias watched Tallin's lips move silently. He was spellcasting-setting his protective wards before the elves landed. Elias followed suit, also casting his wards. Tallin had warned him ahead of time.
Carnesîr and Poth flew in and landed softly. The other dragons landed silently as well, except for Nagendra's hatchling, who stumbled when he jumped down from Nagendra's saddle. Nagendra gathered the
hatchling into her wing and stepped back.
The three dragons clustered together, with Poth at the head of the group. Elias wondered how old Poth was; he looked so different than the others.
Carnesîr smiled and raised his hand in greeting. Tallin did not follow suit. Instead, he stood quietly, his mouth set in a tight line.
“Tallin?” said Carnesîr, his voice like birdsong again. “What a surprise to see you again. I expected King Rali to greet us. Is he not present?”
“No, not at the moment,” replied Tallin. “King Rali is on a diplomatic mission. I am acting steward in his absence.”
Carnesîr waited for Tallin to elaborate, but Tallin simply folded his arms across his chest.
“And Sela? Where is she?” said Carnesîr. “I would like to speak with her.”
“Sela is not here, either,” said Tallin.
Elias remained silent during the exchange, which was getting frostier by the minute.
Carnesîr never lost his temper. “Well, why don't you tell me where they are? You know that I can easily scry their location.”
“Then do it, Carnesîr,” said Tallin. “It's not my place to disclose the location of my king and my superior officer. Besides, I suspect that you've already determined their location.”
Carnesîr laughed; the sound was like wind chimes. “You're right, dwarf. We already know that Rali and Sela are at Mount Velik.”
“I dislike playing games with the fair folk, Carnesîr,” said Tallin.
“Who's playing games? Are you dispensing with formalities so soon, Tallin?” Carnesîr chuckled.
“What's your point?” said Tallin. “I don't have all day to argue with you.”
“Very well. You're right…we already know that Rali is attempting to forge an alliance with the dwarves. It is our understanding that the treaty talks are on the verge of collapse.”
“That's a bold statement,” said Tallin. “Negotiating with dwarves is always a delicate affair. But Parthos is committed to an alliance with Mount Velik.”
“A delicate affair? Is that how you see it? That's an optimistic way of looking at the situation. Of course, you're a dwarf, so your opinion of these matters is somewhat subjective.” The other two elves nodded in agreement.
Vosper's Revenge Page 4