by F. P. Spirit
Glo had an apologetic look on his face. “Oh, sorry. Maltar is the town wizard. He’s the one who originally hired us to go to Stone Hill.”
“Stone Hill?”
Glo put down his fork and explained further. “Our first mission was to the ruined keep atop Stone Hill, a few miles west of here. The place was filled with undead and bugbears, all who worked for a black mage named Telvar.”
Elladan cocked his head to one side. “Hmm, I’ve heard you mention that name a few times. So that’s who Telvar is.”
Lloyd stabbed another huge forkful of pancakes. “Maltar’s also friends with the baron.”
Elladan turned toward the young man. “How do they know each other?”
Lloyd put his fork down and sat forward in his seat. “Remember the story I told you yesterday about Gryswold and the black dragon?’
Elladan nodded. “That was a good one. Hard to forget.”
“Well, Maltar was the wizard who fought with him. And the town Abbot was with them, too.”
Glo took up the story again from there. He told Elladan about the baron’s rocky relationship with the wizard, but how Maltar still remained Gryswold’s advisor. The whole thing struck a sour note with Elladan. “I wonder what their falling out was over.”
Glo shrugged. “Well, Maltar is not the most agreeable of people.” It was obvious from his expression that Maltar was more than just disagreeable.
“Did you mention the hammer to him?” Seth interrupted.
Glo shook his head. “No, actually. I thought I would wait until we know what it is first.”
Seth’s face spoke volumes on how he felt about Maltar. Elladan had to admit, the more he heard about the town wizard, the less he liked him. He turned back to Glo. “Maybe you should be careful just how much you tell this Maltar. Maybe his falling out with the baron was because of his temper. Then again, maybe it was because of something else. Either way, I’d be more careful around him.”
Seth slammed his fork and knife on the table. “Yes! Exactly!”
Elladan gave Seth a half smile. This was the first time they had agreed on anything. It was not much, but it was a start.
Glo looked embarrassed. “Very well. I’ll be more careful about what I tell him from now on.”
“Thank you!” Seth raised his hands into the air as if praising the gods.
Aksel talked about going to the temple today. His continued use of healing powers in the name of his god should have earned him access to new divine spells. Lloyd said he was going to train heavily. His expertise with the sword had improved after their last few encounters, but there were a number of spiritblade techniques that had previously proven too complex for him. He was hoping to be able to master at least one of them now. Seth didn’t say much, only saying he also had some things to look into. The halfling was very closed-mouthed.
Elladan told them about his own research. “A couple of my books contain information on spells and songs. I cracked them open last night and started to look through them. They might come in handy on our next job.”
Aksel appeared impressed. “Excellent, Elladan. Now then, back to the hammer, has anyone been able to find out anything about it?”
Glo shook his head. “I couldn’t identify it with a spell, and Maltar doesn’t let anyone in his library.”
Elladan had done his own research but had also come up empty. “And there’s nothing about it in bardic lore.”
Lloyd wore a puzzled expression. “Bardic lore?”
Elladan raised an eyebrow. “You’ve never heard of bardic lore?”
Lloyd shook his head.
Elladan laughed softly. “Heh. Well, bards aren’t just singers and song writers, we’re also historians. We keep track of historical events in song. I know many of those old songs by heart, but they are also recorded in texts. A couple of my books chronicle some of the most important events in history.”
Lloyd was clearly impressed. “I had no idea.”
Aksel cleared his throat. “So we’ve established that the hammer could not be identified by spell, nor is it listed anywhere in bardic lore.” He turned to Seth. “Well?”
Seth shrugged his shoulders. “Don’t look at me. I’ve never heard of a hammer like that before, and I wasn’t going to just go ask around town.”
Aksel glanced around the booth. “Okay then. So does anyone have any other ideas on how we identify it?”
They sat in silence for a short while. Finally, Glo offered up an idea. “There is that guy Haltan, the one who runs the rare items shop.”
Aksel stroked his chin. “Rare items shop? I guess the hammer could be considered a rare item. It may be worth a shot.”
Glo held up a hand. “There’s just one thing you should know. Haltan was the only merchant who did not seem happy that the orcs were gone. Also, he’s a relative newcomer to town.”
Elladan’s eyes narrowed. “So you think this Haltan might have some connection to the orcs?”
Glo shook his head. “I don’t know.”
Aksel reached a decision. “Okay, let’s pay this Haltan a visit then after breakfast.” He turned to Elladan. “Have you had any experience dealing with merchants?”
“A bit.”
“Good. I’d like you to handle this then. The rest of us will hang back and keep silent. Tell this Haltan as little as possible.”
Elladan grinned. “I can do that.
The Enchanted Hammer
Martaeu Foudre
The rare items shop was down the street from the Charging Minotaur. It stood around the corner from Maltar’s home. There was a sign over the front door that read Haltan’s Shop of Wonders. Lloyd held the door open for them. They filed into the shop one by one, Elladan leading the way. He stopped inside the door and scanned the shop carefully. He had seen better. There were a few aisles lined with a variety of objects, including flasks filled with different colored liquids, strangely adorned rods and scepters, sparkling trinkets, ornate necklaces, cloaks of just about every shade, boots, belts, gloves, and even some fancy hats. Along the walls hung numerous weapons, anything from swords to maces, spears, and axes. At the very back of the store was a long wooden counter with a number of display cases showcasing rings, necklaces, headbands and other assorted jewelry ranging from plain silver and gold to those set with colored gems.
Behind the counter stood the proprietor, Haltan. He still wore the same sour look he had at the merchants’ victory party the day before. His eyes narrowed as Elladan strode forward, his tone one of forced friendliness. “What can I do for you gentlemen?”
Elladan gave the merchant a half smile as he navigated the aisle toward the back. “No, friend, the question is, what can we do for you?”
Haltan’s face took on an even more pained expression. “Please. I’ve heard it all. I’ve been in this business for twenty years. So don’t expect to pull anything over on me.”
Elladan suppressed a grin. Ah, a hard case.
“Wouldn’t dream of it, friend. We just have this little hammer we thought you might be able to help us with.”
Haltan let out a heavy sigh. “Very well. Let me see it.”
Elladan spun around. “Lloyd, show the man.”
Lloyd unslung his backpack and set it on the floor. He pulled out the hammer with both hands, then placed it on the counter. It landed with a resounding thud. Elladan watched the shop owner closely. He did his best to feign disinterest, but Elladan had caught a momentary flash of excitement in the merchant’s eyes. So this item is special.
Haltan shrugged his shoulders, his expression indifferent. “So you have a warhammer. I have at least a dozen of them between here and my warehouse. What use would I have for another one?”
Elladan raised an eyebrow. Even if the merchant had that many warhammers, he doubted any were like
this. “Come on now, friend. This hammer is anything but ordinary. Look at the ornate handle, the etched lightning on the sides, and the strange writing on the head; I doubt there is another like it in the world.”
Haltan leaned over the weapon and scanned it from top to bottom. He slowly stood back up. “There are some unique qualities to this particular hammer, but that does not necessarily make it worth very much.”
Elladan’s eyes narrowed. He was certain the hammer was more valuable than the merchant was letting on. “So you have no idea what this hammer is or what it’s worth?”
Haltan made a production of looking over the hammer once more. When he straightened up his expression was completely bland. “No, not really.”
Elladan heard a snort behind him. He glanced over his shoulder and saw Seth standing at the end of the counter. The halfling’s arms were folded across his chest, his eyes rolling to the heavens. Elladan had to stifle a laugh.
If Haltan saw the halfling’s expression, he ignored it. He continued on in a condescending tone. “Still, I might be able to do something with this item. I occasionally get customers in here who like to collect unique weapons, even if they are really not worth all that much. I tell you what. I’ll trade you something in my shop for this item, something not too expensive, that is.”
So he wants the hammer! That confirmed it; it was worth something. Perhaps Haltan even knew what it was. Elladan decided to continue playing along. With any luck the merchant might slip and give them some clue as to its origin. “What do you have in mind?”
Haltan pulled out several items he was willing to trade for the hammer, one at a time. Elladan shot each item down. After the last one, Elladan had enough. This was getting them nowhere. Whether Haltan knew what the item was or not, he was definitely trying to cheat them by trading worthless junk. Elladan shook his head in disgust; he turned to Lloyd.
“Pick up the hammer. We are done here.”
“Wait!” Haltan cried. “Perhaps you would be interested in another weapon as a trade for this one.”
Elladan halted. He held a hand out to Lloyd, then slowly spun back to face the shady merchant. “I’m listening.”
Haltan suddenly seemed very interested in bargaining for the hammer. His tone was practically fawning. “I do have a very fine sword made of star metal. Just wait here one moment.”
He hurried from behind the counter to a door that led to the back of the shop. The sounds of frantic rummaging reached their ears. It went on for a while longer, then stopped. A few moments later, Haltan came through the door, his face red from exertion. In his hands he carried an oversized sword. Its hilt and blade were solid black. Elladan had heard of such weapons before. They were made from metal found in rocks that fell from the sky. It was harder than ordinary steel, yet much lighter. Weapons made from that metal were extremely sharp, able to cut through other metals with ease.
Haltan hefted the large sword onto the counter next to the hammer. He took a few deep breaths, then gazed around at the companions. A smug look crossed his face. “I can see your big friend there finds this blade interesting.”
Elladan gazed at Lloyd. The young man’s eyes gleamed as he stared at the black-bladed sword. Elladan sighed inwardly. He would have to teach Lloyd a thing or two about negotiations. Meanwhile, Haltan prattled on.
“And well he should. It is made of a metal that has fallen from the stars. It will cut through almost anything. Of course, I could not trade something this valuable evenly for this near-worthless hammer. I would need at least 10,000 gold from you to make it an even trade.”
Elladan’s eyes narrowed. He knew a thing or two about weapons. “That’s a fairly steep price my friend, even for a sword of rare star metal.”
Haltan ran his hands over the blade. “Ah, but this is more than just a star metal sword. Note the sharpness of its edges. This is a finely crafted blade. You’ll find no better this side of Dunwynn.”
Elladan knelt down and peered closely at the blade. Haltan was not lying about that; those edges were indeed quite sharp. As he stood back up, Elladan did a quick mental calculation. A star metal weapon with such a keen edge would be fairly expensive—probably a little more than the 10,000 Haltan was asking for. That meant he was giving them next to nothing for the hammer. “Well, this is a fine blade, but you’re mistaken about that hammer. I think it’s worth far more than you’re letting on. I’d wager even with this blade, you’d owe us at least 10,000 gold for it.”
Haltan’s expression changed to one of outrage. “Are you questioning my ethics? I’ll have you know I run a high-class establishment here—one of the finest in this dreadful little town.”
Elladan wasn’t buying the merchant’s act. “I’m sorry you feel that way. I guess our business here is done.”
He started to turn away once more when the merchant held up his hand. “No! Wait.” Haltan took a couple of deep breaths as if to calm himself. “Perhaps I was too hasty. Let me take another look at that warhammer.” The merchant bent over the hammer once more and made a big production of checking it over from end to end. “Hmmm,” he murmured. “Hmmm,” he murmured once more.
Elladan watched on patiently. This was a game merchants liked to play. Bartering was their way of life. Elladan had frequented shops and bazaars from Kai-Arborous to Lukescros. He had seen it all, but he was not sure about the other companions. A quick glance over his shoulder confirmed his suspicions. Only Aksel seemed calm and collected. Glo and Lloyd appeared impatient. Seth had wandered off altogether. Elladan gave them a quick wink then turned back to the overdramatic merchant.
Finally, Haltan stood back up. “I must admit, my first appraisal was a bit too quick. This warhammer may indeed have more value than I originally thought. I feel bad for my original oversight, so I’ll make you a deal—the hammer and 5,000 gold and we’ll call it even.”
Elladan laughed at the offer. “Ha, that’s funny. I think you should have your eyes checked my friend—you’re losing your touch. That hammer is worth twice the blade or more.”
Haltan’s face turned positively scarlet. “That’s it. Get out! Take your hammer and get out of my shop!”
Elladan shrugged his shoulders. “If that’s how you feel.” He spun around and waved to Lloyd. “Take the hammer.”
Lloyd’s eyes strayed to the star metal sword. “But…”
Elladan felt bad for the young man, but this part of the negotiation was crucial. You had to be willing to walk out, even if it truly ended the bargaining. “It’s no use, Lloyd. He’s just too pig-headed to see a good deal, even when it’s right in front of his nose.”
He heard Haltan splutter behind him. In front of him, Glo raised an eyebrow. Elladan winked to his elven friend. He was almost certain Haltan was bluffing and would make one final offer before they left the shop.
“Wait!” came Haltan’s strangled cry.
Elladan stopped. He spun around and saw Lloyd grasping the hammer. Haltan’s hand laid on the young man’s arm. Lloyd threw a quick look at Elladan. Elladan nodded to him. Lloyd shrugged and let go of the hammer, stepping back and away.
Haltan glanced up at Elladan, his eyes filled with anger. “You, sir, drive a hard bargain.” He huffed for a moment or two then continued. “Very well, an even trade—the sword for the hammer; and that is my final offer!”
Elladan gave the merchant a half smile. “I’ll just need to confer with my colleagues first.” He spun around and walked down an aisle, motioning for the others to follow.
“Well don’t take too long,” Haltan warned them. “I won’t be feeling this generous for very long.”
Aksel, Glo, Lloyd and Seth joined him at the front doorway. Glo whispered to him, “This is not getting us any closer to finding out what the hammer is.”
Seth wore a twisted smirk. “I agree. This is a huge waste of time.”
Ll
oyd wore a forlorn look. “But that sword is so nice…”
He gazed from Glo to Lloyd to Aksel. “Don’t worry. If it’s okay with you, I can get that sword and find out what he knows about the hammer.”
Glo raised an eyebrow. “How?”
Elladan unslung his lute and held it in front of him. “With this.”
Aksel eyed him carefully for a moment, then nodded. “Do it.”
As Elladan turned back around, Haltan called out across the store, “What’s going on over there?”
The bard strolled back down the aisle, strumming a soft tune. Haltan, however, was no novice at this. His eyes went wide. He stepped back and placed his hands over his ears. “Stop that…”
As Elladan continued to play, the shopkeeper fell silent. His hands dropped to his sides and his face went blank.
“Serves him right.”
Elladan glanced over and saw Seth standing at the end of the counter. The halfling wore a derisive smirk. He flashed him a half smile, then turned back to Haltan. The shopkeeper stood there, dreamy-eyed, listening to the music. Elladan continued to strum his lute. He spoke to the merchant in a soft voice, “Now what were you saying about an even trade?”
Haltan sounded as if he was in a trance. “Oh, an even trade? Yes, an even trade. The lightning strike hammer of yours for this star sword; that would be a fair trade.”
Aksel stepped forward. “Lightning strike hammer?”
Haltan’s voice was strangely distant. “Yes, yes, that is what it says on the side here.” He stepped forward and pointed to the inscription on the side of the warhammer. “Marteau Foudre. Hammer of Lightning Strike.”
Glo stepped forward now. “You don’t happen to know its origins, do you?”
The shopkeeper replied in that trancelike tone, “No, I don’t. It’s a mystery.”
That appeared to be all Haltan knew. There was no way he could lie under the compulsion of that song. He turned to face the others, still strumming his instrument. “Well, what do you want to do?”