An Adept's Duty: The Scepter of Maris: Book Two

by James R Barnes

  Dwarves had long been experts at having a good time, and knew well how to bring others along. Dhuren told the innkeeper that all comers could drink on his gold. Since he had never met anyone that did not appreciate free drinks, he was not surprised when more and more people overcame their reticence. By the end of the night the inn was packed wall to wall, and they had made many new 'friends'. Songs had been taught to anyone that wanted to learn, and they had a few new songs to sing themselves. As Dhuren had hoped, familiar faces were in the crowd, and they were calling out friendly greetings. It helped to ease a bit of the tension, and the overall attitude became one of curiosity with no signs of hostility or fear.

  Fastil, once again, was proving that he was far more clever than he acted most of the time. Before they had started drinking the night before he went to several of the Guardians and handed trinkets out of a bag he had brought along from home. Bracelets, rings, small knives, amulets. Any number of finely crafted jewelry and other items, sized for Humans, from a cache that he had found in his family's vault. He instructed everyone to give out a few as a gesture of friendship, and to save some for the next day. As they made their way through Dallena and into the castle, they could throw a few out to the crowd.

  "Thanin! I hope your head feels better than mine, brother."

  The gravely voice came from among the onlookers to the left, and many people made way for a stoutly built man of about Meric and James' height. At first glance the man could be quite intimidating to some. His head was shaved bald, and thick muscles corded the arms sticking out from the rolled-up sleeves of the tunic he wore. To all that knew him, and as the Dwarves had found out the night before, he was a happy, gentle soul who always had a kind word and smile ready for anyone he crossed paths with. The man was named Joseph, and he was one of the reasons things had gone so smoothly the night before. Thanin had overheard the man speaking about smithing, and had stepped right up and introduced himself. Seconds later they were talking in a language only those with intimate knowledge of a forge would be able to understand. Minutes later they were fast friends. Well known and well liked, once Joseph had welcomed the strange little people with open arms, everyone wanted to meet them.

  "It may have felt like you were using your hammer on it to wake me up at first, but..."

  Thanin waved the man over and held out a flask. Dhuren turned back to Meric as the blacksmith and Dwarves exchanged greetings and they gave him a sample of the hangover curative his people had been using for centuries. Brody had been so impressed with the elixir that he had already worked out a tentative trade agreement with Fastil for some to be shipped to his inn once all of the current troubles were behind them.

  "We can give them a few more minutes, and then move on," Dhuren said.

  "That will be fine. As usual, your method of making friends worked flawlessly."

  Meric was looking at the gathered people who had turned even more friendly once Joseph made it known that he considered them kith. Dhuren was nodding in agreement when Maikus called the Guardians to order.

  "All right, you lazy rock slugs. It's time we were on the march."

  A few seconds of friendly jostling, and warm farewells, and they were once more in formation and ready to move out. Maikus had been smart enough to keep the formation relaxed until they needed to depart. Now the shining red armor clad warriors were lined up in two ranks ready for the order to proceed.

  "My Lord Dhuren, the Guardian escort detail awaits your orders." Maikus was playing the situation for all it was worth.

  "You may proceed, Captain."

  Minutes later their party was leaving the village of Gateway and marching toward Dallena.

  #

  Barclay did his best to never abuse his power. As a noble it was not required of him to treat anyone of common blood with respect or courtesy. Sadly, the opposite was generally expected. It was a long standing tradition with House Camden that you treat others with the common decency that all people should deserve. It was not a philosophy that most nobles embraced, and many wondered how Camden could have become the second most powerful House in the Kingdom with such an attitude. Their skill at arms had much to do with it, as did the savvy business acumen of some of his ancestors. The business of running a large holding like Freemont was not something he had taken to as well as some Camdens in the past, but thankfully for him Elena excelled at it. As a young man he had dreaded the arranged marriage to the daughter of middle-to-low ranking House, and was (in his foolish, young arrogance) a bit offended that he would not be matched with the wealthiest noble daughter out there.

  Fortunately for Barclay, his mother did inherit the business savvy some of his ancestors were known for. Not only that, but she knew her son well, and had produced a match for him that tempered his adventurous nature as well as made up for his lack of interest in commerce. It also did not hurt that Elena turned out to be the most beautiful woman he had ever met. As he would eventually learn, her looks were the least impressive thing about her. Wondering what life would have been like without the woman that had captured his heart and soul always made him cringe, and so he gave up on it a long time ago. Instead he counted his blessings and tried to make his ancestors proud.

  One of the things he fully credited for success in that area was the man now standing in front of him.

  "I suppose if my Lord would like to present himself in front of his King and the Ambassador of a people out of legend, that have tentatively, yet graciously extended their hand in friendship, looking like a he just stumbled his way home from some disreput-"

  "All right, all right, Thomas. You win. I will take the time to shave and change into my dress uniform. Happy now?"

  "I am sure my Lord knows best. If that is your wish... please have a seat."

  Thomas already had his back turned when he started speaking, but by the time he finished he was facing Barclay with a hot towel ready to go. As he sat with the towel wrapped around his face and neck, Thomas brushed some imaginary wrinkles from the uniform he would be donning, and set out the implements he would need to make Barclay presentable. The man was a miracle worker as far as Barclay was concerned, and had been with him almost his whole life. Thomas' family had served the Camden family for several generations, and would continue on for generations more if either man had anything to say about it. Which they both did. Barclay had learned to listen to Thomas when he took the time to actually make a point of something. The valet would never speak on anything military, but when it came to protocol and politics, his words were often invaluable. As far as life at the castle, there was nothing that the older man could not find out, and he understood the politics of Glendon better than most nobles. As a youth, Barclay had been educated in the ways of leadership and tactics, while a slightly older Thomas had been receiving training of his own. Barclay was pretty sure his friend (a title the man would be scandalized to hear out loud, but knew was a fact) had his own spy network. That was something they never discussed.

  When Thomas was finally satisfied with Barclay's appearance and turned him loose, he made his way down the main hall and out to the courtyard. While the King would be receiving their forthcoming guests in the audience chamber, Barclay would meet them at the gates. This small abuse of power would just have to be made up for in another way. No one was going to gainsay the Lord Marshall meeting his family as they arrived. He was just about to go through the doorway into the yard, when Lieutenant Borden caught up to him.

  "Lord Marshall. I thought you might need an aide present, just in case."

  Barclay grinned at the young woman and shook his head.

  "You mean you wanted to get a glimpse of the 'interesting guests' and decided you could use your official position as a way to sneak in on the initial meeting? Erin, I am ashamed of you. Why, I would report you to your superior if he was not out doing the same exact thing."

  His Lieutenant returned the grin that was still on his face, and shrugged.

  "I learned from the best, sir."

>   His only response was a laugh, and a wave for her to follow him out the door.

  The procession that made its way into the bailey was damned impressive, he had to admit. Though shorter than Humans, the Dwarves were a sturdy people, and it was a bit of a surprise to see some of them almost as wide as Sergeant Sonder was at the shoulders. The red scale armored warriors marching in step into the castle grounds was a sight Barclay would always remember, and he could tell that all of the guards present were suitably affected.

  "That is a sight I shall not soon forget. They certainly know how to make an entrance." Miles stepped up next to Barclay even as he finished speaking.

  A quick scan of the courtyard behind them revealed a wide-eyed Anna sidling up to Borden, but never taking her eyes off of the new arrivals.

  "Indeed it is. You know, I am not sure Lieutenant Borden keeping more company with you, as she appears to be doing lately, is such a good idea. Your bad behavior seems to be catching. She arrived before you did."

  "My Lord Marshall, I assure it is entirely the other way around. She just hides her devious behavior very well." He began rubbing his side in the middle of responding. Barclay had heard about the nice new set of bruises Borden had given Miles in the training yard. Some of it must have been Miles holding back, because he had seen the man fight before, and believed he might be close to Borden's equal. When magic was not involved, that is.

  Four guards from Freemont were leading the way into the courtyard, and they saluted as they passed him by. The procession of Dwarven warriors marched straight up to him, and came to a parade ground halt. The soldier leading the left hand column slapped a closed fist to his heart, and bowed his head.

  "Guardian escort from the Dwarven Kingdom of Rhelhast. Captain Maikus of Sirist, commanding. We are charged with the protection and safe passage of the royally appointed Ambassador of Rhelhast. We respectfully request shelter, and a formal audience with Roderick Marten, King of Glendon."

  Barclay returned the salute as sharply as he could, and also bowed his head.

  "Request granted, Captain, and please stand at ease. I am Lord Marshall Barclay Camden, commander of Glendon's military forces and member of the Council of Lords. I welcome you all to Dallena. We will have quarters prepared for you so that you may rest and recover. The King is most eager to meet with the Ambassador, and is willing to do so whenever requested, but he suggests that you take a few hours to unwind."

  As Barclay had been speaking, the Dwarves relaxed their rigid stance and stood in a loose formation. They also stepped back and allowed a richly dressed woman to make her way to the front. The Dwarven female was accompanied by two other armor-clad warriors, and all three bowed at the waist after stopping in front of him.

  "Lord Camden, it is an honor to meet you. We have heard many great things about you from your family, as well as the other people sent to search for us. I am Barsta of Dovinhall, Ambassador of Rhelhast. With me are Dhuren and Fastil of Vostenhall, cousins of King Leonar."

  "The honor is mine. I look forward to hearing about you and your travels from my family as well. Allow me to introduce you to some members of my staff: Captain Miles Keller, First Combat Adept... his Apprentice and daughter, Anna, and First Lieutenant Erin Borden."

  Barclay waved to the appropriate people as he introduced them. Miles had his grin out in full force, Anna was half hiding behind him, and Borden offered her own bow. Any further official talk was interrupted.

  "You made Miles a Captain? The world really is ending."

  Alyssa moved through the Dwarves with comfortable ease, patting a shoulder or even bumping one aside with her hip. The last act earned her a grin from the Dwarf on the receiving end. Barclay could tell by how the group reacted to each other that they had all become friends. It made him feel hopeful that the coming talks with them would go well.

  Miles laughed at the comment, and even Borden let out a quiet snort, though she immediately looked embarrassed by the lapse. Barclay accepted the hug from his daughter, and held on tight for several moments. His wife and son joined them, and they all exchanged heartfelt greetings. He was embarrassed when he finally remembered their guests, but thankfully Miles had stepped in and took charge. The new Captain was leading the visitors through the doors and being his usual charming self. Barclay let them go and re-focused on his family. He had many questions, but knew they had little time before they would need to get back to their official duties.

  CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

  Another Long Journey

  Dhuren was impressed. While he would never want to live above ground on a permanent basis, he was enjoying his stay in the castle. The keep was well built, with a deceptively inviting layout. Looking at it with a more martial eye, it was full of bottlenecks and dead ends. If an enemy ever found their way in, the cost to take it completely would be very bloody. That coupled with the Dwarven made fortification wall surrounding the castle would make sacking this place costly, indeed.

  The people had certainly been welcoming. Though, with many of them, he could see beyond the surface enough to realize that it was more from duty than their true feelings. That was to be expected; trust takes time. The past few days had been interesting, and informative. Dhuren actually felt better about the outcome of the war ahead of them after having spent time with Barclay and his people. It would not be easy, and there would be many lives lost, but these Humans were a tough lot. There were several factors working in their favor, and chief among them was the new alliance with Dhuren's people.

  That thought was not born from arrogance, but rather knowledge of history. The reason his own kind had been driven to hide from the Orcs was because they fought alone. Both sides from that war had nearly been wiped out, but he believed this time would be different. Working together, they could win. It would be at a great cost, but failure or even inaction would be so much more devastating.

  Barclay had cleared his throat for a second time before Dhuren realized it was to get his attention.

  "I realize you have a lot on your mind, but I thought an evening off might be in order. I would like for you and Fastil to join us for dinner. I know a night of good friends and good drink will give me a chance to calm the rattle inside my head."

  Dhuren nodded and smiled at the man.

  "I believe you are right... and one more evening of relaxation before hitting the trail again would be nice. If you are certain?"

  "I am."

  "Very well. If I can find my cousin... I imagine Brody, Woodard and Westerly have taken him into the city again for 'exploring.' Sometimes it is a burden being the responsible one." Dhuren hoped that did not sound bitter.

  Barclay laughed before nodding in agreement.

  "I agree. I took the liberty of assuming you might feel that way, and sent runners looking for them. They should be found in plenty of time to sober them up before joining us. And if not, well, they will be good entertainment for the rest of us."

  Before they could continue their conversation, they came upon the opened doors of one of the larger rooms that were used as a meeting place. Dhuren had been in the same room twice already in the last two days for discussions and planning. Even now it was in use, but not for any official session, he assumed. Meric, Alyssa, Grandmaster Stanton, Miles, young Anna, Lieutenant Borden, Thanin and three others were all present.

  The Grandmaster and one other Dhuren did not know were intently studying the artifact that Dhuren himself had gifted to Roderick on behalf of Leonar. It was indeed an item worthy of study, especially for those able to use the Sight. One of the most valuable items in the King's vault, specifically when used with its twin. The item was a flat, oblong shaped disk, and was about an inch at the thickest point. A foot across where it was widest, and an iridescent purple in color, it practically thrummed with power. It had been skillfully set into a silver stand that held it upright on the table, but also had a handle that made it convenient to carry. It was lightweight, and nearly indestructible. It was also a dragon's scale. What tr
uly made it priceless, were the runes circling the outer edge. Created by the master craftsman still credited to be the greatest smith in the history of their people; the scale, when paired with the other, was used for instantaneous communication over any distance. Even now, as the men were studying it with Thanin's assistance, they were also speaking to Master Wovis and Master Deno, the Royal Armorer who were back in Rhelhast.

  "Even though I have known about, and been around magic for most of my life... that thing..." Barclay just shrugged rather than finishing his statement.

  Dhuren chuckled at the man and turned his attention to the room's other occupants. Strangely enough, though he was sitting almost at the center of the second group, Meric appeared to be sleeping. Alyssa, Anna and Miles were talking quietly, while Alyssa was intently focused on Meric. Dhuren and Barclay stepped up beside Borden, who looked a bit uncomfortable as she watched the others. Without turning she spoke in a whisper.

  "I like to think that I am a brave person, but I am feeling a bit humbled by Commander Vettor at the moment."

  When she finally turned to look at them the curiosity must have been plain, because she answered the unspoken question without further prompting.

  "He willingly let Anna use her sleep spell on him. As much as I have come to trust her and Miles... I do not think I am brave enough to do that." The Lieutenant shook her head and went silent.

  "He and my daughter have been through a lot together. I imagine he would not have been so willing if she were not present."

  As they looked on Alyssa finally turned from Meric and spoke, directing her attention to Anna.

  "Can you wake him up?"

  "I... I don't know. Never tried. I..." The girl nervously glanced at Miles, but Alyssa was the one that answered.