Click. Click. Click. Click. Click.
Darkken’s brows arched. “Well done.”
With Maefon standing nearby and Darkken kneeling beside him, Nath lifted the lid. The chest hinges creaked. Click.
Darkken shoved Nath hard in the shoulder, pushing distance between them. A small dart zipped out of the chest, impaling Darkken’s forearm. “Gar!” Liquid oozed from its tip. Darkken’s arm turned red. “Poison. Very dangerous. Lethal maybe!” He pulled the dart out. “It makes quite a sting!” His eyes fluttered. He teetered and collapsed.
Maefon rushed to the man’s side. “Nath, do something!”
CHAPTER 9
Darkken’s wounded arm blistered. He groaned. Nath rummaged through the chest. He’d had potions before, ones that healed wounds. Shoving the coins aside, he found his vials. One had a golden-yellow liquid inside. He handed it to Maefon. “Try this!”
Drenched in sweat, Darkken stammered and moaned. His body twitched.
“Hold him still!” Maefon ordered.
Nath restrained the man’s arms. Hacksaw rushed over and pinned down his legs. Maefon took the lid from the potion vial, plucked out the dart, and applied the liquid directly to the wound.
Darkken wriggled against them, body tightening in a ball of muscle, then he calmed. His eyes opened. Blinking, he said, “Oh thank you! Mercy on me, and thank you! I thought my arm was going to burn off.” The blisters disappeared. The red skin tanned again. “So much better.”
Nath let out a sigh. “That’s another one I owe you. It could have been me if you hadn’t knocked me out of the way.”
“Your quick thinking saved my arm, I think. I don’t think I would have perished,” Darkken said, “but it sure felt like it. That poison, I think it’s an acid, perhaps from a copper dragon’s glands. I’ve dealt with it before.” He eyed the chest. “So, are your items in the chest?”
“Well, one of my potions was. Let me see,” Nath said. It almost seemed petty for him to be looking for the items that his father had given him, especially considering that so many had been placed in danger because of them. Darkken had risked his life, and Maefon too, on account of him. He felt that he owed them more. Inside the chest, he found his bags of precious stones, two of Zophar’s candles, a tight coil of rope, and Winzee’s Lantern of Revealing. The little bull’s-eye lantern fit in the palm of his hand. “Small, isn’t it?”
“Some of the most powerful things come in small packages,” Darkken said. “So, is that all of it?”
Nath looked inside his pouch. The precious stones, gold, and silver coins rested inside. Some were missing, but it was a small amount by his estimate. “I think that is all of it.” He scooped his hand into the chest, lifted up more coins, and let them sprinkle out from between his fingers. “The Black Hand have done quite well for themselves. I’m sure they have more elsewhere. But what shall we do with this?”
“I’ll take it,” Hacksaw said. His eyes were as big as saucers. “I’ve not seen so much since I last guarded the king’s treasury. I even adventured for such a hoard and never came upon it.”
Nath scooted the chest toward him. “Help yourself.”
Hacksaw reached for the chest with hands like claws. He pulled back. “What about the two of you?” he said to Maefon and Darkken. “You need to fill your purses. After all, you have men to feed.”
“We have plenty of means. Besides, we like to travel light,” Darkken said. “Sometimes, treasure can weigh a man down.” He put his hand on Hacksaw’s shoulder. “Take what you need to return home, Hacksaw. You’ve earned it. If it makes you feel any better, I’ll take a little for myself.” He grabbed a handful of coins and loaded them into a purse. “There. I’m ready to blow it already.”
“I’m not set on going home,” Hacksaw said, giving Darkken a stern look. “Perhaps I’ll roam where Nath roams.”
“Of course,” Darkken said, wincing. “I just assumed you’d make your way to Huskan now that this adventure is over, but I’m all for keeping this party together.”
“Me too.” Maefon giggled as she grabbed a strand of pearls made for a woman’s wrist. She twirled it on her finger. “I like this. I suppose we earned it. We should celebrate today and ride out in the morning.”
“Ride out where?” Hacksaw’s brow furrowed.
“The Brothers of the Wind waste no time pursuing the Caligin. After all, many of them escaped the wedding. We need to get after them while the trail is hot,” Darkken added.
Nath scooped out a handful of coins and handed them to Hacksaw. “Take this. I think I know what can be done with what is left.” He shut the lid on the chest. “But I’m not going after the Caligin until I free my friends from Slaver Town.”
Everyone looked at Nath with surprise on their faces.
“Why would you do that?” Darkken asked. “These friends of yours, are they not criminals? No offense, but I think you should forget about them. They are responsible for their own actions. You need to focus on the Caligin. Otherwise, the opportunity shall slip away. It could take years to find them again.”
“So be it then.” Nath stood up and picked up the chest. “If no one objects, I’m going to give a large share of this to my friend Little Shirl.”
“Uh, well, er…” Darkken shrugged. “Do what you like. Who is Little Shirl?”
“A fine little gal,” Hacksaw said in his gravelly voice. “I like this idea. She could build her own inn with it.” He stood and faced Nath. “Let’s track her down, you and me. We’ll catch up with the two of you later.”
“Meet at Castle Janders then,” Darkken said as he and Maefon helped one another to their feet. “I need to get our brothers out on the hunt. They keep us apprised on the whereabouts of the Caligin.”
Nath nodded. “See you soon.”
CHAPTER 10
Nath and Hacksaw tracked Little Shirl down. She resided in a small stone cottage with a straw roof. Inside, a small fireplace burned, giving the sparsely furnished habitat a cozy feeling. Hacksaw sat on a three-legged stool in the corner, puffing on his pipe. Nath sat on a chair that creaked when he moved. On the floor, in front of the fireplace, Little Shirl gaped at the contents inside the chest. Her small hands combed over her braided ponytail. Finally, she said, “You entrust me with… all of this?”
“I don’t know many people in Riegelwood and thought you might appreciate the gift,” Nath replied. “Besides, you lost your job, no thanks to me. Perhaps you can build a new Oxen Inn and have a tavern of your own?”
She gave a weak smile, but it was big for her. “I like that idea. I think I could do it.” She dipped her hands in the treasure. “But with so much, why would I need to work at anything?”
Nath and Hacksaw exchanged glances, then Hacksaw burst out laughing. “She’s right. There’s enough treasure there to last a long time. She could always trust it to the bankers and let them manage it for her.”
“I wouldn’t do that. The bankers are as much thieves as the Black Hand. Perhaps more so.”
Nath didn’t know anything about bankers or worldly affairs. Nalzambor and its intricacies were still very new to him. “Just do what you feel is best. It’s your life, you can live it how you want, but I suggest that you do it with a good and proven purpose.”
She closed the chest lid. “Perhaps I’ll find a good purpose, though I do like the tavern idea. I’d hate not to work. It’s all that I’ve known. I like being busy.” She gave Nath a curious look. “What are you going to do?”
“Er… me? Well, I have to move on to Slaver Town and save some friends who saved me.”
“Can I come?”
“As much as I’d enjoy the company, I don’t think it would be safe.”
Little Shirl’s creaseless face and lack of expression made it hard to read her, but she seemed a bit sad. “You should take me. I’m a good helper.”
“I know that, but please understand, I don’t want to endanger those I care about.” Nath patted her knee. Her cheeks turned rosy. “You
are precious. It would wound me if anything happened to you because of me. Besides, I think this city needs you. You could run things one day.”
“Well, my brother will be running things soon enough, thanks to you,” she said.
“Your brother?” Nath exchanged a glance with Hacksaw again. “Who is your brother?”
“Edwin. Edwin Shirlwood. He’ll be wedding Janna soon enough. Perhaps this treasure would make a fine wedding gift, or at least I could buy them one. A very nice one.” She tilted her head. “You seem confused.”
“Edwin is your brother?”
“Yes, remember I told you that Tobias had horned in on my family’s right to lordship. He’d outright stolen it from our family. But now, it’s ours again.”
Nath did recall her mentioning it briefly when he saw her the last time. “If you are part of a powerful house, then why did you work for Nina?”
“I spied on Nina. We spied on all of them, but they were so crafty. I’ll tell you a secret, but you must keep it. Will you promise?”
“Yes,” Nath said.
“Of course, my honor as a knight,” Hacksaw added.
“Good. My family leads the Rebel Riders. We’ve been a thorn in the Black Hand’s side a long time, but thanks to you, now we have them. Edwin hoped the raid last night would have delayed or canceled the wedding, but it didn’t. I’m just glad you came along. I knew you would for some reason.”
“Perhaps you should share the treasure with them,” he suggested.
Her face lit up. “That’s a good idea. Perhaps I will.”
Nath rose, helped her to her feet, and gave her a hug. “I wish you the best, Little Shirl. Take care.”
CHAPTER 11
After Nath and Hacksaw departed, Darkken and Maefon spent time walking the streets. Her head was filled with questions that up to this point Darkken had been reluctant to answer.
“Hungry?” Darkken asked as they walked past a tavern where several customers sat in rocking chairs, talking excitedly.
She touched her stomach. “Famished, actually.”
“You know, it’s been a while since we’ve shared a bite. Let’s go inside and have some pie and coffee. We need to remember to indulge in what this world has to offer more. After all, it’s a very long road to world domination.”
She nodded. Following him inside, they took a seat at a round table with two chairs and a view out the back window. The patrons were buzzing with conversation. The waitress hustled from table to table. Roasted spiced meat and vegetable scents lingered in the air. The waitress came, and they ordered hot apple pie and a carafe of coffee.
Darkken had a pleasant smile on his face as his eyes swept the room like a visitor entering a new and exciting place. “I truly love observing people. It’s fun. They are so ignorant that I know what they are going to do or say before it happens. Predictable. It’s all in their nature, whether it be men, orcs, or dwarves.” Forearms on the table, he took her fingertips in his own. “I know what you are wanting to ask, so please, ask it, Maefon. But you should be able to answer your questions yourself.”
“I don’t understand why you took down the Black Hand. Won’t we lose our grip on this city?”
“A good question,” he said, nodding. He looked deep into her eyes. “Why do you think I did it?”
Looking up to the right, she thought about it for a moment. “I suppose you did it to convince Nath that we are indeed on his side.”
“Well done.”
“But the cost, Darkken. We lost allies and our brother Caligin. At least a dozen. And all for what, to lure Nath into our web? I thought we already had him.”
The waitress returned. She placed a plate of steaming pie in front of each of them. “It’s hot out of the oven,” she said, then set down a coffee pot and filled the mugs. “The pot’s fresh. Just flag me down if you need me. Enjoy.”
“Oh, thank you. You are spot on with your service, young lady,” Darkken said, but the seasoned waitress had moved on. “Now that is hustle. If more people in this world had that sort of ethic, we would all be better off. It’s ambition that gets the best of them, however.” He focused back on Maefon. “Where were we?”
“Dead brothers and allies,” she said, taking a fork to her pie.
“Oh yes. First, let’s not use the C-word out loud. We are a shadow society, remember. Second, you needed to see that our kin are faithful to the death. Brother fighting against brother, selling out for a deeper, darker cause. That’s loyalty. Sure, my men are well trained and not easy to replace, but it’s all about catching the bigger prize—Nath. We’ve weaved quite a deceitful tale, you and I. We must absolutely gain Nath’s full trust.”
“Is that why you took that dart in your arm?”
He made a rueful smile then started in on his pie. “Oh my, this is wonderful. The crust is flaky, and the apples sweet with a little tart still in them.” He moaned with delight. “Simply wonderful. Now, let’s try this coffee.”
Between bites, she asked, “Are you not worried about losing your hold on Riegelwood? You just turned it over into the hands of good people.”
With his mouth half full, he said, “Not at all. We will be around a long time, Maefon. The town’s leadership is easily corrupted. Besides, we still have the Men of Whispers in our corner. The Black Hand can be replaced. Anyone can be replaced.”
“Will I be replaced once Nath is in your hands?”
“Don’t be silly, Maefon. I don’t kill everyone that fulfills their purpose. Just most of them. But if I expect you to die for my purposes, you won’t resist, will you?”
She swallowed. “Uh, no, I’m faithful to the end. I made my oath, and I shall keep it. I’ll give my body and spirit for you.”
Sipping his coffee, he winked. “Good answer. Good brew too. Maefon, you spent time among the dragons. Since you’ve been gone, have you seen anything in this world that compares to their magnificence and power?”
“Aside from you, no.”
“Oh, you flatterer, you. You know my weak spot. But to stay on point, there is nothing more powerful than the dragons. Imagine if we controlled the dragons. You see, the dragons will follow their king, which is my father, Balzurth. Only one heir is destined to be king. It was me, but now it is Nath. If Balzurth is gone, Nath will take his place. I control Nath, and I control the dragons.” His expression darkened. “We can put Balzurth in his place once and for all.”
“So, the goal is to kill Balzurth and take over?”
“The first goal is to turn Nath against our father. Balzurth will be no match for two sons against him. He couldn’t bring himself to kill me, and he won’t be able to kill Nath, either. He’s merciful. It’s his weakness.”
“It’s deep.”
“Yes, it is. We will rule all in Nalzambor. That is the goal. But enough of my grand plans. Enjoy your pie.”
“I am. It is very good. So, what do we do now? Nath is going to Slaver Town, and we are chasing our own ghosts.”
“No, we’ll change our mind and accompany him to Slaver Town. It will give us time to build up our trust.”
She nodded. “What about Hacksaw? I don’t think he’s easily convinced. His eyes are wary.”
“True. The old legionnaire is a bit of a problem. He’s seasoned and has an eye for deceit. If we can’t fool him, then I’ll have the brethren take him out. I hoped for such an outcome at the wedding. I really thought Cullon could take him, but Hacksaw proved more formidable. Speaking of which, once we are finished, I have another task for you to undertake.”
“Certainly, what is it?”
Darkken drained his coffee. “Two members of the Black Hand remain alive in the dungeons. They are loose ends. I can’t have them lingering around. I need you to kill them.”
Maefon’s food caught in her throat midswallow. Half choking, she washed it down with coffee. “As you wish.”
CHAPTER 12
The next day, Maefon rose with her stomach turning. Her hands were clammy.
; Why did he put me up to this? The other Caligin could have executed the Black Hand. Why me? I have proven my loyalty.
She had tossed and turned most of the night, contemplating how she would kill Nina and Worm. She was Caligin, trained to kill in many different ways. She could kill with a dagger or poison food. She had spells that could choke them to death. The trick was to kill in such a way that neither she, Darkken, or any elf would arouse suspicion.
On a trunk at the end of the bed was an ordinary frumpy cloak. It was the one that Worm wore. The Cloak of Vanishing. She picked it up and slipped it over her shoulders. It was warm, like a living thing cradling her body. She closed her eyes and opened up her magic, connecting herself with the cloak. Her body tingled. “Ah, I see.”
Envisioning herself moving from one side of her bed to the other, she passed through time and space to the other side in a blink, vanishing from the very spot where she’d stood before. Her knees buckled. She put her hand on the bedpost. “Impressive, but it’s a good thing I haven’t eaten.”
Not wasting any time, she headed down the stairs to the main level, where the servants moved in a hive of activity, setting up the banquet room and doing other chores. The subterranean dungeons were positioned on the back side of the castle, opposite the stables. One soldier guarded the open doorway that led to the grim setting below the castle’s splendid walls. His body filled the opening as he tossed a horseshoe up and down. Maefon cast a spell on the horseshoe. As the soldier tossed it up, it hung in the air above the man’s widening eyes. Staring stupidly at it, he scratched his head. With a flip of her finger, the horseshoe came down, bashing the man between the eyes. He stumbled away from the doorway, cursing. Maefon lifted the keys from his belt and dashed down the stairs into the dungeon.
The stale air in the tunnel was rank. She covered her nose with her sleeve. With her head covered, she slipped past the cells. Behind the iron bars, a few prisoners were nestled under rotting blankets on their cots, some shivering against the chilled, damp air. Quiet as a mouse, she made her way down the row, searching for Nina and Worm. Can’t have any witnesses. They all might have to go.
Deadly: The Odyssey of Nath Dragon - Book 3 (The Lost Dragon Chronicles) Page 4