by Jordan Cramm
“Correct,” Ravenshade offered, “and that might give him and I some time to train and get to know each other a little better.”
Katrina smiled and everyone around the table looked at the two of them.
“Alright quit gawking everyone,” Ayvock said, “like its any big secret in this bunch.”
Everyone laughed.
“What about you two?” Katrina asked, nodding toward Jakarta and Carra.
“Well,” Jakarta said, “I don't know. Orenty needs me I guess.”
“No Jakarta,” King Janureen responded, “the royal couple there need you. You make for Polithica with them.”
“And I am with him,” Carra spoke at last, “besides, he has a promise to keep. I might be training as a Paladin soon.”
Wolflen smiled.
“Well then Lord Eklar,” Wolflen commented, “that leaves your destination. Any thoughts?”
“Yes,” he said turning, “Many of my men are on Izendune, and would still wish to go. I have an army there now that await my arrival. Though unfortunately it seems none of your boats will be going that way.”
“Do they have ships of their own?” Katrina asked.
“Of course. Likely holding up on a beach somewhere.”
“Well send a magic hawk. Let them know we have won here.”
“We may be going to Izendune down the road,” Wolflen offered, “but first we need to return home and secure our own homelands. After that, and depending on where enemies arise, we will meet them as is necessary. But whoever won between the Dwarves and Mortican's forces on Izendune, the Izenians there can deal with for now.”
“Well,” Lord Eklar answered, “I'll be honest then. In that case, I would like to return home my own self. There are no Spires on the Darkened Isles, but I brokered a new deal with King Gorak and his people will make their new home there.”
Wolflen nodded.
“Fair enough,” he said standing and extending a hand for a shake, “I guess you've earned that much at least. Go in peace Lord Eklar.”
“And you as well. If the time comes where my people are needed, we can be reached...for a price of course.”
“Of course. And I will lend you a couple of our ships to carry you and the Dwarves to the Darkened Isles, and we will make sure you can get a message to your men by way of magical hawk...for a price of course.”
“Of course.”
Both men smiled as they shook hands, and Lord Eklar left the tent. King Janureen just shook his head.
“That man is all about the profit and gain,” he said plainly.
“Oh I don't know,” Wolflen answered, “I think a part of him was thrilled to infiltrate the Dwarven ranks, befriend one of the Kings and then ultimately deliver the death blow…..right that doesn't put him in a better light does it?”
Everyone laughed and was shaking their heads. Then after a few more moments, King Janureen excused himself from the tent and left before saying goodbye to his daughter, his new son-in-law, his First Knight, and the others.
“Well,” Jakarta said, “we should go too. I still have a tent to pack before we leave ourselves.”
“See you on the road then,” Wolflen remarked, “or on the boat if you get there before us.”
“We should go too,” Ayvock said as he stood, “looks like we will be riding out with you Wolflen on the last caravan.”
“I'm glad to have you with me Ayvock. We've certainly had a journey together haven't we?”
“We have.”
“And make sure you two do ride with us,” Katrina interjected, “so that Raven and I might talk more on the road.”
As they all left, Wolflen and Katrina stood in the tent alone. It was such moments that they still cherished. Moments with friends, new family, and of course standing as they were now in each other's arms. She giggled playfully as they kissed. Both were relieved that one more time, they both survived, and were both together.
“Defy the dark Wolflen,” she said softly, “until the day dawns.”
Table of Contents
Table Of Contents
Chapter 1: The Long Call
Chapter 2: Orcs At The Gates
Chapter 3: The City Of Elender
Chapter 4: Events Of The Night
Chapter 5: The Mourning After
Chapter 6: The Voodian Find
Chapter 7: Morning Preparations
Chapter 8: The Toll Of Haste
Chapter 9: The Anticipated Arrival
Chapter 10: The Festival
Chapter 11: The Would-Be King
Chapter 12: Underground Passage
Chapter 13: The Darkened Isles
Chapter 14: Underground Acclimation
Chapter 15: Spires of Molith
Chapter 16: The Pipe and Bottle
Chapter 17: By The Way, My Name Is
Chapter 18: A Vampire's Progress
Chapter 19: The Price of Knowledge
Chapter 20: Battle Begins
Chapter 21: Lorne Outrider
Chapter 22: The Underground Cold
Chapter 23: The Bloodgrounds
Chapter 24: The Dwarven Form
Chapter 25: The Frosty Dragon
Chapter 26: Return to Akartha
Chapter 27: Nambrin's Last Uprising
Chapter 28: Back To Molith
Chapter 29: Pyres And Words
Chapter 30: Deceptive Fury
Chapter 31: Farewell For Now