"Brendell!” Theroun said and embraced me. “You're back!"
"Yes, Theroun.” I stepped back. “I'm glad to see you're still well."
He shrugged. “As well as can be expected. The Guild maintains its siege."
"Not for long. I need to speak with Pipo Fess."
"Then I shall take you to her. Come.” He grabbed my arm and we walked inside. “What has taken so long? We were afraid you were killed or captured."
"I was. Captured I mean,” I said as we made our way down the nearly empty streets. “How many remain?"
"Not many,” he said sadly. “Most have fled to nearby lands. Even with Pipo Fess’ magic, we do not have enough men to stop the Guild when they attack."
"We may not need them. Are you still able to smuggle in supplies?"
He smiled. “Yes. For some reason, the Guild has been less diligent in guarding the river. We've been leashing food and such under logs and floating them down the river. Food, at least, has not been a problem."
Good, I thought. The Guild was still wasting time and men searching for a non-existent tunnel. But that wouldn't last much longer. “Anything else I should know?"
"We captured some Guild spies a few weeks ago. Pipo Fess has them secured in her manor. We have no idea what to do with them. Several suggested torture but she said no."
"Good for her.” I patted him on the arm. “We'll think of something.” In short order we reached the manor. “Wait here. I need to talk to Pipo Fess alone."
"She'll want to talk to you as well,” he said and nodded. “Go on in. She already knows you've arrived."
I slammed the door behind me when I entered to let her know I was there. “Not so loud, you'll wake the dead,” I heard her call out. “I'm in the study.” She rose to greet me when I walked in. “Brendell! You're back!” She hugged me, then stepped back, embarrassed.
I was as well. “Yes, fortunately. And I've brought help."
She frowned. “Really? I was told you came alone."
"Not really. She's waiting for my signal."
"She?"
"Madnizaroc. She's a dragon."
She jumped as if she had sat on a beehive. “You what? You brought a dragon here? Wonderful, Brendell. The Assassin's Guild needn't kill us. The dragon will do it for them!"
"Not as long as we have this,” and I took the contract from my vest and handed it to her. “As you can see, anyone who owns that contract essentially owns her."
She was still shaking as she read it. “As it says. But there's something wrong here. No dragon, sane or otherwise, would agree to this."
"She claims a magician tricked her. Kladiskan I believe she called him."
She nodded grimly. “He was one of the most famous and powerful magicians of all."
"Was?"
"He's been dead for several hundred years.” She studied the parchment further. “Yes, I can sense an enchantment. Some spell is altering this contract. I might be able to remove it."
"That will be something between you and Madnizaroc."
She looked at me in surprise. “Why do you say that?"
"Because I'm going to give you that contract. And control over Madnizaroc."
She folded the parchment carefully before replying. “I'm not sure if that is a boon or not."
"I wouldn't say so, but right now you, we, need her."
She made a moue. “A dragon could be effective in patrolling our borders, I suppose."
"More than that. If Kastikaan rebuilds the dam, she can unbuild it so to speak."
"And they are."
"I suspected as much. That dam has increased the profitability of their lumber mill greatly. They will not give it up easily."
"We have another problem."
"Supplies? I was told you were having little difficulty smuggling them in."
"Not that. We have four Guild spies locked in my chambers below."
"I was told as much. I'll talk with them later. Right now we have to deal with Madnizaroc.” I held out my hand and she gave me the contract. “Tell your men to light a signal fire above the gate. We're about to enjoy a most interesting conversation."
She arrived twenty minutes later. There was no doubt it was her; the screams from outside were irrefutable testimony. Minutes later a terrified guard ran into the room. He was ashen with fear and fell to his knees in front of Pipo Fess. “Your majesty, we are doomed!” It took nearly all his strength to say that. “A dragon is attacking us!"
"Not attacking,” I said, rising calmly. “She is expected. But don't get too close; she hasn't eaten much for several days."
He stared at me, his eyes two full moons in a sunken face. “You know this? You brought that creature here?"
I grabbed his arm and pulled him to his feet. “Actually it was the other way around. Lead her here. She can't harm you."
He turned to Fess for help, but she only nodded grimly. He took a deep breath to try to control his trembling. “It is what you want?"
"Yes,” I said. “Hurry. We don't want her to think us rude."
"But how? It is,” and he held his arms far apart, “huge!"
"She'll know what to do. Now go."
He turned and staggered away. I suppressed a chuckle even though I understood. A dragon in full regalia is quite impressive.
Madnizaroc entered five minutes later. Not as a dragon, of course, since she could never have gotten through the entrance. She stood at the doorway, first glaring at me, then studying Fess. Then she walked up to me. “I've done what you asked, Brendell. Now live up to your agreement."
"Soon. Madnizaroc, meet Pipo Fess. She is the ruler of Houff."
"Your majesty,” Madnizaroc said and bowed. Her voice, however, held no respect.
"I normally don't believe in formalities, but in your case I'll make an exception,” she said. “So you're the dragon Brendell has brought to protect us."
"Is that what he told you?” Madnizaroc laughed. “Why would I do that?"
"Here's why,” I said. I took the contract and handed it to Fess. “The possessor of this contract possesses total control over Madnizaroc. I now give it to you of my own free will and foreswear any further obligations of Madnizaroc to me."
"No!” Madnizaroc's scream echoed within the library and was nearly loud enough to shake the books on the shelves. “You cannot do this! I cannot remain a slave any longer!"
"You have no choice,” Fess said coldly. “I accept this, Brendell. Houff is eternally in your debt. And you, dragon, stop your screaming. Now!"
"I will kill you, Brendell. I assure you of that."
I looked at Madnizaroc and shrugged. “I believe Pipo Fess will make that decision, not you."
"Indeed. It would appear premature for that action.” Fess walked over to a chair. “Everyone sit, please. Let us discuss this situation in a more civilized forum."
"You lied to me, Brendell. Like all humans,” Madnizaroc said as she reluctantly complied.
"Not at all. I freed you. Of me. What Pipo Fess decides to do is up to her."
Madnizaroc looked at Fess. “Let me kill him. Please. He is a thief and cannot be trusted."
Fess raised her hand. “Stop acting like the jilted bride. Brendell has told me some interesting things about your ... condition. Let me see if he is right.” She sat back and began reading the contract while we sat in silence. I glanced at Madnizaroc once, but the hatred in her eyes convinced me to turn my attention elsewhere, so I studied the various tomes on the shelves until Fess cleared her throat. “Clear enough,” and she set the contract down. “Brendell says you claim the magician tricked you."
"Kladiskan. Yes,” she said heavily.
"And the contract was magicked."
"Yes."
She nodded. “It was. And I see you were as well. The demon that surrounds you; that is what controls you, not this contract. Am I correct?"
Madnizaroc sighed. “Yes."
I started. A demon controlled Madnizaroc? She had said nothing about that.
“A demon?” I asked Fess. “Are you sure?"
"Absolutely. I can see the aura that surrounds her. It's something only a magician can see."
"You can free me of it?” Madnizaroc asked hopefully.
I stopped listening as the two continued their conversation. Ensnared by a demon. No wonder Madnizaroc exuded pure evil, no wonder she obeyed every command of the possessor of the contract. Years ago, a magician had done the same to me. It had been among most painful experiences of my life. To be completely inundated by an unholy presence, forced to obey without question any order given. And yet she had disobeyed that control when mating with the male dragon. I could only shake my head in amazement and commiseration. The pain she had had to endure, it was nearly beyond belief. Now I looked at Madnizaroc with different eyes. Now I had to hope that Fess could free her from those unearthly chains. “How can you help her?” I heard myself ask.
Fess crossed her legs. “I for one do not want a dragon roaming the forests of Houff. Especially one which will be nesting in the near future."
Madnizaroc shook in surprise, then stared at me. “Brendell, you told!"
Fess laughed. “Your condition is obvious to me, Madnizaroc. Brendell had to tell me nothing."
Madnizaroc gave me another withering glare, which had no effect since I was inured to them by now, then looked suspiciously at Fess. “I must return to the mountains."
"Not in your current condition. Or in mine, I'm afraid.” Fess sighed. “I could remove you from the thrall of the demon. I could remove the spell on this contract. But tell me, Madnizaroc, how will this help me solve the problems Houff now faces?"
"You are a woman. Only you can understand what I have endured and what I must do."
"Don't look at me for sympathy, Madnizaroc. My first and overriding concern is the condition of Houff and my people. Brendell brought you here to help us. And that you shall.” She stood. “Leave us now, Madnizaroc. There is food in the kitchen. Cooked, I'm afraid, but I can't have you out hunting and alarming my people. Brendell and I still have much to discuss."
She nodded slowly and left, but not before honoring me with one more angry glare. I waited until the door closed before speaking. “You do have to help her. For my sake if nothing else."
"Don't worry. I know how to handle females, no matter what species they are. Right now I'm more concerned about what to do with the Guild members in my cells. I can't release them and don't dare hang them. Thus far the Guild has not attacked us, but this standoff cannot continue forever."
"It may not have to. Let's visit them, shall we?"
"There are four of them,” Pipo Fess said as we made our way through the cellars below her manor. Her home was built over a cavern, and I couldn't help but shiver in the damp and darkness as the torches on the wall provided little save light.
"You know they are Assassin's Guild?"
"They claimed as such. I've been able to get no other information as their leader has refused to provide any, just demands that we release them."
"Typical Assassin's Guild. They think they don't leave a ring around the bathtub. I'm glad you kept them."
"I'm not! All they do is complain. I have to feed them and provide guards while they just sit there. Totally useless."
"We'll see what we can do. Wait here. This could be interesting."
Far more interesting than I could have imagined. They were huddled in the far corner of their cell when I entered. “I want to talk with your leader,” I said.
They all ignored me. Except for one. “No! It can't be!” Algorph slowly turned and stared at me. “You!” and he pointed an accusing finger. “If I had my sword I would kill you now!"
I smiled. “Sorry. I just keep coming back like a bad meal, don't I?"
He approached, stopping just one pace away. “I knew I should have killed you when I had the chance."
"Be glad you didn't. Otherwise you would be dead right now. It is only through my intervention you and your men have been allowed to live."
He straightened and threw out his chest. “You and Houff have no right to threaten the Guild. We were seized without provocation and we demand our release!"
I scratched my nose as if deep in thought. “Yes, seized. Exactly what were you and your men doing in Houff, Algorph?"
"A Guild matter that is none of your concern."
"Really? Is the fact you've been laying siege on Houff any of my concern?"
"Houff has become an unlawful threat to Kastikaan and its neighbors. We are merely protecting others from the threat of this Pipo Fess and her demon armies."
"Pipo Fess and her people are no threat. To Kastikaan or to anyone else and you know that."
"Pipo Fess declared unprovoked war upon Kastikaan,” he retorted, his face turning red. “She used her magic to destroy their great wall."
"Actually it was a dragon. Which,” I answered the startled look on his face, “she will use again if Kastikaan rebuilds that dam."
"The witch controls a dragon?” The red in his face was fading by the second. “Impossible! I don't believe you. She is not that powerful."
"You, and Kastikaan, will find out for themselves if they continue to rebuild that wall. Kastikaan has no right to dam that river and destroy every land below them that needs that river to survive."
He took a step back, his righteous mien evaporating in the harsh light of my threat. “I know nothing about that."
"Your Guild does. Or should. Houff is not interested in conquest, only protecting itself.” I pointed to the walls around us. “As you've seen, we can do that very well."
He continued to spout the propaganda I was afraid he actually believed. “The evil magician must be destroyed, for the people of Kastikaan and the people of Houff. She cannot be allowed to defy the will of the Guild!"
"Please.” I shook my head and laughed. “You told me yourself, Algorph. The Guild often uses the apparent threat of lawless lands to reap generous contracts from neighboring realms. Use Houff in the same fashion. Pipo Fess is of more value to you and your coffers in power than burning at the stake."
"No,” he said after a moment. “She must be destroyed. Houff has become a land of wanton thieves. Her evil magic must be erased from this land!"
My little band of enthusiasts had been more effective than I dared dream, I realized. Almost surely the Thief's Guild had heard of this by now. Doubtless they were also taking an interest in this conflict. And I knew they would not be as easy to placate as the Assassin's Guild. I hope your people are starting to create the Far Glass, Fess. “Just think about my offer. We will unleash our dragon if Kastikaan rebuilds that wall. Do not make us unleash her upon you as well.” I started to walk away.
"What use is your offer to me and my men when we are lingering within this prison?"
I stopped. “A valid point.” I walked back to him. “I can tell the magician to release you and your men unharmed if you tell the Guild what I have told you."
"It would be in my report."
"Good. You're only an underling, so I can expect no more I suppose.” I suppressed a grin as I saw anger rise in Algorph's eyes. “I'm sure she'll release you if you promise you and your men will not set foot on Houff land again."
He didn't hesitate. “That is acceptable."
"Then I'll see what I can do. In the mean time,” and I pointed to the walls around us, “enjoy the hospitality that all who oppose Houff can expect to receive when we are threatened.” With that I left, closing the door loudly behind me.
Fess was full of questions when I met her farther down the hall. “Well, what did he have to say?"
"If we release him, he promised he and his men won't bother you again."
She shook her head. “That's all? Of what use is a promise like that? As a Guild member, he has to follow their orders. Even if he doesn't return, others will."
"Of course. Which is why I made them an offer they might find more attractive than war."
"Which is?"
I exp
lained how the Guild used rogue lands to garner lucrative contracts from others. “From their standpoint we will be more valuable alive than dead, so to speak,” I finished.
She made a moue. “I don't like that necessarily. Houff has always been a peaceful land. Would they agree to that?"
"I think they might. Especially once Madnizaroc is finished with Kastikaan. The Guild has no stomach for battling magicians and dragons."
"So what do we do about them?” she gave a nod toward the cells behind us.
"Release them in the morning. But I'll want to talk to Algorph once more before you do. Now, is there any way I could get something to eat?"
"That was delicious."
Cordita smiled shyly as she removed the dishes. Rather than imposing further on Fess’ hospitality, I had decided to dine that evening in the inn owned by Cordita's family. Although I did have more than a meal on my mind. “I wish I could offer you more. We can only smuggle the most basic meats and grain past the blockade."
I patted her hand. “That should change soon."
"Really?” Her smile brightened immediately. “You've found a way to defeat the Guild and save us?"
"'Defeat’ may be too strong a word. Discourage, perhaps."
"I knew you could save us!” Suddenly she jumped at me, hugging me tightly and kissing the top of my head. “Gastinell, my hero!"
I tried to look in her eyes, although it was difficult, being that my face was imprisoned between her ample breasts. “Our struggle isn't over, Cordita. I still have one more journey to make."
She stepped back. “You must leave me again?"
"Yes,” I nodded sadly. Then I took her hand. “But for the last time."
She sat across from me. “I heard rumors you brought a dragon back to Houff."
"Madnizaroc. Yes. She is going to help protect you while I'm gone."
"You are an amazing man, Bourherr Gastinell."
"Brendell. That is my real name.” And the name I shall soon own again.
Her eyes suddenly darkened. “You lied about your name. What else have you lied to me about?"
Brendell: Rogue Thief Page 17