The Horn of Moran

by M. L. Forman

  They reached Oslansk the next day at sunset. Once again, the guards waved them into the city without questions. Andy suggested they stay at the Dragon’s Keep as it was by far the nicest tavern in Oslansk. Bregnest agreed, and Andy led them through the streets to the tavern.

  The company had only just finished ordering their evening meal when Skeld and Tayo arrived at the tavern. They were both happy to see their friends again and keenly interested in how their adventure was going.

  “But wait,” said Tayo suddenly, his smile fading. “Where is Val?”

  “He is lost,” Bregnest answered in a troubled tone.

  Bregnest reluctantly agreed, after some persuasion, that Alex and Sindar could tell the story of what happened at the Tower of the Moon. Alex didn’t really want to tell the story, so he let Sindar explain things to his friends.

  “It is a sad thing that Val brought this evil on himself,” Tayo commented, looking at Bregnest.

  “And sadder still that he refused to give it up, once Alex had caught him,” Skeld added.

  “He was deceived,” Alex said softly. “The shadow has great power and can tempt even the strongest of men to do evil.”

  “But you were not tempted by it,” said Tayo confidently.

  “Not this time,” said Alex. “But this is not the first time we have met.”

  “What? When have you met this shadow before?” Bregnest asked in surprise.

  “In Vargland,” said Alex, looking at Bregnest. “That night at the ruins of Aunk. I did not recognize the shadow then, but it was there.”

  “Ah, but you defeated its plans then, and you have done so again,” said Halfdan.

  “Yes,” Alex agreed. “But I fear it will try to tempt me again. It is not vanquished or destroyed.”

  “Enough,” said Bregnest so suddenly that they all looked at him in surprise. “You had the victory then, Alex, and you have had another now. We do not know what the future holds, so let us not be troubled by it.”

  “Quite right,” Sindar added.

  The conversation soon turned to other matters, and Alex was glad that it did. He didn’t like thinking about the shadow and its tempting words, or the terrible cold he felt inside himself both times he had fought it.

  “You’ll be staying for a few days then?” Skeld questioned, winking at Andy.

  Alex noticed that Andy blushed slightly, but he said nothing.

  “We thought to move on quickly,” said Bregnest. “We must still complete our adventure, and we have little time to waste.”

  “A few days won’t make a great difference,” said Tayo. “And besides, you must dine with us at both of our houses before you leave.”

  “He’s right, of course,” Skeld added. “Lilly and Indigo will skin us alive if you don’t.”

  “Very well,” said Bregnest. “We will remain for three days and leave the morning of the fourth. On the third night, however, I will host a banquet to repay your kindness.”

  “Then tomorrow you will dine at my house,” said Skeld.

  “He won the toss,” said Tayo. “We flipped a coin before coming to see you.”

  Skeld and Tayo remained with the company until it was late, talking and laughing and telling bits of stories from past adventures. As they were leaving, they promised to return the next day at four hours past midday to lead the company to Skeld’s house. Alex and his friends made their way to bed that night looking forward to at least a few happy days in Oslansk.

  The next morning Bregnest was busy arranging for a feast. Halfdan and Sindar had decided to look around the city together, and Andy said he’d go with Alex to visit Elwig the dwarf.

  Elwig was delighted to see Alex again and instantly started showing him the items he’d made from the true silver that Alex had left with him. Alex was pleased to see everything, but he had other thoughts on his mind. While Andy was busy looking around the shop, Alex pulled Elwig aside for a quiet word.

  “I have another bargain for you,” said Alex.

  “Anything at all,” Elwig agreed.

  “I would like you to make six more brooches, exactly like the last two,” said Alex in a lowered tone so Andy wouldn’t overhear him. “Don’t set a stone for the dragon’s eye, though, as I don’t know which stones will be required.”

  “I can make them as you desire, but it will take time,” said Elwig, matching Alex’s low tone.

  “That is all right. I will be leaving the city soon, so please hold the brooches until I send for them,” Alex said. “If you will do this for me, and set the eye of each dragon when I ask for it, I will provide you with the true silver to do the job.”

  “I will do as you ask,” Elwig said with a bow. “And if I cross the wall before you require these brooches, my heir will hold them for you.”

  “You are most kind,” said Alex. “As payment for your work and your holding of these items, you shall keep the remainder of the true silver I give you.” Alex produced another large bag of true silver from his magic bag and put it in Elwig’s hands.

  “Again, you are too generous, Master Taylor,” Elwig said. “Your payment is too great, even if my family must hold these things for a thousand years.”

  “I will not take no for an answer,” said Alex.

  “Very well then,” said Elwig, bowing. “It shall be as you request. And a blessing on you for your kindness.”

  His business finished, Alex joined Andy near the back of the shop. Andy said he was looking for a present to give to Lilly and Indigo’s youngest sister, Kate. Alex smiled, but decided not to tease Andy about it—at least not until they were on the road again.

  Andy soon found a brooch that was to his liking, and Alex was not surprised when Elwig asked a surprisingly low price for it.

  “Your friend has been such a good customer and so generous that you deserve a discount,” said Elwig when Andy asked about the price.

  “Halfdan will be angry with me,” said Alex as he and Andy left Elwig’s shop.

  “He should have come along then,” said Andy. “After all, I thought he said he wasn’t going to let me out of his sight while we were here.”

  They both laughed as they started back toward the Dragon’s Keep. As they walked, Alex asked Andy how serious he was about Kate. Andy blushed and explained that he wasn’t ready to get married just yet.

  Suddenly Alex heard a voice he recognized and did not like. Holding his hand up so Andy would stop talking, he moved closer to the voice, listening.

  “Oh, they’re adventurers all right, but what does that mean?” Otho Longtree said loudly, a pompous tone to his voice. “They come back with stories about oracles and dragons and bandits, but how do we know the stories are true? For all we know, they may go off to a secret land where gold can be picked up like pebbles and diamonds like sand.”

  “I don’t think it’s as easy as that,” said a girl’s voice.

  “That’s Kate!” Andy whispered to Alex in surprise.

  Alex nodded and held up his hand again for Andy to remain silent.

  “You only believe the stories because you’re in love with Anders Goodseed,” Otho sneered. “I suppose you believe everything Andy and his little brother say. Well, let me tell you, I’ve seen this supposed wizard friend of theirs, and he looks like a very unpleasant fellow. Why, when he was here before, I confronted him but he couldn’t even do a simple magic trick.”

  As Otho spoke, Andy moved forward angrily, but Alex caught his arm and shook his head in warning. Otho’s words would have enraged him the last time he had been here, but now they didn’t bother him at all. They did, however, give him an idea.

  “And all this talk about the Oracle of the White Tower and dragons and all. I’ll bet the Oracle is some old witch who lives in a cave, and the dragon was just a little lizard in the sun. And the company they keep—elves and dwarfs! Why, if I were Andy Goodseed, I’d wish to be anything—even an ox—instead of an adventurer.”

  Alex smiled at Andy and motioned for him to follow, but re
main silent. They turned the corner and came face-to-face with Otho and his group of unfriendly looking companions.

  “Your wish is granted,” said Alex.

  “What?” said Otho, turning to see who had spoken.

  “I said, your wish is granted.”

  Otho looked as if he was going to be sick, and the crowd of mostly young women all took several steps back.

  Alex tried to look grim, and with a wave of his hand and a small popping sound, he changed Otho Longtree into a fat and bewildered-looking ox. The entire crowd gasped, but Alex took no notice.

  “You there,” said Alex, pointing to one of Otho’s companions. “Run and tell this windbag’s father that his son’s wish has been granted.”

  The boy seemed unable to move. He simply stood where he was, looking at Alex, dumbfounded.

  “You two,” said Alex, pointing to two more of Otho’s companions. “Lead this fat animal home, as I don’t believe he has the brains to get there by himself. Tell his father that I’m staying at the Dragon’s Keep for the next few days. He can find me there if he wishes to discuss his son’s change of appearance. I can’t see why he would, however, as this seems a great improvement to me.”

  As soon as Alex finished speaking, he turned and walked away. The crowd parted in front of him, and Andy came running up behind him, a stunned look on his face.

  “I can’t . . .” Andy began, then stopped. “I can’t believe you did that.”

  “It’s better than he deserves,” Alex replied.

  “But his father—”

  “It’s time his father learned the truth about his son,” said Alex. “And if his father won’t see the truth, I’ll have to leave Otho as he is.”

  “Yes, but . . .” Andy began and stopped again.

  Alex tried to look stern and wise as he met Andy’s eyes, and then they both burst into fits of laughter.

  That night, as they ate dinner at Skeld’s house, Andy kept looking at Alex and trying, unsuccessfully, to hide his chuckles with his napkin.

  “So,” said Skeld, trying to keep a straight face. “I understand you had a run-in with Otho Longtree today.”

  “A small one,” Alex replied.

  “Did you really turn that fat bully into an ox?” Skeld burst out suddenly, laughing so hard that tears came to his eyes.

  “Yes, I did,” said Alex in a serious tone, but he had a hard time keeping a straight face.

  “But his father is such a good man,” Lilly protested, giving Skeld a disapproving look.

  “So I have heard,” said Alex. “However, a father’s goodness will not excuse a son’s bad behavior.”

  “But surely you will change him back?” Indigo questioned. “I mean, he’s Osgood’s heir.”

  “I see that you are both concerned for Osgood Longtree and this tells me that the father is worthy of some consideration,” said Alex. “Rest easy. I have sent word to Osgood and told him if he wishes to discuss his son’s appearance, he can call on me at the Dragon’s Keep.”

  “Surely Osgood will come,” said Lilly.

  “I don’t know,” Tayo commented. “I think Otho might make a wonderful ox—once he’s had some training, that is.”

  Even Indigo and Lilly laughed at Tayo’s comment, but Alex could see they were both still concerned. As for his own feeling, Alex would be only too happy let Otho remain an ox for the rest of his days. He knew, however, that Osgood would come and he would have to tell him something, but he hadn’t decided what he would say.

  The next morning, shortly after the company had finished their breakfast, a sad-looking old man entered Dragon’s Keep. Alex watched him ask the innkeeper a question and saw the innkeeper point in his direction.

  “Do I have the honor of addressing Master Alexander Taylor?” the man asked nervously as he approached Alex.

  “You do,” Alex answered, bowing slightly.

  “I am Osgood Longtree, magistrate of Oslansk. I have come to discuss the . . . Well, the wish of my son, Otho.”

  “I would be honored to talk to you,” Alex replied, motioning for Osgood to take a seat.

  “I am told that Otho has in some way offended you, Master Taylor,” Osgood began, “and this is the reason for the, um, the change that has come over him.”

  “Master Longtree, I do not know what you have been told, so allow me tell you why I have changed your son into an ox. Had your son’s insults been directed at me alone, I would have let them pass with perhaps a warning.”

  “I am sorry if Otho has insulted you and your friends,” Osgood said quickly. “I’m sure that I can compensate you all for anything that Otho may have said or done. I’m sure—”

  Alex held up his hand, cutting off Osgood’s words. “My dear sir, I have heard nothing but good about you from everyone in this city, which makes my current task very difficult. You see, you are well-loved and none of your people wish to see you miserable. So now, as a stranger, I must inform you of what others will not.”

  “And what is that?”

  “I must tell you, sir, that your son is a pompous blowhard and a bully,” said Alex. “He is most unpopular in this city and is only tolerated because the people of this city hold you in such high regard.”

  “He is a bit headstrong, but I don’t think that—” Osgood began, and then stopped as Alex held up his hand again.

  “Sir, if you do not face the truth in this matter, I will be forced to leave Otho as he is. For too long the honor of the father has protected the son, and the son has dishonored the father.”

  “I see,” said Osgood, looking even sadder, though he no longer sounded quite as nervous.

  “I hope that you do,” said Alex. “Because I have heard so much good about you, I am prepared to change your son back to his natural form.”

  “Will you?” Osgood asked in a hopeful tone.

  “I will,” Alex answered. “However, I have some conditions I must insist on.”

  “Anything. I’m sure that Otho has learned his lesson and will do whatever you ask.”

  “Perhaps he has,” Alex allowed. “Unfortunately, I will only be in Oslansk for a few days, and he may return to his old ways once I am gone.”

  “I will not allow that,” said Osgood, in a tone that sounded like he meant it.

  “I am sure that you will not,” said Alex. “Now, for my conditions. I require a public apology from Otho. He has slandered myself and many of my friends, and worst of all, he has slandered the Oracle of the White Tower. After the public apology, he must take an oath before the people of this city that he will never speak against myself or my friends again.”

  “Of course,” Osgood agreed. “It is only right that he should make public amends for public insults.”

  “This may seem a simple thing to you, but you are a man of honor,” said Alex. “I am not so sure of Otho or his honor, so I have one more condition.”

  “And what is that?”

  “I require a written copy of his apology and oath. This written copy will be signed by Otho and witnessed by yourself and any others you may wish,” answered Alex. “It is to be kept on record here in Oslansk. If Otho ever breaks his oath, he is to be banished from this city—forever.”

  “Banishment seems a harsh punishment,” said Osgood in a sad and troubled tone.

  “Do you doubt your son’s ability to keep his oath?”

  “I must confess that I do,” answered Osgood. “I may have lived in darkness where my son is concerned, but I have not been completely blind.”

  “Then if not banishment, what would you suggest?”

  “I can think of nothing else that would keep Otho from breaking his word, except perhaps the threat of being turned back into an ox.”

  “The threat is there, but I will not be here to carry out such a punishment if it is needed,” said Alex.

  “Then it shall be as you ask,” Osgood agreed. “I see that you have considered this matter far more than I ever have.”

  “Perhaps, as a stranger, I can
see things more clearly.”

  “I hope Otho has not put you off,” Osgood added. “I mean to say, that I hope you will return to our city in spite of my foolish son.”

  “I would like that very much,” said Alex. “I have many friends here in your city, and in Norsland as well.”

  “Then you will surely hear if Otho breaks his oath.”

  “I will,” said Alex. “A fact you may wish to remind Otho of from time to time.”