by John Migacz
CHAPTER 29
Duke Lothogorn and his counselors sat at the heavily laden head table in the crowded main hall. Dieya, Balthus and Adrianna sat at the duke’s right hand as the honored guests. Musicians played a lively tune and jugglers tossed plates to each other, keeping at least three in the air at all times. The merriment had been ongoing since the siege ended.
Duke Lothogorn had ordered a three-day feast in celebration of their victory. He was originally going to announce a one-day celebration, but his knights had found a substantial amount of gold in the remains of Baron Yorburg’s tent. Balthus knew the gold had stuck to many fingers before it got to the Duke, but it was more than enough to warrant a large celebration.
Balthus always enjoyed Lotho’s parties. The Duke never stood on ceremony and his festivities were likened to a rowdy warrior’s tavern rather than the staid dining hall of a duke. The music and dancers were getting louder and wilder in proportion to the number of wine casks breached.
“So, where do you go next?” Balthus asked Dieya.
Dieya leaned closer to hear. “What was that?” he asked.
The music ended amidst a round of applause. “So where are you off to next, Dieya? Killing more lusedung beetles?” Adrianna returned from the dance floor, and sat next to Balthus. He handed her a cup of wine.
“No,” said Dieya, “but there are several ‘pools’ of that negative power I must dispose of.”
“Do you need any help? Adrianna and I are skilled disposers of negativity,” said Balthus. “All we do is arrive, smile, and the sun comes out.”
“I’m sure that’s true,” said Dieya, “but these require some magical influence to disperse. I will leave in the morning.”
“So soon? We have yet to have that Shallcross game, and Lotho’s wine cellar can be matched only by the King’s.”
“Yes, I promised a friend,” said Dieya. He peered into the distance a moment, then turned to Balthus. “The pools are deadly and I wish no one else to come to harm.”
Balthus nodded. “You are misnamed. You should be ‘Dieya the Paladin,’ not ‘Dieya the Sorcerer.’” Balthus raised his wine cup. “Your dedication is enviable.”
“This from a man who knows not the meaning of the word,” laughed Adrianna.
“I’m dedicated to you, Dear,” said Balthus, smiling.
Dieya opened his mouth to reply, but was halted by the Duke’s voice.
“Quiet! Quiet!” yelled Duke Lothogorn over the din. The word “quiet” echoed around the hall. The celebrants settled down as the Duke staggered to his feet. “I propose a toast,” he slurred as he lifted his cup, “to our newest friend Dieya the Saucer.” He slopped his wine as he gestured to Dieya. “And my friend Balfuss, and Adriann, and my wife and my knights, and you good people, and – ”
His speech ended as his eyes rolled up into his head and he collapsed onto the table, falling face down into the remains of the roast. The crowd cheered as servants rushed to carry him to his bedchamber.
“Well, Lotho sure knows how to end a party,” said Adrianna.
Balthus watched the servants straining with effort as they carried away the rotund Duke. “I had to do that many times until I learned to pass out before Lotho.” Balthus shook his head. “That is one time it doesn’t pay to be the last man standing.”
Dieya stood, held up his wine cup and raised his voice. “In the Duke’s absence, I would like to finish the toast,” he said. “To a good day’s work!” He gestured to Balthus and Adrianna. The crowd cheered and raised their cups.
Balthus stood and raised his wine cup. “To absent friends.” He drank his cup dry. Dieya nodded and followed suit. Cries of “Hear, hear,” flowed around the hall.
Adrianna stood and took Balthus’ arm. “Will we see you at breakfast tomorrow, Dieya?” she asked.
“Yes. I will wish to give my complements to the Duke before I leave.”
“You’d better plan on sleeping late if you want to see Lotho,” laughed Balthus. “See you on the morrow then.”