by John Migacz
CHAPTER 33
Duke Lothogorn had the reputation of setting a fine table, and breakfast was no exception. The main table was piled high with warm breads, sweet rolls, cheeses of all types, eggs, fruits and various meats. A servant handed Balthus, Adrianna and Dieya platters as they approached the table.
Balthus eyed the layout of the food and planned his attack. “This is Lotho’s idea. You serve yourself.” Balthus spoke over his shoulder as they moved down the length of the table. “With people rising at different times, and Lotho not standing on ceremony, this method of eating works well for breakfast.” He piled boarback high on his plate.
“Hey,” said Adrianna, “take some and move along. Give us a chance at the food. You’re supposed to be moving, not grazing.”
Balthus looked back at her and piled the boarback even higher. Grinning, he walked to a side table and began eating.
Adrianna and Dieya soon joined him. Dieya’s plate merely held a hunk of bread and several pieces of fruit. Balthus pointed at him with a slice of boarback. “You really don’t eat animal flesh?” he asked. “Do you mind if we do?”
“It is each man’s choice, and not for me to judge. For myself, I prefer not to kill innocent beasts.”
“You sure made a mess of that Krill creature though,” said Balthus, smiling around a mouthful of bread.
“The Krill aren’t God’s creatures. They are a twisted abomination… as are some men.” Dieya sipped at his watered wine.
“Which leads us to the reason we wanted to talk with you,” said Adrianna. “We are at loose ends now, and would like to help you if we can.”
“Aye, we are handy to have around and can get things done that need doing!” Balthus brought a fist down on the table and the plates jumped.
Dieya sat back in his chair, folded his arms across his chest and studied Balthus and Adrianna.
“We feel the same way you do about evil and go out of our way to poke it in the eye,” said Adrianna.
Dieya leaned forward. “It’s good to hear you say that. Sometimes I feel like I’m all…” He studied the bread on his plate.
To break the embarrassing lull, Balthus raised his cup, and loudly called for more wine.
Dieya looked up. “Presently, there is nothing active, but with this Krill business I’m sure that – ” He jerked his arm as if stung and deep furrows formed on his brow. Without a word, he stood, walked ten feet away and placed his back to a pillar.
Balthus and Adrianna watched with interest as Dieya pulled a jewel off the amulet on his armband and held it up to his temple. His eyes unfocused for a moment, then he began to blink rapidly.
“Trance of some sort?” asked Balthus.
“Good guess,” said Adrianna, “and he doesn’t look too happy about whatever happened.”
“I’m torn between watching Dieya and getting another rasher of boarback,” said Balthus, looking back to the food table.
“It looks as if you won’t have time, Love,” said Adrianna. Dieya had replaced the jewel in his amulet and was headed back to the table.
“We have tried to cheer you up this morning,” said Balthus, “but from the look on your face now, it doesn’t seem possible.”
Dieya sat down and sighed, rubbing his eyes with gloved fingers. “You are right about that.”
“Another Krill?” asked Balthus.
“I don’t know. It seems too soon, although perhaps the incidents aren’t related. I will have to find out more before knowing for sure.”
He stood to leave, then stopped. “I have enjoyed your company. It has been a long time since I found anyone I could call friend. If your wish to help me is sincere, perhaps you might aid me.”
Balthus looked at Adrianna and they both nodded.
“Good. Do you have plans to leave the castle today?” asked Dieya
“No. I haven’t drank all the wine Lotho owes me,” said Balthus
“I will be back in a few hours with some clearer information.” Dieya walked away from the table, touched a jewel on his amulet then vanished in a blue glow. A tray clattered to the floor, dropped by a startled servant.
“Well! I simply must find his tailor and jewelry maker,” said Adrianna.
Balthus’ mouth hung open for a moment, then he closed it with a clop. “I had my doubts when he said how he had arrived here,” he said, shaking his head, “but now…”
“It is unsettling,” said Adrianna, staring at the spot where Dieya had disappeared.
Balthus grabbed her arms, turned her toward him and placed his hands on her shoulders. “Dieya is dedicated to ridding the world of this evil. His determination is very focused. We have to make sure we don’t get caught in the middle.”
Adrianna paused, giving it some thought. “You are right,” she said, nodding. “Do we want to throw in with him, then?”
Balthus released her and shrugged. “Why not? It seems like something worth doing, and it could be fun. We will just have to protect each other’s backs.”
“As usual.” She smiled and held up a fist.
“As usual.” He smiled and tapped her fist with his. His smile became one of pain as he looked over to the main table.
“What’s wrong?” asked Adrianna.
“They cleared away the rest of the boarback,” he whined.
“Oh, poor dear!” she said patting his cheek. “How about we go over to the armory and practice that axe move you showed me last week.”
Balthus nodded with pleasure. “Against an axeman, the first thing to notice is if he is right or left handed. Did I ever tell you about the time I got into a fight with a left handed axeman? He had only three fingers on his right hand and was missing an ear…”
His voice trailed off as they left the hall.
Dieya appeared in his cave and walked to the concealed access door. The eye scan finished and the door opened with a snap. He hurried to his desk and touched several glowing buttons. He took a jewel from his amulet, held it to his temple, then blinked rapidly at first, then only occasionally. After several minutes, he removed the jewel. “A small, off-world dimgate,” he said quietly. He sat awhile in contemplation, his face creased with worry. Then, reaching a decision, he stood, touched the amulet on his arm and vanished in a blue glow.