by John Migacz
CHAPTER 67
The war was over.
That fact sank in once the cleanup work was finished.
The war was over.
The revelry began.
The evening’s celebration was loud, boisterous, and thoroughly enjoyed by all. The remaining townsfolk emerged from their homes and hiding places to join in and to praise the defenders. To the east, Morgur shadows cavorted around several gigantic bonfires, their howling heard for miles.
The mercenaries were treated to a feast as food was no longer rationed. Dieya bought every wine cask in town and free wine was available at every tavern. The Arvari retreated to the forest to celebrate in their own fashion.
The “war council” headed to their private chamber for a quiet drink after they paid their respects to the Baron and his court at the victory celebration. Claiming the responsibility of seeing to the men, they left the main hall as soon as good manners would allow.
“Where’s Bo?” asked Dieya as he poured Balthus and Adrianna’s wine.
“I don’t know,” said Balthus. “He was mumbling something in that babble tongue of yours and disappeared several hours ago.”
“How’s he taking Rory’s death?” asked Dieya.
“He’ll be all right. He told me he was an ‘Alliance Marine.’” Balthus shrugged. “That seemed to mean something to him.” Balthus looked up as the door opened. “Ah. Here comes our wayward son now.”
Bo entered the room with a big smile on his face and a large wooden chest in his arms. He and the chest were covered with dirt.
“Bo, you are grinning like that is the ‘Lost Treasure of Kyndia,’” said Adrianna.
“I don’t know what that is, but this is even better!” exclaimed Bo. He thumped the chest onto the table and opened it. Balthus tried to peer in, but Bo held up a hand.
“I have here a box of amazing goodies. First, a present to our leader.” He pulled out a bread-loaf-sized gray box. Different-colored jewels, shining with an inner fire, covered the top.
“I give the Sorcerer back his powers,” said Bo. He pushed a button on the box and the jewels’ fire died.
Dieya jumped up from his chair. “You found the field dampener!” He extended his hand, palm up. A small spinning ball of fire appeared over it.
Balthus started.
“It’s all right. It’s just an illusion,” said Dieya. Closing his palm, the ball disappeared. “Do you know what this means?” he said, grinning.
“It means you will be leaving us,” said Adrianna.
“No. Yes. Well it does, but not yet!” He eyes burned with excitement. “It means that the wounded men who wouldn’t have made it through this night won’t die. It means the men who have crippling injuries won’t have to spend the rest of their lives handicapped. I must administer to them at once.” He reached for his amulet.
“Wait! Dieya, there’s more you must see,” said Bo. “Look.” He spun the box around and waved them over.
Bo’s voice rose half an octave. “It’s full of Kraken-made devices. Here is a tiny laser that is more powerful than anything we currently have in that scale. I burned a finger-sized hole in the outside wall in about a half a second…” He looked perplexed and pleased at the same time. “…and Dieya – it worked while the field dampener was still activated. Ta’Lon could have used it on us at any time. I don’t understand why he didn’t.”
Dieya looked at the laser and shook his head. “In his incredible arrogance, he thought he wouldn’t need it.”
Bo picked up another object. “I recognized this as a gate locator. This is how he opened the dimgate at the end of your fight. This is Ta’Lon’s stash!”
Dieya’s eyes shone as he examined the devices. “This is incredible! This could mean a giant leap for us in the war. Where did you find them?”
Adrianna spoke up. “Inside Ta’Lon’s mound, of course.”
In unison, Bo and Dieya asked, “How did you know?” They exchanged looks.
“Well, Ta’Lon never left that area and that was where the gate thing appeared, but most of all – look at Bo’s clothes. He is filthy and has obviously been digging somewhere. Simple logic.”
“Adrianna, you are a wonder,” said Dieya.
“Hey,” said Balthus, “what about me?”
“You? I wonder what she sees in you.” Dieya laughed at Balthus’ open mouth. “I really must be off to the infirmary. Then I will visit the Morgur, the Arvari, and the site of the Kraken gate. With my power restored I can turn what’s left of those two battle droids into slag. I’m going to spread the rumor that Ta’Lon was a Sevoal shaman in league with dark powers. His death caused two demons to appear to avenge him, and with their death, the gateway to hell closed forever.” He looked at them hopefully. “At least I pray that the gate has been closed forever.”
Dieya patted the chest. “Bo, put this in a safe place and guard it with your life.” He stepped back from the table and with a blue flash, he was gone.
“Humph!” exclaimed Balthus. “Just when I was getting used to him using the door like normal people.”
Bo poured a glass of wine and drank it down. “Digging is thirsty work.” He put down the glass and closed the chest lid. “I’d better do as the man said and get this someplace safe.”
Balthus placed his hand on Bo’s shoulder. “Rory would be proud.”
Bo stared for a moment, then nodded. “Goodnight, you two,” he said softly. He picked up the chest and left.
Balthus looked around the quiet room. “Looks like it’s just you and me, Love.”
Adrianna smiled and refilled their glasses. “As it always is, in reality.”
“Come closer, I want to talk to you about something,” said Balthus. Adrianna started to sit on his lap. “No, sit over here,” he said, patting the chair next to him. “I want to talk to you seriously about something.”
Adrianna sat and Balthus turned and reached for her hand.
She and Balthus talked long into the night.