Dragons' Onyx (6 page)

“What makes you think that you can get two elves here quicker than I can get some dwarves?” asked Prince Darok.

“Distance,” grinned the elf prince. “Elderal is much closer to Tagaret than your home.”

“You asked me for silence and then snuck in and got Garala to authorize two more elves,” protested the dwarf prince. “I shall have to watch you closely on the trail.”

“You have nothing to fear from me,” assured Prince Garong. “I asked for your silence because it was the only way to get Valon to agree. If we each continued to push for our own people, he would have grown stubborn and refused all help. My goal here is to protect Valon, not outdo the dwarves. I have no quarrel with you or your people. In fact, we share the same burdens and desires. If you can get two dwarves here before I get two elves, I will gladly ride with your men. Will you do the same?”

“We should have one dwarf and one elf,” retorted Prince Darok.

“There is not time,” argued Prince Garong. “I say we take the first two to arrive. Are the elves more generous than the dwarves? Or do you agree to these terms?”

Prince Darok rubbed his beard and stared at the elf prince. He could not imagine how anyone was going to get to Tagaret by morning, so he finally agreed.

“Dwarves are every bit as generous as elves,” insisted Prince Darok. “Whoever gets here first goes with us. Now, how are we going to get anyone here by morning?”

Prince Garong grinned broadly. “Our friend Chaco is going to help,” he smiled. “He can easily carry two elves on his back.”

“That ride is days long,” the dwarf shook his head. “They will never make it.”

“They will if Chaco flies,” corrected Prince Garong.

“Flies?” echoed the dwarf. “Do you know what you are asking? Not only is flying dangerous, and believe me I know it is, but Black Devils can also bring down the unicorns. If you lose Garala’s unicorn, he will be furious.”

I will not be brought down. I do this for the Deliverer’s protection. Two more archers will be welcome. I must leave soon though.

“You already had this planned,” Prince Darok accuses the elf.

“I did,” nodded the elf prince. “Still, it is fair. You could have thought of the same solution, but your home is too far for even flying to accomplish the task by morning. Come, help me get Chaco outside where his departure will not be noticed.”

Prince Darok looked around the room and nodded. The only person looking in his direction was Wylan, and he knew that Wylan could not see what was going on.

“I don’t understand why King Arik wanted me to talk to you,” Wylan said to Colonel Nolan. “Was it just to keep me quiet?”

“You only have one handicap, Wylan,” retorted Zackary, “and it is not the loss of your sight. You have to stop carrying this self-pity around with you. The king and I spoke earlier about you. You are one of the few people who know that Bin-lu works for me. With him going south, I need someone to take his place. I think you would be perfect.”

“Me?” questioned Wylan. “This has to be a joke. How many blind people do you have working for you?”

“Your attitude could get to be a problem,” sighed Zackary. “The first thing I have to teach people is how to listen. You have managed to develop that skill on your own. It may have been out of necessity, but that doesn’t matter to me. You have skills that I can use. Do you want to hear about it? Or would you rather crawl back into your bed and feel sorry for yourself?”

“Listen to him, Wylan,” urged Bin-lu. “This is not a joke. You have skills that can be made use of. There is nobody better in Tagaret to train you than Zackary.”

“You are serious,” gasped Wylan. “I would love to help if I really thought I could. I still can’t see how you can use a blind man though.”

“Your blindness may actually be a help,” offered Zackary. “You are already well known in the city as one of Arik’s close friends who was blinded at Watling Flats. I think we can use that knowledge to our advantage. The tasks that I have in mind for you will be dangerous, but I have heard of your courage. Still, if you wish to refuse, I will understand.”

“Danger does not put me off,” Wylan said eagerly. “If you can truly use me, I am game. What do I have to do?”

“First you must learn some new skills,” smiled Zackary. “Spend the rest of the day with Sheri. She can know that you will be working with me only if she keeps it to herself. What you are actually working on is not to be shared with anyone, including Sheri. Do you understand?”

“Yes,” nodded Wylan. “In fact, I would not like Sheri to know that I am doing something dangerous. The more she knows, the more trouble it can cause her. May I tell her that you have hired me to do things around the palace?”

“Absolutely,” agreed Colonel Nolan. “Choose the type of things that you want her to hear, and I will back up your story.”

“Excellent,” grinned Wylan. “I shall be in your office at first lightening.”

“We call it dawn now,” chuckled Bin-lu. “The Darkness is a thing of the past for Tagaret.”

“It’s all darkness for me, Bin-lu,” quipped Wylan, “but I promise not to dwell on that anymore. I will see you in the morning, Colonel.”

“Do you really think that he can adjust?” Zackary asked after Wylan had left with Sheri.

“He can,” assured Bin-lu. “Be patient with him. I can only imagine what he is going through.”

“I will try,” sighed Zackary. “How about you? King Arik is sending you into a difficult situation. You will have no support to fall back on. Basically, you will be on your own.”

“I cannot say that I am thrilled by the prospect,” shrugged Bin-lu, “but I am the most qualified for this job.  My biggest fear is being recognized by people that I know. Several of the people in Hanchi’s palace have seen me before. I did not leave a favorable impression the last time I was there.”

“That was when you rescued the king’s mother?” asked Zackary.

“And Tedi’s mother,” nodded Bin-lu. “In fact, I want to catch Tedi before he leaves. Seeing as we are both going south, I figure that we can ride together for a while. Do you need me for anything else?”

“No,” Colonel Nolan shook his head. “Just make sure that you survive this mission. I don’t want the time and effort I spent training you to be wasted.”

“That is not the real reason you want me back,” laughed Bin-lu. “Even if you can’t admit that you care what happens to me, I know better.”

“You are a quick learner,” smiled Zackary. “I am worried about this one. There are too many ways that you can be compromised. Be careful, and if it gets too tense, pull out. I will back you up if King Arik disagrees with your judgment.”

Niki heard loud voices near the front of the wagon. She turned to wake Fredrik and then realized that he was not there. She bit her lip with worry until she recognized one of the voices as Master Khatama’s. Sleeping under the wagon has some advantages, she thought to herself as she scooted forward to hear better.

“What are you so upset about?” growled Mustar. “You didn’t want that fool lad to fulfill the Ancient Prophecy and let Alutar free. I just took steps to ensure that he behaves as we want him to.”

“The decision was not yours to make,” retorted Boris. “You do not understand the people involved in this. Are you aware that Jenneva is always by Arik’s side? Do you have any idea how she will take the information you gave to Fredrik? Do you care to match your power with hers?”

“Bah,” scowled Mustar. “I know she was your student, but that probably just gives you an inflated opinion of her skills. I can stand my own against any mage.”

“Over confidence has been the undoing of many a magician,” berated Master Khatama. “Jenneva is the daughter of two of the finest students that I ever had. More importantly, she outclasses them both. The power in that woman is amazing. She is not their only amazing power either, but this is getting off the topic. The point is, you do not comprehend the personalities involved in this. Some people will be scared off when threatened. Others will be provoked into a fight.”

“Do you really think they will go forward with the Ancient Prophecy?” asked Mustar. “That is ludicrous. Sarac is no match compared against Alutar. If it were Sarac that you were facing, I would have stayed home. Perhaps they do not have a full grasp of the power of Alutar.”

“Jenneva has seen Alutar through my eyes,” sighed Boris. “She also has an incredible belief in always doing what is right, regardless of the odds against her. If she sees that fulfilling the Ancient Prophecy is the right thing to do, then that is what she will do and damn the consequences.”

“That is something that I could not imagine,” confessed Mustar.

“Which is exactly why you must not interfere with the way I am doing things,” responded the Mage. “Mustar, I do not wish to be at odds with you. Give me your council on what you think we should do. Give me your life to ensure that it gets done. But above all else, do not try to drive this effort. That task is mine.”

“I will remain quiet around the others,” promised Mustar. “I have never been one to care what others think, but I am ashamed to have offended the Mage. There is no other person that I would follow and pledge my life to. Forgive me.”

“That is not what I am saying,” sighed Boris. “In fact, I want you to tutor Fredrik and help him achieve his potential. You have much to offer the lad. Your input in this endeavor is greatly appreciated. The problem is that we are dealing with some very headstrong people. I must be careful myself in dealing with them. If any group has the ability to fulfill the Ancient Prophecy, it is the group that has gathered around young King Arik. Still, even that group has a great chance of failure. Why alienate them if it is not necessary?”

“Ah, I see,” brightened Mustar. “Now I understand why you think I acted poorly. I will leave the diplomacy to you.”

“Shhh,” warned Master Khatama. “I think our magpie has returned.”

Indeed, the magpie circled over the campsite and checked out the surrounding area before gliding to the ground and transforming into Fredrik.

“You are just in time for the morning meal,” greeted Boris as Niki slid back to her sleeping spot. “How are things in Tagaret?”

“Confusing as always,” Fredrik answered evasively.

“Mustar told me about your little chat yesterday,” Boris smiled weakly. “How was that information received by King Arik?”

“Well,” stalled Fredrik although he had rehearsed his answer to this question a thousand times, “the news really does not require any change in King Arik’s plans for now. He was surprised to hear the theory about Alutar and the Darkness, but it really does not impact his search for the Dragons’ Onyx.”

“And when he restores the Dragons’ Onyx to the Sword of Heavens?” prompted Boris. “Will he continue his quest for the final gem?”

“You are taking a lot for granted,” frowned Fredrik. “You are acting like restoring the Dragons’ Onyx will be a walk in the woods. He risks his life every day to fulfill the Ancient Prophecy. Any day could be his last.”

“Agreed,” nodded Master Khatama. “I did not mean to make light of the challenges that face our young king, but I am sure that he had a reaction to the words you spoke to him. Why are you hesitant to reveal his reply?”

“He demands proof that fulfilling the Ancient Prophecy will result in harm,” Fredrik blurted out.

“Demands?” countered Mustar with fury in his face. “He makes demands of the Mage? Does he understand who the Mage is?”

“He understands the importance of fulfilling the Ancient Prophecy to the people of the world,” Fredrik shot back. “Would it be right for him to abandon his quest at the mere mention that there might be a greater threat? He asks for proof of your theory. Surely you can provide proof of the theory by the time he is ready to pursue the final gem. I do not see what the problem is.”

Boris placed a calming hand on Mustar’s arm and asked Fredrik, “Did the others get to hear your words? How did they react?”

Niki slid her head out from under the wagon and called to Fredrik. “You are back!” she exclaimed. “Come here quickly. I need you. It is important.”

Fredrik turned and looked at Niki. He turned back to Master Khatama and shrugged with a silly grin on his face. “I better see what is the matter with her.”

Fredrik turned and walked towards Niki, who appeared to be stuck under the wagon.

“I can’t believe that he thinks that Niki is more important than this conversation,” scowled Mustar.

“Not more important,” shrugged Boris. “It is just more convenient. Fredrik is not sure where his loyalties reside right now. I will not push the issue at this time. Fredrik will come around. In time he will tell me what I need to know. We should get a meal started. I want to be on the road as soon as possible. It is time to start taking our first steps on this quest of ours.”

* * *

At the Royal Palace in Tagaret, King Arik rose early. He decided to go down to the kitchen and prepare himself a meal. As soon as he stepped out of the King’s Chambers, he knew he was not going to be eating alone. Four Red Swords stiffened as the door opened. Their eyes immediately darted in every direction to assess the potential threat to their king.

“I couldn’t get back to sleep,” Arik said sheepishly. “I am going down to the kitchen for breakfast.”

“There is nobody there to serve you,” objected one of the Red Swords. “Tell us what you want, and we will have it brought up immediately.”

“I want fresh rabbit,” grinned Arik. “Not more than an hour old. The meat tends to toughen up after that.”

The Red Sword looked at his fellow guards with a puzzled frown and then turned back to the king. “Rabbit?” he asked. “There might be some, but it won’t be that fresh.”

“Well, then,” smiled Arik, “I will just have to go down and see what they do have.”

King Arik stepped briskly, and the Red Swords hurried to flank him for his protection. He smiled inwardly at the thought of the palace having anything that fresh at this time of day.

Two of the Red Swords moved ahead and entered the kitchen to check it out before the king arrived. A fire was already lit and an elf was sitting at a table eating. They recognized the elf as the one who had returned with the king the previous day. They scanned the room and did not find anyone else present.