The Dragons Bane

We are finally on our way. The bright afternoon sun is allowing us to quickly make our way out of the ruins. The half-wagon, half-sleigh is moving easily, the three horses pulling it without any apparent effort. Delgar is leading the horses from his pony, while Dimlar rides fearfully atop Nordok’s horse.

And with Nordok’s watchful eye flying about 200 feet above us, we have little to fear as we move as fast as our dilapidated wagon will allow. It isn’t long before we are free of the ruins, and the flat valley floor will soon begin to give way to the rolling hills that make up the base of the mountains. The river, with its rock-strewn rapids, keeps us company with its roar. The water is high with the spring thaw, scouring the land above its banks as it races downstream through the valley. The river is clearly the most powerful thing in the valley at the moment.

Even though the sun has not quite set, Mizdar calls a halt for the day just as we reach the rolling hills at the eastern end of the valley. “I think we should stop for the night, I want Delgar to check on the wagon. The hills that are coming up will no doubt prove to be hard on it, and I don’t want it to fall apart. It would just be our luck that everything would end up in the river.”

“If we had a boat, or maybe a raft, we could be home in no time,” observes Seldor, watching the fast paced water rush by.

“Nay, the rapids would soon sink ye, scatterin’ ye an’ yer stuff along the river bank fer miles.”

Just then, a large tree comes sailing down the river, smashing itself to smithereens on a big rock jutting from the middle of the river. It is almost as if the great river, overhearing Dimlar, decided to demonstrate its power and prove the wisdom of the dwarf’s words.

“Aye, ’tis a dangerous river this far north,” agrees Delgar, coming to stand with Dimlar and Seldor, watching the raw power of the river.

After circling the area around the campsite a few times, Nordok returns to earth, landing not far from Mizdar. “I take it that nothing dangerous is near us.”

“No big, bad monsters that I could see from up there, anyway.”

“Good. So, did the afternoon’s flying tire you out?”

“Yes, actually. I see what you meant when you said that I probably wouldn’t be able to fly all day.”

“Yes, and today is a good day for flying, now imagine what it would be like if it were windy and raining.”

Nordok nods in agreement. “Yes, I can see how that would be a problem, especially since it was pretty cold up there, even with the sun shining on me.”

Smiling, Mizdar turns to the approaching Clernon. “Are you two going to stand here jabber-jawing all night? I need some firewood and a fire if we’re going to eat tonight.”

The ever-hungry Nordok is quick to respond. “I spotted a lot of downed dead wood as I was landing, I’ll have your fire going in a snap.”

“Somehow, I just knew you would.”

Nordok, true to his word, goes off to get the firewood, returning in a few minutes carrying a large armful and dragging two large sections of trees. “This should be enough to get you through supper.”

“That will indeed, now if you would, how about starting the fire? I’m busy cutting up the meat, it’s steaks for us tonight.”

“Steak? One fire, coming right up!”

Clernon, watching how fast Nordok gets the fire going, thinks to himself, if monsters were meat, Nordok would soon have the whole dungeon emptied out.

Meanwhile, Mizdar has everyone else setting up the camp. “I want them tents set up tonight, no telling if it will rain, not with these mountains blocking us in. Delgar, what did you find out regarding the wagon, will it make it over the hills?”

“Aye, ’tis in good shape, so far.”

“Good. Seldor, would you mind asking Dimlar to help you dump out our water containers, and then get us some fresh water from the river?”

“Sure, let me get him.”

Seldor, walking up to Dimlar, asks him for his help. “Mizdar wants you to help me get some fresh water in the barrels, do you have a minute?”

“Aye, them water barrels be tastin’ funny, ‘tis time to be changin’ ’em out.”

“Let’s take them over here and dump them, no need to make a mud puddle inside of our camp.” The two of them start to lift the heavy barrels out of the wagon.

Later, after everyone has finished their steaks and cleaned up the dishes, we all gather around the fire for our nightly discussion.

“Who wants first shift?” asks Mizdar. Seldor is the first to volunteer.

“I’ll stand the first watch, who wants to keep me company?”

“I will,” offers Mintock.

“I be offerin’ to take second,” says Delgar.

“That be leavin’ me wit third.”

“I’ll join Dimlar on third, that way I can have breakfast ready.”

“I guess I can keep Delgar company,” offers Nordok.

“I will share the second half of first through the first half of second,” states Mizdar.

“That just leaves me, I think it best that I take third, this way Clernon can start his breakfast preparations without having to concern himself with guard duty as well.”

“Now that that is settled, let’s move on to new business. If the weather continues to hold, I would like our two birdmen to take turns watching over us from above. I think two-hour shifts should be the most either of you should stay aloft. As Nordok found out this afternoon, flying is a tiresome and cold task and I don’t want either of you falling out of the sky.”

Nordok and Seldor each nod their heads in agreement.

“Now that we are on our way home, with lots of treasure, we have to watch out for bandits. And while our eyes in the sky should be able to protect us in the daytime while we are travelling, we need to keep alert at night. We didn’t go through what we did in the dungeon just to have some stinking bandits take it all away from us on the trip home.”

Everyone clearly agrees, nodding their heads amid comments of ‘aye’ and ‘that’s right’.

“Nor do any of us want to perish at the hands of some creature before we have a chance to spend our money!” Again, everyone agrees wholeheartedly.

“It shouldn’t take us more than twelve to fourteen days to get back to the castle, barring any mishaps or monsters, so let’s do our best to stay on our toes till then. The trip back, once we get by the bend, is all downhill. Besides, once we make it to the fifty-mile marker, we should pretty much be home free.”

“Aye, an’ mayhaps we be lucky ’nough ta meet up wit a road crew so’s we be able ta borrow one of their empty wagons.”

“Yes, that would be a pleasant possibility.”

“Ah, who you kidding, Delgar, the only thing you want to borrow is a skin of their wine!” laughs Nordok.

“Aye, ’tis be that, too!” agrees Delgar with a grin.

“Well, that’s all I have, so let’s enjoy the rest of the evening before hitting the sack.”

We spend the next few hours relaxing around the fire, enjoying each other’s company. After a while, Mintock and Mizdar, sharing a lantern, move a short ways away from the rest of us to start their studies. Clandistra and Clernon also distance themselves from the rest of us, making their nightly prayers without the need of a lantern. Eventually everyone except Seldor and Mintock drift off to their tents and sleep.

“Mintock, do you mind if I ask what prompted you to give Nordok your ring of flying?”

“Not really. It is just that I have been feeling like I’m not contributing much. You fighters are doing almost all the work, and taking almost all the injuries. Also, when Dimlar let Delgar have the boots, he mentioned what a pair the two of them would make, now that both of them could move so fast. So I figured that if Nordok could fly, the two of you would also make a great team. Besides, what good would it do for me to be able to fly, I have but one spell each day, and it isn’t very powerful, anyway.”

“I can understand that. I was just feeling left out, that’s all.”

“I’m sorry you felt that way, but it wasn’t that I was trying to show favoritism towards Nordok, it was simply that I felt the ring would be put to better use by him than by me.”

“It did work out that way. If he couldn’t fly, I doubt he would have been able to use his fire without burning anyone.”

“Yes, I’m sure the dwarves appreciate not having their beards burned off.”

“Well, thanks for clearing that up for me. Oh, and stop fretting, after what I saw from those mages that night at the fireworks display, I don’t think it will be too long before you find that you are doing more than us when it comes to killing monsters.”

“Let’s hope so.”

The rest of the night passes uneventfully, until the smell of Clernon’s cooking rouses the sleeping adventurers. “Rise an’ shine, the sun is coming up and the food is getting cold!”

“Aye, I be up.”

“Something smells good!”

“Indeed it does!”

It seems everyone is hungry, not surprising, since none of us had a midnight snack.

After everyone has finished their breakfast and cleaned up their dishes, we break camp and load up the wagon. As soon as we are prepared to leave, Nordok, taking the first shift, leaps into the air. Once he has satisfied himself that there is no danger in the immediate area, he gives the all-clear sign so we can depart.

The hills that we are going to be traversing for the next few days are going to be hard on the wagon. Placing it towards the front of our party, Mizdar hopes that those coming behind will be able to more easily gather up anything that decides to fall off from the difficult terrain. So, with the two dwarves leading the way, Dimlar atop Nordok’s mount and Delgar trailing a rope to the lead horse pulling the wagon, our ragtag band heads into the first of the hills that protect the end of the valley.

“This be worse than the last time,” complains Dimlar.

“They be the same hills as afore.”

“Aye, but this time I be higher from the ground.”

“Would you like for me to tie you to the saddle, just in case you get too seasick?” offers Clernon from his position in line behind the wagon.

“Nay, I be alright, ’tis the added height makes me nervous, is all.”

After a couple of hours have passed, Mizdar calls a halt. “It’s time to check the wagon and for our birdmen to swap places.”

Mizdar then motions Nordok to come down. As everyone dismounts to stretch their legs, Nordok flies down and lands by Seldor.

“It’s definitely colder up there than down here. I’d bundle up good if I were you.”

“Maybe I had better get my other cloak and put it on too.”

“I would.”

Seldor then walks over to the wagon and rummages through his pack, finally pulling out his extra cloak. “How is the wagon holding up?” he asks.

“Aye, she be fine so far, no sign of anything loosenin’.”

“Good, I don’t think anyone except possibly Dimlar wants to cover these hills on foot.”

Grinning, the dwarf agrees. ”Aye, he doesna’ like ta be ridin’ so high up!”

Mizdar, overhearing the last of their conversation as he approaches, adds his own opinion on the topic. “Dimlar can always walk if it suits him better, but I think he will get used to the horse before too long. What shape is the wagon in? Any signs that it’s starting to come apart?”

“She be fine, so far.”

“Good. We move out in ten minutes, so be ready.”

“Aye.”

Mizdar then leaves to tell the rest that we are moving on in about ten minutes.

After our short break, we again mount up, except for Seldor, who leaps skyward to check out the surrounding area. Shortly thereafter, Seldor gives us the all-clear sign to move out. Taking advantage of the midmorning sunshine, Seldor flies around, checking out the surrounding terrain.

The beauty of the area is absolutely captivating. The wildly rushing river, a light blue with white plumes of spray wherever rocks force the water skyward, combined with the budding trees and the majestic mountains create a breathtaking panorama worthy of the greatest of artists. So intent is he upon the gorgeous view around him that he fails to see the two grizzly bears that are trailing the party until they are almost upon us.

“Look out!” yells Seldor, as he flies down to where Nordok is bringing up the rear.

“What for?”

“Those!” Pointing, Seldor comes to a stop in front of Nordok’s horse.

The two grizzlies, having broken into a run at the sight of us, are quickly covering the ground between us. Nordok, quick to react, points his finger at the fast approaching bears. Letting the fire burn to a feverish temperature, he wills the flame to leave his pointing finger, blasting the grizzlies with his fire. Where the fire strikes the grizzlies, fur and skin and flesh erupt with their own flames, causing the bears to roar with pain as they jump to and fro in a vain effort to douse the burning fire consuming them. Shortly, their lungs burned, the oxygen-starved grizzlies fall motionless to the ground, suffocated by the fire.

The fireworks have caused everyone to stop and turn, watching the grizzlies’ fiery demise.

“That was close,” observes Nordok.

“I’m sorry, it was my fault. I was more concerned about what was ahead of us than what was coming at us from behind. I’ll be a lot more careful in the future.”

“No harm done, excepting to the bears.”

Mizdar, just riding up, wants to know what happened.

“They must have followed our trail from the ruins. I didn’t see them until they started to run up the hill toward Nordok. That’s when I flew down to warn him.”

“Just in time, too. As you probably saw.”

“Well, just keep your eyes open and try not to let the next creatures get so close before warning us.”

“You got it, I’ve learned my lesson.”

“Let’s get moving!” yells Mizdar, wanting to cover as much ground as possible while the sun is up.

Seldor returns to his vigil in the sky, having learned the importance of paying attention to the task at hand. Sightseeing is better when done from the back of a horse, not when one holds the lives of everyone in his hands.

We take a quick stop for a cold lunch, allowing everyone to stretch, relieving their cramped muscles. Nordok will be flying for the first half of the afternoon, while Seldor rides rearguard. As soon as we have finished eating, Mizdar asks Delgar to check the wagon again.

Delgar, performing a more thorough inspection this time, crawls underneath. “Everything looks good, there be no sign anything be comin’ loose. I be thinkin’ the wagon will hold fer awhile, yet.”

“Good, then let’s get moving, we still have a long way to go today.”

“Aye, that we do,” replies Delgar, as he crawls out from under the wagon.

We all mount up, and as soon as Nordok has flown a circuit around us, he gives the all-clear signal, starting us moving again.

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By the middle of the afternoon, we are all feeling the effects of the constant up and down route that the trail follows. So when Mizdar calls a halt, everyone gladly dismounts, sighs of relief coming from each of us as we begin walking off our stiffness. After a quick last minute check of the area, Nordok descends to the ground.

“Delgar, as soon as you have the kinks worked out of your bones, I need you to check the wagon again.”

“Aye, ‘twas already plannin’ to.”

“Let me know if there is any signs of trouble.”

“Aye, that I will.”

“We are making good time, when I flew higher up a little while ago, I could just make out the bend where the river turns and the hills end. I expect we will come to the bend by about midday tomorrow,” reports Nordok.

“An’ it be a good thing, too. Me nerves canna take too much more of this up an down on that beast of yers.”

“If you want, you can always walk, I’m sure my horse wouldn’t mind,” replies Nordok with a grin. “Nay, I not be dislikin’ him that much.”

After we have all relaxed a little, and Delgar has pronounced the wagon to be in good health, Mizdar orders us onward once more. Seldor, once more airborne, gives us the go ahead and we are off on the final leg of this day’s journey. Fortunately, the rest of the afternoon passes without incident.

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As darkness falls, Mizdar finally calls a halt for the day, signaling Seldor to make his last check of the area for today. As Seldor makes a pass on the mountain that rises on the right side of our little caravan, he spots a dark opening some distance up the mountain’s side. Flying as close as he dares, he discovers a cave, but the fading sun prevents him from discerning the depth of the cave. He does note that the area immediately in front of the opening shows signs of use, but by what he cannot fathom in the growing darkness. Returning to the others, he intends to tell them of his find.

By the time Seldor lands, the rest of us are busy setting up our camp for the night. Nordok and Dimlar are gathering wood for the fire. Delgar is under the wagon, inspecting for any indications of wear. The two clerics are preparing supper. And the mages are setting up the tents and stowing our gear in them as soon as each tent is erected.

“I found a cave up on the mountain, it was fairly good-sized, easily big enough for a man to walk upright in. And the ground in front showed signs that it is definitely being used by something.”

“That means we’ll have to post an extra guard tonight. There is no telling what may be using the cave. That means three man shifts, with one of us pulling two shifts.

“I be willin’ to take first an’ third,” offers Delgar.

“Ok, but then I want Dimlar on second, this way we have a dwarf on duty at all times.”

“I’ll take last watch, like usual,” says Clernon.

“I’ll take second, tonight.”

“Me too.”

“Ok, Clandistra and Mintock will share second with Dimlar. And I’ll stand first.”

Nordok also volunteers for first watch.

“Then I guess I’m on third, since I’m the only one left.”

“Now that everyone knows what shift they have, let’s finish setting up camp. Delgar, how’s the wagon?”

“It be holdin’ together, but I be noticin’ signs of wear on the skids.”

“Well, hopefully it won’t break for some time yet. Clernon, how long before we eat supper?”

“Well, if the fire has enough coals in it, I’d say about 45 minutes.”

“Good, I’m hungry. And the rest of us need to finish getting the camp in order.”

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In spite of Seldor’s discovery, we have an uneventful night. After another breakfast of Clernon’s cooking, we again spend the morning going up and down, one hill after another. We spend our last meal in the hills about midday. Six hills later, we finally reach the bend in the river.

The trail here is narrower than when we last passed this way. The river, violent with the spring thaw, has undercut the bank in many places, leaving us to wonder whether the ground will give way beneath us. Fortunately, the ground holds during our passage along the treacherous bend. By about mid-afternoon we emerge from the hills and into the northern-most tip of our great valley without incident.

While we cannot as yet see CrossRoads Castle, the knowledge that it lies due south reassures our hearts. In a week we should be able to see the castle and, with luck, the fifty-mile marker as well.

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As darkness falls, we stop for the night. Seldor, coming down from the sky, settles to a rest by the wagon. The river, having turned toward the east and leaving the arrow straight road while it follows the lowest levels of the land, is now but a muted roar in the distance.

Mizdar has ordered us to build a large bonfire tonight in the hopes that someone from the castle will notice. Half of us are gleefully searching for firewood, while the rest are setting up camp and Clernon prepares our dinner.

The feeling in the air is one of happiness and spring frolicking fun. None of us realized how heavy the burden of the trail beyond the bend was. Once on this side of the bend, it is almost as if some great evil has lifted its weight from us.

Once we have finished our supper, eating the last of the deer steaks, we begin to pile wood on the fire, rapidly building it to a bonfire we hope is big enough to be seen from the castle towers. Sitting around the fire, our spirits are at the highest they have ever been. Between our incredibly good luck and new found wealth, and the warm spring feeling in the air, we are all reveling in our camaraderie.

Clandistra, unexpectedly breaking into a song from her homeland in a voice so sweet and melodious, soon has every one of us captivated. Though none of us understand the words, their beauty is unlike anything we have ever dreamed of hearing. When she is done, it is several minutes before any of us can free ourselves from the spell of her musical voice.

“That was beyond doubt the most beautiful song I have ever heard,” compliments Mintock.

“Aye, ’tis a wonder unequaled,” mumbles Delgar, wiping tears from his eyes.

“I’d ask for an encore, but I don’t think I could handle it. I didn’t know you could sing like that. Why haven’t you ever sung before?” asks Mizdar.

Embarrassed by the compliments, Clandistra remains mute.

“’Tis nothin’ to be ashamed or embarrassed of, a voice as beautiful as that be a treasure to be shared,” says Dimlar.

“Aye, ye could charm the world ta do ye bidding with that voice.”

Clandistra, abruptly and without warning, begins to cry. Her whole body is shaking as her sobs build in strength.

Alarmed, we all are wondering what could be the cause of her grief. Mizdar, motioning the rest of us to be patient, goes to her and puts his arms around her. Soothing her, he tries to discover the source of her grief.

“What could possibly cause someone with a voice as beautiful as yours to cry so after gifting us with such a beautiful song?”

“It is because of my singing that I can never go home to my people. They have banished me for it. It was just that I was in such a good mood that I couldn’t help but to sing of my joy and the coming of spring. And then when everyone started to say how beautiful it was, I was reminded that I can never go home because of my singing.”

“But why would your people not want you because of your singing? I thought song was part of the Elf’s lifeblood.”

“It is, and that is the heart of the problem. The princess was supposed to marry a prince from the north, sealing a small rift within my people. I had only recently heard my calling by my god Shilo at the time, so I was barely a part of the church that was to wed them. But because of my voice, I was asked to sing the wedding song for their wedding. But the prince fell in love with my voice and refused to marry the princess. Her father, the king, was so mad that he had me banished from the lands of his kingdom for all time. And that is why I am here, an adventurer. I thought that sooner or later, I will be put out of my misery by some monster.”

The tragedy of her story is such that we can only sit silently, disbelief and sorrow filling our souls. To be banished is the worst punishment in the known world. Almost without exception all those among the lands of men who have been sentenced so have either killed themselves outright, or died a slow painful death at the hands of nature, alone and shunned by all. Even the dwarves will generally put one of their own to the sword rather than give a sentence of banishment. And to be banished just because you have a voice that has no equal, the unfairness of it makes the blood boil.

“The clerics of my church consulted with the Mother Tree, finally decreeing that I should make my way to the lands of men, but that I should go to those lands that are farthest from the reaches of the king. That is how I came to be at CrossRoads Castle last summer when The Dragons Bane sought its charter. This is the northernmost reach of man, and it is far too cold for most elves. In fact, none of my people will likely ever come this far north because of the cold. Thus I sought to spare myself the humility that would surely ensue should another of my kin discover me. I hope you can all forgive my deception and my sin, please do not reveal my secret to anyone else.” Her sobs are still racking her body, visible to each of us.

“Your secret is safe with us. We are your friends, and now we are your family too.” We each feel the need to pledge our support for her.

“Aye.”

“You are as a sister to me.”

“We be bound by hearth and hammer as one family.”

Until, finally, her tears of sorrow turn to tears of happiness. We spent the next few hours happily singing songs and reveling in each other’s company.

----------

Morning comes early for us, having all sat around the bonfire till the end of what would normally be the first watch.

“Clernon, what have you got for our breakfast today?” asks Nordok.

“Why, the same thing that I will have for your supper tonight, unless you happen to spot a deer and shoot it during the day today.”

“That is about the nicest way to say that we are having cold rations that I believe I have ever heard,” says Mintock.

“Aye,” agrees Delgar.

“’Tis prolly for the best, this ways we be movin’ on soonest,” adds Dimlar.

As soon as we have finished our cold rations, Mizdar orders the camp broke down. As quickly as we can bring our gear over to the wagon, Delgar has it all tied tightly in place. When we are finished and everything is set for our departure, we saddle up. Seldor is taking to the skies first today, having agreed with Nordok that it was time for them to change shifts.

Here in the main valley, the trees are fewer along the road, but some thickly treed areas cover the land, mostly along the sides of the valley and stretching up the sides of the mountains. From the sky, it is a lot simpler to see the land around us for quite some distance.

Spotting a herd of deer south and east of us, Seldor flies down by Nordok, asking him to grab his bow and join in the aerial hunt for supper. Mizdar, well aware that we have only rations left, nods his approval.

Seldor and Nordok, armed with their bows, fly to where Seldor saw the herd of deer. Hovering a few hundred feet above the animals, each picks out a seasoned buck, leaving the young and the does alone. They each notch an arrow and swoop down on the unsuspecting deer. To make it easier on the others to retrieve the animals, they attempt to drive them closer to the road, dropping them as near to it as possible. After they have each made their kill, the two land by one of the dead deer.

“Well, that certainly isn’t a very sporting way to take a deer,” observes Seldor.

“No, it isn’t, but we are more in need of the food than we are of the sport.”

“All too true, and as Dimlar would surely point out, time is of the essence.”

“Well, let’s start gutting and cleaning them, the others will be along soon.”

“We can use that tree over there to hang them from while we skin them.”

“Yes, it will also make it easier to quarter them. I noticed Clernon left the last one on the ground when he cleaned it”

“Is that why it took him so long?”

“Yep, I thought Dimlar was going to say something, but the little guy kept his mouth shut.”

“That’s a surprise, I wonder why?”

He probably didn’t want to be the butt of another ‘I be rotting away’ joke.”

“That could be it. Personally, I think he is way too concerned about it, we will make it back long before he starts to fall to pieces.”

“Yes, I sure hope so. He is a very good fighter, and we need him. Besides, I like the little guy.”

“Me too.”

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Soon the rest of us reach the place where the two deer, already cleaned, are hanging from a tree a short distance off the road. Nordok stands waiting for us while Seldor flies overhead. We all pitch in to carry the quarters back to the wagon as fast as Clernon can slice them from the hanging carcasses. Delgar, wrapping each piece as it is brought to him, quickly has the meat stowed securely on the wagon.

“That should be enough meat to last for a while,” notes Clernon, as he checks to make sure Delgar has secured the meat out of the sunlight where the cold air should preserve it for the rest of the trip.

“Aye, ’twill last well past the fifty-mile marker, at least.”

“And once we are inside of that, we can purchase some food from the farmers, I’m sure.”

“An’ some wine to warm me bones, as well!”

“Are we all set?” yells out Mizdar.

Everyone responds with a nod or an ‘aye’ indicating that we are all ready. Saddling up, we continue our journey south, towards home. We stop only once this morning, barely long enough for Seldor to switch places with Nordok. We continue onward till the sun overhead signals us that it is time for our midday meal break.

“Let’s just have the rations for lunch, I want to press on as quickly as possible. The farther south we get, the safer we’ll be,” instructs Mizdar.

Clernon obediently breaks out the rations, saving the meat for supper. And while a few of us grumble about the cold rations, we all want to cover as much ground as possible today.

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Our afternoon goes by quickly, but as the sun begins to set, clouds begin to move in. Calling a halt for the day, Mizdar orders the dwarves to get as much firewood as possible.

“We will still have our bonfire tonight, but I want as much wood loaded onto the wagon as it will hold, and I want it covered against the rain. Clernon, make sure you cook enough of that deer for tomorrow’s meals as well. This time of year the rains can be heavy, as we found out on the way up here.”

“Yes, it does seem prudent to cook some extra food. Looking at those clouds moving in, I’d say we’re in for some nasty weather.”

“Yes, it does. I want the tents broken out and set up as soon as possible. And get the gear in them too!” yells out Mizdar, walking away to give instructions to the others.

Shortly after we have finished with our supper, and just as we are lighting the pile of wood for our bonfire, the first few drops begin to fall. Soon the rain is coming down in earnest, but the fire, having been built beyond the height of a man, continues to burn brightly. Even the wood that we left by the fire will not hold the water, the intense heat drying the wood as fast as the rain can wet it.

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The rain continues to fall for the next two days, drowning our spirits as it drowns the land around us. The only good that seems to have come out of the weather is the wagon. The mud has made it easier for the skids on the back end of the wagon to slide across the ground. And with the three horses hitched to the wagon, it hasn’t stuck in the mud even once.

The never-ending cold drizzle has grounded Nordok and Seldor, leaving us without the protection of our eyes in the sky. Fortunately, the rain seems to be keeping the creatures at bay as well. Mintock and Mizdar have been sharing the burden of carrying Dimlar. His health has begun to fail him, often requiring a steady hand to keep him from falling.

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The third day dawns with overcast skies, but no rain. The road is still more mud that solid ground, but we manage to set a good pace. By the middle of the afternoon, the skies have begun to clear. Hopefully we will have dry weather for the remainder of our journey.

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The next three days pass quickly, the roads finally drying up by the end of the second day. We have been watching the dark spot that is the castle growing in size since yesterday morning.

Seldor, returning to earth for the end of his afternoon shift, brings us some good news. “We should be at the fifty-mile marker by midmorning tomorrow. And I think I spotted a road crew heading our way.”

Dimlar, having had to be tied in the wagon for the last two days because of his failing health, smiles encouragingly at the news.

Clandistra, riding close by him, offers some encouraging words. “Hang in there, we will soon be at the castle.”

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Before supper of the following day, we meet up with a squad of the castle guard about fifteen miles inside the marker.

“Ho, I see that everyone made it back! How did you fare, this trip?” asks Hunar.

“Better than expected,” answers Mizdar, having ridden ahead to meet him.

“I can see that, all of you survived. We honestly didn’t expect your return for several more days, but when the guards began to report seeing bonfires in the northern part of the valley, we surmised it was you returning early. Who is riding in the wagon?”

“Dimlar, he was poisoned by the bite of a two-headed dog. That is one of the reasons for our early return.”

“Will he make it back to the castle, or should I signal for a cleric?”

“That is something for Clandistra to decide, she has been monitoring his progress.”

The two ride back to where Clandistra is riding alongside the wagon where Dimlar lays, sleeping fitfully.

“How is he?”

“He is still alive, but the poison is beginning to progress faster now that it has taken a good hold on him.”

“Should I send for a cleric?”

“It may be the prudent thing to do, though I hesitate because of the cost.”

“You needn’t worry about that, I don’t think there will be any charge, this time.”

“What do you mean? Why not?” asks Mizdar.

“I am not at liberty to say.”

Puzzled by his comment, but unable to garner any further information from Hunar, Mizdar lets the matter drop, content for now with the knowledge that they will not have to fork over a substantial share of the treasure to secure a cure for the dwarf.

Hunar instructs the guard whose duty it is to man the great horn that they use for signaling the castle to blow a series of notes, their echo bouncing across the valley even after reaching the castle. Within minutes a ball of light forms off to one side of the road, expelling first a cleric, and then a mage before extinguishing itself.

“What seems to be the problem here?” asks the cleric, coming over to the sleeping dwarf.

“He was bitten by a two-headed dog and poisoned,” answers Clandistra.

“Well, that isn’t so bad. How long has it been?”

“About two weeks, Sheldar. But I have postponed the progress of the poison with an amulet we found in the dungeon. It is pinned to his undershirt by his left shoulder.”

Uncovering the amulet and examining it, Sheldar congratulates her on her quick thinking. “I dare say if it wasn’t for this amulet, he wouldn’t have lasted this long. Well, I can either take him back to the castle with me or I can cure him here and now. Which do you prefer?”

This decision falls under the responsibility of the leader. Clandistra, deferring the decision to Mizdar, asks, “well, which do you think we should do?”

“If curing him here will neither pose any danger to him nor inconvenience Sheldar, then I think he would prefer to remain with us, we started out together, so let us finish together.”

“Wisely put, I will begin immediately.”

Sheldar pulls forth his amulet. Holding it aloft, he begins to pray. A greenish-white light seems to fall from the sky, focusing on the man holding the amulet high. As the glow spreads to the dwarf, engulfing him completely, his skin takes on a healthier look, and by the time the glow fades, he is breathing normally.

“He will be alright, in fact, I would wager that he will be up and hungry within a couple of hours. Now, is there anything else we can do for you?”

“We are extremely grateful for all that has been done for us already. But his was the only injury. Thankyou.”

“Well then, Mildrew, I think we it is time we returned. Would you mind doing the honors?”

With a nod of his head, Mildrew begins to chant. Soon another ball of light begins to coalesce around the two, growing in size until they are completely enclosed within its boundary. The ball of light then rapidly shrinks to a small pinpoint and shoots away towards the castle.

“Well, it seems we owe you and your men some gratitude. Hunar, what say you to spending the night here? We have been traveling hard to reach the castle for many days now and it is high past time for a rest. Besides, we haven’t had the pleasure of any company beyond our own for many weeks now.”

“I see no reason why we can’t have ourselves a party for the rest of today.”

Hunar has the guards start to set up camp for the night, joined by us. By suppertime, the camp is complete, and Clernon is preparing the supper for everyone, assisted by Seldor and Nordok.

“That was nice of the guards to provide the vegetables and other missing items that we have been in need of these last two weeks. Tonight’s dinner will be one of the best I have had the pleasure of cooking for quite some time.”

“Yes, the chance to have some potatoes is well worth cooking up the rest of our deer meat,” comments Seldor.

“And tonight’s party is long overdue. I’m sure the dwarves have missed their wine for long enough. I can’t believe Hunar was sent out to meet us. I thought he was permanently assigned within the castle walls.”

“Well, I guess rank has its privileges,” returns Seldor.

“I guess so. Personally, I am glad to see him.”

“Me too.”

----------

Later, after the best meal in weeks, everyone celebrates, enjoying the best party since that night at the castle. But no matter how hard any of us try, we cannot glean even a single bit of new news from the guards.

“You will just have to wait until you get back to the castle, our orders were very specific in the matter,” Hunar informs us.

Of course, this just serves to further our curiosity, but since the castle is but a two-day ride away, at the most, we can contain ourselves till then. The only odd part of the night is that no farmers have come to welcome us or share in our wine, nor do we spot any of them for the rest of the trip to the castle.