“Welcome, honored guests,” a warm, friendly sounding voice said.
A tall, dark-haired woman stood in the doorway, her bright blue eyes moving around the table to look at each of them. She wore a pure white dress edged in silver, and a wide, happy smile. The adventurers stared, dumbfounded, as the woman gracefully crossed the room and took her place in the silver chair.
“Please, be at ease,” said the woman. “I am Iownan, Oracle of the White Tower. I welcome you here, and I thank you for joining me.”
“It is our great pleasure,” Bregnest managed to reply as he started to rise from his chair. “The honor is truly ours.”
“You are most kind, Silvan Bregnest,” replied the lady with a smile. “Please, be seated.”
“May I introduce my company?” Bregnest asked as he returned to his seat.
“I know them all,” replied Iownan. “I have watched as you have traveled in this land, and I know of your quest.”
“You know much, great lady,” Bregnest stammered. “And we are in your debt for the kindness you have shown us.”
“You need not be so formal, Master Bregnest,” Iownan replied. “This is but a dinner party. Tonight I am simply your host, not the Oracle.”
“Your pardon, lady,” said Bregnest, inclining his head. “Though I must say, we have felt somewhat troubled by your kindness. We have done nothing to deserve your generous gifts.”
Iownan laughed happily before she replied. “I have shown you a small kindness, though some would think it great.”
She clapped her hands and several servants carrying trays entered the room. The table was quickly filled with an assortment of food and drink, and Iownan laughed again as she looked at the company.
“I hope you see something you like,” said Iownan. “It’s not often my cooks have reason to prepare such a meal.”
“Lady,” Bregnest stammered, “we are overcome with your kindness.”
Iownan smiled and invited them to help themselves to whatever they liked. Though the company had eaten a great deal earlier in the day, they each made an effort to at least sample everything on the table.
Alex noticed Iownan herself ate little of anything.
“Don’t worry about me, Master Taylor,” said Iownan, looking Alex in the eyes. “I will not go without. Please, have some more.”
Alex was impressed with Iownan, and it seemed that all his friends were as well. They all took great pains to show proper respect, remaining silent whenever Iownan spoke.
“You are excellent guests,” Iownan commented when the trays had been picked clean. “I hate for this evening to end, but end it must. Before you rest, though, I will answer the two questions that you all would ask.”
Alex and his friends straightened in their seats as Iownan spoke, looks of wonder on their faces.
“The first is why my invitation was sent to young Master Taylor, instead of Master Bregnest,” she said, smiling at Alex. “This was because Master Taylor has the power of a true wizard in him, though he doubts it himself. And a wizard, even one untrained, should always be given respect.”
Alex’s face flushed red as Iownan spoke, and he looked down at his napkin.
“You need not feel shame or embarrassment here,” said Iownan, reaching out her hand to lift Alex’s chin. “You are among friends and what I say is true.”
Alex continued to blush as he looked at Iownan, but now he didn’t feel embarrassed at all.
“The second question,” she continued, looking around at the company, “is what I would ask of you in return for my kindness.”
Iownan paused for a moment before continuing. Alex noticed that his friends looked worried. He wondered what Iownan would ask of them.
“Ask what you will, great lady,” Bregnest said sincerely. “If it is within our power, we shall do it.”
“You speak before you know what I would ask,” said Iownan in a thoughtful tone. “I will not hold you bound to this now, nor will I speak of what I will ask until a later time. Be content to know that I will ask, and I believe you will do as I ask for friendship alone.”
“You are most generous, lady,” replied Bregnest. “Your counsel is your own. We will await your request.”
Iownan smiled. “Go now and find your rest. I will speak with each of you tomorrow as the Oracle of the White Tower.”
The company stood and bowed as Iownan left the room. For a moment, Alex thought the light in the room seemed to dim behind her.
“My lords,” said a young man from the doorway. “I am Rothgar, and the lady commands I should see to your needs this evening.”
“The lady is most kind,” said Bregnest, nodding to Rothgar. “Though I feel that sleep will be our only need this night. I thank you for your kindness, and the lady for sending you.”
“As you wish,” Rothgar replied with a bow. “I will guide you to your rest.”
They followed Rothgar down a corridor for some distance, then turned left, climbing a flight of stairs. At the top of the stairs, they turned right and suddenly found themselves outside the tower entrance.
“But we went upstairs when we entered,” said Alex, looking up at the tower in puzzlement.
“The inside of the tower changes,” Rothgar replied. “The rooms and corridors never remain the same for long.”
“Ingenious security,” said Thrang. “Anyone not trained in how the tower moves would soon be lost.”
“That is true, Master Silversmith,” said Rothgar. “Though that is perhaps the simplest protection the tower employs.”
Alex and his companions said goodnight to Rothgar and returned to the sleeping house. They were tired after the long day and there was little talk as they prepared for bed. One by one, they put out the lamps and went to sleep.
The others were soon snoring softly. Alex’s body ached for sleep, but his eyes would not stay closed and his mind was full of questions. Finally, he gave up and climbed out of bed and pulled on his new clothes. Quietly, he walked to the entrance of the house and slipped out into the moonlight. He thought Rothgar might be there, but the courtyard was empty and quiet.
Alex walked to the stable to check on Shahree. The moonlight was bright, and he had no trouble seeing his way. Inside the stable, several lamps were still burning. Alex wondered why they had not been put out.
“Well, Shahree,” said Alex, patting the horse’s neck. “Have you eaten as well as the rest of us?”
Shahree nuzzled Alex’s shoulder affectionately but made no sound. Alex leaned against her neck, rubbing it gently, but said nothing more. His mind was buzzing with questions and he desperately tried to make sense of them.
“You show this horse great kindness,” a voice said from behind him, “though once you feared her.”
Alex spun around, surprised that he was not alone.
“There is a great bond between you two,” continued Iownan, smiling at him from the stable door.
“I have grown to trust her,” Alex stammered, unsure of what to say or how to act.
“And she puts great trust in you as well,” Iownan replied, walking over and patting Shahree’s forehead. “I am surprised that such strong feelings have grown so quickly between you and this noble steed.”
“Perhaps need has quickened the growth,” replied Alex.
“Perhaps.” Iownan continued to rub Shahree’s forehead. “What keeps you from your sleep?”
“I have so many questions. I was trying to make some order of them,” Alex answered.
“And some doubts as well?” Iownan’s blue eyes seemed to look right through him, but they were soft and kind.
“Yes,” said Alex, looking away.
“Do not be troubled,” said Iownan, stepping away from Shahree. “You will find the answers you need, in time.”
“And if the answers are more than I can bear?” Alex asked, voicing his greatest fear before he could stop himself.
“Then you will break,” Iownan answered in a matter-of-fact tone. “Though I believe yo
u are much stronger than you think.”
“I doubt it,” said Alex, turning away again from Iownan’s gaze.
“As do all who have not been tested,” replied Iownan with a kind smile. “You will have trials, that much is certain. How you deal with your trials . . . only time will tell.”
“Can’t you see the future?” Alex asked.
“The future is not yet written. I can see only possibilities and advise on the best way to make them come to pass—or not come to pass, as the case may be.”
“But I thought an oracle could—”
“See the future of men and tell them what will be? No, there are none who have that power. As I said, I see possibilities. Nothing more.”
Alex stood quietly, thinking about Iownan’s words. He had hoped to find some answers at the White Tower, but now he wasn’t sure he would find them anywhere.
“I feel so confused,” said Alex softly, though his mind felt more restful since Iownan had entered the stable. “I just don’t know what I should do.”
“Come,” said Iownan, taking his hand and leading him
out of the stable. “You need your rest. We will speak again tomorrow.”
At the door to the sleeping house, Iownan let go of Alex’s hand. He suddenly felt weak and tired. Stumbling slightly, he found his way back to his bed, managing to get undressed before falling into a deep and peaceful sleep.
chapter eight
Oracle
The next morning, Alex woke to the sound of Skeld’s laughter. Sitting up and looking around, he was surprised to see Skeld sitting on the floor on top of both Thrang and Andy.
“What’s going on?” Alex asked, swinging his legs out of bed and reaching for his clothes.
“Just a bit of fun,” Skeld replied.
“Fun for some,” Thrang grumbled, pushing Skeld off.
“You are too grim, Thrang,” said Skeld, still laughing as he picked himself up off the floor. “You ponder the future and forget the day.”
“I have not forgotten that we will each see the Oracle today,” said Thrang in a serious tone.
Alex smiled and pulled on his shirt. He couldn’t help but like Skeld; the big warrior was always laughing and joking. Stamping his feet into his boots, Alex hurried to follow his friends into the courtyard. Arconn stood next to the doorway, watching Alex as he approached.
“You were up late,” Arconn commented. “Were you troubled in the night?”
“Too many thoughts,” said Alex. “The night air helped calm my mind.”
“And did the lady help as well?” Arconn asked, smiling at the stunned look on Alex’s face.
“How did you know?” Alex questioned in a low voice.
“I see many things others do not,” replied Arconn. “I was surprised to see her follow you to the stable, but perhaps I should not have been.”
Alex stared at Arconn. He’d been sure his friends had all been asleep when he’d gone to the stables the night before.
“It is a small thing,” Arconn continued, turning toward the doorway. “Your heart has been lightened and your thoughts are more clear. Because of that, I am happy for you. What happened is between you and the lady. Perhaps I should not have said anything.”
“I’m not angry,” Alex said at last. “I just didn’t think anyone knew.”
“As I said, it is a small matter,” said Arconn. “Now, of greater importance, is breakfast.”
Alex grinned. Arconn’s words had been something of a shock, but he was glad his friend had seen him, though he didn’t know why.
“Look out!” Alex heard Skeld yell just before a clump of oatmeal landed on his cheek. “Oh, not quick enough,” Skeld laughed.
“Enough of your foolishness, Skeld,” said Bregnest in a loud voice. “We will each see the Oracle today. It won’t do for us to be covered in food.”
“My apologies, master wizard,” said Skeld, bowing to Alex and offering him a napkin. “My aim was off—I meant to hit Arconn.”
“Enough!” commanded Bregnest. “Your jests drive all thought from my mind.”
Skeld returned to his breakfast without comment, though he winked at Alex as he sat down. Alex was troubled by Bregnest’s stern words; he seemed to be in a dark mood this morning, as if some great weight was pressing down on him.
Alex and his friends ate their meal quickly and quietly. It felt to Alex like they were all waiting for bad news—bad news they knew would be coming soon.
“My apologies, Skeld,” Bregnest said softly as they were finishing their meal. “I am troubled by what the day may bring.”
Skeld bowed to Bregnest, accepting his apology.
Alex was nervous. Last night, he’d felt at ease around Iownan, but today, she would speak to him as the Oracle. He wondered how different she would be. He hoped that, as the Oracle, she would answer some of his questions.
“You’d best collect your ring,” said Thrang as they walked toward the tower. “The Oracle should be able to tell you what it is and if it has any magic in it.”
Alex had forgotten about the ring in his magic bag, and he hurried back to the sleeping house to retrieve it. When Alex returned to his companions, Rothgar was waiting. He held a tall silver lamp that looked out of place in the early morning sunlight.
“The Oracle will speak with you individually,” said Rothgar in a somber tone. “First, she will speak with Master Bregnest. Then, she will call the rest of you in turn. I will remind you all that what the Oracle says to each of you is for you alone. You may, in time, wish to share her words with others, but I would urge you to do so only with those you trust completely.”
Bregnest stepped forward and bowed to Rothgar. Rothgar returned the bow, and then led Bregnest into the tower without another word.
“Have you spoken to many oracles?” Alex asked Thrang.
“A few,” Thrang replied. “Though none as well-known as the lady of the White Tower.”
Alex felt nervous and excited, like he was waiting to see the dentist on Christmas morning, only better and worse at the same time.
“Relax or you may pop,” said Skeld, jabbing him in the ribs. “You should not worry before the ax falls.”
“I’m just excited,” said Alex with a weak smile.
After some time, Rothgar appeared again, carrying his silver lamp. Bregnest did not return with Rothgar, which added to Alex’s nervousness.
“The lady asks that Master Goodseed come next,” said Rothgar.
Alex watched as Andy and Rothgar exchanged bows. Without looking back at the company, Andy followed Rothgar and soon disappeared from view as he entered the tower.
“Where is Bregnest?” Alex questioned.
“In the gardens I should think,” Arconn answered. “It is customary not to rejoin your company until all have spoken with the Oracle. Then, none will enter with expectations that may not be met.”
Alex thought about Arconn’s words for a moment and decided that they made sense. If Bregnest had returned to the company unhappy, the rest of them would believe the worst and expect bad news from the Oracle. However, if Bregnest returned happy, they would all expect good news, and that might not be the case either.
“What kinds of things will the lady tell us?” Alex asked Arconn.
“It is not the lady you see today,” Thrang replied instead. “Today she is the Oracle.”
“So what kinds of things will the Oracle tell us?” Alex persisted.
“An oracle’s words are often vague,” said Tayo. “Seldom are they simple to understand.”
“And they are often misunderstood,” Halfdan added. “Sometimes an oracle’s words mean nothing until much time has passed.”
“And sometimes they truly mean nothing at all,” said Skeld with a grim laugh.
“You don’t believe in oracles?” Alex asked.
“I don’t disbelieve,” Skeld answered. “The future is not yet written, so none may know what it holds. The Oracle gives guidance, but seldom a clear answer.”
/> Alex remembered what Iownan had said to him the night before and he smiled at Skeld’s reply. He thought Skeld might understand oracles better than any of his other friends.
It wasn’t long before Rothgar reappeared, this time asking that Halfdan follow him. As the sun rose slowly into the sky, each member of the company was called into the tower. Tayo, then Skeld, and then Thrang, until only Arconn and Alex were left waiting.
“Is there some meaning in the order we are called?” Alex questioned, his nervousness almost unbearable.
“If there is, only the Oracle knows it,” answered Arconn. “Though it is often thought best to be first or last to see an oracle.”
“Why is that?”
“First is considered a place of honor, usually reserved for a leader or a king,” Arconn answered slowly, considering his words. “Last is considered a place of respect, reserved for the wise, or wizards, or even other oracles.”
“Have you spoken to many oracles?”
“Many more than our friend Thrang,” Arconn replied with a laugh. “Perhaps more than all the others as well, though I
seldom seek oracles for my own reasons.”
“Then why do you seek them?” Alex asked.
“Mostly, as now, because the company has come here. You must remember that I am of the elder race and our fate is not the same as men or dwarfs.”
“The elder race?” Alex questioned.
Before Arconn could reply, Rothgar appeared, though this time without his silver lamp.
“The lady asks that you join her, Master Taylor,” said Rothgar, bowing low.
Alex returned his bow and followed Rothgar into the tower, not looking back at Arconn as the others had not looked back at him. He thought it odd that Rothgar had bowed to him first instead of waiting as he had for the others.
Rothgar did not speak as he led Alex down a corridor and up a long, spiral staircase. Alex was glad he had not been called last because that would mark him as a wizard for sure in his companions’ eyes. As much as he liked Skeld, he was getting a little tired of his constant jokes.