“As with all people, they are what they are,” replied Arconn, shrugging. “They have their own nature, and that is to be a dragon. Most dragons are considered evil because they lust for treasure and never seem to have enough. Some, however, have overcome that lust, or perhaps never had it. Those few dragons are very wise.” Arconn’s voice dropped to a whisper. “One last thing you should know about dragons—Never look a dragon in the eye unless you are sure you are stronger than it is.”
“Why?” Alex asked, wondering if anyone could really be stronger than a dragon.
“Dragons are magical. They have powers of their own that only they understand. If you look them in the eye, they can capture you in a spell.”
“Can the spell be broken?”
“It is said that once the dragon looks away, the spell will be broken,” replied Arconn. “Though I’ve never heard of anyone escaping a dragon once he had gazed into the dragon’s eyes.”
Alex considered everything Arconn had told him about dragons. He wondered what might be seen in a dragon’s eyes, and if it would be worth the risk of looking.
That night, Alex dreamed about dragons and the mysteries hidden behind their eyes. He dreamed that he could look into a dragon’s eyes without fear, but before he could look, it was morning, and time to ride on.
chapter eleven
Techen
It was almost noon the next day when Alex and his friends reached the city of Techen. It was not a large city nor was it a fair city to look at. Most of the buildings were short and brown, their walls cracked and bulging. The tallest buildings Alex could see were several towers built into the wall around the city. The towers were twice as high as anything else, and Alex was amazed they could stand so tall when they looked so close to falling down.
“It’s not much to look at,” said Andy, riding next to Alex. “But if half the tales are true, the stop will be worth it.”
“Why?” questioned Alex.
“They say a feast in Techen is worth two in any other city,” Andy replied with a smile.
“It would have to be something special to make up for the city’s appearance,” Alex commented in a lowered tone.
“The food is supposed to be incredible,” Andy continued, taking no notice of Alex’s comment. “They say that this is where most of the really great ideas in food were started.”
“And Master Goodseed would know a bit about food,” Skeld laughed happily from behind Alex. “I’ve noticed he never gets enough of Thrang’s cooking.”
Skeld and Halfdan had been riding at the rear of the company, leading the bandit horses they had captured. Andy turned around quickly to reply to Skeld’s comment, but both Skeld and Halfdan were already laughing too hard to hear anything he had to say.
Alex smiled to himself but managed to keep from laughing as well.
He noticed Andy’s attention focus on the city as they approached the main gates, and he tried to see what Andy found so interesting there.
“Hold,” a voice commanded from the gate. “State your names and business.”
“Silvan Bregnest and company,” Bregnest replied loudly. “We have come to sell horses, if there are any here who would buy.”
“Indeed, yes, there are. We’ll have a look,” answered the voice.
A small door in the main gate opened and a short man with a round, good-natured face stepped out. He wore a black uniform with dark green edging on the cuffs and collar, and two rows of shiny brass buttons running down the front. Alex thought the man looked a little old to be a guard.
“These are not wild horses,” said the man, looking at the horses behind Skeld and Halfdan. “These are bandit horses.”
“You speak truly, sir,” said Bregnest, climbing off his own horse and walking toward the man in uniform. “We were attacked some days ago by bandits and captured these after the attack.”
“Well, then, that is something,” the man replied, looking closely at Bregnest. “I count twenty horses and only eight of you. How many of your company were lost in the attack?”
“None,” answered Bregnest. “We were fortunate; the bandits did not take us unaware.”
“Indeed,” said the man, a look of wonder on his face. “Most fortunate I should say, and very lucky as well.”
“Perhaps so,” Bregnest agreed. “Now, may we enter your fine city to sell these horses?”
“Oh, yes,” the man replied quickly. “My apologies, Master Bregnest. We have seen few travelers of late, and travelers with bandit horses to sell . . . well, that is something unheard of in years. I’m quite sure the magistrate will want to meet you.”
“We will be pleased to meet the magistrate,” said Bregnest with a slight bow. “But first we will need a place to stable these horses. Can you name where we can get a fair price?”
“Oh, yes, yes indeed,” the man beamed. “Tantic’s would be your best bet. Old man Tantic has a fine stable and is a good judge of horses. He also keeps a pleasant inn next to his stables so you and your companions can find a place to rest as well.”
“And where might we find Master Tantic and his inn?” Bregnest asked politely.
“Up the main street and left at the square,” the man replied. “Tell him Bartholomew the gatekeeper sent you. I’m sure he will be most helpful.”
“Our thanks,” said Bregnest, bowing slightly before returning to his horse.
Bartholomew called for the main gate of Techen to be opened. The few guards present watched as the company rode through the open gates, and then they quickly closed the gates.
“I’ll let the magistrate know you’re staying at Tantic’s,” Bartholomew called after Bregnest. “I’m sure he’ll be along directly to see you.”
Bregnest led the company up the main city street to the square. Alex thought the buildings looked even worse close up than they did from a distance. He was beginning to think Andy had been joking when he’d been talking about the excellent food because everything in Techen looked rather shabby and dull. He was about to say something to Andy when the smell of something delicious reached his nose.
“It seems the stories are true,” said Andy with a wide smile, before Alex could speak.
“Yes, it does,” Alex quickly agreed.
Alex let his attention settle on the wonderful smells filling the air. He had never smelled anything like it before, and his opinion of Techen went up with each new scent that reached his nose. He detected fresh bread and honey, roasted meats, spices, and surprisingly, chocolate. Alex tried to enjoy each individual scent, but with so many in the air it wasn’t easy to do. For a moment he thought he could smell caramel, but it was soon lost to a wonderful blend of maple syrup and sausages.
Alex hardly noticed when the company turned left at the square and made their way to Tantic’s inn and stable. The yard around the inn seemed deserted however, and the stable was empty. Alex realized the only people he had seen in Techen were the gate guards and Bartholomew. Even the square had been empty as they rode past.
“Very quiet for so large a town,” commented Halfdan. “You’d think there would be someone about.”
“The people of Techen are suspicious of strangers,” said Skeld, his smile as bright as ever. “All the horses will make them more suspicious of us.”
“Hello, there!” a man called from the inn. “And what may I do for you?” Alex thought that the man’s tone of voice sounded like someone welcoming unwanted relatives who turned up unexpectedly and needed a place to stay.
“Perhaps a great deal,” said Bregnest. “Can you direct me to Master Tantic?”
“Indeed I can,” replied the man curtly. He was a short, balding man who looked a great deal like Bartholomew the gatekeeper. He wore a dark blue coat and black pants with high black boots. “And who might you be, and what reason might you have to seek Tantic?”
“I am Silvan Bregnest. The gatekeeper Bartholomew informed us that Master Tantic might be interested in buying some horses from us.”
The man lo
oked from Bregnest to the horses behind Skeld and Halfdan. “Bandit ponies, I should say. They seem to have lost their masters.”
“Indeed they have,” replied Bregnest with a smile. “So we thought we should find them a new master.”
“There is wisdom in that,” said the man with a slight smile. “Well then, if that’s your business, I’ll speak more plainly. I am Tantic, and I am interested in buying horses. However, the day is growing warm and this is not the place to discuss business.”
“Then perhaps your inn is a better place,” Bregnest suggested. “We would spend the night, if you will have us.”
“Very well then,” Tantic replied, his tone becoming friendlier. “You’ll have to stable your own horses. The rest can go in the corral there.” Tantic motioned to the corral next to the stable, walking over to unlatch the gate.
“I suppose you’ll want to sell the saddles and trappings as well,” said Tantic, looking over the bandits’ horses.
“If that is acceptable,” answered Bregnest, dismounting and giving his horse’s reins to Arconn. “We have no need for saddles without horses.”
“No, of course not,” Tantic agreed, swinging the wooden gate of the corral wide open. “What would you want with
saddles and no horses? Common sense you’d want to sell
the saddles as well.”
Tantic watched the horses closely as Skeld and Halfdan led them into the corral. He seemed pleased with what he saw. He closed the gate behind Skeld and Halfdan, and then stood looking over the horses. Alex and the rest of the company dismounted and led their horses into the stable while Bregnest remained with Tantic by the corral.
Inside the stable, they found the stalls were empty, though there was a good supply of hay and oats. They quickly unsaddled their horses and made their way back toward the stable door. Alex lingered behind, making sure Shahree had plenty of food and water.
“A fine-looking animal,” said a thin, reedy voice. “Would you consider selling her?”
“Not for any price,” replied Alex, turning around to see an old man standing behind him.
“Then you are wise,” said the old man. “I see there is a bond between you two, and she would not willingly take another master.”
“You see much,” said Alex, feeling uncomfortable under the old man’s gaze.
The old man walked toward Shahree’s stall, moving slowly, his left leg dragging a little behind him as he moved forward.
“Tell your leader that I have information,” whispered the old man to Alex, looking over his shoulder to make sure they were alone. “I will speak with him, if he will allow it.”
“Information?” Alex could see the old man was excited and nervous. “What kind of information?”
“About Varlo,” the old man replied, looking over his shoulder again. “Information that may prove profitable.”
“I will tell him,” said Alex carefully. “However, I can’t say if he will speak to you or not.”
“I will come tonight, after you have eaten,” said the old man. “When the locals have left the inn, I will speak with your leader.”
“As I said,” Alex replied, turning to close Shahree’s stall. “I don’t know if he’ll talk to you or not.”
There was no reply to his words. When Alex turned around, the old man was gone.
Alex left the stable, worried by the old man’s words. He found the others waiting for him just outside the inn. Tantic and Bregnest were deep in conversation about the horses, and Alex knew he would have to wait before he could tell Bregnest about the old man.
“It’s true we have few horses these days,” Tantic said as Alex approached. “The city guards have taken most of them. They think they can catch the bandits if they have horses of their own.”
“And they have not been able to catch the bandits?” questioned Bregnest.
“They don’t know the land as well as the bandits do,” Tantic replied, spitting in the dirt. “And they don’t ride or take care of their horses as well either.”
“Then we have done a service to Techen,” replied Bregnest in casual tone.
“A great service,” Tantic agreed. “Though the magistrate will be suspicious of it. He won’t like the fact that you’ve done what his guards could not. I doubt he’ll offer you any reward.”
“But we were not chasing bandits. They came to us,” said Bregnest with a smile.
“True enough,” Tantic admitted, leading them all into the inn. “Still, the magistrate will not be happy about it. He’ll be even less happy when he finds out I’ve already bought the horses from you.”
“Then we must settle on a price,” said Bregnest in a more businesslike tone.
Tantic rubbed his chin, muttering numbers to himself. He seemed lost in his own thoughts, taking no notice of Bregnest or the rest of the company for several minutes.
“I’ll give you twenty-five gold for each horse,” said Tantic, a satisfied look covering his face. “Though I’ll tell you straight, the magistrate will pay me at least thirty.”
“Twenty-five for each horse?” Bregnest repeated, his tone uncommitted. “And for the saddles and trappings?”
“Twenty-seven for all then,” Tantic answered quickly. “And room and board for the night as well.”
Bregnest considered the offer for several minutes, watching Tantic closely, but the innkeeper did not fidget or change his offer.
“A fair price,” Bregnest agreed. “Shall we have a drink to seal the bargain?”
“Indeed, yes, my friends,” said Tantic, a broad smile on his face. “And a second drink to the magistrate’s unhappiness.”
Alex followed the rest of the company into the main bar, his thoughts still on the old man from the stable. He wanted to talk to Bregnest right away, but knew he would have to wait.
“The bargain,” toasted Tantic, lifting a glass.
“The bargain,” Bregnest and the rest of the adventurers repeated, raising their own glasses.
Alex swallowed the liquid from his glass and his throat began to burn. The drink was something he had never tasted before, and for a moment it took his breath away. His throat tightened and he had to struggle for a minute to catch his breath.
“To trouble for the magistrate,” said Tantic, raising his glass a second time.
Alex was unable to repeat the words because he couldn’t seem to find his voice, but he did manage to raise his glass.
“A strong brew,” said Skeld, slapping Alex on the back.
“Yes,” Alex managed to reply with a cough, his eyes watering.
“You should be more careful when you don’t know what’s in the glass,” said Skeld, laughing happily.
Alex nodded. He set his glass down and left the rest of the drink untouched.
“You seem troubled,” said Arconn, stepping up to Alex’s side. “And by more than the strong drink.”
“I need to speak with Bregnest,” replied Alex, lowering his voice. “There was an old man in the stable. He says he has information.”
“Hold your thoughts,” said Arconn. “I’ll let Bregnest know, and we’ll find a quiet place to talk.”
Bregnest collected their payment from Tantic and turned to face the company. As he turned, Arconn spoke softly into his ear. Bregnest nodded but didn’t look in Alex’s direction. He moved to a round table near a large fireplace and sat down. The rest of the company spread out around the main room, taking seats and ordering drinks for themselves.
Bregnest called them to him one at a time to give them their share of the payment, calling Alex last of all. As Alex approached Bregnest he noticed that Arconn remained seated next to Bregnest.
“Here you are,” said Bregnest, pushing a pile of coins toward Alex. “Sixty-seven gold and six silver. Not bad for so little work.”
“It seems a fair price,” replied Alex, taking a seat and putting the coins into the small pouch he’d bought in Telous.
“What do you have to tell me?” Bregnest questioned, leaning to
ward Alex and lowering his voice.
“There was an old man in the stable,” Alex reported. “He said to tell you he had information about Varlo, and that it would be profitable for you to listen.”
“It seems our adventure has been guessed by at least one,” Arconn commented softly.
“And profitable information is seldom free,” Bregnest added. “What more did this old man have to say?”
Alex thought for a moment, trying to remember the exact words. “He said he would come tonight, after we had eaten and the local people had left the inn. He said he would come and speak to you, Bregnest.”
“Did he call me by name?” Bregnest asked, concerned.
“No,” Alex replied quickly. “He said he would speak to the leader of our company. I tried to tell him that I didn’t know if you’d talk to him or not, but he didn’t seem to care.”
“Well, then, we can do nothing but wait,” said Arconn.
“We will wait,” Bregnest repeated. “And tonight we will see what this old man has to say.”
“He will want money, of course,” Arconn said flatly, echoing Bregnest’s own words. “Information is almost never free.”
“We will hear what he has to say before we agree to pay for anything,” replied Bregnest, a stern look on his face. “For now, let’s see what Tantic has for a midday meal.”
Tantic had a great deal for the company’s meal, and Alex was pleased that his nose had not lied to him earlier when he had smelled such wonderful things cooking. He was surprised the food looked as good as it smelled, and tasted even better.
“It is only simple Techen cooking,” said Tantic in an apologetic tone. “We don’t often serve a midday meal, though tonight there should be a fair crowd. And if you had arrived on a feast day, well . . . If you really want to experience Techen food, you should visit on a feast day. But it has been some time since we’ve had a proper feast day.”
“The food is most excellent,” said Bregnest. “A blessing on your ovens, we shall all spread their fame.”
Tantic seemed pleased with the praise and bowed to Bregnest and the rest of the company before leaving them to their meal.