“But your fear is starting to fade?” Arconn pressed.
“Yes, it is,” replied Alex. “I think it might be useful to know a bit more magic than I do now. When Thrang and Halfdan were talking about dwarf magic being used to help the dwarfs with things, I thought maybe I could learn some magic that would help us as we travel. You know, something more than just how to start and put out fires.”
“Indeed,” said Arconn. “But don’t forget the responsibility that comes with your knowledge and power, Alex. Any use of power has to be accounted for.”
“I’ll remember,” said Alex, closing his book and moving toward his blankets as his watch ended.
The next day remained sunny and the Brown Hills grew larger as the days passed. Arconn continued to bring Alex items from the roadside, though now there were very few of them that Alex could not name.
“Your knowledge has grown quickly,” said Arconn, glancing quickly at Alex and then back to the road. “Soon you will know all the plants in the book the Oracle gave you.”
“The plants, maybe,” said Alex, smiling at Arconn. “Though I know little of the potions and less about the
animals.”
“That will come in time,” said Arconn, laughing. “It seems another fire has been lit inside of you—a fire of learning.”
Alex did not reply, happy to ride along and watch the Brown Hills grow into mountains in front of them. Arconn was right, he thought. His desire to learn was like a fire inside him. His nightly watch always seemed too short, and he would often stay into Arconn’s watch to ask questions of his friend.
“Here is a sign,” said Thrang loudly, interrupting Alex’s thoughts.
Thrang pointed to a large stone pillar standing by the side of the road. Hundreds of small, neatly cut markings covered the pillar, and Alex realized that the markings were some kind of writing.
“We are now entering the lands of the dwarf realm of Vargland,” said Thrang happily. “The pillar says we should ride forward until sunset. We will be met as the sun sinks into the west.”
“Met by whom?” Bregnest questioned, looking at the pillar.
“It doesn’t actually say,” answered Thrang. “If they follow custom, though, we should be met by soldiers and a warden of the king.”
“Soldiers?” Andy questioned nervously.
“Not to trouble us,” said Halfdan. “But as a sign of respect.”
“And in case we’re troublemakers, I would guess,” Thrang added. “If we look like trouble, they may attack, but they would probably give us the chance to withdraw first.”
“Are you sure it’s safe to go forward?” Bregnest asked, sounding unhappy about the soldiers and Thrang’s words.
“’Course it is,” said Thrang with a grunting laugh. “It’s not as if we’re here to make trouble.”
“But will your cousins know that?” Skeld asked slyly.
Bregnest didn’t wait for Thrang’s reply. He asked Arconn and Thrang to change places in line before the company continued. Arconn smiled at the request, though Thrang seemed a bit put out by it.
“It’s really not necessary,” Thrang protested loudly. “It’s not as if we’re in any danger.”
“But you should have a place of honor,” said Arconn. “And most dwarfs are not overly fond of elves in any event.”
“You’re right about that,” Thrang admitted, taking his place as the company rode forward. “But I’m sure you’ll be well received, and if you’re not, I’ll have something to say about it.”
“Then let us hurry to the reception,” said Skeld loudly.
Following Bregnest and Thrang, the group rode past the stone pillar, heading for the Brown Hills. As the sun began to drop behind them, they suddenly came to a halt.
“Declare yourselves,” a loud voice called out.
Alex looked, but he could not see where the voice came from.
“Silvan Bregnest and company,” Bregnest called back. “We are a company of adventurers, traveling to the east.”
For a few moments there was silence, then the voice called back again.
“We see two of our kinsmen among your company. Have them come forward.”
Slowly, and with Bregnest’s approval, Thrang and Halfdan moved away from their companions toward the voice. For several minutes, the rest of them heard nothing, and then the voice called again.
“Your companions have vouched for you. You may approach,” the voice called.
They all moved forward, following the road and looking around as they went. Alex spotted several dwarfs standing in the shadows of large rocks on either side of the road now that he was closer. The fading light made them difficult to see.
“Hold and dismount,” the voice commanded as the company rode into the shadow of a large hill.
They did as instructed, moving forward to stand in a line with their horses behind them.
“Welcome,” said a round dwarf, stepping out of the shadows. “We seldom see such a company in these times. Your companions have spoken well of you. If you will come with us, we will lead you to the city of King Osrik.”
“You are most kind,” said Bregnest, bowing. “My companions and I are grateful for the hospitality of the great dwarf realm.”
“My lord, King Osrik, will wish to welcome you himself. I am sure he will wish to speak with you about many things,” the round dwarf said, returning Bregnest’s bow.
“We would be honored to greet your king,” replied Bregnest, bowing once more.
The dwarf smiled and then turned and started walking away. Bregnest and the others followed on foot; Thrang and Halfdan rejoined the company after a few hundred yards, beaming with happiness.
“We are in luck,” said Thrang to Bregnest. “King Osrik is an old friend of my father, from years back.”
Alex looked around and saw that the dwarfs he’d spotted earlier were following them. They were moving quietly a short distance behind the company, and they seemed to be watching Alex and his friends closely.
“You may leave your horses here,” said the round dwarf as they approached a large barn concealed near the mountainside. “We have few horses of our own, and they are not allowed inside the city.”
“Sorry, Shahree,” Alex said, leading her into the barn. “I’m sure the dwarfs will look after your needs.”
Shahree nuzzled his shoulder softly as a sign that she understood him, and Alex smiled. He patted her neck gently before turning to follow his companions out of the barn. The dwarfs who were in the barn had noticed Alex speaking to Shahree, and they all smiled broadly at him as he left.
Alex and his companions followed the round dwarf along a wide path that led up into the mountains. The path seemed to flow along the side of the mountain like a strange river, climbing gently upward. The path twisted back on itself several times as they climbed high above the foothills. As they walked around the side of the mountain, the main gates to the dwarf city came into view.
Alex was surprised by what he saw. The two huge stone doors of the main gate were at least thirty feet tall. They were open, folded back against the mountainside. On either side of the giant doorway stood a dozen well-armed guards in bright silver armor. A warm light shone from the large cavern behind the main doors, and it felt very welcoming as the shadows of night covered the valley behind them.
Their guide led them through the giant gates and into the cavern, nodding to the guards as they passed. Alex was impressed with the smooth stone walls and floors of the cavern; the wonderfully carved pillars lining the passageway were beyond description. The roof of the cavern was at least fifty feet high and expertly carved with all kinds of decorations, just like the pillars.
After a short walk, the company entered another vast stone hall, which was lit by hundreds of gold and silver lamps. The stone floor was so well polished it reflected the light like a mirror. At the far end of the hall, the floor rose several feet, forming a large stone pedestal, which was surrounded by neat stone circles that served as
wide steps leading up to it. At the top of the steps, sat a very old-looking dwarf in a large stone chair. Alex knew without being told that this was King Osrik. As they approached the pedestal, the dwarf who had been their guide motioned for them to stop and form a line. Climbing the first three steps toward the king, their guide began to speak.
“My Lord Osrik,” the dwarf said loudly. “This company of adventurers has come at your goodwill. Among their number are two of our kinsmen from far off Thraxon. They speak well of their comrades and vouch for their honor. They await your pleasure, King Osrik, as they stand before you—”
“Enough,” said Osrik, waving his hand impatiently. “You are as long-winded as ever, and the feast is nearly prepared.”
Alex smiled at Osrik’s words, but bowed his head so no one would see.
“Tell me your names,” said Osrik, standing and moving down the stairs toward Alex and his companions.
“Silvan Bregnest,” Bregnest answered, bowing to the king. “I am the leader of this company.”
“And an able leader, I daresay,” Osrik replied with a smile.
“Thrang Silversmith,” said Thrang, also bowing to the king.
“Ah, yes, Thrang,” said Osrik in a happy tone. “I knew your father well. You look very much like him.”
“You are most kind,” Thrang replied with another bow.
The king continued down the line until he came to Alex. Alex was nervous, having never met a king before. He started to bow before he told the king his name, then catching himself, he blushed bright red.
“Alexander Taylor,” he managed to say as he finished his bow.
“Don’t worry,” said Osrik, smiling at Alex. “I do hate formalities, but the chamberlain insists.”
Alex returned the king’s smile, liking the old dwarf immediately. Osrik seemed pleased with Alex as well; he took him by the arm and started to walk back through the hall with him.
“Come along, then, one and all,” he said in a jaunty tone. “The feast will be ready shortly, and we can have a good long talk while we eat.”
The king smiled brightly at Alex as they walked, and he would nod now and then to one of the dwarf guards who all bowed as they passed.
“The guards are a custom,” Osrik said in a lowered tone, as if speaking privately to Alex. “Personally, I think all this bowing and nodding is more trouble than it’s worth. But I suppose we have to keep up appearances.”
Osrik led them into another hall, which was almost overflowing with dwarfs. The dwarfs sat at long, low tables, talking happily and loudly. As the king and his guests entered the hall, all of the dwarfs stood up, waiting for Osrik to take his own seat at the head of the hall.
“Well, now,” said Osrik, looking at Alex and his companions. “It seems you have traveled far in coming here. I do hope you have some good tales to tell.”
“As many as you may wish to hear, Lord Osrik,” Bregnest replied from his seat at the king’s left.
Alex thought the king seemed like a kindly old man, and he had to remind himself that Osrik was a dwarf. Osrik was polite to each of the company as the feast was served, asking them about their own lands and travels. He spoke for a long time with Thrang and Halfdan, asking about people he knew from long ago and events in far-off Thraxon. Alex felt comfortable sitting next to Thrang and listening to all the talk.
“I suppose we should all get some sleep,” Osrik said at last. “I’ve had chambers prepared for you all. I hope you’ll be comfortable.”
“You show us great kindness, Lord Osrik,” Bregnest replied for the group.
“Yes, well, we don’t often see travelers, and I do miss the news they bring,” said Osrik. “However, tomorrow we have more serious matters to talk about. You will be summoned to the great hall after breakfast.”
The entire hall rose again as Osrik stood to leave. Alex and his companions stood and bowed to the king to show their respect and thanks. As soon as Osrik had left, the other dwarfs began to wander off as well, though some of them remained and watched Alex and his friends. While Alex was looking around the hall, a young-looking dwarf appeared at Bregnest’s side and bowed to him.
“The king has asked that I show you to your sleeping chambers and supply you with whatever you may need,” said the young dwarf.
“And what may we call you?” asked Bregnest.
“I am called Thrain,” the dwarf replied with a broad smile. “It is my great honor to meet you,” he added with a deep bow.
Bregnest returned the dwarf’s bow. “We are pleased to know you, Thrain, and will follow where you lead.”
Thrain blushed slightly at Bregnest’s words, obviously happy with his duty of leading the adventurers through the dwarf city.
“Are you really adventurers then?” Thrain asked in a reverent tone as he led them out of the feasting hall. “I mean, if you don’t mind saying.”
“We are,” Bregnest replied with a kindly smile.
“I’ve never met any real adventurers before,” Thrain said breathlessly. “It must be amazing and wonderful to go on adventures.”
“And often sad, dangerous, and uncomfortable,” replied Thrang, walking beside Bregnest. “It’s not a path any may
follow, as I’m sure you have been told.”
“Indeed, yes, Master Silversmith, I have,” answered Thrain. “But like many others here, I hope to be chosen when the time comes.”
“Why would any wish to leave the beauty and comfort of this dwarf realm?” Halfdan questioned.
“The hearts of the young are often restless,” Thrang commented. “You should remember how you felt before you were chosen, Halfdan.”
Thrain led them along the well-lit corridors of the dwarf city and after turning many corners and climbing several stairways, they entered another large chamber. Several small alcoves had been cut into the rock walls of the chamber, and each alcove contained a bed and a lamp.
“I hope you will be comfortable here,” said Thrain. “If you need anything in the night, simply ring the bell. I, or one of my friends, will come directly.”
“Our thanks, Master Thrain,” Bregnest replied with a slight bow. “We are in the king’s debt for so fine a guide.”
Thrain smiled and bowed almost to the floor, then turned and left the company alone in the chamber.
“The king has been very kind,” commented Thrang, testing one of the beds. “And not least of all to our young wizard.”
“What do you mean?” Alex questioned.
“When the king took your arm and walked with you into the feasting hall,” answered Halfdan with a smile. “Among dwarfs, that is a great show of respect.”
“Why did he take my arm and not Bregnest’s or Thrang’s?” Alex asked quickly.
“Perhaps he saw something in you that we all have begun to see,” Thrang replied. “Or perhaps his dislike of pomp and ceremony made him choose you, our youngest member. I know little about Osrik, though I think he sees things better than most.”
“And now we should all take advantage of the king’s kindness and get some sleep,” said Bregnest before Alex could ask any more questions.
“That would be best. It’s likely that we’ll be called early in the morning,” replied Thrang.
Alex selected a bed of his own. He was concerned that Osrik had shown him so much respect, and had not chosen Bregnest, Thrang, or even Halfdan to walk with. He put off his worries by remembering Osrik’s dislike for ceremony, hoping that was the reason for Osrik’s attention.
chapter fourteen
The First Bag
When Alex woke the next morning, there were at least a dozen dwarfs moving about the chamber. Thrang and Halfdan were talking happily to some dwarfs who appeared to be their long-lost cousins, and their enthusiastic chatter made Alex smile. The rest of Alex’s companions were dressing and listening to the dwarfs’ conversation.
Thrang and Halfdan were telling their relatives about their adventures and how the company had come to the Brown Hills. As the
y spoke, several more dwarfs brought trays of food into the chamber for the company. A large round table in the center of the chamber was soon holding their breakfast, and most of the dwarfs were leaving.
“Is he really a wizard then?” Alex heard one of the dwarfs ask Halfdan in a lowered voice as he moved toward the door.
Alex didn’t look up, but continued pulling his boots on, listening to Halfdan’s reply.
“’Course he is,” said Halfdan, turning his head slightly to look at Alex. “Hasn’t been trained yet, but he’s very magical just the same.”
“It seems your fame will continue to grow,” said Skeld as Alex joined him at the table. “Your friends here have been telling all kinds of stories about you.”
“Nothing that isn’t true,” replied Thrang defensively, throwing a dirty look at Skeld.
“You are too kind, my friend,” said Alex. He felt too happy to let Skeld’s joke or Thrang’s and Halfdan’s storytelling bother him today.
“And the storytelling should be cut short,” said Bregnest. “We will be called before King Osrik soon.”
The dwarfs who had brought the food bowed to the company and swiftly departed. Alex noticed a few of them glanced back at him as they left, but he didn’t let their glances trouble him.
“Why am I so interesting to them?” Alex asked as Thrang took a seat beside him. “Are wizards really so rare?”
“There have never been many wizards,” answered Thrang, filling his plate with waffles and bacon. “And few wizards have ever visited the dwarf realm of Vargland.”
“I hope I won’t disappoint your friends,” said Alex, smiling at Thrang while elbowing Skeld in the ribs.
Skeld choked on some eggs, coughing too much to say anything back. The rest of the company laughed at Alex and Skeld before attacking their own breakfasts. The dwarf food was not as grand as the food in Techen or at the White Tower, but it was good just the same.
As they finished, Bregnest stood and spoke. “When we meet with the king, remember not to speak of our final goal.”