Dwarven Nations - Hammer And Axe Part 38

"You're a dragon!"' Laurana said in shocked disbelief. She laid her hand on lever sword, but Theros stopped her.

"No!" he said suddenly. "I remember. That old man-" tie looked at his arm. "Now I remember. He used to come intro the Inn of the Last Home! He was dressed differently. He wasn't a mage, but it was him! I'll swear it! He told stories to the children Stories about good dragons. Gold dragons and="

"Silver dragons;' Silvara said, looking at Theros. "I am a silver dragon. My sister was the Silver Dragon who lowed Huma and fought the final great battle with him-"

',No!,' Gilthanas flung the torch lea the ground. It lag flickering for a moment at his feet, them he stamped an it angrily, putting out its light. Silvara, watching him with sad eyes, reached out her hand to comfort him.

THE DRAGONS OF WINTER NIGHT.

Gilthanas shrank from her touch, staring at her in horror.

Silvara lowered her hand slowly. Sighing gently, she nodded. "I understand;" she murmured. "I'm sorry." Gilthanas began to shake, then doubled over in agony. Putting his strong arms around him, Theros led Gilthanas to a bench and covered him with his cloak.

"I'll be all right;' Gilthanas mumbled. "Just leave me alone, let me think. This is madness! It's all a nightmare. A dragon!" He closed his eyes tightly as if he could blot out their sight forever, "A dragon. . :" he whispered brokenly.

Theros patted him gently, then returned to the others.

"Where are the rest of the good dragons?" Theros asked. "The old man said there were many. Silver dragons, gold dragons-"

"There are many of us;" Silvara answered reluctantly.

"Like the silver dragon we saw in Ice Wall!" Laurana said. "It was a good dragon. If there are many of you, bind together! Help us fight the evil dragons!"

"No!" Silvara cried fiercely. Her blue eyes flared, and Laurana fell back a pace before her anger.

"Why not?"

"I cannot tell you:' Silvara'sflands clenched nervously.

"I: has something to do with that oath!" Laurana persisted. "Doesn't it? The oath you've broken. And the punishment you asked Fizban about-"

I cannot tell you!" Silvara spoke in a low, pa.s.sionate voice. "What I have done is bad enough. But I had to do something! I could no longer live in this world and see the suffering of innocent people! I thought perhaps I could help, so I took elven form- and I did what I could I worked tang, trying to get the elves to loin together. I kept them from war, but matters were growing worse. Then you came, and I saw that we were in great peril, greater than any of us lead ever imagined. For you brought with you-" Her voice faltered.

"The dragon orb!" Laurana said suddenly.

"Yes." Silvara's fists clenched in misery. "I knew then I had to make a decision. You had the orb, but you also had the lance. The lance and the orb coming to me! Both, together! It was a sign. I thought, but I didn't t know what to do. I decided to bring the orb here and keep it safe forever. Then, as we traveled, I realized the knights would never allow it to remain here. There would be trouble. So, when I saw my chance, I sent it away." Her shoulders sagged. "That was apparently the wrong decision. But how was I to know?"

'Why?" Theros asked severely. "What does the orb do? Is it evil? Have you sent those knights to their doom?"

"Great evil;" Silvara murmured. "Great good. Who can say? Even I do not understand the dragon orbs. They were forged long ago by the most powerful of magic-users:"

"But the book Tas read said they could be used to control dragons?" Flint staked. "He read it with some kind of gla.s.ses. Gla.s.ses of true seeing, he called 'em. He said they don't lie-"

"No," said Silvara sadly. "That is true. It is too true-as I fear your friends.

may discover to their bitter regret:"

The companions, fear closing around them, sat together in silence broken only by Gilthanas's choking sobs. The torches sent shadows dodging and dancing around the quiet tomb like undead spirits. Laurana remembered Huma and the Silver Dragon. She thought of that final, terrible battle-the skies filled with dragons, the land erupting inflame and in blood.

"Why have you brought us here, then?" Laurana asked Silvara quietly. "Why not just let us all take the orb away?"

"Can I tell them? Do I have the strength?" Silvara whispered to an unseen spirit.

She sat quietly for a long tine, her face expressionless, her hands twisting in her lap. Her eyes closed, her head bowed, her lips moved. She covered her face with her hands and sat quite silly. Then; shuddering, she made her decision.

Rising to her feet, Silvara walked over to Laurana's pack. Kneeling down, she slowly and carefully unwrapped the broken shaft of wood that the companions had carried such a long and wean, distance. Silvara stood, her face once mare filled with peace. Gut now there was also pride and strength. Far the first time, Laurana began to believe this girl was something as powerful and magnificent as a dragon, Walking proudly, her silver hair glistening in the torchlight, Silvara walked aver to strand before Theros Ironfeld.

"'To Theros of the Silver Arm;' she said; "I give the power to forge the draganlance:" the .'Red Wizard and His wonderful Illusions!

Shadows crept across the dusty tables of the Pig and Whistle tavern. The sea breeze off the Bay of Balifor made a shrill whistling sound as it blew through the ill-fitting front windowsthat distinctive whistle giving the inn the last part of its name. Any guesses as to how the tavern got the first part ended on sight of the innkeeper. A jovial, kind-hearted man, William Sweet.w.a.ter had been cursed at birth (so town legend went) when a wandering pig overturned the baby's cradle, so frightening young William that the mark 4f the pig was forever imprinted on his face.

This unfortunate resemblance had certainly not impaired William's temper, however. A sailor by trade until he had retired to fulfill a life-long ambition of keeping an inn, there was not a more respected or well-liked man in Port Balifor than William Sweet.w.a.ter. No one laughed more heartily at pig jokes than did William. He could even grunt quite realistically and often did pig imitations for the amus.e.m.e.nt of his customers. taut no one ever-after the untimely death of Peg-Leg Alcalled William by the name "Piggy".) William rarely grunted for his customers these days. The atmosphere of the Pig and Whistle was dark and gloomy. The few old customers that carne sat huddled together, talking in low voices. For Port Balifor was an occupied town-overrun by the armies of the highlords, whose s.h.i.+ps had recently sailed into the Bay, disgorging troops of the hideous dragonmen.

The people of Port Balifor-mostly humans-felt extremely sorry for themselves.

They had no knowledge of what was going on in the outside world, of course, or they would have counted their blessings. No dragons came to burn their town. The draconians generally left the citizens alone. The Dragon Highlords were not particularly interested in the eastern part of the Ansalon continent. The land was spa.r.s.ely populated: a few poor, scattered communities of humans and Kendermore, the homeland of the kenders. A flight of dragons could have leveled the countryside, but the Dragon Highlords were concentrating their strength in the north and the west. As long as the parts remained opened, the Highlords had no need to devastate the lands of Balifor and Goodlund.

Although not many old customers came to the Pig and Whistle, business had improved for William Sweet.w.a.ter. The draconian and goblin troops of the Highlord were well paid, and their one weakness was strong drink. But William had not opened his tavern for money. He loved the companions.h.i.+p of old friends and new.

He did not enjoy the companions.h.i.+p of the Highlord's troops. When they came in, his old customers left Therefore, William promptly raised his prices for draconians to three times higher than in any other inn in town. He also watered the ale. Consequently, his bar was nearly deserted except: for a few old friends. This arrangement suited William fine.

He was talking to a few of these friends-sailors mostly, with brown, weathered skin and no teeth-on the evening that the strangers entered his tavern. William glared at them suspiciously for a moment, as did his friends. But, seeing roadweary travelers and not the Highlord's soldiers, he greeted them cordially and showed them to a table in the corner.

The strangers ordered ale all around-except far a red-robed man who ordered nothing but hot water. Then, of tar a subdued discussion centering around a worn leather purse and the number of coins therein, they asked William to bring them bread and cheese. "They're not from these parts;" William said to his friends in a low voice as he drew the ale from a special keg he kept beneath the bar (not the keg for draconians). "And poor as a sailor after a week ash.o.r.e, if I make my guess:"

"Refugees;" said his friend, eyeing them speculatively.

"Odd mixture, though;' added the other sailor. "Yon redbearded fellow's a half- elf, if ever I saw one. And the big one's got weapons enough to take on the Highlord's whole army."

"I'll wager he's stuck a few of them with that sword, too," William grunted.

"They're on the run from something, I'll bet. Look at the way that bearded fellow keeps his ages on the door. Well, we can't help them fight the Highlord, but I'll see they don't want for anything:" He went to serve them,.

"Put your money away;" William said gruffly, plunking down not only bread and cheese but also a tray full of cold meats as well. He shoved the coins away.

"You re in trouble of some kind, that's plain as this pig's snout upon my face."

One of the women smiled at him. She was the most beautiful woman William had ever seen. Her silver-gold hair gleamed from beneath a fur hood, her blue eyes were like the ocean on a calm day. When she smiled at him, William felt the warmth of fine brandy run through his body. But a stern-faced, darkhaired man next to her shoved the coins back to the innkeeper.

"We'll not accept charity," the tall, fur-cloaked man said.

"We wolf t?" asked the big man wistfully, staring at the smoked meat with longing eyes.

"Riverwind;' the woman remonstrated, putting a gentle hand on his arm. The half- elf, too, seemed about to interpose when the red-robed man, who had ordered the hot water, reached out and picked up a coin from the table.

Balancing the coin on the back of his bony, metallic-colored hand, the man suddenly and effortlessly sent it dancing along his knuckles. William's eyes opened wide. His two friends at the bar came closer to see better. The coin flickered in and out of the red-robed marls fingers, spinning and jumping. It vanished high in the air, only to reappear above the mage's head in the form of six coins, spinning around his hood. With a gesture, he sent them to spin around William's head. The sailors watched in open-mouthed wonder.

"Take one for your trouble;' said the mage in a whisper.

Hesitantly, William tried to grab the coins that whirled past his eyes, but his hand went right through them! Suddenly all six coins disappeared. One only remained now, resting in the palm of the red-robed wage.

"I give you this in payment;' the mage said with a sly smile, 'but be careful.

It may burn a hole in your pocket:'

William accepted the coin gingerly. Holding it between two fingers, he gazed at it suspiciously, Then the coin burst into flame! With a startled yelp, William dropped it to the floor, stomping one it with his foot. His two friends burst out laughing. Picking up the coin, William discovered it to be perfectly cold and undamaged.

'That's worth the meat!" the innkeeper said, grinning.

"And a night's lodgings;" added his friend, the sailor, slapping down a handful of coins.

"I believe;" said Raistlin softly, glancing around at the others, "that we have solved our problems."

Thus was born The Red Wizard and His Wonderful Illusions, a traveling road show that is still talked of today as far south as Port Balifor and as par north as the Ruins.

The very next night the red-robed mage began to perform his tricks to an admiring audience of William's friends. The word spread rapidly. After the mage had performed in the Pig and Whistle for about a week, Riverwind-at first opposed to the whale idea-was forced to admit that Raistlin's act seemed likely to solve not only their financial problems but other, more pressing problems as well. The shortage of money was the .mast urgent. The companions might have been able to live off the land-even in the winter, both Riverwind and Tanis being skilled hunters. But they needed money to buy pa.s.sage on a s.h.i.+p to take them to Sancrist. Once they had the money, they needed to be able to travel freely through enemy-occupied lands.

In his youth, Raistlin had often used his considerable talents at sleight of hand to earn bread far himself and his brother. Although this was frowned on by his master, who threatened to expell the young mage from his school, Raistlin had become quite successful. Now his growing powers in magic gave him a range not possible before. He literally kept his audiences spellbound with tricks and phantasms.

At Raistlin's command, white-winged s.h.i.+ps sailed up and down the bar at the Pig and Whistle, birds flew out of soup tureens, while dragons peered through the windows, breathing fire upon the startled guests. In the grand finale, the mageresplendent in red robes sewn by Tika-appeared to be totally consumed in raging flames, only to walk in through the front door moments later (to tumultuous applause) and calmly drink a gla.s.s of white wine to the health of the guests.

Within a week, the Pig and Whistle did more business than William had done in a year. Better still-as far as he was concerned-his friends were able to forget their troubles. Soon, however, unwanted guests began to arrive. At first, he had been angered by the appearance of draconians and goblins in the crowd, but Tanis placated him, and William grudgingly permitted them to watch.

Tanis was, in fact, pleased to see them. It worked out well from the half-elf's point of view anti solved their second problem. If the Highlord's troops enjoyed the show and spread the word, the companions could travel the countryside unmolested.

It was their plan-after consulting with William-to make; for Flotsam, a city north of Poet Balifor, located on the Blood Sea of Istar. Here they hoped to find a s.h.i.+p. No one in Port Bali-for would give them pa.s.sage, William explained. AL :he local''

s.h.i.+powners were in the employ of (or their vessels had been; confiscated by) the Dragon Highlords. But Flotsam eras a; known haven for those mere interested in money than politics:; The companions stayed at the Pig and Whistle far a month..?

William provided free room and board and even allowed them to keep all the money they made. Though Riverwind protested this generosity, William stated firmly that all he cared about was seeing his old customers come back.

During this time, Raistlin refined and enlarged his act which, at first consisted only of leis illusions. But the mage tired rapidly, so Tika offered to dance and give him time to rest between acts. Raistlin was dubious, but Tika sewed a costume for herself that was so alluring Caramon was-at first-totally opposed to the scheme. But Tika only laughed at him. Her dancing was a success and increased the money they collected dramatically. Raistlin added her immediately to the act.

Finding the crowds enjoyed this diversion, the mage thought of others. Caramon - blus.h.i.+ng furiously-was persuaded to perform feats of strength, the highlight coming when he lifted stout William over his head with one hand. Tanis amazed the crowd with his elven ability to "see" in the dark. But Raistlin was startled one day when Goldmoon came to him as he was counting the money from the previous night's performance.

"I would like to sing in the show tonight;' she said.

Raistlin looked up at her incredulously. His eyes flicked to Riverwind. The tall Plainsman nodded reluctantly.

"You have a powerful voice;' Raistlin said, sliding the money into a pouch and drawing the string tightly. I remember quite well. The last song I heard you sing in the Inn of the Last Home touched off a riot that nearly got us killed:' Goldmoon flushed, remembering, the fateful song that had introduced her to the group. Scowling, Riverwind laid his hand on her shoulder.

"Come away!" he said harshly, glaring at Raistlin. "I warned You-'

But Goldmoon shook her head stubbornly, lifting her chin in a familiar, imperious gesture. "I will sing;" she said coolly, "and Riverwind will, accompany me. I have written a song:'

"Very well," the mage snapped, slipping the money pouch into I-is robes. "We will try it this evening."

The Pig and Whistle was crowded that night. It was a diverse audience-small children and their parents., sailors, draconians, .,goblins and several kender, who caused everyone to keep an ere on his belongings. William and two helpers bustled about, serving drinks and food. Then the show began.

The crowd applauded Raistlin's spinning coins, laughed when an illusory pig danced upon the bar, and scrambled out of their chairs in terror when a giant troll thundered in through a window. Bowing, the mage left to rest. Tika came on.

The crowd, particularly the draconians, cheered Tika's dancing, banging their mugs on the table.

Then Goldmoon appeared before them, dressed in a gown of pale blue. Her silver- gold hair flowed over her shoulders like water s.h.i.+mmering in the moonlight. The crowd hushed instantly. Saying nothing, she sat down in a chair on the raised platform William lead hastily constructed. So beautiful was she that not a murmur escaped the crowd. All waited expectantly.

Riverwind sat upon the floor at her feet. Putting a handcarved flute to leis lips, he began to play and, after a few moments, Goldmoon's voice blended with the flute. Her song was simple, the melody sweet and harmonious, yet haunting.

But it was the words that caught Tanis's attention, causing him to exchange worried glances with Caramon. Raistlin, sitting next to him, grasped hold of Tanis's arm.

"I feared as much!" the mage hissed. "Another riot'"

"Perhaps not," Tanis said, watching. "Look at the audience:"

Women leaned their heads onto their husband's shoulders, children were quiet and attentive. The draconians seemed spellbound-as a wild animal will sometimes beheld by music. Only the goblins shuffled their flapping feet, seemingly bored but so in awe o the draconians that they dared not protest.

Goldmoon's song was of the ancient G.o.ds. She told how the G.o.ds had sent the Cataclysm to punish the Kingpriest of Istar and the people of Krynn for their pride. She sang of the terrors of that night and those that followed. She reminded them of how the people, believing, themselves abandoned, had prayed to false G.o.ds. Then she gave them a message of hope: the G.o.ds had runt abandoned them. The true G.o.ds were here, waiting only for someone to listen to them.

After her song ended, and the plaintive wailing of the flute died, most in the crowd shank their treads, seeming to wake froze a pleasant dream.. When asked what the song had been about, they couldn't say. The draconians shrugged and called far mare ale. The goblins shouted for Ti ka to dance again. But, here and there, Tanis noticed a face still holding the wonder had warn during the song.

And he was not surprised to see, young, dark-skinned woman approach Goldmoon shyly.

"I ask your pardon for disturbing you, my lady;' Tanis aheard the woman say, "but your song touched me deeply, I. want to learn of the ancient G.o.ds, to learn their ways."

Goldmoon smiled. "Come to me tomorrow;' she said, "an shall teach you what I know:"

And thus, slowly, word of the ancient G.o.ds began to spread Jay the time they left Port Balifor, the dark-skinned woman soft-voiced young man, and several other people wore the bl medallion of Mishakal, G.o.ddess of Healing. Secretly they w< forth,="" bringing="" hope="" to="" the="" dark="" and="" troubled="" land.="" by="" the="" end="" of="" the="" month,="" the="" companions="" were="" able="" to="" by="" wagon,="" horses="" to="" pull="" it,="" horses="" to="" ride,="" and="" supplies.="" what="" w="" left="" went="" toward="" purchase="" of="" s.h.i.+p's="" pa.s.sage="" to="" sancrist.="" the="" planned="" to="" add="" to="" their="" money="" by="" performing="" in="" the="" small="" fan="" ing="" communities="" between="" port="" balifor="" and="">

When the Red Wizard left Port Balifor shortly before t Yuletide season, leis wagon was seen on its way by enthusiast' crowds. Packed with their costumes, supplies for two month and a keg of ale (provided by William), the wagon was enough for Raistlin to sleep and travel inside. It also held t multi-colored, striped tents in which the others would live.

Tanis glanced around at the strange sight they made, shaking his head. It seemed tl*at-in the midst of everything else that had happened to them-this was the most bizarre. He loot: at Raistiin sitting beside his brother, who drove the wagon. T mage's red-sequined robes blazed like flame in the bright win sunlight.

Shoulders hunched against the wind, Raistlin star straight ahead, wrapped in a show of mystery that delighted the crowd. Caramon, dressed in a bearskin suit (a present William's), had pulled the head of the bear over his own, r: ing it look as though a bear drove the wagon. The child cheered as he growled at them in mock ferocity.

They were nearly out of town when a draconian command stopped them. Tanis,, his heart caught in his throat, rode f ward, his hand pressed against his sword. But the command only wanted to make certain they pa.s.sed through Bloodwa where draconian troops were located. The draconian had mentioned the show to a friend. The troops were looking forward to seeing it. Tanis, inwardly vowing not to set foot near the place, promised faithfully that they would certainly appear.

Finally they reached the city gates. Climbing down from their mounts, they bid farewell to their friend. William gave them each a hug, starting with Tika and ending with Tika. He was going to hug Raistlin, but the mage's golden eyes widened so alarmingly when William approached that the innkeeper backed away precipitously.

The companions climbed back onto their horses. Raistlin and Caramon returned to the wagon. The crowd cheered and urged them to return f or the spring Harrowing celebration. The guards opened the gates, bidding them a safe journey, and the companions rode through. The gates shut behind them.

The wind blew chill. Gray clouds above them began to spit snow fitfully. The road, which they were a.s.sured was well traveled, stretched before them, bleak and empty. Raistlin began to s.h.i.+ver and cough. After awhile, he said he would ride inside the wagon. The rest pulled their hoods up over their heads and clutched their fur cloaks more closely about them.

Caramon, guiding the horses along the rutted, muddy road, appeared unusually thoughtful.

"You know, Tanis"' he said solemnly above the jingling of the bells Tika had tied to the horses' manes, "I'm more thankful than I can tell that none of our friends saw this. Can you hear what Flint would say? That grumbling old dwarf would never let me live this down. And can you imagine Sturm!" The big man shook his head, the thought being beyond words.