Dragonvein Book Four Read online

  She gave a loud snort. “He just wants to screw up any chance we have of being alone. Jealous bastard!”

  “I admit it seems like that. But it’s almost over now. Then we’ll have the rest of our lives to be together.”

  His words went a long way to calming her irritation. After kissing him on the cheek, she stood up. “Then I guess I should go and get packed.”

  Before she could leave, the sound of loud voices approaching from the direction of the lake grabbed their attention. Jake and David were arguing about who was the best rock band of the seventies. Val followed close behind them, a look of utter exasperation on her face.

  Aware that Kat’s previous anger was resurfacing, Martok gave her a conspiratorial wink. There was a malicious grin on his face.

  On spotting Kat, David ducked theatrically behind Jake. “Don’t let her get at me,” he teased in mock fear

  Still sitting, Martok waved a finger ever so slightly. It was all that was needed. Jake and David both immediately froze into place, eyes wide. At first it was unclear what had happened. Then Val pinched her nose and backed hurriedly away.

  “Oh, my god!” she gasped. “Have you two shit yourselves?”

  The foul stench reached Kat a second later. With nose tightly wrinkled, she waved a hand elaborately in front of her face, at the same time chuckling loudly at their dilemma.

  “What have you boys been eating?” she paused to ask, then nearly fell over with the force of her renewed laughter.

  Jake and David could only glare at Martok balefully until he released them. Then, shouting a tirade of curses, they shuffled away with awkward little steps back toward the lake.

  “Where did you learn that?” Kat asked when finally catching her breath.

  Val was equally amused. “Yes. You must teach me that one.”

  “I’m not sure,” Martok lied. “I just somehow kind of knew it.”

  Kat bent down to kiss him, her lips lingering on his for some time, before turning away and entering the house. A still giggling Val followed her. Only moments later, Renald came out and sat down beside him.

  “She will find out eventually, you know,” the old mage said in a hushed tone. “Lylinora already suspects.”

  “Soon, it won’t matter,” Martok told him.

  “You can’t really believe that you'll win her heart.”

  “If not, it is of little consequence. My plans go far beyond mere romance.”

  “Of that, I have no doubt. But for now, that is what's driving you.”

  Martok scrutinized him. “I hope you are not thinking of betraying me.”

  Renald cast his eyes to the ground. “You have sworn to free my son and bring him safely back to me. So, to my shame, I will hold my tongue.”

  Martok rose and stepped from the porch. “See that you do.”

  While Kat gathered provisions in the cabin, Martok headed to the boat to collect a few things he'd be needing. He found Markus and Lylinora sitting on the end of the dock, their voices rising as their discussion became increasingly heated.

  When Lylinora saw him coming she immediately marched straight for him, barring his way with both hands planted firmly on her hips. “Are you insane?” she demanded. “You can’t possibly send Markus to see the Urazi.”

  Martok held up his hands. “It's not me that's sending him. Martok is.”

  “Then you can tell him to forget it. He’s not going.”

  Martok glanced past her. The look on Markus’ face told him that the opposite had already been decided. “That’s between you two,” he said. “I just delivered the message.”

  “I wonder,” she huffed.

  “Don’t blame him,” Markus called over. “Martok is right. If I can convince them to help us, it will save a lot of lives.”

  Lylinora spun around. “Then I’m going with you.”

  “You can’t,” Martok said quickly. “We need you here.”

  Lylinora spun again to face him. “We need? Who is we? Tell me. Who exactly am I really talking to?”

  Martok managed to keep his composure. “Who do you think?”

  There was a long pause. “I’m not sure,” she muttered darkly. “I’m just not sure.”

  Chapter Two

  King Halvar stood beside Keira atop a low ridge overlooking the vast open field of tall grass. It was a good place to fight. The speed and maneuverability of the elves would be of tremendous advantage here. Not that they needed such an edge. Martok’s plan was about to unfold.

  “Are you sure they can be trusted?” Keira asked.

  Halvar shrugged. “Who knows? No sense in worrying about it now.”

  “I would feel better if the message had been delivered by King Yularian himself.”

  Halvar nodded. He too had hoped Kat’s father would have been able to join them. But instead the message had come from a young human girl and her even younger brother. They'd informed Halvar that King Yularian would try to be there before the battle began, but he was unsure if that would be possible.

  “I trust Kat,” Halvar said. “So I am forced to extend that trust to the human king.”

  The mention of Kat drew a tiny smile from Keira. “I saw the look in her father’s eyes. He at least can be trusted.”

  “Yes. But what of the rest? They have lived under the yoke of Shinzan for so long, I wonder if they can ever fully overcome their fear.”

  Keira cocked her head. “Our two peoples did. Why should they be any different?”

  “Human fear drives them to unpredictability.”

  “It also drives them to courage,” Keira retorted. “We must stop looking upon humans as being somehow lesser than ourselves. If we do not, then even after Shinzan is vanquished, Lumnia will be no better off.”

  Halvar forced a smile. “You are right, of course. I’m afraid I lack the ability to accept change in quite the same way that King Ganix does. I often think that now his people live among mine, I should step aside and allow his wisdom to rule everyone.”

  Keira placed a hand on his shoulder. “I think that would be a mistake. You have many qualities that King Ganix lacks.”

  Halvar chuckled. “Is that so?”

  “Indeed. King Ganix is wise. There is no doubt about that. But you have a quality which galvanizes all those who look up to you. You give them the heart to face what would shatter the will of most people. More than that, you understand what must be sacrificed in order for this campaign to succeed.”

  “And what is that exactly?”

  Keira lowered her eyes. “If necessary, everything.”

  Halvar nodded. “Yes. You are absolutely right. I'm glad we agree on that.”

  A young elf boy raced up behind them. He stopped and bowed, then held out a folded parchment.

  After reading the message, Keira drew a deep breath. “The mayor wishes to speak with us.”

  Halvar groaned. “Not again! How many more meetings must we endure with that man?”

  “You were the one who offered to speak with him whenever he needed,” Keira pointed out, smirking.

  “True. But at the time I wasn’t fully aware of what an irritant he can be.” Halvar blew an exasperated breath. “But if it keeps things from turning violent, I suppose it’s a small price to pay.”

  “I don’t think we need to worry about that,” Keira assured him. “The people here are simple and of a kind disposition.”

  “You say that now. But I wonder how kind they would be if there was not an army camped just outside their door.”

  Together they started back to where the army was gathered less than a mile away. Upon reaching the first line of tents, Halvar immediately noticed several unfamiliar wagons parked in an untidy row, each one bearing all manner of supplies. He quietly hoped that this was what the mayor wanted to discuss. Haggling over prices would certainly be preferable to the asinine problems Mayor Yelin usually plagued him with.

  As he entered the heart of the camp, he took note of several humans scattered about. This in itself
was not an unusual sight. Many human merchants had built up the courage to come seeking trade of late. But these humans were not merchants. These were soldiers. Or at least, they were armed. Only a few of them wore full armor.

  “It would seem as if the humans want to fight with us,” Keira remarked.

  Halvar shook his head. “I can't allow that. They will be a liability.”

  “How so?”

  “Look at them. These are not trained warriors. Farmers and townsfolk is my guess.”

  “A stout heart and a willing spirit are surely all that one needs,” Keira pointed out.

  The king shot her a sideways glance. “And what if they are spies?”

  She had no instant answer to that.

  Halvar grunted. “I will not allow Shinzan to infiltrate our ranks.”

  They walked on a few paces in silence before Keira responded to this. “I’m afraid that may be a chance we must take. Otherwise, we cannot risk having any human allies at all. The fact is, all of Shinzan’s soldiers are human. Our only hope is that there are many others who will be willing to fight with us against their own kind.”

  “Could you?” asked Halvar. “Fight against your fellow elves?

  Her mouth tightened. “If it meant saving Lumnia...yes.”

  They found the mayor waiting for them in the tent erected specifically for his visits. Halvar had ensured that this was furnished with reasonably comfortable chairs and a small table. Also, that a good stock of dwarf whiskey was on hand.

  Yelin was a thin man in his late forties with short, salt and pepper hair. His narrow eyes and thin lips, together with a mustache that was waxed and pointed at the ends, gave him an odd, almost comical appearance. Fond of elegant clothing and always dressed in the finest silks and linens, he was sipping a glass of whiskey as they entered. He looked up at the two monarchs with a smile uncharacteristic of their past meetings.

  “Ah. There you are,” he said, rising to his feet. “I hope this isn’t a bad time.”

  Forcing a smile in return, Halvar gave him a polite bow. “Not at all. We are always happy to see you visiting us.”

  Yelin laughed and gestured for them to sit. He then poured them both a glass of whiskey, which they completely ignored.

  “I know you have been irritated by my presence in the past,” he began. His hand shot up before there could be any denial. “And I understand that you are preparing for war. So the petty concerns of a small town mayor are not high on your list of priorities.”

  “On the contrary,” said Keira. “Your needs and concerns are very important to us. If we have made you think otherwise –”

  “You and your people have done nothing but show us kindness,” he said, cutting her short. “In fact, with the additional trade you bring, we already have enough wealth to see us through the next winter. Had I known, I would have approached you long ago.”

  “The wealth you speak of comes from the dwarves,” Keira said. “I’m afraid elves do not possess very much in the way of gold and jewels.”

  “True. But your craft is amazing. The blankets and bows you make are far superior to anything we have. In truth, they have become quite prized items.”

  She couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride swelling in her chest. “Thank you. It is good to know that our industry is appreciated.”

  “Indeed it is,” Yelin said. “But I didn’t come here to talk of trade. I assume you noticed the newcomers in your camp.”

  “We did,” replied Halvar. “They looked as if they have come to fight.”

  “Yes. And they are not alone. Word has spread throughout Al’ Theona. People are pouring in from all parts to join the uprising.”

  “You seem pleased about that,” observed Halvar.

  Any trace of the mayor's earlier good humor fell away. “Pleased? Not in the slightest. I think you will be slaughtered. That is why I am here.” His voice became firm. “I want you to leave. Moreover, I want you to turn away any human seeking to fight with you.”

  Keira knitted her brow. “And why would we do this?”

  “Because I believe you to be good and honorable people. You must know you are about to march to your death. Take your own people with you if you must. But leave mine be.”

  “I’m sorry, but –”

  “Before you say no,” Yelin interrupted. “Please hear my proposal.”

  Keira and Halvar looked at one another. Halvar then gestured for Yelin to continue.

  “I have spoken to several of the other leaders. They have agreed that if you do as I ask, we in return will provide you with all the food and provisions you need…at no cost. Enough to feed and supply your entire army for as long as your campaign lasts.” He leaned back in his chair. “Surely this is worth losing a few hundred untrained swords.”

  Halvar rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “It would appear to be a good trade.”

  “It is. And with your supplies in order, you will be free to concentrate your efforts on more important matters.”

  Halvar turned to Keira. “He has a valid point. What loss is a few hundred unskilled fighters compared to the benefits we could gain?”

  Keira was expressionless. “What loss indeed?” She stood and nodded curtly to Yelin. “I will need some time to consider your offer.”

  Yelin’s eyes darted back and forth between the pair. “I…of course. Should I wait?”

  “No,” Keira told him. “I may take too long for that, and I’m sure you have other matters requiring your attention.”

  Without another word she strode from the tent. Halvar rose quickly to follow her, leaving Yelin sitting there with a confused look on his face.

  Keira was already some distance away and heading in the direction of her tent by the time Halvar caught her up. “What was that about?” he demanded. “The human made us a fair offer.”

  “Fair for whom?”

  Halvar caught her arm, halting them both. “Fair to our people, and to his. We will not be compelled to take what we need by force, and the humans do not die in battle. How is that not fair for everyone?”

  “So you would tell the humans who have found the courage to stand against the might of Shinzan that they are unwanted? You would dismiss them as if they were nothing more than annoying children?”

  “They are untrained,” Halvar contended. “What use would they be in a battle? Most would likely turn and run at the first sight of the enemy. And those who do not will almost certainly die anyway.”

  “We will all die in time. But if we are fortunate, we can choose the manner in which we go to meet our ancestors. And I should point out that your people are seeing battle for the first time in five-hundred years. Did you turn and run?”

  “We are faced with annihilation,” Halvar retorted.

  “So are they.”

  “Agreed. But they are unaware of it. They do not realize that Shinzan intends to consume the world entirely.”

  Keira leveled her gaze. “Then perhaps they should be told.”

  After a few seconds of direct eye contact, the king threw up his hands in exasperation. “You are as thick as granite. And as stubborn as a dwarf child.”

  Another short silence followed.

  Keira spoke first. “If you insist upon it, I will agree to Yelin’s terms,” she responded. “We must appear to be of one mind, and I would not divide us over this. But I do ask that you at least take some time to consider the matter first.”

  Halvar sighed. “Very well, I will think on it. And I promise to take what you have said to heart.”

  Keira bowed. “Then I can ask no more.”

  He watched as she walked away. So stubborn. Even so, he had to agree that turning away men desiring to fight did not sit all that comfortably with him either. Nevertheless, the fact remained that, with adequate supplies, lives would be saved – elf and dwarf, as well as human. Should they find themselves in a position where they were compelled to take what they needed by force, they were likely to meet with stiff resistance. And though they woul
d spare as many as they could, some people would most certainly die.

  A voice sounded at Halvar’s back. “Excuse me. Are you the dwarf king?”

  He turned to see a human of no more than twenty years old clad in light leather armor. A badly rusted longsword was strapped to his side. The young man's blond locks were dingy and matted and he was dirty from head to toe. Nonetheless, his smile was bright and his eyes twinkled with excitement.

  “I am,” Halvar affirmed. “What can I do for you?”

  “Nothing, Your Highness. I just wanted to say thank you.”

  “Thank me? For what?”

  “For allowing us to fight with you. Some of our group were afraid that you would turn us away.”

  Halvar regarded the lad for a moment. Though young, his face bore a maturity that came only from having lived a hard childhood. “And why is it that you wish to fight?” he asked.

  “To be free, of course.”

  “And doesn’t it bother you that you would be fighting against other humans?”

  The boy shrugged. “Not really. They’re the ones serving Shinzan, aren’t they? They’re the ones who rob our farms and kill our people. They don’t have to do it, but they do anyway.”

  “That doesn’t explain why you would risk everything,” Halvar pressed. “If we fail, Shinzan’s vengeance will come down hard on you.”

  “I know that. We all do. But it doesn’t matter. We can’t live like this anymore. We can’t just stand by and watch as our world dies.”

  “So you are aware of what Shinzan is doing to Lumnia?”

  The boy looked confused for a moment, then said: “I’m not sure what you mean. But I can see the famine spreading. We’re getting sicker each year. The land is becoming less fertile. Half my village died from disease last winter…including my little brother.”

  His expression grew hard. “Who else could be behind all this? Shinzan is the only one with such power. We've lived in fear of the emperor for as long as I can remember, and I’ve never understood why. Why do we let someone who cares nothing for his people to rule us? No. It’s time we made a stand and took back our land…and our lives.”