Chapter 4 Part 3

The trip back to the port city was uneventful, although Keeneye was certain he had seen shadows on several occasions following at discrete distances. Nothing became of it despite repeated attempts to circle back and see what was amiss.

They arrived in town near first sunset and went directly to where the Westward Cutter was moored. Skimmer was glad to see them and made repeated inquiries as to their adventures and begged to be told of the Oracle. Heineken was more businesslike and assure the lad that there would be time enough for stories enroute to the Twin Cities.

Instead, he had some good news to tell his passengers. At great expense, he had hired a cleric to heal Seymore and the human was at the moment asleep in the cabin as per the cleric's instructions.

"How is it that a priest can do what you couldn’t?" Skimmer asked Avery. "Your friends told me that you were one of the best healers in your world."

"My healing power is my own," Avery replied. "The priests of your world call upon powerful beings to do the healing for them."

"Enough with the questions now, Skimmer," Heineken cuffed the lad with a paw. "Get to sleep. Tomorrow we sail."

"Why not now?" Ultrecht asked impatiently.

"Because the harbor patrol won't give us clearance at night. Besides, it is very dangerous to be on the ice this near the Kingdom at night. Kingdom patrol boats are somewhat less law abiding at night and are inclined towards piracy."

"We can't out run them?"

"Not all of them. Some of their boats use enchanted runners that are near frictionless." Heineken sighed, "No, we wait until dawn."

Skimmer reluctantly bade a farewell to the party and headed below. Avery followed, stating he wanted to check on Seymore. The others also decided to retire, all that is except for Norwind and Keeneye.

After the others were gone, the two elves and dwarf stood looking at the city's street torches. "I wish I could buy you two a drink," the old dwarf said at last, "but those idiots would just as soon piss in our ale as in their own outhouse."

"Thank you captain," Keeneye said, "the gesture is appreciated."

"My pleasure boys," Heineken replied. "You people are all right by me."

"Captain," Norwind stated, "I notice that you and Skimmer get along very well. Is that normal for an elf and a dwarf?"

Heineken blinked, "What?"

"Don't take this wrong sir," Keeneye said. "It is just back home, elves and dwarves don't really trust each other that much."

"Well, boys," Heineken laughed, "here, there are no two closer races. The elves and dwarves are the two closest allies I know."

"That’s interesting to know."

"Well, it wasn't always like that, but legend has it that many centuries ago there was once a half elf, half dwarf wizard who combined the magic of his mother's people with the skill of his father's people to create a wondrous object of peace and power. But to prevent the Godking from getting it, he fled to another world. That is a strange tale. And since that day, or so I'm told, no fertile union of the two races has occurred."

"I'm curious, captain," Norwind said. "Tell me more about your world's history."