Chapter 4 Part 7

When Armegon awoke the next morning, he quietly dressed and went to the tavern for breakfast. When he opened the tavern door, he received an unexpected surprise.

"Good morning," said the familiar figure sitting at a table near the stairs.

"Tyson!" Armegon made no effort to hide his surprise. "Where did you come from?"

"I came from the woods a little south of here," he replied. "During that little skirmish with those bandits, I was separated and forced to run for my life. It seems our so-called guide set us up."

"Yes," Armegon murmured thoughtfully. "If I ever get my hands on Axlea again, I will turn him into something unpleasant." Armegon signaled for the waitress, requested the house's breakfast special and took a seat. "So, what happened to you after the attack?"

Tyson leaned back across from Armegon. "Well, during the ambush, I had to strip down so the dogs tracking us would be thrown off the trail. Then, I ran through the woods for about ten minutes before I stumbled upon a swift stream. I took a short swim southward, which put more distance between me and them. I figured that was the one direction they’d be least likely to check for me. By the time I made my way back to camp, everyone was gone."

Armegon's food had arrived and he bade Tyson to continue his tale while he ate.

"Well, when I finally got here, I checked around and discovered which ship you had chartered. I also learned this was the only major port that ice boats used in this part of the world. I took a chance that you would return here."

"Gambling as always, eh, O master of hot air?" Samson approached the table and took a seat across from Armegon. He was followed by Keeneye and Marlena. She indicated that the others would be joining them shortly.

"Well, would you look at this," Keeneye said as he pulled up a chair. "Someone has thrown away a perfectly good mage."

"We missed you, dear friend," Marlena said giving the wayward Tyson a friendly hug.

For the rest of the morning, Tyson retold the story of his solo trek through the woods to escape his pursuers. In turn, he was interested in how his companions had fared and the quest's progress.

Much time was dedicated to the reunion. The innkeeper, recognizing an opportunity, masterfully urged the celebration into full swing with a round for the house. In fact, it was well into the evening before the festivities died out. Ultrecht was somewhat miffed about the wasting of a day, but Marlena had been quick to point out that to travel with half a party of intoxicated warriors would not be wise and the occasion of finding Tyson alive was worth taking a moment of celebration.

Later that evening, Marlena found that she was perplexed. Something was not quite right and she could not put her finger on it. She was as happy as anyone to see Tyson again, but his unexpected appearance was just a little too convenient. The thought brought back the Oracle's words like a distant echo: "lost to treachery". She discreetly expressed her concern to Seymore when she checked in on him later that evening. He had expended a lot of strength to join in on the celebration, in spite of Avery's attempts to keep him in bed.

"I don't think Tyson is being followed," he said, "and I am certain he is not involved in any treachery; not after what we have all been through together. We need each other to lean on. We shouldn't keep secrets from each other. Secrets reap distrust and trust is the one thing we really need if we are to survive in this world."

Marlena smiled. "You have been hanging around druids and healers too long," she said. "You are beginning to sound like one." Seymore laughed weakly and fell asleep as she left his room.

Marlena thought about Seymore's words. Perhaps, she thought, they were keeping too many secrets. She looked down at her lower torso. The signs were there; they were very subtle but they were there. So far, she had been able to keep it hidden, but she knew that the gestation period was going to be very short--barely two months in all. It would not be long and then it would be time. Up to now, Avery had kept silent, but soon his silence would not be needed.

Again, Seymore's words came back to her. They were followed by the sharp memory of the Oracle's test. With a final resolve, for good or ill, she would tell everyone about what was to come. She stopped by her room's door. It was just across the way from Samson's room. Some people, she decided, needed to be told gently. Softly, Marlena knocked on the warrior's door.

The next day the band of travellers set forth on the trail southward. Heineken had insisted on resupplying them and made maps of the region available for their use. He recommended that since they had some forces against them that they should try to travel as secretly as possible. The old dwarf did not know where the Lands of Time were, but he advised a trip to the University of the Magics in Allentown, a city at the far edge of the Orkon Mountain range.

"Travel southward to Tycho," he had said. "It is the largest city in the north and is populated primarily by elves and dwarves." Heineken pointed on the map to a point not too terribly far from the small village in which they had met their treacherous guide, Axlea. "There go to the Red Horizon tavern and ask for a dwarf named Regalus. He is my mother's brother. Tell him I said that my mother had a better beard than he does. He will know that I sent you. He will help you in any way he can."

Soon they were moving southward on light riding horses Heineken had provided. Tyson rode near the rear. He was uncertain about the recent turn of events. When he had offered his service to the dark maniac, Blackheart, he had believed his friends had undertaken a hopeless quest against an unmatchable enemy.

He had always held beliefs similar to those of Norwind and Ultrecht. His motto had always been: from each and to each equally regardless of ability or need. Total uniformity had always been what he preached, but now, he was not so sure. Some of the others, especially Armegon and Avery had different morals, but they had always made it a point not to let that get in the way of their work.

He had to keep his options open. He would try to help his friends get home, he owed them that much, and if they succeeded, then he would return with them. But he had to be careful. Blackheart was powerful and if he had to remain in this world, he wanted to be allied to that kind of power.

So to make sure he was in Blackheart's good graces, he would also watch for any opportunity to kill one or two of his companions off without arousing suspicion, in case they did not find a way home. He wanted Blackheart to think he was totally faithful. Companions or not, his own survival was what mattered most. He held some feelings for them, but not so much as to stop his dagger if the need and opportunity presented themselves.

His comrades were still missing their greater powers, but slowly they were beginning to show signs of increasing strength. Tyson wondered if it would be enough or too little, too late.

Tyson observed the backs of those in front of him. Which one to kill? He ruled out Avery, Keeneye and Norwind immediately. Norwind was a fellow monk and that was one line he was not going to cross. Avery was a ranger and was almost impossible to surprise or ambush. Keeneye had been a thief before and was likewise a difficult target. Besides, they were all three of elven ancestry and possessed superior senses of sight and hearing. For this reason, he also eliminated Armegon.

That left Samson, Seymore, Ultrecht and Marlena. Normally, he would exclude the fighters as they were inherently tougher, but Tyson was not anxious to take on Ultrecht or Marlena. His only chance against them would be a quick kill. If they survived the initial attack and brought their spells to bear, it would be his undoing. Also Marlena, the only woman, was more likely to be watched protectively by Samson. Ultrecht's magic, though probably the most powerful in the group, required the most time to summon forth. The mage could be overpowered if alone. That is assuming his wards were down, and the only way to find out would be to attack Ultrecht. It would be a risky gamble.

No, his best opportunity lay in the already weakened Seymore. At the appropriate time, it would be easy to put a dagger in the weary man's back. It just required tha opportunity. He would have to be patient.

As Tyson remained in deep thought, Samson and Marlena rode up near the front with Avery and Norwind. Behind them, Armegon and Ultrecht pulling the litter which carried Seymore when he was too tired to ride.

The days passed lazily and quietly. Occasionally, they passed a merchant or some other form of traveller, but the only problems arising from these encounters were the general greetings and sales pitches. After a few days, they passed the spot where they had been ambushed. It was generally agreed to move on, but Tyson wanted to stop to search for his lost pendant. He was grateful when Keeneye remembered that he had it. There was a brief joke about once a thief always a thief, but it was lost in the surrounding brush as the travelers continued their ride.

Each person passed the riding time talking or thinking on different things. Ultrecht and Armegon were deeply engaged in a conversation on the possible side effects a place called the Lands of Time might have on their spells. Avery, Keeneye and Samson rode in front and were trying to decide if they had managed to evade whatever forces that had been after them from their arrival. They were all in general agreement that they should not try to give themselves away again by using magic unless it was necessary.

Marlena took this the to speak quietly to Norwind on a matter of some importance. She explained her condition to him, and confided in him that she wanted him to know in case she was injured and could not speak for herself. In that way, she told each individual of the group about her condition. She asked each not to tell the others.

Within a few days, everyone knew of her pregnancy, yet no one knew that anyone else knew. Marlena amused herself by watching how hard it was for the males to keep the secret from each other. At one point, it become so comical that she burst out laughing. The effect enlightened an otherwise gloomy day.

After a few weeks of travel, the unmistakable signs of civilization began to show in the form of plowed fields and log cabins. It was not long afterward that they topped a low ridge and looked down on the valley holding the city of Tycho.

Towering trees held houses and bridges. Below on the ground were streets and stone buildings covering large areas, but were very low. It was almost as if there were two cities with one stacked atop the other. The city was a vision of architectural genius.

Anxiously, they entered the city and wandered down one of its major cobblestone thoroughfares. There were shops along both sides of the street. Stone, single-leveled constructions were spaced apart by massive oak and elm trunks rising up holding mazes of bridges and small tree houses.

"Such beauty," Marlena exclaimed at last. No one else spoke, yet all were thinking the same words the lady had spoken. Finally, they stopped at an intersection and pulled their animals into a stable. Everyone stood on the side of the street while Marlena and Keeneye made arrangements for the animals to be cared for while they were in town. Marlena had inspected the facilities and determined that the animals were in good hands after Keeneye assured her that the price the stable master asked was fair. She then inquired about the location of the Red Horizon, and the stable master happily offered directions and his best wishes.

Outside, Marlena relayed the instructions and the band slowly moved off toward the western end of the city. After an hour of navigating the city's streets, they arrived at a plain looking stone building with a very low roof and a great tree sprouting from its rear. The sign on the post in front identified it as the place they were looking for.

"Obviously not meant for tall customers," Samson said as he ducked his head to get through the door.

Inside the building was an empty dining area with a sunken floor, which allowed surprising headroom for tall visitors in spite of the low ceiling. There was a low bar at one side with an elf maiden polishing a stack of glass mugs.

"Glass cups," Seymore noted hoarsely.

"This is a class act," Norwind agreed.

"The building looks small and plain from the outside. That must be how they afford to keep the interior," Seymore laughed weakly, "low overhead."

"Low overhead?" Marlena frowned at him. "Aren't you supposed to be injured?" Seymore smiled and took a seat at a large table. He was joined by his companions.

"Good day to you." The barmaid greeted them as she passed out several thin wooden disks and placed glasses on each one. She then poured water into the glasses. "What can I get for you today?" she asked finally.

"What is the best?" Armegon asked.

"Fresh grilled venison and ale with yams and buttered bread," she replied. "We don't usually have visitors so early in the afternoon, so it may take a few minutes to have your meals prepared, but it is well worth the wait."

"For nine please," Armegon said, looking at the others. After hearing no objections, he added, "and two buckets of ale."

The maid left, and Norwind made a comment about barmaids on the menu. Marlena responded by pouring a glass of water in his lap. The water was extremely cold, and it was a point of interest to Ultrecht. He swore that the water was colder than the freezing temperature of the northern sea, yet it remained in liquid form. Norwind adamantly agreed it was colder than freezing as he fidgeted in his seat.

When the barmaid returned with the requested drinks, Ultrecht inquired about the cold water and was told that a high pressure underground stream was responsible. There was a local mineral which when added to liquids, kept them from solidifying too readily.

Armegon asked who the proprietor of the tavern was and the barmaid replied that Regalus was the owner and manager, but would not be in until later that evening.

They planned as they ate. Obviously sitting around waiting for the dward to come back was out of the question. The city was too intruiging. So it was decided that they would spend the day looking about in town and would return after sunset where they could meet Regalus and speak with him. They would continue their journey the next morning.

Regalus was indeed the kinsman of Heineken in some way or another. The same eyes and hair framed an older though familiar looking face. Marlena had wondered at the resemblance when she first set eyes on the old dwarf. As for Regalus, he had howled in laughter when Samson approached him and made the comment about the dwarf's bearded sister. Regalus readily accepted that the strangers staying at his inn were charges sent to him from his nephew.

"Allentown, eh?" The old dwarf leaned back and lit a pipe containing an herb that emitted a cinnamon odor. "That is quite a trip," he said at last. "Through the forests that could take as much as four months travel. By airborne mount, it would take four weeks."

"We need more speed than that," Samson said. "Without resorting to magic," he added after a pause.

"Being chased by warlocks?"

"Let us say we don't want anyone to know where we are or where we are going," Norwind mumbled as he drained a tankard of wine.

"Let me think this through," Regalus said finally. "I must remember to thank Heineken for referring you to me when next I see him."

They ate in silence for a few minutes as Regalus smoked and drank. After about half an hour, he snapped his fingers and pounded on the table with his fist. "Got it," he announced triumphantly.

"This is the eastern side of the Orkon Mountains", he explained. "Here we have forests and rich fertile croplands. On the other side, however, is a vast prairie and an oddity of natural mystery called the "Glass Desert." How it came into being is anyone's guess, but the prairie people have adapted iceboats to run along the glassy surface as easily as the ice you no doubt are familiar with.

There is a pass just south of here through the mountain range at its narrowest. That would take a couple of weeks to traverse. But once on the western side, desert skimming ships could carry you swiftly to the end of the desert. From there it is but a short journey to Allentown."

"Is there no way quicker?" Samson inquired.

"Not without employing magic." Regalus leaned back. "Ice boats and their desert adaptations are the fastest natural means of transport in the world."

"When do we leave?" Marlena asked. She really wanted to stay in Tycho longer and study the tree and stone city, but Ultrecht's warning of the closing portal kept haunting her as well as the gamble she carried in her womb.

"Whenever you are ready," Regalus replied. "Allow me to arrange for a guide..."

"If it is all the same to you," Tyson said cutting the old dwarf off. "We would just prefer a map." There was a great deal of agreement with that idea.

"Of course," Regalus replied. "But, I insist on restocking your supplies and giving you one last meal before you depart." The old dwarf smiled mischievously. "I'll send the bill to my nephew."