Epilogue

Epilogue: Of chimes and stars.

Three weeks passed before they finally found themselves on a quiet hill under a beautiful starry night. Ultrecht set up a small folding rack and laid each chime in its place.
“The passage I have in memory should allow us to appreciate the wonders of the heavens.” He paused, looking up at the stars. “We should be able to view them from a simpler perspective, a childlike and untainted outlook.”
“Well, I’m set. Play it already,” Aremgon said in a voice tinged with excitement.
Ultrecht took out the ivory case containing his strike, and in a clear baritone voice sang as he played.


“Twinkle Twinkle Little Star How I Wonder What you are. ”



Armegon and Avery both stood staring dumbly, their jaws hanging. Grinning ear-to-ear, Ultrecht took a small bow, lifted the rack of chimes, and teleported.

There was a long pause of silence broken only when Avery softly whispered in a sense of profound awe, "Oh, that was good."
"A masterpiece," Armegon agreed. "Scarlet would have been proud."
"I never saw it coming...Hook, line and sinker," Avery chuckled.
"Me, too. You know, I think our boy is beginning to develop a sense of humor.”
"I wonder just how long he's been planning that," Avery posed.
"Surely not the whole thing," Armegon offered. "It was too complex and relied on too many variables."
"I suppose you're right," Avery agreed. “You aren’t planning to kill him are you?”
“Nah, I’ll just let him think I am.”
Avery looked up to the stars, wondering at their majestic beauty. “It was a pretty good one though.”
Armegon was watching the heavens too. “Yeah, lot of set up. Those are usually the best ones.”
"I’d have to say this one puts him in the lead.”
“Yep. It’ll sure be hard to top.”
They both sat in the grass leaning back on their elbows. The quiet night air was comfortable and the view was absolutely breathtaking. After a long while Avery stood. “Well I should be getting home.”
“Yeah me too,” said Armegon as he climbed to his feet.
They both paused and watched as a shooting star flitted by overhead. Eventually Avery said, “You know, sometimes we get too wrapped up in daily life. We should take more time off to enjoy moments like this. I just may have to thank him.”
Armegon only smiled. “Say ‘hi’ to Nikki for me.”
“Certainly. Have a pleasant trip home.”
“Thanks. Good night.”

Chapter 4 Part 4

They stayed at the inn and rested up. It took Avery nearly five days to regain enough strength to heal, but soon after that they were all back in full health. During this time Ultrecht made a quick trip to the dragon’s cave and sealed it magically.
Armegon set his now empty ale mug on the table and sighed contentedly at his empty plate. He looked at the group around the table and grinned. “You know, mistress Sara, I’d say ol’ Zachary here managed to gain a few pounds during his stay here.”
Sara smiled and snuggled up closer to Regald, who put his arm around her gently.
Ultrecht leaned forward and fixed Aremgon with a sharp look. “Yer jest jealous ‘cause they ain’t no one gonna think you was worth while ‘nough ta feed. ”
The sorcerer’s jaw dropped and everyone around the table laughed. “Where’d you learn to do that?”
“I simply took all of the worst of your habits and created a personae,” the Elementalist said with a smile.
This brought a sharp laugh from Avery. “You still missed a few.”
Armegon simply leaned back further and smiled. “You know forest boy, after a fine meal like the one I just ate, not even you can be annoying.”
They traded jibes for a little longer until everyone had finished eating, then the talk turned to the town. They spent several hours discussing options and plans for rebuilding. Finally Regald said, “we still don’t have any sort of sanctioned rulership.”
“How about the neighboring lands?” Armegon asked.
“There haven’t been any nobility over Sidmuur but our own in over two-hundred years. Baron Roth was the last, and he died without an heir. ”
“Well, then you rule it.”
Regald drew himself up as if insulted. “I’m the Captain of the Guard. I have no authority to name myself or any other man as a ruler.”
Avery stood and drew liberator. With exaggerated nonchalance he placed the sword on the table. “I do.” He said quietly.

At noon the next day the citizens of Sidmuur once again answered the call to the city square. On the stage Avery stood with Captain Regald, while Ultrecht and Armegon stood a couple of paces back. When enough people had arrived, Ultrecht cast a spell to make anyone on the stage heard by the whole crowd.
Avery stepped forth, Liberator in hand. “People of Sidmuur. I am Avery, also known as The Forester, wielder of the Dawn of Law. You are no longer to be subject to the whims and excesses of a corrupt system. By the power I hold in my hand I this day set a man to lead you.” He turned to his left. “Captain Regald, step forth and kneel.”
Almost reluctantly, Regald knelt before Avery.
The ranger held the sword vertically before him in salute. “Regald, this is Liberator, the Dawn of Law. By its power you can be named the liege of these lands. Know however that to accept these duties falsely will be your death. Do you pledge to take up the mantle of leadership, to give your life and that of your progeny in service to your people?”
“I do.”
Avery lowered the blade. “Then by the power of Law itself, I declare you Baron of Sidmuur or dead as a false leader.” He touched the blade to Regald's head. The captain started as if shocked, but was otherwise still alive.
“Rise Lord Regald and greet your people.”
When the new baron stood a cheer resounded throughout. Avery let it go on for a minute then raised his hand for quiet. “Thomas and Billy of the Bundled Sheaf Inn come forward.”
Slowly and unsurely both boys made their way onto the stage. Sara stood quietly next to Drew, red-faced and staring at the ground.
Avery stood the two nervous boys together to Regald’s right and took up position behind them. “Furthermore this day, must the truth be revealed. Know all that these two boys are joined to your liege by blood. To be named heirs as deemed fit by their father.”
The crowd cheered wildly. Both boys and the baron stood staring dumbly, then as one looked to Sara. She stood tall in spite of her tears and red face, and nodded affirmation. Regald’s face exploded with joy and he grabbed up both boys in a huge hug. He stood so for a moment then addressed the crowd. “Indeed. It seems my first act as your liege is to make a proposal.” He dropped to one knee and looked at Sara. “Mistress Sara, you have secretly been my hearts love for many years. Today I no longer need fear for my life or yours to affirm my feelings for you. We have been lovers in secret, but today I would ask to be your husband, your lover known to all.”
Sara burst into tears of joy and agreed.
Several minutes of wild cheering took place, Sara came up on the stage to stand with Regald, but he insisted all of her children come up too. Finally he raised a hand for silence.
“Gladdened as I am to have begun with a joyful business, I must now bring before you justice.” He gestured to some of his men. “Bring forth the prisoners.”
Seven men, one of them a bound and gagged Kiron, were brought to the stage. “These are all that remain alive and in custody of the crimes against our land. All of you know the horrors brought down on us by Baron Roth and Captain Krell.” The new baron paused then went on, “both are now dead. However these remain to answer to their crimes. I now ask The Forester to bring us the truth.”
Avery nodded his agreement and stood before the first six prisoners. “You are all accused of crimes against your own people. You will speak the truth of your own volition or you may be forced. But the truth will be known and stand. Understand that confession may lessen your punishment.”
One man stepped out of line and knelt. “I am not guilty, I will be tested.”
Avery touched him with Liberator. “You have a crime. What is it?”
The prisoner struggled and fought against the power that held him, but finally screamed out, “I am guilty of rape, murder, and theft.”
Avery stepped back. “Believe it or not, he chose to be tested. It will be harder for those who do not.”
The third man in the line dropped to his knees. “Test me then.”
Again the sword made contact. Avery turned to the baron. “This man truly is innocent. He was part of the Dragon’s Breath, but has not committed any crimes.”
Regald looked at him. “What is your name?”
Garren My Lord.”
Then stand Garren. You are free to go. The Dragon’s Breath are disbanded, but if you still wish a post, the city guard could use the help.”
Uh, yes milord. That would be great.”
Regald smiled. “Then report to the barracks after we finish here.”
Garren bowed and stepped off of the stage.
The remaining four men broke and submitted to Liberator. Their crimes were listed and they were removed from the stage. Finally Avery stepped back as Ultrecht moved up.
Baron Regald proclaimed, “It has long been the tradition among mages that they discipline their own. I feel this to be only right. Who better to mete out punishment to a mage than another mage?”
Kiron stood white faced in front of a very hostile crowd. He flinched when Armegon moved up behind him and removed the gag.
Ultrecht raised one hand and the angry mutterings silenced. He glanced at Drew, the brewer stood stiff with fear and rage. He shook his head and addressed the people. “A few of you know me, but all of you know the mage Kiron. I wish to relate a witness account of the one crime I saw committed by this man, but I also want you all to know I do not lie.” He turned to Avery. “Use the sword.”
Avery hesitated, but stepped forward and laid the blade gently on Ultrecht’s shoulder. The mage stiffened, but his voice held strong as he related the story of how Kiron had raped Drew’s wife, passed her to his men and then fed her to the dragon. He did not spare his own feelings. He knew he might have done something to help, but did not for fear of tipping off the dragon. By the end of his tale, Drew was standing hunched over with great wracking sobs, his grief openly shared by nearly everyone present. He raised his head slowly and asked, “My Lord Baron, may I come up on the stage?”
Regald nodded, and Drew came up slowly. He faced the crowd. “Many of you have lost loved ones over the years that the mage has been among us. I suspect that all who have been taken by him have met with a similar fate as my wife.” He turned to Regald. “I ask of you my lord that this man be forced to tell of his crimes.”
The baron looked to Avery. The ranger did not need to be asked, he simply laid the sword across Kiron’s neck. Pain and shock showed on his face and he struggled against the swords power, but to no avail. At last he screamed out, “It’s true, those that did not die by the dragon, died by torture. But all were bent to my pleasure.” The truth released, the mage slumped only held up by Armegon’s firm grip.
Drew nodded and turned to the crowd. “My wife, my sister. How many of you lost loved ones to this man?” He turned back to Ultrecht. “Our lord said that you would mete out his punishment. I would ask that you allow us a voice in the decision.”
Ultrecht stood and thought. When he looked up he said to the assembled people, “all you who know you have lost women to this man, come forward.”
Several men in the front ranks began falling back yelling “Clear a space!” Finally it was forty-six people that came up. Mothers, fathers, husbands, siblings, and grandparents, they all stood looking up at him. Ultrecht looked at Drew and said, “you may converse. You have ten minutes to talk among yourselves. At that time I will consider your words.”
Drew immediately jumped down and started a heated discussion with the others. Avery approached and whispered, “Liberator finds their feelings just. I must support their decision.”
Ultrecht raised an eyebrow in surprise and whispered back, “What if I can’t?”
“If it’s within your power, you must. I'm sorry. I think I know what is coming.”
Drew came back up on the stage after only eight minutes. All of the faces below were set with a terrible purpose. He bowed before the Duke and then again before Ultrecht. “Master Ultrecht. First to you a question.”
“Go ahead.”
“Do you know what it was that the mage did to that thief at our last meeting here?”
“Yes. It was an illusion of a terrible kind of magic. One that the reality of would be beyond his skills.”
“Would such a thing be beyond your skills?”
Ultrecht’s stomach knotted. “No. ”
“Then that is the punishment we request for him.”
Wide-eyed Ultrecht spun on Avery. Tears stood out in the rangers eyes, but he only nodded resolutely.
Shaken he turned back to Drew his voice hard as stone, “So be it, but all of you must stay and watch.”
Behind him Kiron, shouted, “No! You can’t!” and struggled against Armegon’s grasp. Finally the sorcerer cast a binding on him and left him standing. Unable to move Kiron began screaming and wailing in terror.
Ultrecht stood heavy hearted and looked to Avery again. His friend was openly crying, but the steel presence of Liberator held him unflinchingly in the grip of final justice. He said aloud, “This is a spell of vengeance. I will need some tar and a lock of hair from each person who seeks this punishment. ”
A murmur went through the crowd, and soon enough a bucket of tar was passed to the front. Drew had drawn a knife and cut a lock of his hair. In minutes a fair sized pile of hair lay on the stage, donated by many more than just the families involved. It seemed that a lot of people felt the mage deserved a horrid fate. Ultrecht looked at Avery and whispered, “Does that damned piece of steel understand what is about to happen?”
Avery nodded and whispered back, “Vengeance is a two edged blade. Liberator understands fully how this will cut. Only the creator can mete justice unscathed.”
Ultrecht looked back at him with ice in his eyes. “So what did I do, to have to be the point of this blade?”
“You started this path with only self interest. Your single purpose touched on the lives of many to both weal and woe. Now you stand at the heart of a moment, one in which lives will find a new direction. This goes beyond justice into the realms of the creator’s plan.”
Ultrecht looked down at the stage for several long seconds. Resolutely he collected the hair and tar. He took a few seconds to stir the hair into the sticky black goo, then stood and pulled in as much power as he could muster. He shaped the power in his mind and spoke aloud to Kiron, “All here that seek your death, as well as your eternal torment now join with me in meting out your punishment.”
Throughout the crowd, all those who donated locks of hair became stiffly attentive, unable to leave, or even tear their eyes away. Armegon moved to the far side of the stage and turned his back.
The doomed mage gibbered in terror and begged for a sword. “I’ll cut my own throat! Look, please! I’ll pull my own guts out!” His screams became mindless in his fear. A few less hardy folks in the crowd began to shift nervously.
Ultrecht began the preamble of a spell he’d cast only once before. The last time had been only against a nonliving subject in the pursuit of a formula that would extend life indefinitely. His research had been a dismal failure, leaving him with nightmares that persisted for months. He pitied the people that were about to join him in this experience.
The master Elementalist held his hands apart and a terrible blackness began to form in the air between them. Kiron screamed until his throat bled. Inky tendrils formed and groped towards the condemned mage teasingly, as if some awful intelligence were toying with him, reveling in his agony.
Suddenly two of the tendrils lashed forward. One struck his forehead, one his chest. Kiron’s screams redoubled, until it seemed his lungs must collapse. All those that had contributed to the spell felt his mind try to slip into insanity, only to be fixed to this dismal reality by the black tendril in his head. After an indeterminately long time, a supremely awful presence from some unimaginably terrible place thrust forth its ancient and long grasp and ripped the very essence of Kiron down into a darkness beyond naming.
Ultrecht clapped his hands together, ending the most terrible spell he’d ever cast. Throughout the crowd people fainted and vomited in reaction. A withered husk was all that remained of Kiron.

That night Ultrecht drank until he could no longer even think. Avery stayed close and waited. Eventually he and Armegon put their friend to bed. Before they left the ranger touched Ultrecht’s forehead.
Armegon look at him oddly, “What was that?”
“It will let him sleep without dreaming.”
“Oh. Good idea I suppose. He’s gonna be miserable enough tomorrow anyway. ”
Avery stumbled against the wall and grabbed it to steady himself. “No, I took care of that too.”
Armegon took the ranger by the arm and helped him back downstairs. “You really shouldn’t let that sword have so much control.”
“It’s not actually like that. You see it knows only justice, but justice without compassion is in its own way not any better than evil. Today, the town learned a valuable lesson.” They arrived at a table and sat. “They learned the difference between justice and vengeance. They have all suffered. They do not need to add to that by causing more. ”
Armegon thought about it. “And the dragon?”
“The dragon was a different case. It was a great and malignant power, but terribly limited by its own nature. Liberator merely gave it the realization of all the pain it had caused.”
“Now that must have hurt.”
“No doubt. I’d be willing to bet it never eats another sentient being. ”
They sat quietly for a bit. Then Avery asked, “why do you think he went to so much trouble and pain to recreate a set of chimes?”
“Well he just recreated one. The others he’s just going to recover.”
“Ok. But my point is: what would make him so single mindedly driven?”
“I’m not sure. But you know he’s always been very task oriented.” Armegon chuckled and went on, “how he can accept some of the things he does just to complete a project, I’ll never understand.”
“Perhaps that’s his strength.”
Armegon took a long drink from his wine. “Well it sure isn’t mine. I know I sure as blazes wouldn’t apprentice myself to a bloody dwarf just to learn metallurgy. ”
“I’m not sure that would work for me either, but he probably learned well.”
“And what did he call the one we made?”
“The chime of Twin-Kleare.”
“And he doesn’t know the names of the others?”
“Not that he’s mentioned.”
“Then what’s the deal?” The sorcerer finished his wine. “I’m sure it has a meaning to him. And that means it probably has a meaning to us.”
Avery nodded in agreement. “I supposed we'll have to wait and see.”

Ultrecht slept through the entire next day and night. When he finally awoke he found himself very hungry.
“Nice to see you again. ”
He looked to his left to see Avery sitting in a chair across the room.
“Well, if you’re wondering if I’m mad, I’m not.” He stood and began dressing. “I’ve never really agreed with Armegon’s view of how justice should be served, but I never questioned his good intentions.” He stopped and looked directly at the ranger. “If you didn’t believe I knew the difference between justice and vengeance, then believe it now. You and I are more alike than you probably realize. Both of us are driven well past the point that others find insane.”
He continued dressing, but said quietly, “We do have a difference in acceptance though. People who don’t meet up with your standards of right and wrong are met with an unbending unchanging force. I find that new situations often require new answers.”
Avery was stung, but he couldn’t fault Ultrecht’s feelings. People usually considered the mage to be cold and unemotional, but Avery knew better. The man merely thought about his actions before he did them. “Then you really aren’t mad?”
“Avery, I have a very good memory, but I can’t recall a time that I’ve been angry and didn’t regret it somewhere.”
The ranger smiled, relieved. “Well then, how about some breakfast?”
“What’re you still waiting here for?”

After breakfast they spoke with Baron Regald about the dragon’s treasures.
“The largest part of it belongs to Sidmuur,” said Ultrecht as he sipped his tea.
Regald nodded. “True, but I nonetheless want you three to take what you want of it first. After all without you, we would still have none of it.”
Avery spoke up. “Then why don’t we just go and look? We can then make our decisions based on what we know to be there.”
They took a couple of wagons and several trusted guardsmen and went to the cave. It took several hours to get a sense of things, but among the riches they found a box containing the chimes. The three friends each claimed a bag of coins at the insistence of the baron, and Ultrecht collected the chimes. Avery raised a couple of eyebrows when he claimed a small pouch containing five dice carved from semi-precious gemstones. He winked. “For a gnomish friend of mine.”
They stayed for the wedding. The whole township seemed to be in attendance. Sara was probably the most glorious bride in all of history, especially since Armegon and Ultrecht were competing to ensure it.
Drew, along with Emma gave the bride away and Ultrecht stood for Regald. Once the celebrations were over, they quietly departed after the inevitable good-byes.

Chapter 4 Part 3

The common room was a shamble. Four men with armor and swords were battling ten townsfolk armed only with whatever they could grab. The men were wearing the flame symbol of the Baron’s elite guard.
Armegon reacted the fastest. He cast a binding and suddenly the four flame-clad guards found themselves hopelessly entangled in their own clothing and armor.
“Good spell.” said Avery as the four men flopped and kicked as they struggled with their bonds. "A much better choice than that barbaric slaughtering thing you used earlier."
"Slaughtering?" Ultrecht asked as Avery pushed past Armegon and himself to apprehend the downed soldiers.
"I used a Force Scythe," Armegon informed him. It was a touchy subject for Avery since he had created the spell, but meant it as a means to quickly harvest crops. The ranger did not like seeing his spell used as a weapon in such a way.
Ultrecht looked to the townsfolk. Thomas was among them. “Where’s your mother?”
“She went with Deke to get Captain Regald.”
“Ok, we are going to the square.” He gestured at the guards. “Bind these men and put them with the others.” He was about to leave but stopped. “Do you still have the mage?”
“Uh yes sir. He’s upstairs. ”
“Good. Bring him down.”
The men in the room clubbed the four guards unconscious and bound them. Two others carried the unconscious Kiron into the room.”
“What’s with him?” asked Armegon.
“This is that lesser mage I was telling you about.” Ultrecht said as he examined the unconscious and naked man. “Thomas, did he have anything on him?”
The young man handed him a pillowcase stuffed with Kiron’s belongings. Inside were his clothes, various spell components, and a bronze bracelet. He held it up. “Avery, anything interesting?”
Avery studied the object with his enchanted sight, seeing through illusions and concealment. “It has an aura of magic. It does hold an enchantment, but I can’t say what.”
Ultrecht tossed it back into the case. “Oh well, I was hoping he’d have something to use against the Balrog.” He stood. “Let’s go.”
The city streets showed evidence of fighting, but they didn’t come across any trouble until they reached the square. Ultrecht gasped. Captain Regald was in close combat with three flame-clad guards. He was in trouble but was standing his ground, desperately protecting Sara who lay in a crumpled heap at his feet.
“No!” Shouted the alarmed Elementalist. He cast a quick combat spell and one of Regald’s opponents burst into flame.
Surprise made the two healthy guards hesitate, and Regald’s sword took his rightmost opponent in the throat. With the burning man now a non-combatant, the captain was easily able to defeat the remaining swordsman.
Ultrecht rushed to Sara, not even noticing the heavy fighting that raged through the square. His two friends followed, covering for him.
Sara was hurt bad. He and Regald both knelt to either side of her. A sword had taken her in the chest. Ultrecht looked up at the captain and their eyes met. Agony stood plainly in the other man’s face. Together they gently lifted her and carried her to the shelter of a nearby porch. Avery and Armegon covered for both of them, exchanging a puzzled look.
Gently they set her down and tried to make her comfortable. She took a ragged breath and coughed up blood. Ultrecht, his eyes never leaving her face, grabbed Avery and said, “Please. Help her. ”
Avery noted at the tears showing in his friends face and didn’t even hesitate. He knelt, carefully opened her shirt, placed his hands over the wound, and began to heal.
An arrow thunked deeply into the wall to his left prompting the healing ranger to pause long enough to tell Armegon and Ultrecht to make themselves useful. Ultrecht was reluctant to leave Sarah until Armegon grabbed him by the shirt and hauled him bodily to his feet. “We got trouble. Avery’s busy, so you gotta help me. ”
Ultrecht saw the fighting in the square for the first time. Non-human mercenaries, flame-clad guards, and ordinary citizens all fought in a chaotic throng. They didn’t dare use mass spells, because such spells would kill indiscriminately. It was also apparent that their group was a choice target.
“I’m guarding,” Ultrecht yelled as he cast a protective spell.
Armegon nodded and drew his rapier. The sorcerer was a better spell caster than a swordsman, but his skill was more than sufficient to hold trouble at bay. Especially with Ultrecht beside him casting spells.
A black shadow crossed the square and the Balrog dropped heavily onto the stage. It lazily grabbed a nearby guardsman and ripped his neck open with its teeth.
“Oh crap!” Armegon exclaimed. “Avery, hurry up! We’re gonna need some help here.”
Avery stood and drew his sword. He was steady, but his face was pale. “How…” asked Ultrecht.
“Not to worry old friend,” Avery said with a ragged voice. “She’ll live.”
Swallowing hard, he turned to Captain Regald. “Guard her well. I’m going to shield you both.”
Regald nodded, Sara’s head cradled in his lap, and said, “With my very life.”
Avery and Armegon conferred on tactics while Ultrecht cast a powerful dome-shaped shield. On the stage all fighting had turned to fleeing as the Balrog continued its deadly game.
Armegon called out, “Force spells!” and began to cast. Ultrecht nodded and began spells of his own, while Avery advanced.
Two powerful spears of pure invisible force took the Balrog squarely in the chest. It screamed in rage and pain but showed little sign of injury. Avery leaped at it, Liberator flashing in a deadly arc.
The first cut took the demon low in the belly. It screamed again and dodged backwards. Avery pressed it hard cutting and slashing in furious attack. The demon shrank back, blood running from its body. Then something flashed between its clawed hands.
Avery swung a hard overhand cut at the demon’s head. To his surprise the beast parried with its bare hand.
It was immensely strong and Liberator no longer cut it. "Oh, so now you want to play fair," Avery muttered at the sword, now parrying the demon's attacks Avery found it his turn to fall back. "Just because the darn thing was a slave, you won't kill it? It sure as heck doesn't return the sentiment!"
Armegon was swearing and casting small deadly knives of pure energy at the demon in rapid succession. While they were giving Avery some respite, they we not very effective at hurting it.
Ultrecht watched and drew in power. Before he made his choice in what to cast he saw movement at the skyline. His eyes wide, he opened his cloak and enfolded Armegon as the dragon swooped down upon them. The world seemed to explode into flame. The building they were standing in front was became an instant inferno.
The dragon slammed its tail into the front of the building as it passed. Timbers ripped and shattered, the front of the building collapsed on them, and the fires shrieked out of control. Beating its damaged wings hard and roaring it’s flaming cry, it turned for another pass.
Suddenly the rubble burst upward and Armegon stood, his skin glowed with the power of his rage. Ultrecht got an idea. He telekinetically grabbed a burning timber and slammed it into Armegon from behind. “It’s behind you!” he shouted.
With a primal roar the sorcerer spun to see the dragon coming towards them. His rage nearly consuming him, he cast. Abruptly a two-foot thick arc of lightning connected him to the dragon.
The huge beast screamed and went stiff. The momentum of its flight carried it into the buildings below. Wood and debris went flying as it crashed into the shops and homes just outside the square.
“The demon!” Ultrecht cried, and hit Armegon from behind again.
Swearing profusely, the enraged sorcerer spun and began hammering the demon with fist sized arcs of lightning. It fell back shrieking and Avery fled, his hair standing up and sparking.
Keeping a firm mental grip on the timber, Ultrecht ran hard for the dragon. Climbing over the rubble he found it lying in a heap, eyes closed breathing labored. He shook his head and climbed to the chain at its neck. The demon trap was shaped like a wine bottle, but made of dull iron. It had a loop at the neck, which was attached to the chain. He struggled with it for a moment but couldn’t get it off of the chain.
Pain blossomed in his thigh. Twenty feet away Krell was readying another knife to throw. Gritting his teeth against the pain he flung his timber at the assassin.
From the corner of his eye, Krell saw movement and threw himself flat. A large piece of smoldering wood passed over his head. Quickly he scrambled forward, knife in hand and leaped at the mage. A short scuffle, and he pinned the mage against the dragon with his knife poised at the old man’s throat.
“Well Zachary, you would seem to be more than you appear,” he said with a nasty grin. “Now why don’t you tell me what it is you want with the dragon’s bottle.”
"I was really thirsty.”
Krell pressed the blade. “Cute. I don’t really have time for these games. It seems you’re friends have managed to hurt the dragon, but it’s not dead yet. I must now decide whether to help it or finish it.” He smiled evilly. “It might be nice to rule for a change.”
Ultrecht cleared his mind and summoned power. “I told you before. I don’t like overbearing little men who prefer brutishness over manners. ”Krell’s smile faded as the dagger went soft and limp like an old rag.
The chain parted at the dragon’s throat and stalked snakelike at Krell. The small man backed away, his eyes wide. He turned to run and the chain whipped itself around him binding tighter and tighter until it was all he could do to draw a breath.
Bottle in hand, Ultrecht limped up to stand over him. “You will wait here for me,” he told the terrified man before he hurried back as fast as his injured leg would carry him.

The square was a nightmare scene. A few hardy folks were watching from whatever cover could be gained, while trying their best to fight the fires. Avery and Armegon were both hurt. The Balrog had managed to protect itself from the sorcerer’s onslaught and was now attacking.
Ultrecht stood tall and tapped the pattern on the bottle that the dragon had used. Nothing happened. Thinking quickly he reversed it.
Avery lunged forward, blade first, and stumbled when he encountered no resistance. The demon was gone! He looked around, Armegon was a few steps away, staggering from exertion, and Ultrecht was across the square with a strange looking bottle. He smiled a tired smile and leaned against the stone stage. “I hope you put the cap in tight,” he said as his friend limped up.
“Yes it’s there," Ultrecht assured him. "What happened? That sword of yours should have been more effective against the demon."
"It was being stubborn," Avery explained. "It would defend me, but because the demon was a slave and not acting on its own, the sword would not yield its full strength."
Armegon stood hands on knees, panting heavily. “I… I hope we’re about… done here.”
“I just need to stop that.” Ultrecht said, gesturing at the fires. He straightened painfully and cast a water spell. The humidity rose sharply for many long seconds, then all that water suddenly condensed out of the air. A short, but incredibly heavy downpour ensued. In less than a minute, the fires were knocked down to a manageable level.
With a gesture, the rubble covering Sara and Regald shoved itself aside and revealed them huddled safely together under the shimmer of Ultrecht’s shield. He released it and the captain tenderly helped Sara to her feet and walked with her to where the master Elementalist stood.
Sara was about to speak when Armegon staggered and fell. At the same time Ultrecht felt a terrible and familiar void. Baron Roth stepped out into the open, Krell’s head in one hand, and his sword in the other.
“How nice of you to stop the fires,” the Baron said. Lifting the head, he added, “and of course I really must thank you for such a nicely wrapped gift. I’ll remember it when I rule here.”
Ultrecht looked at Avery. “That’s the one I mentioned earlier. Think you can manage?”
The ranger was looking at Liberator with a strange look. He could feel the same void his friends did. His own magic was muted, but he could also still sense the power of his own sword. It was still there and every bit as potent, just somehow oddly muted. “I’ll think of something,” he said as he shook the water from his hair and strode forward.
Roth watched him approach with contempt. The baron stood nearly a foot taller than the stocky built ranger. When Avery took up a ready stance before him, the big man smiled and tossed the head aside.
“You know your magic toy there is useless don’t you?” the big man taunted. They circled each other once looking for an opening. Abruptly Roth lunged forward slashing to take advantage of his heavier blade.
Rather than try to block such a blow, Avery sidestepped and used his blade to deflect. In an eye blink both men were facing each other again. The ranger smiled inwardly. For all the baron's boasting and for the fears of Ultrecht and Armegon, the baron's sword was powerless against Liberator. True, the mage-killer nullified Liberator’s outwardly powers, but the Dawn of Law was still unbreakable, and razor sharp. It was man against man.
Suddenly they launched at each other in a flurry of slashes, thrusts, and parries. They danced a dance of razor-sharp death, neither giving quarter, neither seeking it. The whirling blossom of sharp steel wove itself in and around the square as Roth sought to use his greater strength and size while Avery countered with speed and agility.
By now both men were bleeding from numerous small cuts, but Avery had been previously hurt, and was tiring fast. Roth was gaining an insurmountable advantage, but he stiffened in pain and shock when a crossbow bolt appeared in his side.
Avery didn’t hesitate. Recklessly he stepped into the baron’s guard. Desperately Roth tried to block him, scoring a deep debilitating cut into the ranger’s left side, but it was too late. Liberator pierced his breastplate and slid neatly between his ribs. They stood in that deadly embrace for a small eternity staring at each other, the baron’s last few heartbeats pulsing down the blade to Avery’s hand. "I'm sorry," the ranger whispered in pity. At long last, the big man slid to the ground. Across the square Captain Regald lowered a crossbow.
Ultrecht was kneeling next to Armegon. The sorcerer was struggling to breath. He’d used so much of his life energy to combat the demon that he was dying without his magic. “Sheath that blade!”
Struggling against his pain, Avery worked the mage-killer back into its sheath.

Two hours later, a small crowd stood around the dragon. It was awake and struggling against the magic bonds Ultrecht had placed on it.
“I’m not sure how long I can hold it.”
Avery nodded and stepped up to the beast. He slowly drew his sword and stood before the dragon’s eye. “You have committed terrible crimes against the peoples of this land. You have subjected sentient beings to your hunger as nothing more than cattle.” After a long pause, “still, you were only true to your nature.” The ranger looked around him, at the destruction that had happened so fast. “Perhaps you no longer have a place in this world.” Grimly he gripped the sword with both hands. “I leave your fate to the Law.” Avery gave his will over to that of Liberator.
Instead of the thrust to the eye that the crowd expected, the ranger laid the blade against the dragon’s snout. For a long while nothing happened but with a mighty surge it burst its bonds and stood looking wildly about. The crowd fled in sheer panic, scrambling away in a terrified rush.
Ultrecht was reeling, he tried to summon the power, but his concentration was shattered by the dragon bursting free of its bonds.
The dragon reared onto its hind legs and stood shaking, shaking as if terrified, its eyes wide with untold emotion. It became totally still and tears rolled out of its eyes. Finally with a horrible cry of dismay it launched itself skyward and disappeared to the west.

Chapter 4 Part 2

Armegon began casting a shield spell the instant his teleport ended. Fifty yards ahead of him was an army.
A nearby bowman gave a warning shout and raised his crossbow. Avery ducked behind Armegon as a buckler of flame appeared on the sorcerers arm.
“Nice place he picked out,” Armegon grunted sarcastically as he caught the bolt on his shield.
“At least we aren’t in their midst.”
“Oh no. Instead we get to be at optimal target range.” He complained, blocking another bolt.
Avery pointed out the large group of swordsmen charging towards them. “Shouldn’t be a problem much longer.”
Armegon didn’t reply he simply cast a new spell. A razor sharp scythe of pure force sprang out of his outstretched fingers and expanded as it went. Pausing only long enough to deliver a dirty look at his companion--a moment of irritation at the vicious spell that had been cast--Avery leaped forward and ran along behind it.
The first rank of mercenaries prepared themselves to meet Avery’s charge, only to be cut down by the force scythe. The second rank fared only a little better. In fact most of the survivors were the ones who’d been knocked down when others died. In the thick of it now, Avery cut and whirled and parried, his enchanted blade, Liberator, sheared through armor and bone with equal ease.
Armegon kept the archers and sneak attackers off of Avery while the ranger battled. In the camp, another group was gathering to try a mass rush, but they were easily dispersed with a well-placed fireball.
It turned into a short-lived fight. Those who didn’t die soon fled.
Avery looked about him. There were no more opponents. He thrust Liberator back into its scabbard and looked to Armegon. His friend was unharmed and bending over Ultrecht. He hurried to give aid.
“Let me help.”
Armegon was cleaning a nasty claw wound on Ultrecht’s side. “It’s filled with some kind of acid.”
The ranger nodded and cast a small enchantment to neutralize it. The wounded mage sighed in relief. It took only a small healing to close the wound.
“Thanks,” said Ultrecht gratefully as he got to his feet. “Take hold of me.”
His friends each lay a hand on his shoulder and he cast a teleport to take them to Sara’s bedroom.
“This dragon is really going to be angry, and he somehow came into possession of a demon trap,” Ultrecht said when they arrived.
Armegon looked alarmed. “A trap? What’s in it, and is it under the dragon’s control?”
“It’s a Balrog. And yes it’s working for the dragon.”
The sorcerer winced. “Oh that’s not good.”
Avery interjected, “A Balrog? Isn't that a…”
"Yes," Ultrecht continued as he began to pace. “It’s a fairly powerful type of demon. It has claws that excrete acid, and a poisonous bite.” He made a face. “Worst of all it’s very resistant to magic and can cast spells of its own.”
“Oh great. What else do you have waiting for us here?”
“Well all total we have a dragon, a balrog, a lesser mage, an assassin, several dozen guardsmen, and a rather nasty warrior with a mage-killer sword.”
Armegon jumped. “Whoa there. Did you say a mage-killer?”
“Yes, and it’s a powerful one. I’ve felt it drawn. ”
Both mages looked at Avery.
“Ok, ok. I’ll take that one. You two can have the dragon. ”
Armegon was about to say something, but a loud crash interrupted him. Ultrecht rushed out with the others close behind.

Chapter 4 Part 1

Armegon blinked and looked up from the floor where he’d just missed the chair he’d been trying to sit on. Avery was leaning against the doorframe for support. They looked at each other.
“He seemed a little upset,” Avery understated.
“You know, I think you just might be right,” said Armegon as he rubbed his temples. "He certainly put more power into that than he needed to."
Nikki looked at the two of them from her place near the fire with a puzzled expression. “What ever are you two on about?”
Avery looked at his wife and smiled. “Just a message from Ultrecht. I think he's calling for the cavalry.”
She paused and looked at the floor. In a quietly concerned voice she said, “Well then I guess you’d best be off. Don't you dare let anything happen to him. He's the only one of the three of you who I can trust not to go overboard as a do-gooder.”
Armegon got up and collected the already loaded packs that sat near the door while Avery kissed his wife goodbye.
Outside, Armegon said, “Well at least he gave good directions.” He concentrated on the mental image Ultrecht had sent them and began to incant.
Avery nodded with his usual small smile, drew his blade, and placed his left hand on his friend’s shoulder. Armegon lifted an eyebrow in an unspoken question. "Just in case," the ranger answered.
Nikki heard the pop of air refilling the spot they’d just vanished from. She closed her eyes and shook her head in resignation. "Boys will be boys," she muttered to herself.

Utrecht touched down and shimmered back into his own form. He’d chosen a place in view of the cave, but out of sight of the camp. Two-dozen yards ahead of him were the eight ogre guards. He strode out of the trees, and approached them. They stood ready, but made no other move.
“Master Ultrecht to see the dragon,” he said to the largest ogre.
“Yeah? An’ why should we let ya in ‘stead o’ jest eatin’ ya?” the ogre demanded.
“Because if you haven’t tried yet, then you’re under orders not to eat strangers.”
The large being scratched his head. “Oh. Well I still don’ have no reason ta let ya in.” An ugly grin spread across his face. “But ya bring us back a human female, we’ll letcha by.” This brought several nasty grins and chuckles from his compatriots.
“For what purpose?”
Another ogre surged forward excitedly to say something, but the leader backhanded him hard. The lesser ogre snarled, but backed down, unwilling to face the wrath of the larger leader. After a moment of stare down at his charges the leader turned back to Ultrecht.
“We wants ta have a crack at her before the camp do for a change,” he said as he suggestively grabbed at his huge and none-too-clean crotch.
“I see,” said Ultrecht. He made some motions vaguely suggestive of a female form and asked, “a young female?”
The ogres all grinned and made nods and grunts of assent.
Ultrecht continued his motions. “And perhaps a little smaller than myself?”
Again the ogres agreed, their interest growing.
Ultrecht made a few more motions. “And maybe even…” He paused dramatically, “a virgin?”
The ogres howled with glee, slapping and congratulating each other.
The power was ready. The energy was shaped. Ultrecht released his spell at the lead ogre. Swiftly the big leader’s form melted into that of a beautiful young woman.
The ogres all stood around in confusion for a moment. The leader looked at herself uncomprehendingly before realization set in. In horror she spun to face the evil grins of the other ogres. The one who’d been backhanded only seconds before reached out and grabbed her. “Me first,” he growled.
The girl screamed only to find her voice unchanged. The other ogres seemed to find that immensely funny.
Ultrecht pointed at the nearest ogre. “You will escort me to the dragon, now.”
The unlucky ogre looked at his companion’s activity with agonized longing, but thought better of disobeying. He motioned the mage along and started quickly into the cave.
The passage was long and steep, but it eventually opened into a large central cavern.
The ogre stopped and called out nervously, “Great Lord, a Master Ultrecht be here ta see ya. ”
Immediately a huge gout of flame burst from the darkness and engulfed them. Ultrecht stood calmly and let the flames wash over him harmlessly. The ogre was not having it as easy.
“I knew I had smelled another mage,” came a huge silken voice. Out of the shadows, the dragon slid forward. Its great sinewy mass rippled beneath the blood red scales that armored its body. The black metal chain hanging around its neck stood out in stark contrast.
“Yes,” Ultrecht gestured towards the burnt remains of the ogre. “As he said, my name is Master Ultrecht.”
“Well then, Master Ultrecht,” said the dragon as it lowered itself comfortably, “to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?” It held up a wicked set of ten-inch long sharp claws. “And perhaps you’d explain why I shouldn’t just use these?”
Ultrecht smiled gently. “Because I knew I’d be speaking with the mighty Zhithritaxx.” Ultrecht paused for effect before continuing.
“I am far more skilled than Lord Kiron, and so I prepared appropriately, as you may have noted with the flame.”
“You may be protected from the flame, but” the dragon regarded it’s claws, “these are somewhat more direct.”
“Truly. They are definitely magnificent,” Ultrecht commended admiringly. “But I’m afraid that their use would be more damaging to you than to myself.”
The dragon chuckled deeply in its throat. “I’ll take you at you word then.” It laid its enormous head on the floor, bringing its eyes to Ultrecht’s level. “I’ve never had the honor of meeting a true master mage before. Our dear Lord Kiron was the best I could find on short notice.” It paused, “I assume that it’s the late Lord Kiron?”
“Oh no, I left him alive so that he could explain to the townsfolk why he felt it necessary to take their young women away.”
Again the dragon chuckled. “Then I may assume the topic of our conversation is in regards to my modest efforts in agriculture?”
Ultrecht’s smile faded. “Indeed. While I have no objection to raising livestock for consumption, I do find it offensive when your livestock is sentient.”
“How droll. A member of the plant eating prey species finds the activities of the carnivore offensive.”
“You may be interested to know that my species is actually omnivorous. We could as easily dine on your flesh as you can ours.”
The dragon twitched its wings in the equivalent of a shrug. “Such is life. However, I have not seen many establishments whose menus advertise dragon steaks.”
Ultrecht was getting annoyed. “I would request that you depart from these lands immediately.”
Zhithritaxx sighed. “Well let’s take a moment and review my situation.” The dragon gracefully rose to a relaxed crouch. “My flame does not bother you. You claim that my teeth and claws will be likewise ineffective.” He fixed the mage with a measuring gazed. “And I feel inclined to believe you on that count. To add to that, I have also no doubt that my own small skills in magic will prove unhelpful.” A single claw reached casually to the wine bottle-shaped metal pendant on the dragon’s chain and tapped it in a precise pattern. “Since my options seem so limited, I feel I must introduce you to a friend of mine.”
Ultrecht tensed as an inky black mist flowed from the pendant and began to form a shape. He reached into his pocket and withdrew a small blue enchanted gemstone. The agonizing cold of the stone bit into his hand, but he stood ready.
The form coalesced into a nightmare shape. It stood nearly twelve feet tall, with giant bat-like wings. Its human-like arms ended in ugly clawed hands. “Uh oh,” he said when it was complete enough to recognize.
He and Armegon had battled one of these long ago. They had been forced to flee.
“I can see you recognize his type,” said the dragon smoothly. “I can assure you, he won’t be as disaffected by your magic as I am.” It was the dragon’s turn to pause for effect. “Kill him.”
The creature snarled and lunged. Desperately Ultrecht flung himself aside and tossed his gemstone high into the air. Claws raked him and pain laced through his side, but he braced himself and cast an activation spell.
As soon as the spell was out of his mouth, Ultrecht pulled his cloak over his face. There was a brilliant flash of light and the cavern was suddenly filled with razor sharp shards of flying ice. The dragon screamed in agony. Ultrecht risked a quick look. The Dragon was writhing in pain and the creature was huddled inside it’s own wings, much like Ultrecht his cloak. The wings appeared to offer the same protection as the mage’s enchanted cloak. “Oh that’s not good,” he muttered.
All over the room, the ice shards suddenly burst into a thick clingy mist. He knew that the next thing to happen would be the mist freezing solid, so he concentrated on the clearing and teleported.

Chapter 3 Part 10

Like marionettes with their strings cut, the four spies went limp and dropped to the floor.
With a gesture Sara and Deke found themselves free. Billy ran to his mother and flung himself into her arms, sobbing hard in relief.
She comforted Billy for a bit then stood and faced Ultrecht. “Zachary? Is this the real you?”
Ultrecht smiled at her gently. “Yes.” He took her hand, bowed and kissed it. “It has been my greatest honor to have met you. My real name is Ultrecht.” He straightened. “But we have much to do now and very little time.” He turned to the people in the room and pointed to the spies. “Bind them and put them in a room.”
Thomas looked at him a little unsurely. “What about the mage?”
“Bind him, gag him, secure his hands, and,” Ultrecht retrieved the poker, “if he moves, thump him.” He paused. “Don’t kill him though, I may need him later.”
Thomas nodded and gestured to Billy. They set to work with enthusiastic volunteer help from the crowd.
Ultrecht turned back to Sara. “Find Regald," he urged her. "Tell him it has started.”
Sara’s breath caught. “How did… Uh… Right.” She tried to compose herself. “What about you?”
He winked. “I thought I’d go and slap some sense into a Dragon.”
Her jaw dropped. He smiled and walked out the door. Three steps later, amid chaos in the street a beautiful golden eagle beat its wings skyward.
As he flew, Ultrecht felt his fury build. He cast his thoughts across the leagues to where his friends awaited him. With a crystal clear mental image of the clearing near the mercenary camp, he commanded, “Meet me here.”

Chapter 3 Part 9

The Baron’s mansion was brightly lit when they arrived, even though the sun was not quite down. The door guard was outfitted in a dress uniform and ushered them in immediately. A servant led them into the main dining room where Zachary was surprised to find about sixty people were seated at eight large tables.
The Baron stood as they entered and held his arms up. His voice boomed out: “Well, here they are, our guests of honor.” Amid a smattering of light applause and greetings the big man strode up to them. “Ah, and Mistress Sara, you look stunning,” he said as he personally escorted them to seats at the head table.
Zachary had to admit. Sara looked great. It was as if her normal clothing was designed to play down her looks, but this new dress was cut to make her womanhood plain to see. Once they were seated they both looked around. Many of the more affluent merchants and the various officials of the city were present. At a table across from him, Zachary spotted the Captain of the City Guard. The fact that he was not seated at the head table spoke volumes. He also noted that many of the guests did not look all that happy to be here.
He turned his attention to the Baron. Roth was dressed in his breastplate, but with a silk and brocade shirt under it. In a jeweled scabbard was his sword.
“We really wanna thank you m'lord. This is truly a fine gift.”
The Baron’s smile was warm, but his eyes were cold as stone. “My pleasure.” he nodded and went back to sipping his wine while he surveyed his guests.
Sara touched his leg. He looked to where she was looking and found himself unsurprised to see Captain Krell make his entrance.
Dressed all in black, Krell still managed to portray elegance. He gracefully strutted to his place at the head table and gave Roth a curt half-bow, “my lord Baron.”
Roth nodded brusquely. “Captain. Please, have a seat.”
Krell looked slowly around the room, but stopped his gaze on the captain of the city guard. “Captain Regald. How nice to see you.” To Zachary’s right Sara stiffened. “It’s a pleasure to see that you decided to come.”
Regald’s face showed no emotion whatsoever. “Indeed Captain Krell. I do get out now and again, especially when our lord Baron extends such a gracious invitation. ”
Roth smiled in cold amusement. “I felt it only appropriate to have both of my captains present.”
Krell’s face was hard. “My invitation must have been mislaid.”
The big warrior took a long drink from his wine cup. “No Krell, I didn’t send you one. I somehow just knew you’d show up.”
The captain of the secret guard flashed a look of pure hatred and was about to say something when a voice interrupted. “Ah, I see that the pleasantries have already begun.”
Everyone looked up to see the Mage standing in the center of the room. Zachary hadn’t felt the rush of displaced air caused by a teleport, so he guessed that Kiron must have entered invisibly.
Baron Roth took on a viciously amused smile and stood. “My Lord Kiron. Welcome to our festive occasion. ”
Kiron’s eyes fell on the sword. In a dangerous voice he said, “Kindly remove that thing.”
Roth gestured to his clothing. “This is a formal occasion. See, I have it in its ceremonial sheath.”
The mages voice hardened further. “Remove it.”
The baron drew the blade slowly. Zachary shuddered as the normal sensation of the unseen flows of power about him suddenly vanished leaving only a void. That Kiron felt the same effect was evident in his face. “How’s this? If you prefer, I suppose I can leave it drawn on the table.”
Kiron’s face was livid. “Quite unnecessary Baron. Sheath it.” The mage calmed himself and smoothed his shirt. “As you say it is a formal occasion.”
Roth sheathed the blade and sat. “Come then Lord Kiron. Sit, drink, and enjoy my table.”
With poorly disguised hatred tinged with fear, Kiron took his seat.
Roth stood and lifted his wine cup. “Gentle friends, a toast to our bride and groom. They inform me that the happy date shall be this harvest-fest day.”
Everyone lifted a cup and drank. There was light applause that trailed off quickly as the Baron raised a hand. He turned to Sara and Zachary. “Please, accept my congratulations and do me the honor of being my guests for the night.”
Sara sat stiffly blushing. Zachary felt trapped. He stood and bowed. “Thank you m'lord. We would be greatly honored.”
Thankfully the kitchen staff announced dinner. There were many well-prepared dishes, but Zachary hardly noticed them as he waited uncomfortably for the evening to end. Sara was obviously upset and was toying with her food. She was staring into her plate trying hard to avoid looking at the guests, so he took careful note of the crowd. It didn’t take long to see a pattern to emerge. About half of the people in the room were trying too hard to appear as casual acquaintances or pretending that they didn’t know the people around them. Many of them would glance at either Sara or Captain Regald while others gave the appearance of not knowing that either person existed. To his horror Zachary was seeing most of the important figures of the rebellion revealed plainly to anyone who took the care to watch the crowd as a whole. Painfully he realized that this dinner was a trap to see who acted suspiciously and who didn’t.
Sara and Captain Regald completely avoided looking at each other. That simple fact meant he now knew whom the contact in the City Guard must be.
He looked at the three men sitting with him. All three were watching the crowd with satisfied smiles, their own bickering forgotten.
When the evening came to a close the Baron formed a reception line for the guests to congratulate them. They stood and shook hands and said thanks as the guests filed past to leave. When Captain Regald came by Sara trembled and neither could look the other in the eye.
At last the Baron bid them good night and a servant showed them to their room.

Zachary sat on the edge of one of the finest beds he had ever seen. He had no nightclothes with him, so he’d stripped to his undergarments. Sara was in the dressing room humming tunelessly. He looked up when he heard the door open and his eyes nearly bulged out of his head. Before him was the most magnificent bare bosom he’d ever seen his very long life.
“Uh… Sara, what…” he stammered unable to move his gaze.
She slid up close to him and enfolded him in her arms. “Silly. Do you think I’m going to waste a night in a bed like this?” She pulled his head close and whispered, “We’re being watched.”
He froze for a moment, then forced himself to relax into her embrace. Sara was in her mid forties. Her figure was definitely no longer that of a young girl, but there was a delightful firmness to her that seemed to belie her age. He felt outraged to be forced into taking her like this, but as passion mounted he soon no longer cared. Together they gave vent to pent up stresses and tension.
Later she lay quietly in his arms, her face hidden in the shadow of the blanket. For the second time in days, he didn’t know how to feel. He felt wetness on his shoulder and realize it was her tears. They lay there a long time before she finally began to fall towards sleep. In her hazy moments just before she drifted off, he heard her mutter, “Oh Regald, where did it all go so wrong…”

Chapter 3 Part 8

Zachary woke early and spent over an hour slowly and quietly casting a powerful mage sight spell. He spent the rest of his morning getting the Inn ready for the day. About nine, he and Sara left Thomas in charge and walked out arm in arm.
They arrived at the Barons mansion and spoke with the door guard.
“We’re here ta see the Baron,” Zachary said to the guard.
The guard looked them up and down suspiciously. “Sure you are. Do you have an invitation?”
“Yes,” Zachary replied. “He told me himself that he wanted a personal invite ta our weddin’, once we had a date.”
“Sure he did. And I suppose you…” The guard trailed off and was looking past them. He looked back to Zachary and said, “Ok I guess you ain’t gonna cause any trouble.” He opened the door. "You can wait in the sitting room.”
“Thanks,” said Zachary as he led Sara inside. He smiled to himself. His mage sight had shown the reason for the guard’s change of mind. A plainly dressed man sweeping the street had signaled the guard and nodded. Obviously the Baron’s men were still watching them.
A servant showed them to the sitting room and brought them some juice. As they waited Zachary strolled about the room casually inspecting the décor. His mage sight showed him nothing unusual. It seemed that the Baron’s mansion was simply a well appointed home.
They waited for nearly two hours before Baron Roth returned. The huge man entered the room like a thunderstorm, his servants flitting about him. He sat and took off his boots. They were spattered with some nasty smelling substance. He waited for a servant to take them away before looking at Zachary and smiling.
“I hear you have an announcement for me.”
“Yes m'lord,” Zachary stammered. Something was wrong, his mage sight was somehow folding around the baron, like light bending in water. “You told me you wanted an invite ta our wedding so we came ta give it in person an’ make sure you got it.”
The baron’s face lit up with an expression of joy that somehow never touched his eyes. “That’s wonderful. And here I was afraid you were just shining me on.”
Cautiously Zachary asked, “Why would that be, m'lord?”
“Oh you know,” Roth said offhandedly. “Older people these days get together, but it seems they rarely marry anymore.” The baron looked pointedly at him. “So how old are you Zachary?”
“Me m'lord? Why this harvest time will be my fifty-second year.”
“Really? Well, I guess it shows that some people have more character than you’d think.”
“Uh, yes m'lord.” Zachary was still trying to discern the problem with his mage sight.
The baron stood and removed his sword belt. “So when is this festive date?” he asked as he handed the belt to a servant.
The servant took the belt and hung it on a hook near the door. Zachary’s mage sight could now see the baron, but the sword was a blank. As if it didn’t even exist.
“Well m'lord,” said Zachary as he brought his attention back to the big man, “we was thinkin’ about the harvest-fest next month. With it bein’ a holiday an’ all, our friends would be free to come.”
“Splendid.” Roth clapped his hands. “In fact I can’t think of a better date.” He called out towards the hallway, “Can you my lord Kiron.”
Zachary instantly dropped his mage sight as the mage stepped around the corner. Sara went white.
“Well Lord Roth, I do believe you are right.” The mage smiled coolly. “That would indeed be a perfect day.”
Sara stood and curtsied, while Zachary hurriedly bowed.
“Ah, no need for formalities,” Kiron said in an easy manner. “This is a social setting.”
Zachary’s mind was racing. How much did the mage know? He glanced at Sara, she was still pasty white, but she held a nervous smile on her face.
Kiron’s eyes fell upon the Baron’s sword and his face hardened. “Lord Roth, would you please remove that thing,” he said in and icy voice.
With a slightly contemptuous smile Roth replied, “certainly. I’d forgotten how much it offends you.” The baron signaled a servant, who took the sword away.
Zachary now knew what the sword must be. There were in existence a certain few swords created for the sole purpose of destroying mages. They all had one power in common, when drawn they nullified all magic within their reach. A warrior who carried one could destroy a mage with ease.
Kiron flashed a look of hate at the back of the big man’s head, to be replaced a moment later with that cool smile. “Indeed. It’s a vile thing.”
Sara’s expression was puzzled. “What… Ouch!” She exclaimed as Zachary stepped on her foot.
“Oh, I’m sorry darlin',” he said as he held her chair for her.
Once they had regained their seats the mage fixed Sara with a cold gaze. “You were saying?”
Sara blanched and stammered, “Wha’… What brings us the honor of your visiting again?”
A completely false smile grew on his face. “Oh merely business with the Baron.” He looked the two of them over. “It’s just a happy coincidence that I could share your joyous announcement.”
“Then may we extend an invitation to you as well m'lord?” she asked trying to keep the dread off of her face.
“Why I’d be delighted,” the mage looked to Roth. “Lord Roth, how would you feel about hosting a dinner tonight in honor of our happy couple?”
Roth frowned a moment then barked out a harsh laugh. “You know Lord Mage, I think that would be a fine idea.” Roth stood and gestured magnanimously. “Would you two do me the honor of joining me tonight for dinner?”
Now Zachary thought he knew what a fly must feel when it landed in a spider’s web. “Thank you m'lord. The honor would be ours.”
“Then we shall see you this evening; dress will be formal.”
“Certainly m'lord; thank you.” Zachary and Sara bowed and followed a servant out.
Outside again, Sara grabbed Zachary’s arm and felt her knees tremble. She was about to ask what they were going to do now, but Zachary cut her off in a loud friendly voice.
“Well darlin. If we’re gonna go to a fancy dinner, we’d best get you a new dress.”
She stared at him as if he’d lost his mind. Then reality kicked in and she smiled and grabbed him up in an excited hug. Now reminded that they were being watched, she took his arm and began gushing like a young girl as they walked on towards the merchants quarter.

A new dress later, they finally made their way back to Sara’s room.
“Now what do we do?” she whispered, “and what was that crap about you stepping on my foot?”
Zachary whispered back, “I thought you were going to ask about that sword.”
“Well, what about it?”
“It’s a mage-killer. I can understand why Kiron hates it.” They sat close together on the bed and continued whispering. “The Baron and the Mage obviously hate each other, but they can’t do more than irritate each other.”
She nodded. “I think you can include Krell in that too.”
“No doubt.”
“So what’s a mage-killer sword?”
“The blade nullifies magic around it whenever Roth draws it.”
Her eyes widened in alarm. “So what will you do now?”
He grinned. “Leave that problem for a friend of mine.”
She nodded not really understanding. “Ok… but what do we do tonight?”
“I suspect tonight’s dinner will be some sort of a nasty contest between the two of them.”
“Who, the Baron and Kiron?”
“Yes,” he whispered. “An’ I wouldn’t be too surprised to find Krell there either.”

Chapter 3 Part 7

He ran to the cellar and collapsed into a corner. He didn’t know what he felt, but it was agony whatever it was.
Sara came down a short while later and knelt in front of him. “I got him into a bed and gave him something to make him sleep.” She paused seeing the pain showing on his face. “I didn’t think you were this close to him.”
He grabbed her hands in an almost desperate grip. “I was there. I saw her die.”
Shock blossomed on her face. “Oh damn… What… What happened?”
“The mage raped her, passed her to his men, and fed her to the dragon.”
Her legs went weak and she fell to the floor. “Dear gods. Oh dear gods… Drew. . . ”
He stared at the floor. “This has to end,” he said in a voice made of stone. He looked up at her sharply, his eyes flaring. “I need to know what else this dragon is hiding.”
Sara felt unsettled and a little frightened. Who was this man fate had thrust into their midst? Her simple view of the world and of a rebellion to the tyranny controlling her life had been somehow transformed into a horror of dark powers far beyond her most haunted imaginings.
Her voice felt small and hesitant. “What can I do?”
Zachary stood and helped her to his feet. “Well darlin’, I’m thinkin’ it’s time we paid the Baron a visit.”
Her eyes went wide, and she started to tremble but she held fast as he quietly outlined his plan.

They did what they could for Drew. They set him up with a room, and spread the word around the inn that he’d taken ill. Sara brought Emma over to stay with her own children. Finally, Zachary went to the brewery and the Red Feather and made sure business was running.
It took about three days for Drew to pull himself back together. When he did come back downstairs, he was somehow changed. He seemed much darker and his voice seemed to be made of steel. The three of them met in the brewery office with the usual noise going on.
Drew’s voice was harsh as he stared at Zachary. “Just how is a damned wedding announcement going to help get information out of the Baron?”
“We’re goin’ ta deliver it in person. I want ta try and arrange the time so that the Baron isn’t home and we have ta wait. Hopefully that way I’ll get the chance ta see the inside o’ his house. ”
“And what good’ll that do?”
Zachary sighed. “Drew I’m not sure. But there’s somethin’ wrong here. Dragons are just too smart. You don’t just run up at ‘em and attack. Especially not one that’s had decades ta prepare its defenses. ”
Drew’s face clouded with frustration and he punched the wall. “Damn it!”
Sara put her hand on his shoulder. “Drew we’ve been friends for what, ten years now? You took over your fathers business just like I did. My father died from pneumonia and yours from a bad fall. The point is both died because they were worked to death by men like The Dragon and The Serpent. ” Her voice became harder. “Me and damn near every other woman in this city have lived like brood mares so that this thrice damned dragon can feast on our flesh and blood. I…”
He interrupted her bluntly. “You think I don’t know that? My sister went with the mage and now my wife. ” He looked at both of them hotly. “You think I don’t know what that means?” He shook Sara off and grabbed Zachary by the front of his coat. “Tell me. You’ve been to that camp. Is she still there?”
Zachary met his eyes and in a firm voice said, “No. In fact I saw the dragon kill her. ”
Drew stood in shock moment, before his grip and voice became somehow desperate. “Are you sure? I mean is there any chance I can…”
Zachary gently took Drew’s hands and in a soft voice said, “I’m sorry Drew, but yes I’m sure.”
The brewer stood still for a few seconds trembling quietly. He looked over at Sara and asked with a broken voice, “Can Emma stay with your kids for a while?”
“Of course Drew. She can stay as long as needed.”
He slowly pulled away from Zachary and sat down. His voice was soft but resolute. “Ok then. You two are going to go check out the Baron.”
Zachary took a seat of his own. “Yep, and I have a job for you if you’re up to it.”
The brewer looked at him. “Yes.”
“Ok, good. I want you ta stir up a commotion that will attract a lot of guards. But not something that’ll get ya dragged away. And I want it ta happen about the same time Sara and I go to the Baron’s house.”
Drew thought a long time. “Ok, how’s this. I’ll load up a wagon with casks of brew slop and arrange for an accident that’ll make a big mess in a main street. I’ll have some people there to make a big fuss and tie up the whole street.”
Zachary raised an eyebrow. “That’d be perfect.” He looked back and forth between them. “How many people are involved in this rebellion?”
Drew and Sara looked at each other. Finally Sara said to Drew, “He’s on our side. In fact I guess I’m about to marry him.”
The Brewer barked a short laugh. “Ok, any guy good enough for you to marry is ok by me.”
Sara smiled ruefully and looked to Zachary. “We have about two-hundred people involved. Drew and I and a city guardsman friend of ours are the only ones who know them all, but they’re split among us. Drew knows folks that our friend and I don’t, and I know folks that that they don’t.
Zachary smiled, impressed. “Very good setup. Now I s’pose I’d be right ta figure that your friend knows what’s been going on?”
Drew nodded. “Yes. We keep in touch through old Deke. His smithy does work for the city guard.”
“And some of the guards that patrol past the inn are working with us too,” Sara added.
Zachary thought a moment than asked Sara, “I gather that Thomas knows what’s happening, but do any of your other kids know?”
She nodded. “Yes, Billy works with us, as well as two of my boys that are livin’ on farms outside the walls. The four littlest ones don’t know yet.”
“Ok then. It’s nice ta know we have some help. Things will no doubt get hairy soon.”
It was Drew who lifted an eyebrow this time. “How’s that?”
“We already know that the Dragon’s Breath are watching us. The mage knows that someone has been using magic, and the Baron has been making himself a nuisance. That tells me somethin’s gonna break soon.”
Sara and Drew both seemed a bit sobered by that.
“Me and Sara’ll head for the Baron’s house about ten in the mornin’. You arrange your accident for then.”

Drew turned his newly repaired and heavily loaded wagon onto Main Street. He got no more than about four more blocks when a pair of carts trying to maneuver around each other blocked the street and forced him to wait. Both carts were overloaded, one full of potatoes, and the other a large wooden cage full of live chickens. A small crowd of people waited with their bundles and watched.
The chicken cart finally managed to get around the potato cart when its horse suddenly bolted. People scrambled to get out of its way as it tried to flee past the brewer’s wagon. Unfortunately the wagon was too wide for the cart to pass. With a loud crash the cart hit Drew’s wagon and flipped on its side. The cage broke and panicked chickens ran everywhere.
Just before his wagon was hit, Drew pulled a string that ran under the seat. The other end of the string was attached to a pin inserted into a metal strut. Normally this pin was flattened on each end to hold it in place, but it seemed that this particular pin had somehow not been flattened on the far end. It slipped easily out of its place.
Impact. The heavily loaded wagon had no pin in the metal strut that held the rear axle in place. Therefore the strut promptly came apart and let the axle collapse. The rear of the wagon suddenly dropped about a foot letting the precariously loaded casks spill into the street.
Since Drew did not normally use good casks for hauling away the waste products of brewing, many of the casks broke, spilling their foul smelling contents into the street.

Confusion reigned. Panicked chickens, agitated horses, and excited people seemed to fill the crowded street to overflowing. A nearby city guardsman jumped in to help. He grabbed the reigns of the struggling carthorse and worked to calm it down. As he patted and cooed to the beast he somehow managed to smear mud over a welt on its hindquarter. The horse began to quiet down and the guard looked over to a boy across the street and nodded. The boy winked back as he put a small blowgun tube away.
Drew stood in his seat and marveled at the chaos around him. After a moment he caught the eye of the chicken farmer and they shared a quick grin before they began yelling at each other.
A pregnant young woman tried to make her way past the downed wagon but slipped and fell to one knee. The young man with her asked if she was all right as helped her up. She claimed she was fine and they continued on. She walked away rolling up a piece of string tied to a metal pin.

Chapter 3 Part 6

The next morning, Zachary and Thomas were cutting vegetables at the bar when Sara strolled in. Before anyone could even say ‘good morning’ a loud brass horn began sounding out in the street. Sara and Thomas both went pale.
“What is it?” Zachary asked.
“A call to the square,” she breathed.
Zachary raised an eyebrow. “Which is?”
Thomas answered, “All business is closed. The Mage is calling all citizens to the square.”
A chill swept over him and he looked to Sara. “The mage you mentioned earlier?”
“Yes.” She turned to the kitchens and yelled, “Billy! Come here.” A moment later Billy arrived looking apprehensive. “We’ve gotta go. Get your brothers and sisters together and watch the inn.”
Billy nodded and left.
Zachary looked at Thomas. “They aren’t goin?”
“No, they aren’t old enough to be citizens yet.”
He nodded his understanding, took Sara’s arm and said, “Ok then let’s go.”
Sara was looking at him wide-eyed. “Do you think they suspect?” she hissed quietly.
He only shrugged and said, “They will if we don’t go.”
They waited only until the inn’s guests were out the door before leaving. Thomas pulled the door shut and waited until he heard Billy lock it from inside, then joined Zachary and his mother in the street. All around them people were making their way to the town center. At every major intersection city guard were directing traffic and sounding horns. Finally they were in the square. Zachary had wondered why the square was so large for a town this size, but now he knew.
There were perhaps three thousand people crammed into a space that could scarcely hold them. More lined the balconies around the square. City guards were scattered throughout, and the flame-clad guards were prominent on the rooftops.
At the center of the square, a raised stone stage about fifty feet across held a few guards, Baron Roth, Captain Krell, and a tall man in a dark robe.
After enough people were crowded in the tall man stood from the ornate chair he was seated in and raised one hand for silence. The crowed quieted instantly. When he spoke, his voice was huge and loud, as if he stood sixty feet tall. “Citizens of Sidmuur, I Lord Kiron, greet you.” He clasped his hands behind his back and began to pace. “We have much to talk about today, but first, we have a matter of justice to attend to.”
From a building to his left Zachary watched two burly guards drag a bound and gagged prisoner through the crowd and up onto the stage.
“Behold!” The mage cried with a gesture towards the bound man. “A thief;” he paused for effect; “And worse, a thief using stolen magic to invade your homes.”
A gasp went up from the crowd. “Observe,” he commanded and held up an ornate ring. He showed the ring to the crowd for a moment then dramatically placed it on his finger. The crowd flinched collectively as he faded from sight.
Zachary almost scoffed out loud. The mage had used his theatrics to cover his casting of a small invisibility spell.
A moment later the mage reappeared. He held up the ring again for the crowd to see. “You all attend to your doors at night, but how do you stop a thief you cannot see?” The crowd began to grumble fearfully.
He held up both arms. “We shall get to the truth!” He turned to the prisoner and ostentatiously cast a spell.
Zachary was amused to note that it was a small illusion spell similar to the one Armegon had used to light up the Reckless Lady.
On the stage bands of brightly colored light spun into existence and began spinning and collapsing into the prisoner. The man stood stiffly as if in pain. Finally with a small crack of thunder the lights disappeared into him.
His voice still huge, the mage addressed the prisoner. “You are bound by my power. You cannot speak an untruth. Indeed, I want you to try. Tell me you are a king.”
Captain Krell stepped up and removed the gag. The thief tried to speak, but was seemingly having problems. He got as far as “I am…” but seemed unable to continue. As he tried harder, a trickle of blood ran from his mouth. He slumped in defeat.
“There, you see the power that holds you.” Kiron leaned close. “Now tell me of your crimes.”
Zachary couldn’t hear the prisoner from where he was standing, but whispers through the crowd spread the man’s crimes as fast as only gossip could fly. After the thief finished confessing the mage stood tall. “Theft is a crime against us all. But yours is a crime of even greater magnitude.” He turned to the crowd. “I shall not tolerate the misuse of magic. Our laws are designed to benefit us all, but a single man with magic could bring ruin to everyone!” He assumed a contemplative posture for a moment then turned abruptly to a cringing prisoner. “You are hereby sentenced to death.” He paused dramatically. “And worse.”
Again the mage raised his hands and incanted theatrically. A blackness as thick as tar began forming between the mage’s outstretched arms. A moment later it began spitting little lightning sparks and forming tendrils. Suddenly one of the tendrils shot out and attached itself to the thief’s chest. A scream wrenched itself from his throat.
Zachary noted wryly, that the scream was amplified just as the mage’s voice was.
The front rows of the crowd began pressing backward as the prisoner thrashed in agony. The poor man’s flesh began to shrivel and split open. His eyes burst from his head and a horrid seizure took him. With a final soul-wrenching moan of agony he went limp and fell.
Women near the front had fainted, and the crowd was near panic. At the rear of the square guards were restraining people from fleeing. On the stage, the mage lowered his arms and motioned towards the corpse. “This is the price of misusing magic. Beware people, this man worked alone, but if another comes forth to scoff at our laws he may not. Should you know of or hear of a criminal using magic and not report it, you will be named accomplice and this!” he gestured meaningfully to the body on the stage. “Will be your fate.” He held his pose a moment then relaxed. “Guards, remove this,” he said quietly.
Two large flame-clad guards quickly rolled the body in a cloth and carried it away.
“Now to happier business,” the mage said hugely. “Our economy is flourishing with the fine hard work of our people. The new guards we added to our forces have succeeded in routing the brigands that were testing our borders and our public works have finished work on the new section of the city wall.” He paused for effect. “I have therefore decided not to raise any taxes at this time.”
There was a nervous pause then the crowd began to cheer, lamely at first but building quickly. The mage let it go on for a couple of minutes then gestured for silence. “You may return to your work with my blessing, but remember, misuse of magic will not be tolerated. Should you find it exists, report it immediately, or the truth will come out.” With that he strode from the stage. As he made his way to the building off to Zachary’s left, the crowd melted out of his way.
People began exiting the square quickly. Zachary slowly filed out with the crowd, but watched everything he could. A beautiful young woman in a blue dress was sobbing uncontrollably as two flame-clad guards escorted her to the building the mage had gone into. Her fate dawned on him, and he quickened his pace. Beside him both Thomas and Sara looked numb, their faces showing ill concealed fear and dread.
“We need ta talk,” he whispered in her ear as he nuzzled her cheek.
When they arrived at the inn, Billy opened the door for them and she said to Thomas. “Get the kitchen started. After that mess in the square, the business should be heavy as people will want to forget.” She took Zachary’s hand. “Would you help me get another cask from the cellar?”
“Sure.”
In the cellar Sara sent the other kids up to work. “Now,” she whispered. “What in the Nine Hells are we going to do? Surely they must be onto us!”
“It’s ok,” Zachary whispered back. “That was all an act. That mage is little more than a charlatan.”
“But that thief!”
“Was nothing more than a decent actor. The mage threw a couple of minor illusions to fool the crowd. It means he knows somebody used magic, but he’s got no clue of who.”
She looked confused.
He took her by the shoulders. “He’s fishing. He’s hopin’ ta scare people inta revealing me.”
She looked alarmed. “But what if he finds out?”
He shook his head. “If it comes ta that I can take him. I just needs ta find out how he’s connected with the dragon.”
She started to shake.
“What’s wrong?” he whispered.
“It’s just that… well, it’s suddenly so…” she paused a moment before continuing. “It’s just gotten so much deeper than I thought it was.”
He smiled reassuringly. “Yer doin’ well. There have been deceptions piled on deceptions here for longer than you’ve been alive.” He hugged her. “Let’s get the ale.”
She nodded.
She was right. Zachary became very busy as the largest crowd he’d seen yet came in. Less than two hours after the ordeal in the square, they’d had to start turning people away. He looked at the faces around him, and saw frightened, hopeless people who wanted only to forget their pain and share in what little comfort they could offer to each other. Grimly he poured drinks, and waited.
Someone near the door called out, “The mage’s procession just went by. He’s leavin’ town.”
All over the bar voices muttered praises to the gods. Quietly.
Zachary leaned over and kissed Sara on the cheek. “Darlin’ if yer ok ta watch the inn, I’ll go and get the things you wanted this morning.”
She blinked and looked at him blankly for a moment, then said, “Oh, ok. What with all the goin’s on this mornin’, I plumb forgot.” She gave him a quick kiss. “Sure, I can watch. But check in the kitchen before you go and see if we need anythin’ else.” As he stood she continued, “Oh and don’t forget to get me some more lace.”
He smiled. “Sure ‘nough Darlin’. I’ll be back after bit.”
She nodded and he went to the kitchen. Three of Sara’s kids were busily cooking, cleaning cups, and running back and forth to the common room. He looked around a moment, picked up a bundle of rags and slipped out the back door of the inn.
He walked purposely, carrying the rags as if they were important. As quickly as he could without looking suspicious, he made his way to the alley behind Drew’s brewery. Oddly enough, the brewery was locked and silent. Not knowing what to make of it, he shrugged and turned to Drew’s pile of empty casks.
The casks were piled against the wall of the next building, some waiting to be filled, and some to be repaired. The pile itself though, made it easy to climb to the roof of the neighboring building.
Quietly he climbed up. The building next to Drew’s was a low warehouse whose roof was shadowed by the taller buildings on each side of it. He slipped into the shadow and looked to the sky. He was in luck.
High above and slightly to the north were a pair of hawks, searching the fields outside the walls for prey. He didn’t waste any time. He cast a spell and transformed himself into another hawk.
With a hawks much better eyesight, he scanned the area around him for watchers, then launched himself skyward. He circled and climbed until he was slightly higher than the other two hawks. From his vantage he could see a group of horseman and a carriage going north. He followed.
The group went straight to the mercenary’s camp. Zachary chose a tree that would give him both some cover and a decent view and settled in to observe.

The mage and his troops entered the camp. It was obvious that the mage was in command here, even the ogres showed respect. Two guards that had ridden on the carriage drug the young woman from town out, ripped her clothing from her, and tied her to a heavy wooden table.
Zachary’s heart sank. He watched in dismay as the mage publicly raped her while his men cheered him on. When he finished, he pulled his robes closed and walked away towards the cave. The girl’s misery didn’t end. It was the mercenary’s turn. He couldn’t bear to watch any more. He moved to another tree to keep an eye on the mage but he could still hear her scream.
Feeling terrible, he watched the cave for almost two hours. A group of ogres were standing guard. Another ogre came into view carrying the limp form of the girl over one shoulder. She was battered and in poor shape, but she seemed to be alive, barely, but alive. At the mouth of the cave the girl was roughly dropped on the ground and the ogres all ran.
Knowing what surely must come next, Zachary gripped the branch he was on until his talons hurt. A shadow moved at the cave mouth and in spite of her pain, the girl slowly looked up. She froze then found her voice once again. Her scream rang out and died abruptly as she was engulfed in a huge gout of flame.
The dragon slid its bulk out of the cave and began to feed on the charred flesh.

Zachary stared. This was one of the largest, most magnificently dangerous-looking dragons he’d ever seen. Its scales were blood red and its head alone was bigger than an elephant. Around its neck was a heavy, dark metal chain worn like a necklace.
Slowly the ogres came back to their post. The dragon looked them over and said something he couldn’t hear. The ogres all nodded vigorously and took up their guard positions again. The dragon watched them for a moment before it slid back into the cave.

Zachary landed on the same roof he’d left from and slowly changed back to himself. He retrieved his bundle and went back to the inn remembering to buy some lace and some vegetables.
Sara glanced at him as he sauntered back into the commons. “Well darlin’,” he said laying a hand on her shoulder. “I couldn’t get everything you wanted, but I did find yer lace.”
She smiled brightly and kissed him. “Oh you know how I like lace.”
Several of the patrons nearby laughed. Old Deke slapped the table and grinned, “Ya know lass, we didn’t even know ya liked lace. It never seems ta show up on yer outer clothes.”
Sara gasped and blushed. The laughter and lewd jokes redoubled.
The mood continued for a while, until Drew staggered in. He was disheveled, his face was tear stained, and he was very, very drunk.
The room went silent and all eyes watched him stagger up to the bar. “Gimme a mug,” he slurred at Thomas.
Thomas looked to his mother and at her nod poured him an ale. Sara and Zachary went up to him.
“Dear gods Drew, what’s wrong?” She asked.
Drew burst into great wracking sobs and vomited noisily onto the floor. Straightening he bawled, “That thrice damned mage took my wife with him!” and buckled to the floor sobbing.
Zachary staggered back as if struck.
Sara looked at him sharply. He closed his eyes and fled the room.