Month: June 2016

The Man in Black said, “I never thought the kid would survive. He wasn’t worth wasting a sword stroke.”

The Watcher said, “The other youth rode beside Mayard Klarje on the wagon. I’d swear he bore the same tell-tale birthmark on his face as old Klarje. Why do you hate Klarje and the Gnomes so much?”

The Man in Black sat back down and said, “A man needs no reason to hate Gnomes, but Longbeard and Storming Norman led the Gnomes that helped Mayard Klarje hunt down and capture my father Big Boy and Uncle Tiny. The same blokes broke up the renegade sorcerer Bailiwick’s first alliance with the kobolds. I’m sure the sorcerer and the kobold chieftain Beeyo will want some of this action.”

The Watcher said, “Mayard and the Gnomes were moving along at a pretty good clip. They will reach the safety of Dry Creek and its Gnomish garrison by nightfall. By the time messengers reach the sorcerer and the kobolds it might be too late.”

The Man in black answered, “This is why I’m leader and you spend most of your time shooing away flies in the woods. The goods they are carrying have little value. They have to be going to the mines. On the return trip they will be carrying the riches of the mines to take back to the greedy of Thynna. I’ve waited years for my vengeance. I can wait a few more days. In that time, we can plan our attack and assure we have enough strength to take them down. I want Klarje to suffer!”

The Man in Black leaned back in his rough wooden chair and stretched. The leader of the Fearsome Foursome acknowledged a knock at his door. A young brigand announced the arrival of one called the “Watcher in the Woods.” The highwaymen’s leader preferred not knowing the names of his henchmen and vice versa. Nameless faces were more easily forgotten. The Watcher entered.

The Man in Black said icily, “Why have you left your post? I specifically asked you to watch the road toward Dry Creek. What’s so important that you couldn’t wait for a courier?”

The Watcher answered timidly, “I thought you ought to know… he’s back.”

The Man in Black sat up straight and said, “What? Are you saying?”

The Watcher said, “Mayard Klarje. I saw him riding on a wagon pulled by phi gamms. He was escorted by a dozen armed Gnomes. The wagon was laden with goods. They have to be headed for the mines.”

The Man in Black said, “You did well to let me know. I’ve long awaited my chance for a go with him.”

The Watcher said, “There’s more. Longbeard many-names is at the head of the column and the Burgomaster’s mate rides with them.”

The Man in Black now stood briskly. “What? That is good news! The only thing better would be for the scumbag Burgomaster himself to be along! Our friends will certainly want to hear about this good fortune.”

The Watcher said, “I’m not sure it’s good fortune. It is Mayard Klarje, the foremost sorcerer of his generation, and he is accompanied by a solid force of armed Gnomes. There are two youths with them. Must be pages of some sort. They were plainly dressed and unexceptional. One may be the waif you spared. Would be about the right age.”

Rhiann rode beside p-Mayard on the wagon. Cecelia 21-names Darktop and Iyaca Vassi rode upon stout halvsies. Cecelia’s steed Nuffin had carried her many times. The well-fed and rested brace of phi gamms effortlessly pulled the laden wagon along the well-maintained road that led out of Gnome-town westward into the foothills of the Copper Mountains. Halvsies also handled their burdens up the gentle grade easily. Large workhorses carried the troupe’s supplies. Longbeard 19-names rode his favorite halvsie Shadowdancer ahead of the column. Four Gnomes with at least seven names walked in front of the wagon. Two others walked on each side of the wagon where the width of the road allowed, and four others stayed behind the wagon. One of the rear guard rode a halvsie and another constantly watched the rear from a perch in a small halvsie-pulled cart. Longbeard’s handpicked charges mostly carried axes and warhammers, but two in the front and one rear guard carried bows. The Gnomes sang and made no effort to hide their movement. Keeping two laboring phi gamms and a rolling wagon quiet was impossible. The Gnomes’ detection skills paled in comparison to the Shapechanger. In his Mayard guise the doppelganger sniffed and glanced around. Twice he caught glimpses of Kobold scouts hidden in the brush above the road. The goblin-like kobolds shied away from the heavily guarded wagon. p-Mayard also caught the more ominous glimpse of a large man hidden off the road and elbowed Rhiann to make him aware of the observer.

Rhiann asked, “Is he a highwayman? Is he going to rob us?”

p-Mayard chuckled, “In all likelihood he is a lookout or scout. Are you all right, Boss? They aren’t going to rob us going to the mine. The miners value the goods we carry on the wagon, but they haven’t paid up for them yet, so we don’t have any gems or money.”

Rhiann said, “It’s unnerving to know we are watched.”

p-Mayard answered, “Boss, you are as timid as a Thynna tower guard. We’ve traveled this road many times. These highwaymen know the power of your spells. I just look like you, so they see you sitting on this wagon seat. But you are you, though you are the spitting image of your great nephew Rhiann, and your Magick is still your Magick. I must again compliment on the effectiveness of your mimicking spell. You could even fool me. I’d swear you were Rhiann, but I know he’s frolicking in the Hanging Gardens with that winsome Decima. Bottom line… if the highwaymen see you on the wagon, they are not going to attack.”

Storming Norman said, “What is the meaning of this?”

Cecelia replied, “I haven’t seen my brother Roswell in a long while. I need supplies from the mines. Furthermore, I don’t need your permission to go, Norman. You have plenty of work to do here and had better make good on your commitment to Baron Albie. It’s in everyone’s best interest to make safe the road between Gnome-town and Flat Rock.”

Norman glared at p-Mayard and said, “You’ve done it again! I can’t stay out of trouble whenever you are around. Cecelia, if you must go, be sure to take the ruby slippers. They could get you out of a tight jam.”

Cecelia Darktop lifted her tunic and exposed her dark red shoes and said, “I never leave home without them, but I’m not going to leave Rhiann and Mayard in a bad spot.”

Norman turned to Rhiann and said, “I have a gift for you.”

Rhiann politely answered, “Your hospitality has been gift enough, Burgomaster.”

Burgomaster Storming Norman twenty-four names Darktop said, “My gift is Iyaca. It’s best for him to be with his own folk. Iyaca get your things. Stay by Madam Darktop till this journey’s end and then I want you to remain with Rhiann Klarje.”

At the same moment Rhiann and Mayard’s doppelganger said, “But… Burgomaster… I…”

Norman firmly said, “It’s settled! Now, last night’s ale is talking to me. You’d better get going. It’s a hard day’s travel to Dry Creek even if you aren’t attacked with highwaymen. By the way… there is a huge reward for the Fearsome Foursome.”

The Burgomaster wandered to his chamber. Iyaca Vassi hustled away and soon returned with a travel bag and his essentials. Rhiann, p-Mayard, Longbeard nineteen-names, Cecelia Darktop, and 12 armed Gnomes left Gnome-town with the heavily loaded wagon.

With p-Mayard’s return, Rhiann nestled under the covers and fell asleep. He dreamed of his earlier days in Thynna when he endured teasing from his now-friends Bo, Jethro, and Dean. As they entered adolescence the young threesome became more studious and accepting of Rhiann. However, the pressures of living in Thynna’s inner ward prevented the youths from fully following Rhiann’s path. Fact was… Rhiann’s legacy and relationship with his great uncle Mayard created a unique position for him. When he was not away with Mayard on some walkabout, he oft joined Bo, Jethro, and Dean in the libraries of Thynna. In 16 years’ calendar time Rhiann absorbed 300 years of knowledge… in terms of the world outside Thynna. Rhiann then dreamed of his mother Caye Klarje and her playful spellcasting in playgrounds of the outer ward of Thynna. Less advantaged children enjoyed her Magick shows.

Then…

Grayness entered his dreams.

Dreams…

A female warrior appeared in his dream. All sorcerers dreamed of Grayness and afterward awakened with new incantations etched in their minds. Seeing a visage was unusual. The matron’s firmness contrasted to the softness of his mother.

The woman spoke, “Rhiann, you are so like your Uncle Mayard. His legacy lies in your hands. The swordsmith’s work is completed. I am ready for your hand. Proceed with haste.”

Rhiann tried to speak but the visage faded. Phrases appeared in his mind. Rhiann awakened refreshed and went downstairs. Baron Albie Kirkey’s entourage was just departing. Cecelia Darktop bade her brother good-bye and returned to the kitchen. p-Mayard and Burgomaster Storming Norman twenty-four names Darktop sipped coffee and tried to avoid the still censuring gaze of Madam Darktop. Rhiann enjoyed breakfast. In a little while Longbeard nineteen-names arrived with a contingent of armed Gnomes. Cecelia Darktop returned with a basket of waybread. She was dressed in chainmail and carried a stout axe across her back.

Albie Kirkey replied, “Figured as much. Mayard and Roswell go back a long way. Mayard’s voice alone speaks for the miners in Thynna.”

Rhiann countered, “Not everyone in Thynna is callous. Admittedly, many are.”

Baron Albie Kirkey said, “Not all voices in Flat Rock and Gnome-town speak for peace and good relations with Thynna. Our mutual enmity for Kobolds and the need to defend against lawlessness unites Gnomes and Dwarves more than kindred spirit. The highwaymen remain a threat. The fearsome foursome grows more brazen. In fact, I come to Gnome-town to obtain more support from the Burgomaster in my fight against them. We must step up patrols. I also have an order to send to my brother in the mines. My sentries require more swords and axes.”

Rhiann talked with Baron Kirkey until the hour grew late. Madam Darktop brought nightcaps and suggested they turn in. She allowed her spouse would be in no shape for meaningful discussion. The Burgomaster and Mayard Klarje’s escapades were the stuff of legend. Iyaca Vassi helped Baron Kirkey to his room. Albie Kirkey preferred the solarium where he could look up at the stars. His favorite night visage was a distal nebulous object oldsters called the Milky Way galaxy because of the thick number of stars at its center. Rhiann returned to his comfortable room that looked out onto the plaza. Sleep evaded the young sorcerer. Rhiann’s thoughts returned to the tragic story of Iyaca Vassi’s parents and the highwaymen. But for a glimmer of mercy in the outlaws’ leader the Man in Black’s heart, young Iyaca would have shared his parents’ fate.

Loud noise from the plaza startled Rhiann.

Voices rang out from the courtyard. Burgomaster Storming Norman Darktop, Longbeard nineteen-names, and Mayard Klarje’s doppelganger were returning from a night of too many rounds at the tavern. Madam Darktop met them at the door and administered a rather severe scolding.

Rhiann said, “Thank you, Baron. Did I hear you say you were from Flat Rock? And did you say the Burgomaster is your brother-in-law?”

Albie answered, “Yes, young Klarje, Cecelia Darktop is the Baroness Kirkey. She is my sister. I hail from Flat Rock.”

Rhiann said, “Flat Rock. I’ve heard Uncle Mayard speak of this Dwarfish community. You and Madam Darktop are dwarves. Your lordship, what is the difference between a dwarf and gnome?”

Albie Kirkey smiled wryly and answered, “About two inches in height and a lot of common sense.”

Cecelia Darktop said, “Now, be nice brother.”

Albie said, “For you, sister, and out of respect for the mark of the Klarjes. Our father opposed the marriage of my sister and the Burgomaster. However, it was politically correct and stopped not-so-friendly competition between our communities. Our cooperation has enabled us to make the roads between Gnome-town and Flat Rock safer.”

Rhiann said, “Safer… but I see you are armed and well armored. I might add your sword and armor are far superior to anything I’ve seen in Thynna.”

Albie proudly added, “You won’t see this workmanship in Thynna. My sword was forged by my brother Roswell from ores taken deep from Copper Mountain. Armorers in flat Rock created my armor. It’s second to none.”

Rhiann said, “Roswell.”

Madam Darktop said, “Yes, Roswell Kirkey, the armorer of Copper Mountain is our older brother. We’ve not seen him for a while. Word has it that he is embroiled in some special secret project.”

Rhiann said, “My Uncle Mayard and I are in route to the Copper Mountain mines. Uncle Mayard has business with your brother Roswell.”

Madam Cecelia Twenty-one-names Darktop said, “Thank you for joining us, young Klarje. I was wondering if you’d entertain my guest Baron Kirkey with some Magick. My no-account spouse has sauntered off to the tavern with Longbeard and your wayfaring Uncle Mayard. Mayard Klarje has contributed to Gnome-town’s coffers many times, but I swear he is a bad influence on Norman. Admittedly Norman and Longbeard have accumulated a number of their names whilst adventuring with Mayard. I’ve picked up a few of mine as well. Baron Kirkey arrived from just after they left.”

Albie Kirkey was a bit taller than the Gnomes scurrying about the manor and also sported a wee bit broader chest. He carried an elaborate short sword by his side and wore well-made chain-link armor. His beard was deep red and longer than Madam Darktop’s. Rhiann noticed the Burgomaster’s spouse was also a might taller and her beard was also longer than the other female Gnomes in the room. Albie shared Cecelia Darktop’s deep blue sparkling eyes.

Rhiann answered, “I’d be honored, Madam Darktop. For your enjoyment, Baron Kirkey.”

Rhiann conjured and muttered phrases. He spoke to dawgs and cats in the room. He cast the ever popular Dancing Lights and Fairie Fire Spells. He placed Invisibility on Iyaca Vassi, but removed the spell when the youth became distressed. Rhiann concluded and Madam Darktop and Baron Kirkey applauded loudly.

Albie Kirkey said, “Outstanding show, Sister. Your household is never lacking excitement. Though I’d have preferred to exact my business with my brother-in-law the Burgomaster and make my way back to Flat Rock, this show has been well worth it.”

Rhiann said, “Thank you, Baron. Did I hear you say you were from Flat Rock? And did you say the Burgomaster is your brother-in-law?”

Albie answered, “Yes, young Klarje, Cecelia Darktop is the Baroness Kirkey. She is my sister. I hail from Flat Rock.”

p-Mayard thought quickly and said, “Now, my friends, you know my feelings about frivolously using Magick. But my nephew Rhiann does need some practice and you have been a wonderful host. How about some entertainment, Rhiann? Maybe a Dancing Lights or Fairie Fire Spell?”

Rhiann smiled, stood up, conjured, and uttered a few phrases. Harmless Magick Fire danced off the Gnomes’ beards and around the room. Both Norman and his spouse laughed and then invited p-Mayard and Nineteen names to join the repast. Mayard’s doppelganger and the Gnomes exchanged many stories, much to the delight of Rhiann and Iyaca. From that moment negotiations were easy. Burgomaster Norman Twenty-four names insisted on providing an armed escort to accompany Rhiann and p-Mayard to the Copper Mountain mines. Longbeard Nineteen-names volunteered to lead the Gnomish guards. Volunteering facilitated his escape from the boring guard duty at the perimeter.

p-Mayard and Rhiann spent another day in Gnome-town whilst Longbeard Nineteen-names gathered and equipped his most trusted sentries. Madam Darktop’s meals again were the highlight of the day, though Storming Norman, Longbeard, and p-Mayard sneaked away to the tavern for a few rounds before bed. Madam Darktop was wise to their escapades and summoned Rhiann to the sitting room, where he met a fellow traveler, a Dwarfish nobleman named Albie Kirkey.

The doorman entered and announced visitors. A rather haggard p-Mayard and Longbeard Nineteen-names entered. Even a Shapechanger had difficulty disguising the effects of a hangover and spending a night on a straw bed in Nineteen names’ austere quarters.

Burgomaster Norman said, “Now look what the wampus cat drug in! You two look like Kobolds’ trash!”

p-Mayard noted the feast being enjoyed by Mayard-Rhiann who was really Rhiann and puffed, “I’ve enjoyed about as much of Longbeard Nineteen name’s’ hospitality as I can stand. Can’t say much for his lodging! Madam Darktop, you are as lovely as ever. No one can cook like you. Burgomaster Norman sure runs a tight ship! Your hospitality and security in this wild land is greatly appreciated. Here is a token of my and Rhiann’s appreciation.”

p-Mayard extended a dark blue arrow with dark red fletching.

Storming Norman said, “By the Seven Wonders of the Veldt, is that an Amazon’s arrow?”

p-Mayard gloated, “In the flesh! Comes straight from the Temple of Artemis. Not easy picking, but you are deserving of such a gift, Burgomaster. It’s made of bluewood and nigh unbreakable. The fletching is a red condor feather. Amazons raise the big birds like chickens. The arrow is my gift to you.”

Storming Norman was duly impressed and said, “Mayard Klarje, you are one of a kind. Now I’d like to see some Magick. Make old Longbeard look pretty. Nah! That’d take a True Wish!”