benjamintowe

p-Mayard looked at Rhiann, who nodded a tad. Mayard’s doppelganger had heard real-Mayard speak of the stone many times, used this knowledge to his advantage, and said, “I’ve no objections to any of my friends holding the weapon. I studied the reddish ore in Gnome-town. The alchemists and I tried to determine the nature of the ore. None understood it. We couldn’t scratch the rock.”

Longbeard Nineteen-names eagerly accepted the weapon and carefully moved it through the air. “It’s fantastic! Wait! If a red diamond doesn’t scratch it, how’d you melt it in the forge?”

Roswell smiled wryly and said, “I’ve some secrets. The ore wanted to be transformed. Mayard had altered it somewhat. Once in its finished form, the firmness returned. Has she spoken to you, Longbeard?”

Longbeard said, “Say what?”

Roswell said, “As I said, Mayard brought me an ore that had changed since I had last seen it. I believe you said, Sorcerer Mayard, that the rock was now whole and requested I forge it into the blade.”

p-Mayard said, “I believe that’s what I said. You’ve created a masterpiece.”

Longbeard Nineteen-names held the sword up to his thick beard and said, “Tell me something, beautiful weapon.”

Abruptly the stout Gnome lowered the sword and gasped, “I’ll be a Kobold’s uncle! It talks!”

Cecelia quizzically remarked, “What do you mean? We heard nothing!”

Roswell Kirkey asked, “What did she say?”

Longbeard twisted the sword’s hilt in his strong left hand and replied, “She said, ‘Thanks, noble warrior. I like having your hand gripping me. Flattery will get you everything. You are without enemies in this place, though things aren’t always as they appear.’ It was the most pleasing voice I’ve ever heard. Didn’t you people hear it?”

A small symphony of “No’s” rang out.

Roswell said, “She only talks to the one that holds her.”

Roswell returned with a longsword. The dwarfish swordsmith said, “The odd piece of grayish red ore from which this weapon was forged was found deep in the earth by miners. The ore was discovered precisely at a point of impact of a visitor from deep space that produced the cataclysm that forever changed Sagain and heralded the Dawn of Magick. The miners and alchemists were unable to determine the nature of the ore and brought it under heavy guard to Gnome-town and the care of the burgomaster. Gnomish and dwarfish gem masters extensively studied the irregular rock, which periodically gave off gray auras. Rarely thick red liquid oozed from the odd stone. By all accounts the ore was unique on Sagain. Burgomaster Altus Twenty-names Big Boy Stillwater Darktop presented the bizarre object to Mayard Klarje at dinner in appreciation for Mayard’s help in subduing the highwaymen Big Boy and Tiny. Mayard, you carried the stone for many years before you brought it to me. The ore differed from when I last saw it. You said the stone found its heart and you brought her home. I’m not one for riddles and sorcerer talk, but I know my way around a forge. Here’s Exeter.”

Madam Darktop said, “Exeter?”

p-Mayard said, “Yes, her name is Exeter.”

Exeter appeared as a well-made longsword, with a hilt formed of a reddish black material and a golden blade. The hilt of the weapon retained the reddish color. No runes appeared upon the weapon and no gems adorned the hilt.  Exeter’s beauty was in her simplicity.

Cecelia Darktop said, “She?”

Roswell Kirkey replied, “The bladed has a feminine nature. She’s high-spirited. I could not scratch the blade with a red diamond.”

Cecelia marveled, “There’s nothing harder in the world.”

Longbeard asked, “May I hold the blade?”

Roswell said, “It’s Mayard’s call, but you’ll find it difficult to let her go once you’ve held her close.”

Cecelia said, “Brother, you sound like you are writing folk music.”

The miners’ foreman Brady gathered Madam Darktop, p-Mayard, Rhiann, and Longbeard and lead them into the mine. Gnomes and Dwarves had some degree of infravision, but many miners were totally dependent on sources of light to find their way about the catacombs. Braziers were lit along the walls and Mayard’s Continual Light Spells provided needed light. Rhiann added Continual Light Spells in two recent excavations to help the miners. The foreman led them to Roswell Kirkey’s chamber and workroom.

Brady tapped on the door. A gruff voice from within bade them enter. Roswell Kirkey worked at his forge, did not interrupt his work, and kept his back turned to the entering group.

The dwarf muttered, “Why do you disturb me? I’m far behind. My brother Albie has sent an order for a hundred axes and swords. My work has piled up whilst I worked on the sorcerer’s project.”

Madam Darktop said, “Don’t you have a better greeting for me, brother?”

Roswell dropped his hammer, turned, and said, “Hello, Sister, and hello, Sorcerer Mayard.”

p-Mayard asked, “Have you finished the rapier, Roswell?”

Roswell answered, “I have kept my word, Mayard Klarje. The weapon is finished.”

Longbeard Nineteen-names said, “A sword! A sword for a sorcerer! Why have you instructed the best metal smith on Sagain to create a warrior’s weapon, Mayard?”

p-Mayard struggled for an answer. Rhiann spoke up, “Why are you questioning the motives of Sagain’s greatest benefactor? Uncle Mayard always has the best interest of Sagain’s people and Magick in mind.”

p-Mayard said, “Now, easy, nephew. I have asked Roswell to fulfill a mission handed me long ago. We’ll discuss this more.”

Roswell Kirkey said, “Sister, Cecelia, why are you in the mines? I’m told there’s increased activity on the roads. The highwayman threaten our shipments and increased numbers of Kobolds are in the area. Some have been brazen enough to come to within the shadow of our doors. Our brother Albie must recognize the increased danger. Why else would he send such a big order? A messenger just preceded you.”

Cecelia answered, “Yes, Albie’s messenger traveled with us. Out brother. was just in Gnome-town. He is concerned. Is there any word of the renegade wizard?”

The small caravan reorganized and headed toward the mines. Austere and oft abandoned cabins dotted the roadside. Near the midpoint of the journey they came upon the oft used way station called Jack’s Refuge. The owner Jack Taylor had a longstanding relationship with the Burgomaster of Gnome-town and the Copper Mountain miners, but his neutrality allowed all sorts to utilize his facility. The beasts of burden were handling the trip well and only required a brief stop for water and a snack of hay. The travelers paid Jack Taylor’s nonrefundable and always required entry fee and entered the palisade. The guards gobbled down a hot midday meal. Insalubrious types evaded the direct gaze of the Gnomes and particularly Longbeard Nineteen-names, who many referred to as the short arm of the law. Dwarves, Gnomes, Kobolds, mountain men, and a few miners wandered about the quadrangle of Jack’s Refuge. Jack Taylor’s guards quickly broke up an altercation between a Dwarf and Kobold and quickly escorted the pugilists to the gate. The fight ensued outside the gate. Taylor’s guards on the allure actually cheered the fighters on. The dwarf’s rounds of ale slowed him down and allowed the Kobold to keep the fight interesting for a while, but eventually the stout dwarf managed to get an arm bar hold on the wiry Kobold, who quickly tapped out. The dwarf accepted three JR tokens as payment to release his vanquished adversary. The three tokens would buy three rounds of ale at Jack’s Refuge’s tavern. Another couple of shouting matches broke out but did not lead to fisticuffs. Longbeard inquired of the barkeep as to the proprietor’s whereabouts, but Jack Taylor was just said to be away. Longbeard told the barkeep that the party would stay over on their return journey. The barkeep made note of it and affirmed that rooms would be available in the rustic inn.

The two wagon caravan reorganized and started on for the mines. By late afternoon they arrived at the Copper Mountain mines.

In the morning Rhiann awakened to boisterous activity in Dry Creek. The Gnomes were making ready. A second wagon laden with foodstuffs and tobacco joined them for the journey to the mines. Two merchants from Dry Creek rode on the new wagon, which was pulled by a team of four strong halvsies. Additional guards from the garrison brought the strength to twenty. The road widened and began a steady incline shortly outside Dry Creek. Halvsies and phi gamms pulled the wagons nigh effortlessly. The area on both sides of the road had been cleared to about thirty paces, leaving no cover for an ambush. The downside was the wide clearing made travelers vulnerable to attack from above, but large airborne predators were rarely encountered. About two hours into the trip a young Copper Dragon with a ten-foot wingspan approached the small caravan. Copper Dragons got their name from their habitat in the Copper Mountains and their love of copper. Great veins of the element stretched through the range. The beasts began life with tan coloration and developed their characteristic deep copper tone as they ingested the metal over time until they attained the reddish-orange color as very old adults. The little tan dragon flew around the wagons and unnerved the beasts of burden that pulled the carts. p-Mayard and the merchant driving the second wagon steadied the beasts.

p-Mayard whispered, “Boss, why don’t you take care of this thing?”

Rhiann answered, “The Gnomes probably are wondering why you don’t.”

p-Mayard answered, “For the umpteenth time, I only look like you, Boss. You look like Rhiann, but both of you are sorcerers. Do something!”

The young copper dragon dove down toward the phi gamms. Mayard’s doppelganger pulled the reins and steadied the big lowing beasts.

Rhiann said, “All right, but I don’t like killing things.”

p-Mayard muttered, “Say what?”

Rhiann quickly added, “Needlessly!” and began a spell.

The second merchant on the wagon from Dry Creek stood and threw a large piece of copper ore into the air. The dragon quickly circled away from the phi gamms and snatched the piece of ore in midair. The beast cooed happily and flew off toward the peaks. Rhiann interrupted his spell and stared at the retreating dragon.

The merchant said, “Happens all the time. It was just hungry.”

The watcher in the woods said, “That’s where I can help. I know this section of the forest like the back of my hand. I know a perfect place. A tall rock off the side of the road will be a perfect place for both your archer and a locale where you can cast spells uninterrupted, sorcerer. You wouldn’t want a Gnome’s axe digging into your hide while you were trying to cast a spell.”

Bailiwick reflexively rubbed his upper left arm at the site of Cecelia’s arrow’s mark and said, “Or an arrow. Been there, done that, thank you. Again, eliminating the threat of Mayard Klarje’s spells is foremost challenge. I’ve done battle with him. Don’t let stories of his magnanimous deeds fool you. The man is vicious in a fight.”

The Man in Black leaned forward, intertwined his strong fingers, snapped his knuckles loudly, and said, “My father Big Boy and Uncle Tiny could vouch for your words, were they still here. Klarje’s generosity doesn’t expand to include highwaymen and Kobolds.”

Bailiwick added, “And rogue sorcerers that fall from Thynna’s grace.”

The highwayman lieutenant Red-headed Stranger said, “Old Straight Arrow knows all about falling from grace. He used to be a sailor. Till he got a little too familiar with a dock master’s daughter. Chased him all the way to these hills.”

Muffled laughter filled the cabin.

Straight Arrow countered, “I notice you don’t hang around Thynna and Low Gap, Red. You arrived in these woods with your tail tucked between your legs. I seem to remember something about the tavern barkeep’s daughter at Low Gap. Old IRS said he was going to have your head on a stick!”

Bailiwick said, “With great care, you idiots! Nocking the arrow requires a deft hand and a thick glove. Three Kobold archers died trying to nock the arrow. My comrades are the best archers among the Kobolds of Doom Ridge. I can place one of them Invisible near the road to take out Klarje at the battle’s onset. The rest will fall easily. We’ll all have our revenge, as well as the treasures they will be carrying back from the mines.”

The Man in Black protested, “He’ll die instantly! I want him to suffer.”

Waymore added, “Kobolds are not of much account in hand-to-hand combat. They are little better as archers. I guess a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while. A kobold might hit a target with the same regularity. He’ll die if… I say, if this kobold hits him with the arrow. If he misses, the Gnomes will turn the artifact on us.”

The Kobold as a group grumbled and then the archer said, “I won’t miss.”

Bailiwick added, “Impact will destroy the projectile. All stories I’ve read say the epistles only bring death once.”

Straight arrow said, “Well, then it’s already killed this bloke today.”

Bailiwick argued, “It’s already killed seven kobolds. He touched the fletching.”

Beeyo stood a safe distance away from the Death Arrow and said, “My father lost his life when reinforcements came to the Gnomes. We face the same scenario.”

The Man in Black replied, “That’s why the battle has to be carefully planned. Our Kobold allies give us strength in their numbers. Some of our Kobold allies will have to keep the garrison at Dry Creek occupied. Others will have to block the road to Gnome-town. We must have a perfect spot for an ambush.”

The Man in Black sharply replied, “I know tactics and hand-to-hand battle, not Magick. What are you talking about, sorcerer?”

Bailiwick hazarded a wry smile and carefully removed a cylindrical leather pouch from his pack. The sorcerer gingerly opening the pouch and allowed a sleek arrow to glide onto the table. The shaft was made of rare bluewood and the fletching was jet black.

Beeyo’s lieutenant marveled at the arrow’s construction and said, “It’s well made” He reached out and touched the arrow.

Bailiwick shouted, “Don’t touch the fletching!!”

His warning came too late. The stout kobold’s hand quivered and then he clutched his chest and fell dead. The others shied away from the arrow.

Bailiwick said, “Idiot! It’s a Tuscon feather! I took it from Thynna. Touching it means death! The tip of the arrow is made from the quill. Don’t touch it there!”

The red-headed stranger said, “How can it be used?”

Bailiwick said, “With great care, you idiots! Nocking the arrow requires a deft hand and a thick glove. Three Kobold archers died trying to nock the arrow.

The Man in Black hazarded a glance toward the sorcerer and replied, “We all want the same thing, wizard. Klarje and the Gnomes kicked your ass too. Beeyo, you are not the only one of us to lose a father to Klarje and the Gnomes. The chance has come for all of us to gain a measure of vengeance. My watcher in the woods saw a heavily laden wagon headed for Dry Creek. Mayard Klarje, Longbeard Nineteen-names, and, yes, Madam Cecelia Darktop are in the party. Twelve heavily-armed gnomes and two youths accompanied them.”

The redheaded stranger chided, “Why have we not attacked them. We could have used the supplies they carry.”

Straight Arrow added, “They may pick up more support from the garrison at Dry Creek and the mines.”

The man in Black sat back in his chair and took a deep breath. He said deliberately, “We are talking about Mayard Klarje and two veteran Gnomish fighters backed up by a dozen more armed Gnomes. We’ll need everyone here to overcome them. I want Klarje to suffer.”

Bailiwick said, “As do I, but from my earlier experience, it is essential to silence the threat of the sorcerer first. Klarje is capable of powerful spells. Narg’s charges had nigh won the battle after they incapacitated Klarje. I controlled the other leaders easily. Gnomes don’t resist my Hold Spell. Eliminating Klarje early in the fight is essential. Knowing he’s failed his group will be suffering enough for him.”

The Man in Black asked, “If your spells don’t affect him, how do you suppose we eliminate him. The Gnomes will protect him.”

Bailiwick said, “I have a gift for him. It took great effort and the deaths of several assistants to prepare it. It’s from the fruits of my thievery from Thynna’s stores of spell components.”

Responders to the Man in Black’s invitation trickled into the highwaymen’s camp. The Kobold chieftain Beeyo and his entourage were first to arrive. Like all Kobolds, Beeyo hated Gnomes and Dwarves, but his hatred for Thynna and sorcerers exceeded his enmity for the smaller folk. Beeyo hated Mayard Klarje most of all. His father Narg had been the Kobolds’ most effective leader in a long while. Narg’s efforts organized the chaotic Kobolds. He jumped at the opportunity to follow the renegade sorcerer Bailiwick. Narg died in the battle between the sorcerer’s troupe and sentries from Gnome-town led by Storming Norman, Longbeard, and Mayard Klarje. Beeyo continued his father’s efforts to organize Kobolds and gather a force strong enough to one-day challenge and destroy Dry Creek and Gnome-town and return stewardship of the Copper Mountain foothills to the kobold ilk. The Man in Black’s lieutenants Red-headed Stranger, Straight Arrow, and Waymore soon joined the meeting. The robed figure was the last to arrive. He entered the cabin with two kobold escorts and took a seat at the roughly hewn table. The Man in Black sipped his beverage and barely acknowledged the new arrival. However, the Kobold chieftain Beeyo scarcely contained his excitement and said, “Lord Bailiwick, I’m so glad you could join us. My father spoke so highly of you.”

Bailiwick grunted, “Your father… you are?”

Beeyo puffed out his thin chest and proudly said, “I am Beeyo, son of the great Narg. He served you steadfastly. I shall do the same.”

Bailiwick accepted a mug of steaming beverage and replied, “Best I recall your father had his chance against the Gnomes and Mayard Klarje and failed miserably. I had Mayard Klarje and the others in dire straits, and then Narg got his a** kicked by a female Gnome. I barely escaped. Are you any better?”

Beeyo cleared his throat and answered, “My warriors and I are well trained. Our hatred makes us strong. I seek vengeance.”

Bailiwick said, “That’s all well and good. If the message I received is true, you may soon have your chance, Beeyo, son of Narg. I am waiting, Captain.”