“The plants, maybe,” said Alex, smiling at Arconn. “Though I know little of the potions and less about the
animals.”
“That will come in time,” said Arconn, laughing. “It seems another fire has been lit inside of you—a fire of learning.”
Alex did not reply, happy to ride along and watch the Brown Hills grow into mountains in front of them. Arconn was right, he thought. His desire to learn was like a fire inside him. His nightly watch always seemed too short, and he would often stay into Arconn’s watch to ask questions of his friend.
“Here is a sign,” said Thrang loudly, interrupting Alex’s thoughts.
Thrang pointed to a large stone pillar standing by the side of the road. Hundreds of small, neatly cut markings covered the pillar, and Alex realized that the markings were some kind of writing.
“We are now entering the lands of the dwarf realm of Vargland,” said Thrang happily. “The pillar says we should ride forward until sunset. We will be met as the sun sinks into the west.”
“Met by whom?” Bregnest questioned, looking at the pillar.
“It doesn’t actually say,” answered Thrang. “If they follow custom, though, we should be met by soldiers and a warden of the king.”
“Soldiers?” Andy questioned nervously.
“Not to trouble us,” said Halfdan. “But as a sign of respect.”
“And in case we’re troublemakers, I would guess,” Thrang added. “If we look like trouble, they may attack, but they would probably give us the chance to withdraw first.”
“Are you sure it’s safe to go forward?” Bregnest asked, sounding unhappy about the soldiers and Thrang’s words.
“’Course it is,” said Thrang with a grunting laugh. “It’s not as if we’re here to make trouble.”
“But will your cousins know that?” Skeld asked slyly.
Bregnest didn’t wait for Thrang’s reply. He asked Arconn and Thrang to change places in line before the company continued. Arconn smiled at the request, though Thrang seemed a bit put out by it.
“It’s really not necessary,” Thrang protested loudly. “It’s not as if we’re in any danger.”
“But you should have a place of honor,” said Arconn. “And most dwarfs are not overly fond of elves in any event.”
“You’re right about that,” Thrang admitted, taking his place as the company rode forward. “But I’m sure you’ll be well received, and if you’re not, I’ll have something to say about it.”
“Then let us hurry to the reception,” said Skeld loudly.
Following Bregnest and Thrang, the group rode past the stone pillar, heading for the Brown Hills. As the sun began to drop behind them, they suddenly came to a halt.
“Declare yourselves,” a loud voice called out.
Alex looked, but he could not see where the voice came from.
“Silvan Bregnest and company,” Bregnest called back. “We are a company of adventurers, traveling to the east.”
For a few moments there was silence, then the voice called back again.
“We see two of our kinsmen among your company. Have them come forward.”
Slowly, and with Bregnest’s approval, Thrang and Halfdan moved away from their companions toward the voice. For several minutes, the rest of them heard nothing, and then the voice called again.
“Your companions have vouched for you. You may approach,” the voice called.
They all moved forward, following the road and looking around as they went. Alex spotted several dwarfs standing in the shadows of large rocks on either side of the road now that he was closer. The fading light made them difficult to see.
“Hold and dismount,” the voice commanded as the company rode into the shadow of a large hill.
They did as instructed, moving forward to stand in a line with their horses behind them.
“Welcome,” said a round dwarf, stepping out of the shadows. “We seldom see such a company in these times. Your companions have spoken well of you. If you will come with us, we will lead you to the city of King Osrik.”
“You are most kind,” said Bregnest, bowing. “My companions and I are grateful for the hospitality of the great dwarf realm.”
“My lord, King Osrik, will wish to welcome you himself. I am sure he will wish to speak with you about many things,” the round dwarf said, returning Bregnest’s bow.
“We would be honored to greet your king,” replied Bregnest, bowing once more.
The dwarf smiled and then turned and started walking away. Bregnest and the others followed on foot; Thrang and Halfdan rejoined the company after a few hundred yards, beaming with happiness.
“We are in luck,” said Thrang to Bregnest. “King Osrik is an old friend of my father, from years back.”
Alex looked around and saw that the dwarfs he’d spotted earlier were following them. They were moving quietly a short distance behind the company, and they seemed to be watching Alex and his friends closely.
“You may leave your horses here,” said the round dwarf as they approached a large barn concealed near the mountainside. “We have few horses of our own, and they are not allowed inside the city.”
“Sorry, Shahree,” Alex said, leading her into the barn. “I’m sure the dwarfs will look after your needs.”
Shahree nuzzled his shoulder softly as a sign that she understood him, and Alex smiled. He patted her neck gently before turning to follow his companions out of the barn. The dwarfs who were in the barn had noticed Alex speaking to Shahree, and they all smiled broadly at him as he left.
Alex and his companions followed the round dwarf along a wide path that led up into the mountains. The path seemed to flow along the side of the mountain like a strange river, climbing gently upward. The path twisted back on itself several times as they climbed high above the foothills. As they walked around the side of the mountain, the main gates to the dwarf city came into view.
Alex was surprised by what he saw. The two huge stone doors of the main gate were at least thirty feet tall. They were open, folded back against the mountainside. On either side of the giant doorway stood a dozen well-armed guards in bright silver armor. A warm light shone from the large cavern behind the main doors, and it felt very welcoming as the shadows of night covered the valley behind them.
Their guide led them through the giant gates and into the cavern, nodding to the guards as they passed. Alex was impressed with the smooth stone walls and floors of the cavern; the wonderfully carved pillars lining the passageway were beyond description. The roof of the cavern was at least fifty feet high and expertly carved with all kinds of decorations, just like the pillars.
After a short walk, the company entered another vast stone hall, which was lit by hundreds of gold and silver lamps. The stone floor was so well polished it reflected the light like a mirror. At the far end of the hall, the floor rose several feet, forming a large stone pedestal, which was surrounded by neat stone circles that served as wide steps leading up to it. At the top of the steps, sat a very old-looking dwarf in a large stone chair. Alex knew without being told that this was King Osrik. As they approached the pedestal, the dwarf who had been their guide motioned for them to stop and form a line. Climbing the first three steps toward the king, their guide began to speak.
“My Lord Osrik,” the dwarf said loudly. “This company of adventurers has come at your goodwill. Among their number are two of our kinsmen from far off Thraxon. They speak well of their comrades and vouch for their honor. They await your pleasure, King Osrik, as they stand before you—”
“Enough,” said Osrik, waving his hand impatiently. “You are as long-winded as ever, and the feast is nearly prepared.”
Alex smiled at Osrik’s words, but bowed his head so no one would see.
“Tell me your names,” said Osrik, standing and moving down the stairs toward Alex and his companions.
“Silvan Bregnest,” Bregnest answered, bowing to the king. “I am the leader of this company.”