"It will take time to bury all the bodies," Gandogar said grimly. "I hope the earth can suffer so much death."
Rodario joined them, quill and notebook in hand. "A magnificent finale for a play, don't you think? Too many corpses for practical purposes-we'd never fit them on stage." He stopped making notes and extended his hand toward Tungdil. "It was a privilege to accompany you. If you find yourself in Mifurdania, be sure to visit the Curiosum. We'll be celebrating our grand reopening." He winked at Tungdil. "As the star of the show, you'll qualify for free admission-and Balyndis as well."
"When are you off?"
"As soon as my prop master and my leading lady are fit to ride. A fortnight or so, I expect. In the meantime, they've found room for us here."
Andфkai strode toward them. "Djerun and I are leaving. I need to get back to my realm and find some new famuli."
"Why the hurry, dear heart?" Rodario said lightly.
The maga refused to be drawn. "I don't want to spoil the mood."
"Impossible!" he declared with overblown enthusiasm. "Nothing could spoil a victory like this!"
"I wouldn't be so sure." Her lips were unsmiling. "What if Nфd'onn wasn't lying after all?"
"About the western peril?" The impresario laughed incredulously. "My dear lady, you shouldn't be fooled by a cheap trick like that. You disappoint me!"
"Say what you like, but I intend to be vigilant." She laid her hand on Tungdil's arm. "At least I'll know where to find Keenfire and its valiant bearer, should Nudin prove right." At last her stern face relaxed. "You're stubborn enough to take on any kind of peril single-handed," she told him.
She took her leave of the company, giving everyone except Rodario a long embrace. He pouted and stalked away, only to turn after a few paces and wave. "Farewell, enchanting maga. I shall take your advice and devote my attentions to women who know how to appreciate me-and believe me, they do!"
Andфkai hurried away, followed, as always, by Djerun. The others watched in silence as the strange pair passed from sight. Balendilнn called the group to attention by clearing his throat.
"I must take my leave as well, dear friends. The assembly will soon be meeting to decide the succession, and I need to make sure that everything's in place." He inclined his head toward Gandogar. "I don't doubt that the delegates will vote in your favor. You have proven yourself a worthy heir since stepping out of Bislipur's shadow; I know you will make an excellent high king."
"I'd even vote for him myself," said Tungdil with a grin. He held out his hand to Gandogar, who shook it firmly and seemed moved. "Don't forget to send a hundred of your best warriors and artisans to the fifthling kingdom. That goes for all the folks-Balyndis and I will appreciate the company, and we won't be able to defend the Stone Gateway on our own. I want to rebuild Giselbert's kingdom." He paused for a moment, remembering the promise he had made. "The Gray Range will belong to the children of Vraccas. Who knows, perhaps our mysterious rescuers will join us? They might be glad to leave the drafty tunnels for a more comfortable home."
"You should certainly ask them," Gandogar concurred.
"Vraccas will be proud to see us forging a folk of our own. But what should we do about the thirdlings?" Balendilнn asked.
Tungdil turned to the east and gazed in the direction of the Black Range, where Lorimbur's descendants had made their home.
"I can't be the only thirdling who wasn't born to hate his fellow dwarves," he said softly. "Once things are settled in the fifthling kingdom, I'll pay them a visit and see what they have to say." He looked into the eyes of the three dwarven rulers. "I meant what I said when I asked for peace. The thirdlings are no exception."
Balyndis smiled and took his hand. He gave it a little squeeze.
Gradually the others made their way down from the mountain. Balyndis and Tungdil lingered on the summit until the sun dropped below the horizon and stars filled the sky. There was a crisp chill in the air, reminding them that Girdlegard was still in the grip of winter.
Tungdil had wrapped his fingers around Balyndis's hand and had no intention of letting go.
Just then a shooting star left a glittering trail from east to west, the white light turning red as it shot across the sky. There was a brief red flare; then the light dispersed into myriad crimson dots that reminded Tungdil of scattered blood. At last they were swallowed by the darkness of the sky.
"Was that a good or a bad omen, do you think?" Balyndis asked uncertainly.
He gave a shrug, then stepped back and hugged her from behind. "A good omen," he said after a short silence, running his hand over her downy cheeks.
"How do you know?"
He studied the night sky and spotted the distant lights of settlements. He was glad of the stillness that peace had brought with it. The prospect of spring, when trees and plants would blossom throughout Girdlegard, was exciting. All Girdlegard will be covered in greenery for the first time in a thousand cycles.
"After everything we've been through, it has to be a good omen," he whispered in her ear. "It was red, the color of love, so it must mean something good. Come on, let's find the others. We've got something to celebrate."
Hand in hand they made their way down from the Blacksaddle, whose looming presence had lost its terror for the dwarven folks.
They were halfway down the steps that led into the stronghold when a second streak of light flashed above them.
Unseen and unnoticed, the comet sped toward the west. Still shining brightly, it dipped toward the earth, sailing through the clouds and leaving a deep red trail in the sky. At last it disappeared on the horizon beyond the firstling kingdom. It hit the ground with a muffled thud, sending a shudder through Girdlegard. Even the Blacksaddle trembled.
Then everything was quiet…
Dramatis Personae
DWARVES
Firstling Kingdom Xamtys Stubbornstreak II of the clan of the Stubborn Streaks, queen of Borengar's folk. Balyndis Steelfinger of the clan of the Steel Fingers, blacksmith and custodian of the gates. Secondling Kingdom Gundrabur Whitecrown of the clan of the Hard Rocks, high king and leader of Beroпn's folk. Balendilнn Onearm of the clan of the Firm Fingers, counselor to the high king. Bavragor Hammerfist of the clan of the Hammer Fists, mason. Boлndal Hookhand and Boпndil Doubleblade, known also as Ireheart, of the clan of the Swinging Axes, warriors and twins. Thirdling Kingdom – Fourthling Kingdom Gandogar Silverbeard of the clan of the Silver Beards, king of Goпmdil's folk. Bislipur Surestroke of the clan of the Brawny Fists, adviser to the fourthling king. Tungdil Bolofar, later Goldhand, foundling and Lot-Ionan's ward. Goпmgar Shimmerbeard of the clan of the Shimmer Beards, gem cutter. Fifthling Kingdom Giselbert Ironeye, father of the fifthlings, king of Giselbert's folk. Glandallin Hammerstrike of the clan of the Striking Hammers, warrior.
HUMANS
Andфkai the Tempestuous, maga and ruler of the enchanted realm of Brandфkai. Djerun, bodyguard in the service of Andфkai. Lot-Ionan the Forbearing, magus and ruler of the enchanted realm of Ionandar. Maira the Life-Preserver, maga and ruler of the enchanted realm of Oremaira. Nudin the Knowledge-Lusty, magus and ruler of the enchanted realm of Lios Nudin. Sabora the Softly-Spoken, maga and ruler of the enchanted realm of Saborien. Turgur the Fair-Faced, magus and ruler of the enchanted realm of Turguria. Gorйn, wizard formerly apprenticed to Lot-Ionan. Frala, maid in the service of Lot-Ionan, mother of Sunja and Ikana. Jolosin, famulus apprenticed to Lot-Ionan. Eiden, groom in the service of Lot-Ionan. Rantja, famula apprenticed to Nudin. The fabulous Rodario, actor and impresario. Furgas, theater technician and prop master. Narmora, actress and companion to Furgas. Hоl and Kerolus, peddlers. Vrabor and Friedegard, envoys to the council of the magi. Prince Mallen of Ido, exiled heir to the throne of Idoslane. King Lothaire, sovereign of Urgon. King Tilogorn, sovereign of Idoslane. King Nate, sovereign of Tabaоn. King Bruron, sovereign of Gauragar. Queen Umilante, sovereign of Sangpыr. Queen Wey IV, sovereign of Weyurn. Queen Isika, sovereign of Ran Ribastur.