The ring of steel on steel was as loud as hammer on anvil, and Nakor knew that this was far more than an ordinary youth they faced. As each second passed, the pitch and intensity of the battle increased, and soon the flow of the combat seemed like nothing but a frenzied assault.
As the youth continued his attack, Nakor suddenly realized what he had been sensing. Dont kill him, Tomas. I want to question him!
Tomas was now hard pressed not to try for a kill, but he shouted, Ill try to keep that in mind, Nakor. The human-turned-Valheru had greater weapons than the strength of his arms, and he now decided that the contest had gone on long enough.
Tomas had attempted to tire his opponent out at first, having no desire to harm a young man whose only crime appeared to be recklessness. Yet now he was hard pressed to keep an advantage, and the youth seemed to be growing stronger with each passing minute.
Tomas said, Enough! He began to disengage his blade when his opponent followed through. Tomas pushed forwards with all his strength, sliding his own golden blade along the boys steel so that they stood face to face. Suddenly, Tomas reached out with his left hand and seized the mans right wrist.
Instantly he felt his own right wrist being seized in return, for it was the only move the youngster could make without being defeated quickly. Tomas was surprised by his strength, as it was far greater than that of any human he had faced. But it was still no match for the strength of a Dragon Lord reborn and Tomas used that strength to force the lad backwards.
Then came the instant that Tomas sought: his opponent was off balance In a move so swift that Nakor could hardly credit his senses, Tomas pushed, yanked and twisted his own blade, sending the youth sliding backwards on the seat of his trousers across the ground. His sword tumbled through the air to be caught in Tomas free hand.
The youngster was halfway to his feet before he felt two crossed blades pressed against either side of his neck. I wouldnt move, suggested Nakor.
Motionless, the young man looked at each blade, knowing that with one quick slice, Tomas could remove his head from his shoulders as easily as slicing a turnip. His eyes darted from the warrior, to Nakor, and back, and he said, I wouldnt dream of it.
Tomas said, Now, if I let you get up are you going to show some manners?
Assuredly, agreed the dark-haired youth.
Nakor came over and as Tomas stood away, the little man asked, What is your name?
The youth, towering over Nakor, looked down and grinned. Im Ralan Bek, little man. Who are you?
I am Nakor. Im a gambler. That is Tomas. Hes a Dragon Lord.
Bek looked at Tomas and laughed. As no man has ever bested me with a sword, Ill accede to being bested by a legend. A Dragon Lord? I thought you were beings of myth.
Tomas raised an eyebrow. Only a few know about the myths. Where have you heard of the Valheru?
Bek shrugged. Here and there. From this tale and that. You know, stories around the campfire.
Nakor said, I would like to know more about you and your life.
Bek laughed again. I stand here without a weapon, so Im inclined to tell you anything you wish to know, little man. Shall we have peace?
Peace? echoed Nakor, looking at Tomas.
Tomas nodded. He reversed Beks sword and handed it to him. Peace.
The young man re-sheathed it and said, So, there is some treasure in there, then?
Nakor shook his head. Gold and gems, no. But there is something of special interest to us and it would bring nothing but ill to anyone else. It is important, but it is also very dangerous.
Ill not dispute him again, said Bek, indicating Tomas, just to see if you are lying or not. But what could be more valuable than riches?
Knowledge is always valuable, said Tomas.
And dangerous, I have found, said Bek. He motioned to his horse. If you have no objection, I should catch up with my companions. They are an unruly and troublesome bunch without me to tell them what to do. Besides, theyll have drunk the inn at Dankino half dry by the time I get there.
Actually, said Nakor, putting his hand on Beks arm a soft gesture, but one which stopped the larger man immediately, I was wondering if you would care to earn some gold in a more honest fashion than brawling?
What do you mean?
Nakor pointed to Tomas and said, He guards the stuff I need to study. If we had another pair of sharp eyes and keen ears here, Tomas could return home and spend some time with his family.
Dragon Lords have families? said Bek, a look of surprise on his face.
Nakor grinned and almost giggled when he said, Where do you think little Dragon Lords come from?
Tomas shook his head, but a warning glance from Nakor kept him silent. He didnt know the Isalani gambler as well as Pug did, but over the years he had developed a respect for his instincts. If the little man wanted Bek to remain, there had to be a good reason.
Bek laughed at Nakors joke. What does it pay?
Straight to the point, said Nakor. I like that. Were pretty out-of-the-way here, but as youve just demonstrated, sometimes things happen that you dont anticipate. Well pay you handsomely.
How handsomely?
Two gold coins a day, plus food.
For how long?
For as long as it takes, responded Nakor.
Bek lost his smile. A few coins for a few days work guarding a cave from wild dogs and the occasional bandit is one thing, little man. But I wouldnt welcome camping out here for longer than a week or so, even if I was paid three gold coins a day.
You have somewhere else to be? asked Tomas.
Bek threw back his head and laughed. Not particularly, but I always find it difficult to stay in one place for very long. My father used to hunt me down and beat me when he found me.
Nakors eyes narrowed at the description. You left home when you were, what? Thirteen, fourteen?
Thirteen, said Bek, examining Nakors face. How did you know that?
Im familiar with the story, said Nakor. Would three gold coins a day make you a more patient man?
Beck shrugged. For three, Ill give you a month, but after that Ill want to go somewhere with beautiful whores and good ale to spend it!
Nakor grinned. Done.
Tomas said, Nakor, a word if you please, and directed the little man to join him on the other side of the cave. Softly, Tomas asked, Are you certain you wish to do this?
Nakors sunny expression vanished. Not wish, must. This lad is not ordinary.
I cannot argue with that, Nakor. Of all the mortal swordsmen I have faced, he is easily the most dangerous. There is something supernatural about him.
Exactly. His story sounded familiar because it is very similar to my own. I was that boy in a way. I had the same problems staying at home, and my father used to beat me too. I ran away when I was very young. Its its all the same!
Glancing at the young swordsman, then back at the little gambler, he said, Not entirely the same.
Granted, I became a card cheat and he became a bandit, but the point is we have much in common. And its the same story that Macros told of his youth. Its too much to be a simple coincidence. I wish to explore that further.
Theres more, isnt there?
You remember the old saying: keep your friends close and your enemies closer, Tomas?
Tomas said, I remember.
I think we want this lad to stay very close indeed. If my instincts are not playing me false and theres an advantage to be had from this encounter, Ill find it.
No doubt you will. Now, what do you want me to do?
Go home for a while. Ill keep an eye on Bek and Ill keep a watch on the cave until Magnus gets back from Kelewan. I have some ideas about how to control those things in there that I want to discuss with him.
Tomas said, Very well. I am pleased to be returning to my queen so soon.
Do you need an orb? Nakor asked as he pulled a shiny metal object from his rucksack and offered it to Tomas.
Thank you. I could call a dragon to take me, but it does attract notice. And anyway, this is faster, he said, pressing a button with his thumb before disappearing.
Nakor turned to Bek and said, Do you have any food in that saddlebag?
Not really.
Nakor approached the young man and drew a round object out of his sack. Tossing it to Bek, who caught it in the air, he said, Want an orange?
Bek smiled. Love one. He began to peel it with his thumb. What do we do now?
We wait for some friends. You out here; me in there. He pointed at the cave mouth.
One thing, said Bek.
What?
The three gold. It starts today.
Nakor shrugged. OK, then make yourself useful and get some wood for a fire.
Bek laughed and turned to hunt firewood.
Bek rose slowly in the darkness and moved without making a sound. He tiptoed around the fire, picking up a small brand of burning wood as he gave Nakors slumbering form a wide berth. He entered the cave and quickly saw there was nothing inside, save the narrow tunnel.
He entered and quickly found his way to the ledge over-hanging the pathway down to the floor of the cavern. Even in the flickering light he could see the motionless Talnoy standing in their ranks.
His eyes widened like a childs as he looked over each black metal warrior in glee. He grinned and whistled softly. What have we here?
Outside the cave, Nakor lay motionless. He had heard Bek enter the cave and knew that the young man would now be looking at the army of Talnoy.
After a few more minutes, he heard Bek return. Nakor was ready to move the instant he felt threatened, and after having seen Bek battle Tomas, he knew there might only be a moment for him to employ his most deadly tricks to protect himself.
But Ralan Bek simply lay down on the other side of the campfire and quickly fell sound asleep. Nakor continued to lie motionless, but he was still awake when the sun rose the next morning.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Homecoming
THE ROAD STRETCHED TO THE HORIZON.
Once again, Tad and Zane rode in a cart, as they had almost half a year before. This time however, they were approaching the village of Stardock.
Reaching Shamata, Caleb and the boys had found a shipment of goods that were being sent along the shore of the Sea of Dreams down to the Great Star Lake and the Academy. Caleb had volunteered to take the shipment and arrange for someone to return the wagon to the trading concern when they arrived. As the company was owned by his father, Caleb encountered no objection.
He had told the boys that they would pass through Stardock on their way south, but that they would only stay for one night. Tad rode next to Caleb on the drivers seat, while Zane sat in the back, behind the cargo with his feet hanging over the back of the wagon.
It was late afternoon by the time they reached the outer boundary of Stardock Town. The first of its buildings heaved into sight along the shore of the lake to their left. They had been passing farms for a day now, so they had guessed that they would reach the trading warehouse before sundown.
As they rolled into the outskirts of the township, Tad and Zane waved to a few familiar faces, most of whom stared back vacantly before they recognized the boys. Tad said, People are looking at us strangely, Caleb.
Youve changed, Tad, answered the tall hunter, now dressed like a driver. The boys wore the same old tunics and trousers they had worn when they left the town half a year before. Both complained frequently that the clothes were too tight, so Caleb had promised to buy them new garments when they reached Kesh.
The boys were off the wagon before it came to a complete halt, and as they started to move away, Caleb halted them. Where do you think youre going?
To see Mother, answered Tad.
Not until youve unloaded, he said, hiking his thumb at the cargo.
Grooms and his boys will unload, said Zane.
Not this lot, said Caleb. I want you to take the wagon over there he pointed to an empty cargo pallet at the edge of the stabling yard, and unload everything onto that.
Both boys knew that meant the cargo was destined for the island. They also remembered loading the wagon, and Tad asked, Can we get some help at least?
Caleb nodded. Tell Grooms Ill settle with him later.
Where are you going? asked Tad, as Caleb started to walk away.
Turning to walk backwards, he said, To see your mother. Ill tell her youll be along shortly.
Tad jumped back up to the drivers seat and moved the team over to the indicated area, while Zane sought out Grooms the manager of the shipping warehouse to secure some help in the unloading.
Caleb hurried to Maries house and found her in the back, tending her garden. Seeing Caleb, she sprang to her feet and embraced him. I have missed you, she said between two passionate kisses. It has been so lonely here since you took the boys away. She hugged him tightly for a moment, then said, You said youd have the boys write, with a slightly accusatory tone.
I did, he answered, pulling a folded sheet of parchment from out of his tunic. With a grin he said, But I thought Id bring it myself rather than send it by courier.
She kissed him and said, Come inside and have some tea and tell me what you did with them.
He followed her inside and saw that she had a kettle simmering next to the fire. I find I do little cooking now that its just me. I bake just one loaf of bread a week instead of three or four. She poured tea and said, What of the boys?
They are well, he said. Much has changed in the six months since we left.
She sat after she had served them at the tiny table which still managed to occupy nearly a third of the room. Tell me.
Things didnt turn out quite as I had wished, he said. The apprenticing I had hoped for
At least tell me that youve found them honest labour, Caleb. They could become layabouts and wastrels here as easily as anywhere else.
He smiled. Nothing like that. Then he sighed. Currently, they are working as wagoners lads.
Teamsters? she said, her eyes widening slightly. Thats strange, neither of them cared much for horses and mules.