Текст книги "Slathbog's Gold"

Автор книги: Mark Forman

сообщить о нарушении

Текущая страница: 8 (всего у книги 20 страниц)

Alex was impressed with Iownan, and it seemed that all his friends were as well. They all took great pains to show proper respect, remaining silent whenever Iownan spoke.

“You are excellent guests,” Iownan commented when the trays had been picked clean. “I hate for this evening to end, but end it must. Before you rest, though, I will answer the two questions that you all would ask.”

Alex and his friends straightened in their seats as Iownan spoke, looks of wonder on their faces.

“The first is why my invitation was sent to young Master Taylor, instead of Master Bregnest,” she said, smiling at Alex. “This was because Master Taylor has the power of a true wizard in him, though he doubts it himself. And a wizard, even one untrained, should always be given respect.”

Alex’s face flushed red as Iownan spoke, and he looked down at his napkin.

“You need not feel shame or embarrassment here,” said Iownan, reaching out her hand to lift Alex’s chin. “You are among friends and what I say is true.”

Alex continued to blush as he looked at Iownan, but now he didn’t feel embarrassed at all.

“The second question,” she continued, looking around at the company, “is what I would ask of you in return for my kindness.”

Iownan paused for a moment before continuing. Alex noticed that his friends looked worried. He wondered what Iownan would ask of them.

“Ask what you will, great lady,” Bregnest said sincerely. “If it is within our power, we shall do it.”

“You speak before you know what I would ask,” said Iownan in a thoughtful tone. “I will not hold you bound to this now, nor will I speak of what I will ask until a later time. Be content to know that I will ask, and I believe you will do as I ask for friendship alone.”

“You are most generous, lady,” replied Bregnest. “Your counsel is your own. We will await your request.”

Iownan smiled. “Go now and find your rest. I will speak with each of you tomorrow as the Oracle of the White Tower.”

The company stood and bowed as Iownan left the room. For a moment, Alex thought the light in the room seemed to dim behind her.

“My lords,” said a young man from the doorway. “I am Rothgar, and the lady commands I should see to your needs this evening.”

“The lady is most kind,” said Bregnest, nodding to Rothgar. “Though I feel that sleep will be our only need this night. I thank you for your kindness, and the lady for sending you.”

“As you wish,” Rothgar replied with a bow. “I will guide you to your rest.”

They followed Rothgar down a corridor for some distance, then turned left, climbing a flight of stairs. At the top of the stairs, they turned right and suddenly found themselves outside the tower entrance.

“But we went upstairs when we entered,” said Alex, looking up at the tower in puzzlement.

“The inside of the tower changes,” Rothgar replied. “The rooms and corridors never remain the same for long.”

“Ingenious security,” said Thrang. “Anyone not trained in how the tower moves would soon be lost.”

“That is true, Master Silversmith,” said Rothgar. “Though that is perhaps the simplest protection the tower employs.”

Alex and his companions said goodnight to Rothgar and returned to the sleeping house. They were tired after the long day and there was little talk as they prepared for bed. One by one, they put out the lamps and went to sleep.

The others were soon snoring softly. Alex’s body ached for sleep, but his eyes would not stay closed and his mind was full of questions. Finally, he gave up and climbed out of bed and pulled on his new clothes. Quietly, he walked to the entrance of the house and slipped out into the moonlight. He thought Rothgar might be there, but the courtyard was empty and quiet.

Alex walked to the stable to check on Shahree. The moonlight was bright, and he had no trouble seeing his way. Inside the stable, several lamps were still burning. Alex wondered why they had not been put out.

“Well, Shahree,” said Alex, patting the horse’s neck. “Have you eaten as well as the rest of us?”

Shahree nuzzled Alex’s shoulder affectionately but made no sound. Alex leaned against her neck, rubbing it gently, but said nothing more. His mind was buzzing with questions and he desperately tried to make sense of them.

“You show this horse great kindness,” a voice said from behind him, “though once you feared her.”

Alex spun around, surprised that he was not alone.

“There is a great bond between you two,” continued Iownan, smiling at him from the stable door.

“I have grown to trust her,” Alex stammered, unsure of what to say or how to act.

“And she puts great trust in you as well,” Iownan replied, walking over and patting Shahree’s forehead. “I am surprised that such strong feelings have grown so quickly between you and this noble steed.”

“Perhaps need has quickened the growth,” replied Alex.

“Perhaps.” Iownan continued to rub Shahree’s forehead. “What keeps you from your sleep?”

“I have so many questions. I was trying to make some order of them,” Alex answered.

“And some doubts as well?” Iownan’s blue eyes seemed to look right through him, but they were soft and kind.

“Yes,” said Alex, looking away.

“Do not be troubled,” said Iownan, stepping away from Shahree. “You will find the answers you need, in time.”

“And if the answers are more than I can bear?” Alex asked, voicing his greatest fear before he could stop himself.

“Then you will break,” Iownan answered in a matter-of-fact tone. “Though I believe you are much stronger than you think.”

“I doubt it,” said Alex, turning away again from Iownan’s gaze.

“As do all who have not been tested,” replied Iownan with a kind smile. “You will have trials, that much is certain. How you deal with your trials . . . only time will tell.”

“Can’t you see the future?” Alex asked.

“The future is not yet written. I can see only possibilities and advise on the best way to make them come to pass—or not come to pass, as the case may be.”

“But I thought an oracle could—”

“See the future of men and tell them what will be? No, there are none who have that power. As I said, I see possibilities. Nothing more.”

Alex stood quietly, thinking about Iownan’s words. He had hoped to find some answers at the White Tower, but now he wasn’t sure he would find them anywhere.

“I feel so confused,” said Alex softly, though his mind felt more restful since Iownan had entered the stable. “I just don’t know what I should do.”

“Come,” said Iownan, taking his hand and leading him

out of the stable. “You need your rest. We will speak again tomorrow.”

At the door to the sleeping house, Iownan let go of Alex’s hand. He suddenly felt weak and tired. Stumbling slightly, he found his way back to his bed, managing to get undressed before falling into a deep and peaceful sleep.

chapter eight

Oracle

The next morning, Alex woke to the sound of Skeld’s laughter. Sitting up and looking around, he was surprised to see Skeld sitting on the floor on top of both Thrang and Andy.

“What’s going on?” Alex asked, swinging his legs out of bed and reaching for his clothes.

“Just a bit of fun,” Skeld replied.

“Fun for some,” Thrang grumbled, pushing Skeld off.

“You are too grim, Thrang,” said Skeld, still laughing as he picked himself up off the floor. “You ponder the future and forget the day.”

“I have not forgotten that we will each see the Oracle today,” said Thrang in a serious tone.

Alex smiled and pulled on his shirt. He couldn’t help but like Skeld; the big warrior was always laughing and joking. Stamping his feet into his boots, Alex hurried to follow his friends into the courtyard. Arconn stood next to the doorway, watching Alex as he approached.

“You were up late,” Arconn commented. “Were you troubled in the night?”

“Too many thoughts,” said Alex. “The night air helped calm my mind.”

“And did the lady help as well?” Arconn asked, smiling at the stunned look on Alex’s face.

“How did you know?” Alex questioned in a low voice.

“I see many things others do not,” replied Arconn. “I was surprised to see her follow you to the stable, but perhaps I should not have been.”

Alex stared at Arconn. He’d been sure his friends had all been asleep when he’d gone to the stables the night before.

“It is a small thing,” Arconn continued, turning toward the doorway. “Your heart has been lightened and your thoughts are more clear. Because of that, I am happy for you. What happened is between you and the lady. Perhaps I should not have said anything.”

“I’m not angry,” Alex said at last. “I just didn’t think anyone knew.”

“As I said, it is a small matter,” said Arconn. “Now, of greater importance, is breakfast.”

Alex grinned. Arconn’s words had been something of a shock, but he was glad his friend had seen him, though he didn’t know why.

“Look out!” Alex heard Skeld yell just before a clump of oatmeal landed on his cheek. “Oh, not quick enough,” Skeld laughed.

“Enough of your foolishness, Skeld,” said Bregnest in a loud voice. “We will each see the Oracle today. It won’t do for us to be covered in food.”

“My apologies, master wizard,” said Skeld, bowing to Alex and offering him a napkin. “My aim was off—I meant to hit Arconn.”

“Enough!” commanded Bregnest. “Your jests drive all thought from my mind.”

Skeld returned to his breakfast without comment, though he winked at Alex as he sat down. Alex was troubled by Bregnest’s stern words; he seemed to be in a dark mood this morning, as if some great weight was pressing down on him.

Alex and his friends ate their meal quickly and quietly. It felt to Alex like they were all waiting for bad news—bad news they knew would be coming soon.

“My apologies, Skeld,” Bregnest said softly as they were finishing their meal. “I am troubled by what the day may bring.”

Skeld bowed to Bregnest, accepting his apology.

Alex was nervous. Last night, he’d felt at ease around Iownan, but today, she would speak to him as the Oracle. He wondered how different she would be. He hoped that, as the Oracle, she would answer some of his questions.

“You’d best collect your ring,” said Thrang as they walked toward the tower. “The Oracle should be able to tell you what it is and if it has any magic in it.”

Alex had forgotten about the ring in his magic bag, and he hurried back to the sleeping house to retrieve it. When Alex returned to his companions, Rothgar was waiting. He held a tall silver lamp that looked out of place in the early morning sunlight.

“The Oracle will speak with you individually,” said Rothgar in a somber tone. “First, she will speak with Master Bregnest. Then, she will call the rest of you in turn. I will remind you all that what the Oracle says to each of you is for you alone. You may, in time, wish to share her words with others, but I would urge you to do so only with those you trust completely.”

Bregnest stepped forward and bowed to Rothgar. Rothgar returned the bow, and then led Bregnest into the tower without another word.

“Have you spoken to many oracles?” Alex asked Thrang.

“A few,” Thrang replied. “Though none as well-known as the lady of the White Tower.”

Alex felt nervous and excited, like he was waiting to see the dentist on Christmas morning, only better and worse at the same time.

“Relax or you may pop,” said Skeld, jabbing him in the ribs. “You should not worry before the ax falls.”

“I’m just excited,” said Alex with a weak smile.

After some time, Rothgar appeared again, carrying his silver lamp. Bregnest did not return with Rothgar, which added to Alex’s nervousness.

“The lady asks that Master Goodseed come next,” said Rothgar.

Alex watched as Andy and Rothgar exchanged bows. Without looking back at the company, Andy followed Rothgar and soon disappeared from view as he entered the tower.

“Where is Bregnest?” Alex questioned.

“In the gardens I should think,” Arconn answered. “It is customary not to rejoin your company until all have spoken with the Oracle. Then, none will enter with expectations that may not be met.”

Alex thought about Arconn’s words for a moment and decided that they made sense. If Bregnest had returned to the company unhappy, the rest of them would believe the worst and expect bad news from the Oracle. However, if Bregnest returned happy, they would all expect good news, and that might not be the case either.

“What kinds of things will the lady tell us?” Alex asked Arconn.

“It is not the lady you see today,” Thrang replied instead. “Today she is the Oracle.”

“So what kinds of things will the Oracle tell us?” Alex persisted.

“An oracle’s words are often vague,” said Tayo. “Seldom are they simple to understand.”

“And they are often misunderstood,” Halfdan added. “Sometimes an oracle’s words mean nothing until much time has passed.”

“And sometimes they truly mean nothing at all,” said Skeld with a grim laugh.

“You don’t believe in oracles?” Alex asked.

“I don’t disbelieve,” Skeld answered. “The future is not yet written, so none may know what it holds. The Oracle gives guidance, but seldom a clear answer.”

Alex remembered what Iownan had said to him the night before and he smiled at Skeld’s reply. He thought Skeld might understand oracles better than any of his other friends.

It wasn’t long before Rothgar reappeared, this time asking that Halfdan follow him. As the sun rose slowly into the sky, each member of the company was called into the tower. Tayo, then Skeld, and then Thrang, until only Arconn and Alex were left waiting.

“Is there some meaning in the order we are called?” Alex questioned, his nervousness almost unbearable.

“If there is, only the Oracle knows it,” answered Arconn. “Though it is often thought best to be first or last to see an oracle.”

“Why is that?”

“First is considered a place of honor, usually reserved for a leader or a king,” Arconn answered slowly, considering his words. “Last is considered a place of respect, reserved for the wise, or wizards, or even other oracles.”

“Have you spoken to many oracles?”

“Many more than our friend Thrang,” Arconn replied with a laugh. “Perhaps more than all the others as well, though I

seldom seek oracles for my own reasons.”

“Then why do you seek them?” Alex asked.

“Mostly, as now, because the company has come here. You must remember that I am of the elder race and our fate is not the same as men or dwarfs.”

“The elder race?” Alex questioned.

Before Arconn could reply, Rothgar appeared, though this time without his silver lamp.

“The lady asks that you join her, Master Taylor,” said Rothgar, bowing low.

Alex returned his bow and followed Rothgar into the tower, not looking back at Arconn as the others had not looked back at him. He thought it odd that Rothgar had bowed to him first instead of waiting as he had for the others.

Rothgar did not speak as he led Alex down a corridor and up a long, spiral staircase. Alex was glad he had not been called last because that would mark him as a wizard for sure in his companions’ eyes. As much as he liked Skeld, he was getting a little tired of his constant jokes.

He followed Rothgar up another staircase, sure they were high up in the tower. He wondered why Rothgar had been carrying the lamp before because the staircase was well-lit by windows placed at regular intervals. Eventually, they reached the top of the staircase and Rothgar stopped, turning to face Alex.

“I cannot lead you further,” said Rothgar. “Climb the stairs at the end of this corridor. The Oracle awaits you at the top.”

Alex wondered if this was normal, but Rothgar started down the stairs before he could ask. It seemed strange that Rothgar would leave him alone, but then he wondered if perhaps there was some greater meaning he didn’t know about. It seemed to him almost everything surrounding the Oracle had some meaning he didn’t understand.

At the end of the corridor, Alex climbed the stairs, counting as he went, trying to distract his worried thoughts. When he reached three hundred and sixty steps, the stairs ended. Alex stepped forward into a small, dim room.

“You wonder about many things,” said Iownan’s voice from in front of him. “You look for reasons and answers, yet find none.”

“That is true,” Alex replied.

“Why do you look?”

“So that I may understand.”

“Will understanding help you?”

“I . . . I don’t know.”

“What is the one thing you wish for above all else?” asked the Oracle as she pulled back a curtain and let sunlight fill the room.

Alex blinked in the bright light. The figure standing before him looked like Iownan, but somehow he knew she wasn’t the same person who had spoken to him last night in the stable. He knew he stood before the Oracle of the White Tower. Alex swallowed hard.

“I don’t know.”

“Surely there is something you hope for.” She pulled open another curtain.

“To do well,” Alex answered.

“To do well at what?”

“At whatever needs doing,” said Alex, confused.

“And that makes you wiser than most,” said the Oracle with a smile. “But you doubt your ability to do well. You think of yourself as a small matter.”

“I am a small matter,” said Alex. “I’m not special.”

She shook her head. “You have been measured as a wizard. You defeated a troll. Even now, your magic bag holds seven others that you have won back from a dark place.”

“I think Blackburn made a mistake,” said Alex in a shaky voice. “And I was just lucky when I fought the troll.”

“And was it also luck that brought the great sword into your hand?”

“What great sword?” Alex questioned.

“The sword you carry,” she replied. “Ask your friend Arconn to look at it. He will know it for what it is.”

“But even that was luck,” Alex protested. “I closed my eyes and picked it from a pile of swords.”

“You may wish to call it luck, but is not luck a magical thing?”

“I don’t understand,” said Alex. “What are you trying to say?”

“I told you that I see possibilities,” replied the Oracle. “In you, I see many, though you do not see them yourself.”

“What possibilities? I’m nobody. I just walked into a bookshop and the next thing I knew, I was here.”

“Not just anyone could walk into that shop, Alex, as I’m sure your friends have told you,” she answered. “Not just anyone could be chosen as the eighth member of Bregnest’s company. And not just anyone could have so much luck.”

“What are you saying then? That I ama . . . a wizard?”

“I will speak plainly so you will understand,” she replied, the smile leaving her face. “This is not the normal way for an Oracle, but as you are young and know little of adventures, I will risk plain speech.”

The Oracle paused for a moment as if thinking.

“I see in you many things—kindness, loyalty, courage, honor. You have the ability to be a great wizard, if you wish to be one, or a great warrior, if that is what you seek. You can be both or neither, depending on the choices you make.”

“And what would you advise me to be?”

“I would advise you to follow your heart and not let your mind get in the way,” answered the Oracle, the smile returning to her face. “If you follow what your heart tells you, in time, you may become both a wizard anda warrior. Perhaps something more than both.”

“I will try,” said Alex.

“Yet your doubts remain,” she commented thoughtfully. “Perhaps that is good, as doubts often help keep pride in check.”

“You know many things,” said Alex as he thought about the Oracle’s words. “You know my feelings and doubts, and still you tell me I can be a wizard and a warrior. I would not doubt your words, so I will try to do the best I can.”

“It is well then,” said the Oracle with a nod. “Now, you have something else to ask about.”

“I do?”

“The ring you carry in your pocket,” she reminded him. “You wish to know what it is.”

“Oh, yes,” said Alex, taking the gold-and-black ring from his pocket and holding it in his open hand.

“I cannot say what this ring is,” replied the Oracle. “But I would tell you not to lose it, or sell it. And do not wear it—at least not until you know what it is.”

“You cannotsay, or will notsay?” Alex questioned.

“I see you are already thinking like a wizard,” she replied happily. “Let us say for now that I cannotsay.”

“As you wish,” said Alex, bowing to the Oracle.

“Now you should go,” she said. “Rothgar will meet you to guide you to the gardens.”

Alex turned to leave, but as he started down the stairs he heard the Oracle call after him.

“Remember—doubts may check pride, but too much doubt will keep you from doing what must be done.”

Alex thought about the Oracle’s words as he descended the three hundred and sixty stairs to the corridor. Though she had given him much to think about, his thoughts no longer troubled him as they had before, and he was grateful that she had spoken so plainly to him.

At the end of the corridor, Rothgar was waiting as the Oracle had said he would be. Alex followed him down another staircase, and after several turns and more stairs, Rothgar led him into a garden. He bowed, then departed without saying a word.

Alex looked around the garden expecting to see the rest of the company, but he was alone. This didn’t bother him, because he wanted some time to think about what the Oracle had said. He walked deeper into the garden, looking at the different plants and flowers that grew everywhere. Soon he heard the sound of falling water, and following the sound, he found Arconn sitting next to a large fountain.

“Your meeting with the Oracle went well then?” Arconn asked politely.

“Yes,” said Alex, then stopped short. “Shouldn’t you be speaking with the Oracle now?”

“I have no need,” replied Arconn. “As I told you before, I am of the elder race.”

“What does that mean, exactly? If you don’t mind my asking,” said Alex.

“We elves are the eldest race of thinking creatures—except perhaps for dragons,” Arconn answered, looking at the falling water in the fountain. “We came first to all the known lands, though in some lands we have been forgotten.”

“And why don’t you need or want to speak with the Oracle?” Alex asked.

“Oracles are for mortals,” replied Arconn, turning his attention back to Alex. “Though I have spoken with many, it has been only to gain wisdom, not to learn about myself.”

“You are not mortal then?”

“You know nothing of elves,” said Arconn with a laugh.

“Well, no,” Alex admitted. “You’re the first elf I’ve ever met.”

“I will try to explain,” said Arconn, looking back at the fountain. “Elves are not mortal as you think of it, though we can die. We do not grow old or sick, but we may become tired of life and choose to fade away. There are also a few of my race who have chosen to live and die as mortal men, though for most of my race, life is too pleasing and we choose to remain as we are.”

“I think I understand,” said Alex.

“Then we should join the others,” said Arconn, standing and moving away from the fountain. “Though I doubt they’ve waited for us before eating.”

Alex felt hungry as soon as Arconn mentioned food. He hadn’t eaten since breakfast, and now it was well past midday.

“Do the others know that I was last?” Alex asked with some concern. “I mean . . . I didn’t want to be last because . . .”

“Because I told you the last to see the Oracle was considered a wizard,” Arconn finished for him. “Yes, they know you were last, but then they already know you are a wizard—or at least that you may become one. Even if you have doubts, the others believe what Blackburn and Iownan have said.”

“My doubts are less than they were,” said Alex.

“That is good,” said Arconn, putting his hand on Alex’s shoulder. “Doubts can hold you back when need calls.”

“There is one other thing,” said Alex, stopping again. “Iownan—I mean the Oracle—said I should ask you about my sword. She said it was a great sword and that you would know about it.”

“Then we shall look at it this afternoon, after we have eaten, and I will tell you what I can,” said Arconn.