Текст книги "Albrek's Tomb"

Автор книги: Mark Forman

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Текущая страница: 22 (всего у книги 26 страниц)

Chapter Twenty-Three

The Oracle Returns

It was almost midday before Alex found a hiding place for them near the city of Darvish. He’d managed to slip into the trees near the road without being seen, and he left his friends there to make camp. Alex took flight once more and deliberately flew low over the city. He let out a great roar as he circled the empty tower and watched as the people of Darvish ran for their houses. When the city guards began to gather and form into groups to defend the city, he turned and flew back toward the mountains, vanishing behind the clouds and taking the shape of an eagle.

“An impressive show,” Arconn said as Alex changed back into himself by the campfire. “The people in the city must have been terrified.”

“Perhaps,” said Alex with a wicked smile. “We’ll give them a few hours to shake off their fear and remember the legends about the tower.”

“Do you suppose all legends come true like this?” Barnabus asked as he handed Alex a plate of food. “Crafty wizards doing things so the people will believe?”

“I don’t know,” Alex answered. “I think most legends come true because people believe in them and want them to come true, with or without the help of wizards.”

“I think most come true because they are meant to,” Arconn said. “I’ve been around for a long time, and I’ve seen and heard many legends. All the legends that have come true have done so more by luck than anything else.”

“Perhaps,” Thrang said. “Though I don’t really believe in luck or chance. I think there is something more—something we haven’t found a name for yet.”

“Whatever it is, I’m glad you are all here with me,” Kat said with a weak smile. “I don’t think I could do this alone.”

Later that day, Alex flew back over the city of Darvish, but this time the people did not run and hide as they had before. Once again he circled the tower, and once again he roared, but the city guards did not assemble to fight him. The people watched him, pointing and whispering to one another as he flew off toward the mountains.

When Alex returned for the third time, the sun was setting. He wasn’t surprised to see that several people had gathered in the large square next to the empty tower. They looked up at him as he circled the tower, and he could tell that they wanted him to land. They all wanted, more than anything else in the world, for the dragon to deliver the oracle to the tower.

“The city looks ready for your arrival,” Alex said to Kat when he returned to their camp. “People are already gathering near the tower.”

“Yes, your plan is working perfectly,” said Kat. “I hope it doesn’t fail tomorrow when I try to enter the tower.”

“It won’t,” Alex said reassuringly. “I’m sure you can enter the tower, and I think you know you can as well.”

“Perhaps,” said Kat with a slight smile.

None of them felt much like sleeping that night, but they all tried. Alex felt no need for sleep, having spent most of the day in the dragon’s shape. He sat beside the fire with Arconn, watching the stars move across the sky. It was well before sunrise when Thrang roused the rest of them, and they all prepared to go to the city.

“We’ll see you at the tower,” Thrang said, bowing to Kat. “May fortune smile on you this day.”

“You are most kind, my friends. I am in your debt,” Kat answered with a bow of her own.

As the others left, Alex turned to Kat. She looked a little nervous, and perhaps a little pale, and her clothes looked worn from the long journey.

“I don’t think you should enter your tower looking like that,” Alex said, trying and failing to frown.

“No, I suppose not,” said Kat, smiling weakly. “But I don’t have anything an oracle would wear.”

“With your permission,” said Alex, bowing slightly and raising his staff.

He touched Kat lightly on top of her head with his staff and a ball of white light covered her for a moment. As the light faded, Kat looked down at the long silver-white gown that Alex had created for her.

“It . . . it’s so beautiful,” Kat said, tears filling her eyes. “I’ve never owned a gown as fine as this.”

“It seems correct for the occasion,” said Alex. “Your friends may always remember you as Kat, but from this day on, you will be Katrina, the Oracle of the Empty Tower.”

“Yes, and I owe it all to you, my friend,” said Kat.

“You owe me only your friendship,” said Alex. “You are an oracle—or will be before this day is over. You are in no one’s debt, and all that you owe anyone is the truth.”

“I will remember your words,” said Kat. “And I will have to learn to hide the truth with words.”

“It will come to you in time, I think,” said Alex.

Alex and Kat sat quietly, waiting for the sun to rise and their friends to reach the city. Finally, Alex stood and walked away from the fire, preparing to take his dragon form. Kat stood back and watched, a fierce and determined look on her face.

As the dragon, Alex lowered himself and stretched out his leg so Kat could easily climb onto his back. He took flight gently, knowing that Kat would not be tied to him as she had been on their speedy journey from the south.

The square near the empty tower was full of people when Alex flew over the city, and all of the faces were looking up at him. He easily spotted his friends in the crowd, standing close to the tower gate. Alex circled the tower once, and then gently glided down to a large area that had been kept clear of people, apparently so he would have a place to land.

Alex lowered himself and stretched out his leg so Kat could climb down. The square sounded like it was full of bees as Kat, in her new gown, climbed off the dragon and looked up at the tower. Alex was pleased to see the surprised looks on his friend’s faces. They had obviously not thought about what Kat would be wearing.

“Go, my friend,” said Kat, turning back to Alex. “If I need you again, I will call.”

Alex bowed his dragon’s head to Kat and leaped back into the air. He saw that Kat stood watching him go, and the people in the square all watched as well. He flew up around the tower, roaring as he went. He sped away toward the mountains before the echo of his cry had faded from the city.

It took only a few minutes for Alex to reach the mountains, and as soon as he passed over them, he changed into a falcon. Like an arrow, he shot back over the mountains and toward the city. It was slower than dragon’s flight, but fast enough. When he reached the main square, Kat was speaking to Kathnar, the old man who had first told Alex and Arconn about the tower.

Alex settled on Arconn’s shoulder as if he belonged there. Arconn looked a little surprised, but he did not call out or draw attention to Alex. When Alex felt certain that his arrival as a falcon had not been noticed, he worked a little more magic. A shadow seemed to cover the empty space beside Arconn, and anyone who happened to be looking at the shadow suddenly felt the need to rub their eyes. In the blink of an eye, Alex returned to his own shape, standing next to Arconn as if he had always been there.

“Kathnar seems unwilling to accept her,” Arconn said in a lowered voice. “He seems determined to prevent her from entering the tower.”

“That’s odd,” said Alex. “He seemed so eager for the oracle to arrive when we were here before.”

“Yes,” Arconn agreed. “Now he seems like a man about to lose his power.”

“And perhaps he is,” said Alex thoughtfully. “He’s been the guardian of the tower his entire life. That responsibility is something he will have to give up now that the oracle has come.”

“You don’t think Kat would throw him out, do you?” Arconn questioned.

“No, but Kathnar has no way of knowing that,” Alex answered. “All he knows is that his world is about to change, and he isn’t happy about it.”

“Should we do something?” Arconn questioned.

“Not yet,” Alex answered, taking a step back. “I think I know how to persuade the stubborn Kathnar.”

Alex’s hand moved slightly as he cast a spell on a group of people close by. He listened to them talking for a moment and heard their words quickly being repeated by others in the crowd. He turned to Arconn with a smile on his face.

“What did you do?” Arconn questioned.

“Listen to the crowd,” Alex answered.

“What does that old fool think he’s doing?” a woman behind them said loudly.

“He has no right to keep her from the tower,” a man to one side of them said in an angry tone.

“The dragon brought her; she must be the oracle of the legend,” someone in front of them said loudly.

It took only a few minutes for the words to spread across the square, and less than a minute more for people to begin calling for Kathnar to move out of the way. Alex was surprised at the crowd’s growing anger as they began to chant together, “Let her pass. Let her pass.”

“This could be trouble,” Arconn said nervously.

Alex didn’t have time to answer. Kat turned to face the crowd, holding up her hands for silence. As if by magic, the chanting stopped, and the people grew still, waiting to hear what Kat would say.

“Good people of Darvish, calm yourselves,” Kat began. “Kathnar is the Keeper of the Empty Tower, and he has served long and well. Do not be angry with him for doing what he must. I am certain that he will not bar me from the tower. He only wishes to do his duty for you, and for the true oracle of the tower. I am the true oracle, and with Kathnar’s permission, I will prove it.”

The people broke into wild cheers when Kat finished speaking. Kathnar looked dumbfounded and completely lost. Kat moved forward and spoke softly to Kathnar, and then walked past him toward the gate of the empty tower. She never paused or slowed her pace, and soon she was lost from sight.

Kathnar turned to look at the tower gate. He dropped to one knee, waiting for Kat to return.

“Well, she’s done it,” said Thrang, turning around. “Oh, Alex—how long have you been here?”

“Long enough,” said Alex with a laugh.

Kat soon returned to the tower gate, smiling as the crowd went wild with cheers around her. Alex watched as Kathnar acknowledged Kat as the true oracle and asked her forgiveness for his doubts. Kat nodded and took Kathnar’s arm, leading him back toward the tower that was now her home.

“Well, that’s that, then,” Thrang said happily. “I suppose we should try to find a place to spend the night.”

“Several nights, I would guess,” Nellus said. “Alex said the celebrations would last for seven days.”

“And after that we will need to aquire some horses,” Barnabus reminded them. “It’s a long walk to Benorg from here.”

“I doubt we’ll find anyone running their inns or selling horses for some time yet,” Alex said with a laugh. “It seems the whole city is here, so we might as well take our time and enjoy ourselves.”

Alex and his friends headed for the shady spot below the tower where Arconn and Alex had sat so many months before. They relaxed and watched as people milled about the tower, talking and planning the upcoming celebrations. They had not been there long, however, when Kathnar came hurrying toward them.

“Lords,” Kathnar began with a bow. “The lady of the tower asks that you join her. She wishes you to be her honored guests for the days of celebration.”

“The lady honors us, and we will do as she asks,” Thrang said with a smile.

Once again, Kathnar bowed to them before leading them toward the tower gate. While they were walking, Thrang spoke quietly to the company.

“Kat is no longer the adventurer who traveled with us. She is now the Oracle of the Empty Tower, so remember to address her correctly and show the proper respect.”

They all agreed as Kathnar led them through the courtyard outside of the tower and to a large house that stood on the far side.

“This house has not been used in many years,” Kathnar said in an apologetic tone. “We are still making things ready. I hope you will not be greatly troubled by this.”

“You are most kind,” said Thrang with a bow. “I’m sure we will be fine.”

“If you have need of anything, ask any of the servants of the tower,” Kathnar went on. “The lady asks that you join her for the evening meal. Someone will come for you then.”

“As the lady wishes,” said Thrang, and the entire company bowed.

Kathnar returned their bows and then departed. Alex and his friends entered the house and saw several people rushing about, trying to make things ready for them. It was a large house and richly decorated, but Alex could see that it had not been used for a long time, and that it would need more than cleaning before it was restored.

“It is fortunate that we collected our treasure from Thorson,” Alex said. “Kat will need it to restore things to their proper order.”

“The lady of the tower, you mean,” Thrang said with a smile. “And yes, it appears that these rooms have been neglected for a long time.”

“It’s only her first day as an oracle,” Arconn reminded them. “I’m sure things will be put in order quickly.”

They made themselves comfortable in the house and found the bedrooms that had been prepared for them. They each removed their weapons and their magic bags, as was the custom when visiting an oracle, and then gathered in one of the large sitting rooms.

“We’re hardly dressed for dinner with an oracle,” Nellus said, looking down at his worn boots.

“Speaking of which, where did Kat get that beautiful gown she was wearing?” Thrang questioned, his eyes fixed on Alex.

“I couldn’t let her arrive in worn travel clothes,” Alex said with a smile. “It wouldn’t look right.”

“I don’t suppose you could do something similar for the rest of us?” Thrang asked as he stroked his beard.

“I suppose I’ll have to do something,” Alex answered with a laugh. “You all look a bit worn, and it won’t do to visit the oracle with you looking like this.”

“You should talk.” Arconn laughed. “Your clothes are as worn as any of ours.”

“Yes, I suppose they are,” Alex agreed, looking down at his own clothes. “I think a good wash is in order before we worry about clothes. I wonder if there is tub of hot water in this house.”

When Thrang asked one of the servants about taking a bath, the servant led them to another room. The tub of water they were expecting was actually the size of a small swimming pool. The servant apologized that the water was not as hot as it should be.

“If you like, I can start heating water now, but it will be hours before enough is ready for you to bathe in,” the young man said.

“That won’t be necessary,” said Alex. “Being a wizard means never having to take a cold bath.”

Alex waved his staff over the pool, which instantly began to steam. The young servant looked at Alex in amazement, too shocked to say anything at all.

“The oracle has many friends,” Alex said when he noticed the young man staring at him. “And I’m sure you have other work to do.”

“Yes, master,” the young man said with a bow.

“You’ll scare him to death,” said Arconn after the servant had left. “It’s obvious that he’s never seen a wizard before.”

“And speaking of wizards,” Thrang interrupted. “Why are you still carrying your staff? You know the custom of leaving weapons on your bed.”

“I know the custom,” said Alex. “A wizard’s staff is not a weapon unless you are an enemy. I carry it now as a symbol of what I am and as a sign of respect for the oracle.”

“Special privileges for wizards,” Barnabus said as he slipped into the pool of steaming water. “And a good thing, too—the water is perfect.”

When they had all washed, and the water was starting to cool once more, Alex conjured up a pile of dry, fluffy towels. After they had all slipped their old clothes back on, Alex had them stand in a line. Slowly he moved down the line of his friends, touching each of them with the end of his staff.

“These clothes are too fine,” said Thrang, looking at himself in a mirror. “You’ve made us all look like great lords from distant lands.”

“Which is exactly what you are,” said Alex.

“And what about yourself?” Arconn questioned. “What change will you make to your own clothes?”

“I’ve been giving that some thought,” said Alex. “Perhaps something like this . . .”

There was a flash of light around Alex, and his friends looked slightly stunned. Alex was suddenly wearing black pants, a bloodred shirt, and a long, dark blue cloak. He looked at himself in the mirror for a moment before speaking, unsure of his appearance.

“A bit much, I think,” Alex said at last.

“You made such wonderful clothes for us, and this is what you choose for yourself?” Thrang questioned.

“It looks a little out of character,” Arconn said.

“Yes, you’re right,” Alex agreed. “Let’s try this instead.”

There was another flash of light, and Alex’s clothes changed into the soft white pants favored by elves. A soft leather belt circled his waist, fastened with a true-silver buckle. His white shirt was covered with a pale silver-gray robe. With his staff in his hand, he looked very much like a wizard, and Arconn nodded his approval of Alex’s choice.

“Now we look like five lords and a wizard,” Nellus said.

“Five lords and a wizard is what we are,” said Alex.

When Kathnar appeared to lead them to dinner, his eyes widened in disbelief. Their fine, new clothes were stunning, and Kathnar had obviously never seen anything like them before.

“Lords,” Kathnar began, his voice shaking slightly. “The lady of the tower asks that you come.”

“We are at her service,” said Thrang.

Kathnar led them to the tower, trying hard not to stare at them as they walked. They went up several flights of stairs and soon entered a large, brightly lit dining room. Kat sat in the large silver chair at the head of the table, looking a little pale and a little nervous. She smiled as they took their seats, and once Kathnar had left, she spoke.

“I see Alex has been practicing his craft.”

“I wouldn’t want tramps coming to your table,” said Alex with a laugh.

“You would be welcome however you came,” Kat answered. “But you do look better now than you did this morning.”

“And you are now the Oracle of the Empty Tower,” Thrang said. “We are honored to be your first guests.”

“Yes,” Kat said, her smile fading. “I hope this will not be the last time we dine together.”

“As do we all, I’m sure,” said Arconn.

Kat smiled and clapped her hands. Servants appeared with trays of food, which they placed on the table before quietly leaving the room. Kat watched them go, her smile fading again.

“They’ve been working all day,” Kat said softly. “There are so few of them, and they try so hard.”

“A meal fit for any king,” said Thrang.

“Yes,” Kat agreed. “Yet I don’t know how many more such meals the tower can afford.”

“Surely you remember the treasure we collected from Kazad-Syn?” Thrang said with a shocked look on his face. “We will divide it as soon as you wish. That should be more than enough to pay the tower’s expenses for many years to come.”

“Yes, of course, you are correct,” said Kat, her smile returning.

“And there is the reward promised by Thorgood for the return of the ring,” Alex added.

“And all good patrons of the tower will make gifts,” Arconn went on. “It is not uncommon for lords and kings to make very generous gifts.”

“All that you say is true,” Kat said. “Yet I worry still.”

“Let your worries rest,” Alex said softly. “There are more important things to think about right now.”

“The days of celebration,” Kat said, nodding her head. “Yes, the preparations have been going on all day. I almost wish I could skip them.”

“We will be there with you,” Thrang said.

“And that will be enough,” said Kat. “Forgive me. This should be a happy feast, not a time for me to worry. Let’s forget all of that for now. As Alex says, there are more important things to think of.”

Kat tried hard to look happy as they ate their meal, and she even asked Arconn to tell the story of Alex’s first adventure once again. When Arconn finished the story, with some input from Thrang, Kat laughed and clapped her hands with the rest of them. Alex, however, could see that something more than money and celebrations were troubling her, but he didn’t think he should say anything in front of the others.

Kat said good night, and Kathnar arrived at the door to show them the way out of the tower. As the others made their way to bed, Alex remained in the sitting room. After a few minutes of silence, he walked out to the courtyard, and, leaning on his staff, he looked up at the tower.

“Lord Taylor?” a soft voice questioned from behind him.

Alex turned to find a young woman standing in the shadows. She was extremely nervous, and she was clutching her hands as if afraid.

“I am Alexander Taylor.”

“The lady of the tower said I might find you here,” the young woman said softly. “She told me to ask you to join her.”

“And where does the lady wish me to meet her?” Alex questioned.

“At the top of the tower,” the young woman answered. “I would show you the way, but . . . but I don’t know it. The lady said you would find your own way, but I don’t know how you can.”

“The lady knows me,” said Alex. “Do not be troubled, I will join the lady as she asks.”

“My lord,” the young woman managed to say. She bowed and hurried away.

Alex watched her go, and when she was out of sight, he changed himself into an eagle. His wings lifted him with little effort, and he was soon circling the top of the empty tower.

Kat was there, looking out toward the sea. Alex glided down softly, returning to his own shape as he landed beside her on the tower.

“I’m always amazed when you do that,” Kat said with a smile.

“And you couldn’t resist having me do it now.”

“A small pleasure in the middle of dark times,” Kat answered softly.

“What darkness do you foresee? You’ve become the Oracle of the Empty Tower—what more do you wish?”

“Peace.”

“I knew it was more than money that troubled you,” said Alex.

“The lords and kings of Thraxon will soon know there is an oracle here,” Kat said in a soft voice. “They will come or send messengers. Some of them will want answers that I might not have. Others will want to take control of the tower and make the oracle their servant. Even good King Thorgood will be tempted by this.”

“You do not know your full power yet,” said Alex. “Inside the walls of this tower, your power cannot be challenged, except by some great evil. Here, your word is law. Even I would not dare challenge you here.”

“Only because you are good and kind,” said Kat in a mournful tone. “Others may not have such an honorable soul.”

Alex shrugged. “In the city of Darvish, you will have great power, more than kings or lords. Perhaps even as much as a great wizard.”

“You seem so sure.”

“I am certain of what I say,” Alex said firmly.

“And if wars are started by men attempting to control Darvish and the tower?” Kat questioned.

“I will do what I can for you, as I promised, but it is your job to prevent the wars that might come,” Alex answered.

“Already the weight of being the oracle is so heavy.”

“It will become less in time, and I can give you two powerful allies to call on if you are ever in need.”

“Two?” Kat questioned.

“I will make sure that Thorgood and the dwarf realm will always stand at your side,” Alex answered. “Thorgood has made a great promise for the return of something I carry, something that was lost long ago. I will give it back to him only if he promises to always be an ally to the Oracle of the Empty Tower. And I will place a spell on the object so that if the dwarf kings ever turn against the tower, it will be lost once more.”

“That is a powerful promise indeed,” Kat said with a weak smile.

“And I will give you more,” Alex went on. “If ever you need me, send for me. I will come if I am able. If I cannot come, I will send help. If you cannot wait for me or for the help I send, there is one close at hand who will be at your call.”

“The dragon on the Isle of Bones?” Kat questioned. “How can you bind him to me? You are the dragon lord; he has no reason to serve me.”

“He will come at your call because I wish him to,” said Alex in a definite tone. “I will give you the words to speak, but I warn you to speak them only at your greatest need.”

Alex leaned close to Kat and whispered in her ear. When he pulled away, he looked into her eyes to make sure she had understood everything he had said. Kat nodded her understanding but said nothing. For a long time the two of them stood in silence at the top of the tower, looking deep into each other’s thoughts. Just before sunrise, Kat turned away, pale and shaking from the effort.

“Rest while you can,” Alex said softly. “The days of celebration are about to begin, but that will be a small thing after this night.”

“I owe you everything,” said Kat, just as she had before.

“Everything and nothing at all,” Alex answered. “Now rest, my friend, we will say our good-byes when the days of celebrations are over.”

Alex didn’t wait for Kat to reply. He stepped to the edge of the tower and took the form of an eagle. He caught the morning wind and soared up into the dark sky, gliding like a shadow over the city. He knew that Kat understood him, and that she would understand him better as the days went by. He also knew she was far more powerful than she thought. She would somehow find a way to prevent war from coming to Thraxon.