Текст книги "Albrek's Tomb"

Автор книги: Mark Forman

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Текущая страница: 23 (всего у книги 26 страниц)

Chapter Twenty-Four

The Crown of Set

Two days after the celebrations for the oracle’s arrival ended, Alex and his friends prepared to leave Darvish. Barnabus and Nellus had found six horses, and Thrang had released Kat from the adventurer’s bargain so she could remain in Darvish as the oracle. Alex spent the hours before dawn in the tower with Kat, helping her to understand her new powers. When the sun touched the top of the tower, Kat and Alex entered the courtyard where the rest of the company was waiting for them.

“So, it is time to say farewell,” said Kat with a smile. “And I have no gifts to give you in parting.”

“You have already given us a great gift, lady,” said Thrang. “You have honored us as your guests during the days of celebration. Few have ever been so honored, and we are all in your debt.”

“Then ride on to your reward, my friends,” said Kat. “And know that you all will be welcome here whenever you choose to come.”

“And may we find our way here often in happiness,” Thrang answered as he bowed.

Alex and the others also bowed to Kat before they climbed into their saddles. With a final bow, they rode out of the courtyard and into the city of Darvish. Alex knew how much Kat wanted to be riding with them, but he also knew that she was happy with the choice she had made.

“So the tower has an oracle,” said Thrang as he led them through the city. “That is something I never thought to see in my days.”

“I never thought I would call an oracle friend,” Nellus said as he rode beside Alex. “Though I never thought I’d call a wizard a friend either.”

They began talking about their adventure as they rode out of the city gates and back toward the mountains. It would take them at least two weeks to reach Benorg, perhaps longer, but the weather was good, and spring was spreading quickly across the north of Thraxon.

Their journey was pleasant, and they made good time along the road to Benorg. They passed groups of dwarfs going east from time to time, and all of them asked questions about the new Oracle of the Empty Tower. Thrang answered their questions carefully, not wanting them to know that Kat had once been a member of their company. Thrain asked Thrang why he didn’t tell people that they knew the oracle, and Thrang laughed when he answered.

“It seems a little bigheaded to claim the oracle’s friendship so openly,” Thrang said. “After all, not many people ever know an oracle as well as we know the lady of the tower.”

“But she is our friend, and she was part of our company,” Thrain persisted.

“And that is nobody’s business,” Thrang answered in a stern tone. “You still have a lot to learn about what should and should not be said openly. I would think being around Alex and Arconn, you might have learned something.”

“But they both say a great deal,” Thrain complained.

“They say only what they want you to hear,” Thrang corrected him. “It seems like a lot to you, but it is little compared to what they could say.”

Thrain looked puzzled, but both Alex and Arconn smiled. Nellus and Barnabus both found the exchange funny, but refrained from teasing Thrain.

***

Spring was well underway when Alex and his friends finally reached Benorg, and the city had transformed into something that looked like a giant garden. Thrang had been talking more and more the closer they got to the city, but Alex noticed that he would sometimes look troubled. He knew Thrang was worried about the return of the crown of Set. Thorgood had made some great promise in exchange for the crown’s return, a promise that Thrang didn’t want to discuss unless Thorgood was present.

They rode into the city just after noon and were greeted warmly once again. The streets were full of dwarfs going about their business. It wasn’t long before a messenger from Thorgood arrived, welcoming them in Thorgood’s name and asking them to follow him to the king. The messenger, however, did not ride ahead as he normally would do. Instead, he fell back and rode beside Thrang as they went through the city.

“Your brother, Thorson, arrived two days ago,” the messenger said. “He told us that you would be here shortly and that we should watch for you.”

“Where is Thorson staying?” Thrang questioned. “I would like to talk with him.”

“The king has asked Thorson and his company to stay at the palace. I’m sure you will have time to speak with him there,” the messenger answered. “And there is other news. Thorson hinted that you might know something about it.”

“What news is that?” Thrang questioned.

“There are stories that a dragon was seen in Darvish,” said the messenger. “The rumors are that the dragon brought an oracle to the empty tower, and that the tower is no longer empty.”

“That is true,” said Thrang in a lowered voice. “But such things should be discussed with Thorgood, as he will want to know the whole story.”

“Yes, of course,” the messenger said quickly. “I meant no harm.”

The messenger, obviously thinking he’d said too much, bowed to Thrang and moved ahead of the company. After a moment, Alex moved forward so he could speak with Thrang quietly.

“What story do you intend to tell Thorgood?” Alex questioned.

“The true one, of course,” Thrang answered in surprise. “What do you think I would tell the king?”

“I mean, how much of the truth do you intend to tell him?” Alex pressed. “Remember, you have sworn to remain silent about some things.”

“I remember,” said Thrang. “I don’t know why you wish to keep it a secret, but I will not go back on my word. It will make the story more difficult to tell, and I think Thorgood may guess what I leave out.”

“He may,” Alex allowed. “But it would be best for his guesses to remain guesses. The time may come when I choose to tell him the whole truth, but I alone will make that decision.”

“As you wish,” said Thrang. “A wizard’s ways are not to be questioned.”

“And a dwarf’s tongue will always hold true,” said Alex with a smile.

“You have learned a great deal about dwarfs,” Arconn said from Thrang’s other side. “I didn’t know you had read the great dwarf poets.”

“Only some of them,” said Alex, still smiling. “I’ve not learned enough about dwarfs to love all of their poetry—at least not yet.”

Thrang and Arconn both laughed, and Alex slowed his horse slightly to return to his place. He managed to get back in line just as they entered the courtyard of Thorgood’s palace, where the king himself was waiting for them.

“Thrang,” Thorgood called. “Thorson told us you would be coming. I take it you’ve found success on your adventure.”

“We have, my lord,” Thrang answered as he dismounted and bowed to the king.

“Wonderful,” said Thorgood. “This is the best news of all, but . . . one of your company appears to be missing. Thorson did not say you would bring sad news.”

“And we do not,” said Thrang. “But perhaps the story should wait until the lords of Thraxon can be gathered.”

“Yes, that would be best,” said Thorgood after a moment. “For now, I will thank you and the members of your company that are with you. I’ve had rooms prepared for all of you. Tonight we will feast, and then you can tell the story of your adventure.”

“You are most kind, great king,” said Thrang as he and the rest of the company bowed.

Alex knew Thorgood didn’t want to wait to hear the story of their adventure, but being a good king, he knew he had to. So instead of asking questions and talking to them as he had done on their previous visit, he had servants lead them to their rooms and ordered that they were not to be bothered.

“Once he hears our story, he will guess that Kat is the new oracle,” Thrang said when they were alone.

“And what action will he take?” Arconn questioned. “After all, it is not often that a new oracle appears. He may feel that Kat is in his debt, as it was the adventure he paid for that brought her to the empty tower.”

“I’ve known Thorgood for many years, but I don’t know what he will do now,” Thrang said slowly. “Kat becoming the oracle was unexpected, and it might cause trouble.”

“Not from Thorgood,” said Alex. “Perhaps the lords of the dwarf realm will see things differently, but I don’t think Thorgood will start any trouble.”

“New oracles are often the center of trouble,” said Arconn, sounding worried. “I’ve seen several come and a few go. In most cases, there is confusion and some kind of trouble.”

“Yes, I believe you’re right,” Alex agreed after some thought. “Kat saw trouble coming after she became the oracle. I’ve promised to help her in any way I can.”

“Well, that should be enough to prevent any real trouble,” Nellus said with a smile. “After all, most kings will bow to the wishes of a wizard.”

“Most wise kings would,” Barnabus added. “Yet not all kings are so wise.”

“You don’t think Kat is in danger, do you?” Thrain questioned in a worried tone. “If she needs help, I can send to Vargland for soldiers. I know my grandfather would send a small army to protect the empty tower.”

“And risk war with the dwarf realm of Thraxon?” Thrang asked, shaking his head. “Don’t be silly, Thrain, it is too great a risk. Your grandfather may rule in Vargland, but that is far away.”

“I’m not worried about a war,” Alex said thoughtfully. “And I think Thorgood will listen to reason. As for the lords of the dwarf realm, I think I can make them see reason as well.”

“Yes,” said Thrang, his eyes resting on Alex. “I’m sure the lords will do as you wish, but remember, the dwarf realm is not the only power in Thraxon.”

“No, it’s not,” agreed Alex. “It is, however, one of the greatest powers, and there are few that would challenge it. If the dwarf realm is an ally of the tower, I doubt anyone will start any trouble. And I’ve also given the lady of the tower a powerful defender if she should ever need him.”

“The dragon?” Arconn said in wonder.

“She may call upon him only in the hour of her greatest need,” said Alex. “I hope that she never needs to call, but she knows how.”

“Well then, there is little for us to worry about,” Thrang said in relief. “We will tell our story to Thorgood and deliver the ring to him. He will keep his word and make the payments he has promised. Once that is done, our company’s business in Benorg will be finished.”

“But you live here,” Nellus said. “You can’t pretend that Kat being the oracle won’t affect you.”

“I’m sure there will be a lot of talk, but if anything, it will improve my standing in Thraxon,” Thrang said with a smile. He glanced at Alex. “And I think there is some other business that must be dealt with before we return to Telous.”

“Yes,” said Alex. “I would be honored if you would arrange a meeting, Thrang, with Thorgood and his lords. If you and I could speak with them, I think we might solve a great many problems before they actually become problems.”

“As you wish,” Thrang said with a bow. “I will speak to Thorgood tonight, after we return the Ring of Searching.”

“Thank you,” said Alex. “Now, I think we should all get cleaned up. We will be the honored guests of the king tonight, and we should look our best.”

As Alex turned, he heard Thrang say softly to Thrain, “You see, he said a great deal and you still don’t know what he’s talking about.”

Alex smiled as he headed toward his room.

Once Alex and his friends had cleaned up from their journey, they didn’t have to wait long before they were summoned to the great feast of King Thorgood.

Thrang looked happier than he had in a long time, and Alex could tell that his friend had already worked out the story of their adventure to the last detail. He was glad, because Thrang would have to leave out or make up several important parts of the story while he told it.

As Alex and his friends took their seats for the feast, Alex looked at the assembled dwarfs. Many of the dwarf lords looked as happy as Thorgood did, but a few looked troubled.

“My friends,” Thorgood said once everyone was seated. “As many of you know, I asked my good friend Thrang Silversmith to set up an adventure some time ago. The details of this adventure I may now share with you all as Thrang and his company have returned to our fair city, and they have been successful in their quest.”

There was a slight buzzing of conversation as the dwarfs in the great hall whispered to each other. Alex wondered how many of them had guessed what Thorgood had asked Thrang to do.

“As you all know, our mines have become less productive over the past several years, which has caused some difficulty for the kingdom,” Thorgood explained. “I asked Thrang to find the one item that would solve this problem for us: the legendary Ring of Searching. Thrang has found the tomb of Albrek and retreived the ring, which has been lost for so many years. He and his company have done the dwarf realm of Thraxon a great service, and I am sure you will all wish to honor them.”

Thorgood paused, allowing his words to sink in. Alex glanced around at the assembled dwarfs and saw that many of them looked both happy and excited.

“As the person who arranged for this adventure, it is my duty and privilege to declare the adventure a success,” Thorgood said with a wide smile. “Thrang, if you would be so kind.”

Thorgood motioned for Thrang to come forward, and Thrang slowly stood up and walked to where the king was standing. Bowing to the king, Thrang took the Ring of Searching from his magic bag, holding it high above his head so the assembled dwarfs could see it.

“Will you accept this ring as fulfillment of our bargain for this adventure?” Thrang questioned in a loud, clear voice.

“I will,” Thorgood answered. “And I will fulfill the terms of our agreement to you and your company. This adventure is a success, and may all dwarfs honor you for what you have done.”

Thrang knelt in front of the king and offered him the Ring of Searching. Thorgood took the ring from Thrang and motioned for two of his guards to come forward. The guards carried a large golden chest between them, which Thorgood opened, carefully setting the ring on the velvet lining. With the ceremony complete, Thorgood bowed to Thrang and thanked him for his service.

“And now, my friends, we feast!” Thorgood said in a loud voice. “A feast to honor these great adventurers. And after we have eaten, Thrang will tell us the story of their adventure, and how they found the tomb of Albrek.”

Thrang stood and bowed to the king before returning to his chair. As he walked across the hall, the dwarfs began to cheer loudly. Thrang stopped and bowed to all four sides of the room. When the cheering continued, Thrang motioned for the rest of the company to join him. The cheering grew so loud as Alex the others joined Thrang that it felt like the air was vibrating with the noise.

“The dwarfs of Thraxon honor you all,” Thorgood shouted above the cheering. “You have done a great service for us, and we will never forget you.”

The cheering ended only when Thorgood held up his hands to quiet his people.

The feast was a grand one, and it seemed to last for hours. The dwarfs who were serving made sure that Alex and his friends wanted for nothing, filling their goblets before they could empty them, and bringing fresh trays of food to the table whenever something ran low. Alex thought he would burst from eating so much, but the food was excellent.

As the feast was coming to an end, Thorgood motioned for Thrang to come forward once more. The lamps had been dimmed so that Thrang appeared to stand in a circle of light. Slowly at first, but with growing enthusiasm, Thrang began to tell the story of their adventure.

Alex listened as Thrang spoke, his eyes shifting from Thrang to King Thorgood and back again. He was surprised that Thrang did not change anything about their journey to the Isle of Bones, and he looked sad when he told the crowd about his confrontation with Alex. Alex noticed that Thorgood seemed to be watching him, but would look away whenever Alex looked directly at him.

Thrang was as good as his word, telling as much of their story as he could while leaving out some things that might bring too many questions. He hardly mentioned the dwarfs in Nethrom’s cave, and he was careful to make it sound like Alex had summoned a dragon to chase away the thunderbird. He said the same summoned dragon had taken Alex and his friends back to Darvish and delivered the Oracle of the Empty Tower to her home.

Alex was a little surprised that Thrang did not name Kat as the oracle; in fact, he did not mention their stay at the tower at all. The fact that Kat was not with them would make it easy for Thorgood to guess she was the oracle, but most of the dwarfs in the room would not even think to ask questions.

“A wonderful tale,” Thorgood said as Thrang finished. “I see now that we are more honored than I thought. It is not often that a king has a dragon lord as his guest.”

Alex bowed his head slightly to Thorgood, which made the king smile.

“Now, I think our adventurers need their rest, as they have gone through a great deal to return here. I will, however, ask one last thing of them: that they remain in Benorg for as long as they can. I feel that one night’s feast is not nearly enough to honor them properly.”

Once again Alex and his friends stood and bowed to the king, but Thrang made no promises about how long they would stay.

With the feast over and the story of their adventure told, Alex felt that nothing would be better than bed. As he and his friends stood to leave the hall with the king, the dwarfs in the hall began cheering again, but this time the adventurers simply waved to the crowd and followed Thorgood out of the hall and into a small chamber.

“I’m sorry for the ceremony, my friends,” Thorgood said with a smile. “I know how much Thrang hates such things, and I can tell that the rest of you are uncomfortable with so much praise. Still, you’ve done a great service for me and my kingdom, and the lords of the realm expect ceremony.”

“You are most kind, my lord,” said Thrang. “Though you have already named this adventure a success, we are still at your service.”

“Ah, then perhaps you will tell me the wholetale of your adventure,” Thorgood said. “You are a good storyteller, Thrang, but I spotted a few holes in the story you told tonight.”

“What was not said should not be said openly,” Thrang answered. “Some things are best for your ears alone, while others I cannot say at all.”

“No doubt, no doubt,” said Thorgood, glancing at Alex.

“King Thorgood, Master Taylor has requested an audience with you and the lords of the dwarf realm,” Thrang said. “There are parts of our adventure that will be of great interest to you, parts that have nothing to do with our quest for the ring.”

“So I see,” Thorgood said, stroking his beard. “I can guess part of this, at least. The seer who traveled with you has not returned, yet you make no mention of her being lost.”

“She was not lost,” said Thrang. “She led us to the ring, and without her aid we would have been much longer in our search.”

“Yet she did not return with you to accept the honors due her,” said Thorgood. “I am not so blind that I cannot see where she is. The empty tower has a new oracle—an oracle that you and your company delivered there with the help of a dragon.”

“You see much,” Thrang said softly.

“And you think I will have some claim on her, as she would not have come to the tower but for this adventure,” Thorgood went on. “I must admit the thought crossed my mind.”

“To make such a claim would be unwise,” Thrang said quickly.

“You give good counsel, Thrang, and I believe you are correct in this as well,” Thorgood said after a moment. “Yet I’m not sure all of our people will see it as you and I do.”

“Perhaps I can help them see reason,” said Alex, stepping forward.

“Oh, I don’t doubt that,” Thorgood said with a laugh. “Yet you will not always be here, and the memory of you may not be enough to keep all of the lords in line.”

“There are other ways,” Alex said in a low voice.

“Very well,” said Thorgood. “Tomorrow morning, I will call the meeting you ask for. We will discuss the new oracle and anything else you may wish, and I hope that you are able to show the lords of Thraxon wisdom. I would hate to make an enemy of the oracle.”

“You have our thanks, my lord,” said Thrang, bowing.

“And you have mine, my friends,” said Thorgood with a bow of his own.

Thrang led the company out of the main palace and back to their rooms. No one spoke until they were seated around the fireplace, and even then it took some time for Thrang to break the silence.

“I fear that some of the dwarf lords will see this as an opportunity to control the oracle,” Thrang said.

“Surely they don’t think they can control the oracle,” said Arconn. “They cannot control what she says or who she agrees to talk to.”

“Perhaps they think to control access to the oracle. They could demand a high price of anyone seeking her wisdom,” Nellus said.

“Which would cause a great deal of anger in those who had to pay,” Barnabus added.

“They wouldn’t do that, would they?” said Thrain in a questioning voice, his eyes fixed on Thrang. “Oracles accept who they will. No one in Vargland would ever think of trying to control access to the White Tower.”

“Perhaps not, but the White Tower seems to move, so only those who the oracle wishes to see can find it,” said Arconn in a thoughtful tone. “I don’t think the empty tower of Darvish can hide so well.”

“No, it can’t,” said Alex. “But there is great power there, and anyone who tried to control access to the tower would be a fool.”

“You know this?” Thrang questioned.

“I felt the power that was there,” said Alex. “It will take Kat some time to learn how to use that power, and to learn how far beyond the city of Darvish it extends, but she will.”

“Then we must convince the dwarf lords not to try anything foolish,” said Thrang, sounding worried. “Yet I don’t see how we can.”

“Don’t you?” Alex questioned.

“You don’t even know what Thorgood promised,” Thrang said in a low voice. “We agreed not to speak of it until Thorgood was present.”

“I know it was a great promise, and I can guess that whatever Thorgood promised, it will have little meaning for me,” said Alex. “You and I will speak with Thorgood and his lords tomorrow, and we will see what sort of agreement we can reach.”

“Not all of the lords will support Thorgood, no matter what he has promised,” Thrang warned.

“They will support the true king of the dwarf realm, or they will lose face,” said Alex. “And if the true king of the dwarf realm of Thraxon should break the oath I will ask him to take, then perhaps there will not be a true king in the dwarf realm of Thraxon.”

“You are entering dangerous waters,” Thrang warned.

“Perhaps,” Alex answered. “Yet who better to meddle than a dragon lord?”

Thrang did not reply, and Alex didn’t feel like answering any more questions. There were things he needed to do before he met with Thorgood and his lords in the morning, and he knew that he would get little sleep, if any at all, tonight. He stood up and said good night to his friends, leaving them beside the fire without the answers they wanted.

***

“You look as if you’ve been awake all night,” Arconn said to Alex when he joined his friends for breakfast.

“I have been,” Alex said with a tired smile.

“If you are too tired, I can ask the king to postpone our meeting,” said Thrang.

“No, it would be best to do this as soon as possible,” said Alex, taking his seat and reaching for the nearest platter of food.

Alex ate quickly, and then joined Thrang by the fire.

“Do you know what you will do today?” Thrang asked.

“Yes,” Alex answered. “And I think the dwarf realm will be a better place for it.”

“I hope you are right,” Thrang said softly. “Whatever happens, I will stand by you.”

“Thank you,” said Alex, patting Thrang’s shoulder. “Now, let’s go speak with Thorgood and his lords. There are things that have gone on too long, and things that need to be stopped.”

Thrang nodded as he turned back to the room and headed for the door. Alex walked quietly beside his friend across the courtyard toward the main palace. When they arrived, Thorgood was already waiting for them, a nervous look on his face.

“The lords have gathered, but only with some grumbling,” said Thorgood. “Be careful of what you say, my friends. Illius is in a foul mood and will try to twist your words to his advantage.”

“Illius of Burnlap?” Alex questioned.

“Yes, how did you know that?” Thorgood asked in surprise.

“You can learn much if you pay attention,” said Alex. “Do not worry, I will deal with Illius.”

“I cannot allow you to harm any of my lords with your magic,” Thorgood warned.

“I will not use magic against any of them,” said Alex, bowing.

Thorgood nodded, then led the way into the chamber where the lords waited. Thrang looked worried, but Alex knew exactly what he would do and say.

“My lords,” Thorgood began as they entered the chamber. “My honored guest, Master Taylor, has asked to meet with us all. He feels there are things that should be discussed with this council, which is why I have asked you all to come here this morning.”

“ Demandedwe come would be closer,” a thin and sickly looking dwarf to the right of the king said. “Forgive me, Lord Thorgood, but this is most uncommon. The council of lords seldom allows an outsider into this chamber.”

“As Thrang told you last night, I was named a lord of the dwarf city of Neplee while on our adventure,” said Alex in a pleasant tone.

“Yes, that is true,” the sickly dwarf answered with a sneer. “But the southern cities are seldom represented here, and we have only Thrang’s word that you were named a lord of Neplee.”

“You doubt my word, Illius?” Thrang questioned angrily.

“Not at all, Lord Silversmith,” Illius answered with a twisted smile. “Your stories of distant lands have thrilled us all for many years. I’m sure no one here would ever question your word.”

“Enough of this,” said Thorgood, sounding angry himself. “Master Taylor has been named a lord of Neplee, and furthermore, he is a wizard and a dragon lord. I think that is more than enough reason to let him enter this hall and speak to us.”

“As you wish, my king,” said Illius coldly as he returned to his seat.

“Very well,” said Thorgood as he regained control of his emotions. “Master Taylor, will you tell us why you wanted to meet with us all?”

“There were two reasons that I asked for this meeting,” said Alex as he bowed to Thorgood. “Now that I am here, though, I see there are even more reasons than I thought. However, I will begin with the first reason.”

“And that would be?” Illius demanded loudly.

“That would be to inform you, King Thorgood, and your lords, that I have sworn to assist the new Oracle of the Empty Tower in any way she may require of me,” said Alex, watching Illius out of the corner of his eye. “I have told the oracle to send for me if ever she is in need, and I, or my friends, would come to her assistance.”

“A threat, then,” said Illius in an angry tone. “You hide a threat in your words, wizard.”

“I make no threats,” Alex answered calmly. “I am simply informing you that I will aid the oracle if she is in need. Only those foolish enough to try to control the oracle—or control access to the oracle—need fear what I say. I’m sure King Thorgood has no such plans, and so there is no threat in what I’ve told you.”

There was a general murmur of agreement at Alex’s words, and Illius looked around angrily. It was obvious he wanted the dwarf lords to feel threatened by Alex, but they all seemed to understand and accept what he had said.

“Wizards are known for their cunning ways,” Illius said in a sour tone. “My friends may not see through your words, but I do.”

“Do you?” Alex questioned. “I doubt you see very much at all. Your eyes are fixed in one place, and you have failed to look around you.”

“What do you mean by that?” Illius questioned, jumping to his feet.

“I mean that I found a new reason for this meeting the minute I heard your name,” said Alex. “I heard your name before I ever came to this land or joined in the adventure to find the Ring of Searching.”

“Where did you hear my name?” Illius questioned, his face going red. “In some wizard’s trance? Or perhaps some dragon told it to you.”

“No,” Alex said. “I heard it in the adventure shop of Mr. Cornelius Clutter.”

“What?” Illius shouted.

“Before I joined this adventure, I was visiting Mr. Clutter,” Alex explained. “He was kind enough to tell me about some other adventures that needed members. One of those was to seek for the crown of Set, and the adventure was being paid for by one Illius of Burnlap.”

“Lies!” Illius shouted. “You lie.”

“That is something I do not do,” said Alex coldly, his own anger growing. “If I did not respect Thorgood’s wishes regarding the use of magic in this room, you would even now be babbling the truth about your secret adventure.”

“It was not secret,” Illius said quickly, looking away from Alex. “I was . . . I was going to seek the crown and present it to the king as a gift. I thought it would make a grand gift, that is all.”

“And I suppose you never thought of keeping the crown for yourself, did you?” said Alex. “Never thought that the one who held the crown might be named the true king of the dwarf realm. Never considered the possibility that once you had the crown, you could claim to be the true heir of Set.”

“No, I never . . .” Illius stammered. He had gone pale as Alex spoke. “It was to be a gift—I swear on my honor.”

“You have no honor,” Alex snapped. “You twist the words of others to suit yourself. You show no respect to your king when he asks you to attend a council meeting. In secret, you have planned to control the city of Darvish in order to force those who seek the oracle to pay you for the privilege. Yes, I see the truth, and I know where your soldiers are going. No wizard is so blind that he could not see what you are trying to do, Illius.”

“Is this true, Illius?” Thorgood questioned, his eyes blazing with anger. “Have you sent soldiers to Darvish? Did you try to organize an adventure to find the crown of Set?”

“Yes,” Illius spat back. “You old fool. You would let the opportunity of a lifetime slip away. We can control Darvish and make more in one year than we could in a hundred years of mining. You wasted time and money on a foolish quest for the Ring of Searching when true wealth lies at your doorstep.”