Deadly_The Odyssey of Nath Dragon Page 5

  The last cell at the end of the row contained Nina and Worm. The young rogue was on his feet, hands locked on the bars, staring right at Maefon. Nina sat on one of the cots with her face in her remaining hand. “Interesting attire,” Worm said, brushing his thick locks from his eyes. “I can only assume that you are returning it to me.”

  Maefon shook her head.

  Nina rose. “You are the woman who killed Virgo. What game do you play?”

  “I don’t play games. I follow orders,” Maefon replied.

  Worm cackled. He licked his lips. “I like games. Like this cell. They think it can hold me, but nothing can. I don’t even need my cloak to escape. And I would have it back.”

  “If you could have escaped, you would have done it already,” she replied. “But that is not something that you should concern yourself with now.” She approached the bars. “I’m here to give you a proper escape.”

  Worm stuck his slender hands through the bars and grabbed the cloak. His fingers toyed with the fabric. “Yes, that would be very nice. Let us go so we can sort this madness out.”

  “Of course,” she said, touching his hand and caressing it in her own. “Soon, you will be reunited with the Black Hand, and all will be well.”

  “What do you mean?” he said, his eyes getting big. “Tobias and Cullon still live?”

  “In a manner of speaking, yes. They are waiting for you on the other side of death’s door.” Maefon stabbed her concealed dagger into the young man’s heart.

  “Urk!” Worm’s skin paled. His fingers slipped from the fabric of the cloak and back through the bars. He staggered backward with a glassy stare in his eyes. “I don’t want to die—”

  Nina caught him before he hit the ground. “Worm!” She turned her head toward Maefon with murder in her eyes. “You! You are Caligin, and you betray us!” Her face knotted with confusion. “Why?”

  “The Lord of the Dark in the Day sends his regards.”

  Nina paled. “Guards! Help!”

  Maefon grabbed Nina’s throat with a telekinetic hand. Nina chopped at the unseen force. Her eyes bugged out, and choking, she dropped to her knees, fell over, and died. Reaching through the bars, Maefon wiped the blood from her dagger on Worm’s pants leg. From where she stood, the other prisoners couldn’t see her or into the cells beside them. They were walled off by stone. Her keen ears didn’t hear a stir from the men lying on the cots.

  Hmm… how can I make this look like an accident?

  She got a better idea of what Darkken meant by loose ends. Leaving them alive could be trouble, but killing them seemed to make more. Now she had to bury her own tracks.

  Someone always sees something. This is tricky.

  The Caligin specialized in setting up accidents and making them fatal. An oil lantern hung on the wall behind her. She took it, opened the cell, and sprinkled the oil on Nina’s and Worm’s clothing. Whispering mystic words, she used her magic and set the bodies on fire. The clothing, hay, and cot caught fire. The flames and smoke spread. Covering her mouth, she said to herself, “It’s not perfect, but if anyone pertinent asks, we’ll just blame the Caligin.”

  Men started choking and coughing. They screamed for the guard. Heavy footsteps came running down the stairwell. The guard waded through the smoke, fingers fumbling for the keys. Maefon used the cloak’s power and vanished from her spot to one behind the guard. She dropped the keys and dashed up the smoky stairwell. She vanished forward a few more times until she was back in her room, hoping no one saw a thing. She took off the cloak and flopped down on her bed. “Phew!”

  CHAPTER 13

  In little over a day, Castle Janders had turned from a place of dark tragedy to a festive place true to Riegelwood’s identity. Inside the banquet hall, Nath sat behind a long table with Hacksaw on his right and Maefon on his left. Darkken sat beside Maefon, talking with Princess Janna. Platters of food were spread out all over the tables. The servants kept every goblet filled with wine and mead. In the room’s center, surrounded by more round tables, was a dance floor. The invited dignitaries danced gracefully in their flattering clothing while a small orchestra of men played in the corner behind Nath’s table.

  “By the looks of things, one would think that yesterday didn’t even happen,” Hacksaw commented as he sawed into a hunk of ham with his knife. “I suppose a free party dresses over more important issues. You’d think they’d be scared, but here they are, back again, as celebratory as ever.”

  Drumming his fingers on the table, Nath said, “I hadn’t thought about that, but I suppose it’s odd.”

  “Odd and spooky if you ask me,” Hacksaw added.

  “The pair of you need to enjoy yourselves. After all, this party is for us. They are celebrating a very important and heroic day,” Maefon said. She was dressed in her sleeveless black-leather armor, the same as Darkken. Side by side, they looked like a formidable pair, even meant for each other. She hugged Nath’s arm. “Enjoy this, Nath. I think Princess Janna is considering naming a day after you, well, all of us maybe, but especially you. You rescued her twice, and she seems very grateful.” She drank from her goblet. “Live it up. You’re a hero!”

  “Well, I didn’t say I wasn’t enjoying myself. It’s nice.” Nath clinked his goblet with hers and drank a sip of wine. “I’m just not used to being comfortable yet. Given all that I’ve been through, I suppose it’s hard to relax.”

  “Aye. I know that feeling,” Hacksaw agreed. “I could hardly sleep after my soldiers died, and there would be goblins in my dreams. They still crawl around my mind at night.” He slapped Nath on the shoulder. “But when you’re among friends, let your guard down once in a while. You’ve earned it.”

  “Absolutely,” Maefon agreed.

  Nath frowned. “I don’t know. The Black Hand is dead, but I don’t feel overjoyed about it. I have my sword and items, but I feel empty. I just wanted to talk to them to find out why they did what they did to me.”

  “You want closure, but they are in the grave.” Hacksaw pushed his plate back. “Nath, it’s a war. Sometimes you don’t get the answers or results you want, but you live, we all do. Be thankful of that.”

  “I just wish I could have spoken to Nina. I swear, I sensed some good in her.” He looked at Maefon. “So, you heard they burned in a fire? In the dungeon? They are savvy people. It seems odd that they would perish like that.”

  Hacksaw leaned forward, casting his eyes on Maefon as well.

  “I don’t know, Nath,” she replied. “That is just what I heard from Janna, well, through Darkken, who heard it from Janna. I didn’t see any reason to investigate the details. I’m just glad they are gone.” She drank. “You have to move on. We all do. Chazzan is out there, somewhere, and we must find him. At least, Darkken and I need to, though, I wish you would join us.”

  “I have to take care of my friends first.”

  Darkken joined the conversation. “Pardon my big ears, but I overheard your concerns about Chazzan. You know, I’ve been giving it some thought, Maefon, and I think we should join Nath and Hacksaw.”

  Maefon turned on him. “But we must pursue him before the trail grows cold.”

  “The Brothers of the Wind won’t give up the chase. They’ll keep us informed. I don’t think a few weeks out of what might be a decades-long pursuit will kill us.” He raised his eyebrows at Maefon and Nath. “What do you think?”

  Elated, Nath said, “I think that would be great.”

  Surprised, Maefon added, “I, uh, agree.”

  “Good, it’s settled then.” Darkken rose and draped his long arms over both of their shoulders. “I think I can help out in Slaver Town. I know people that can assist. So, let’s enjoy the music and dance.” He offered his elbow to Maefon.” Milady, will you give me the pleasure of escorting you to the dance floor.”

  “Certainly,” she replied.

  Nath watched Maefon and Darkken take the floor and gracefully dance in a waltz style. The pair moved as one, with Maefon almost disa
ppearing in the rangy man’s arms from time to time. It stirred Nath’s blood seeing her with Darkken. Maefon was so beautiful and tempting. The love they had shared in Dragon Home was real, and he missed it.

  “Don’t let your feelings get too crossed up over a girl,” Hacksaw said as he stuffed sweet tobacco into his pipe.

  “Excuse me?”

  “I see that look in your eye. You want her. Can’t say I blame you. She’s a gorgeous thing, but she’s not the one for you. Be patient.”

  Nath turned his shoulders to Hacksaw. “How do you know she’s not the one? She could be.”

  Hacksaw pulled on his pipe made from white unicorn horn and leaned forward. “Keep this between you and me, but I think something is off with the two of them. They make me edgy.”

  “What do you mean? They’ve been nothing but a help since we met them. Darkken has risked his life twice and his elves. The same for Maefon. I’m convinced they are sincere.”

  “I know, but it all seems too… eh, what’s the word I’m looking for… convenient.”

  “How so?”

  “Like you, I’m not so comfortable that the Black Hand is dead. The last two, Nina and Worm, well, they should have been taken to trial. They knew things, but the dead can’t speak, can they?”

  Nath nodded. “You are saying someone wanted them kept quiet?”

  Hacksaw shrugged.

  “Perhaps it was the Men of Whispers or the Caligin. That would make the most sense. The Black Hand could expose them.”

  “Or perhaps that is exactly what someone else wants you to think.” Hacksaw blew out a long stream of smoke. “I know what you are thinking, Nath, I’m overly suspicious. Well, maybe I am, and I hope I’m wrong, but I’m not sold on the two of them yet. The timing of this matter is too remarkable.”

  “Perhaps.” Nath’s eyes drifted toward the two radiant figures on the dance floor. Darkken and Maefon stood out in their black armor, even though they weren’t doing anything special to draw attention to themselves. With smiles on their faces, they exchanged words with one another. Darkken tossed his head back and laughed heartily. Nath’s fingers balled into a fist.

  “Are you enjoying the celebration?” Princess Janna draped her arms over Nath’s shoulders and kissed him on the cheek. Tipsy, she took a seat in his lap and talked to him with dreamy eyes. Fingers crawling up his chest, she said, “You better save me a dance, Nath Dragon.”

  “Oh, certainly.” He searched out Edwin. Janna’s betrothed was busy talking with some dignitaries with his back toward them. Meanwhile, Janna was enticing in a powder-blue evening gown that showed off her hourglass figure. Her red lips looked as sweet as honey. Her eyes hung on Nath’s. He swallowed. “Do you want to dance now?”

  “No. I like my place right here,” she said. “I want you to know that I love Edwin, but I’m wounded that you are not my betrothed. Actually, I thought it might have been Darkken, but though extremely handsome, he seems older. You are young and fair, and those eyes and that hair.” She caressed his silky red locks. “They enchant me. Will you promise that you won’t be a stranger to Riegelwood? You’ll always be welcome at Castle Janders.”

  He patted her thigh. “I promise.”

  “You know, I’m not married yet. And you are my hero. Perhaps we can share a moment together later.”

  Not wanting to offend her, he tried to think of the right answer and stammered, “I-I…”

  Edwin swooped in. He wore a forced smile, and his brows were crinkled. “There’s my princess.” He pulled her out of Nath’s lap. “Dearest, I have some family that you’ve yet to meet. Will you join me?”

  Her neck swayed from one side to the other. She grabbed a goblet of wine. “Certainly.”

  Edwin gave Nath and Hacksaw an affirmative nod. “Gentlemen. Thank you. I look forward to a long chat later.” He pulled Janna away, but she turned and winked at Nath before she was hauled into the crowd.

  Nath looked at Hacksaw. “Let’s get out of here.”

  “Agreed.”

  CHAPTER 14

  Early the next day, Nath, Hacksaw, Maefon, and Darkken departed Riegelwood accompanied by six elves. Maefon and Darkken drove a wagon, sitting hip to hip. Nath and Hacksaw were on the old knight’s horses. The Brothers of the Wind easily kept pace, traveling on foot. Ahead was a long road that traversed the grassy wildflower-laden knolls underneath a dreary cloud-covered sky. The chill wind bit at Nath’s ears, but otherwise, he was comfortable back in the saddle.

  “Oh,” Hacksaw groaned. He slumped forward, shoulders drooped. “I think I ate and drank too much last night. I should have known my limits, but instead, thinking like I was young again, I figured I didn’t have any. The body really pays for a lack of wisdom when you’re old.” He rubbed the back of his head. “Feels like someone is chopping wood inside my skull.”

  “I echo your sentiments,” Darkken replied. “That spring wine they make is a dandy. It goes down as smooth as water, fooling your senses. It’s no wonder they call Riegelwood the city of festivals. It’s festive.”

  Maefon rubbed Darkken’s back. “You men just can’t hold your spirits like an elf can. I feel as spry as a pixie and drank every bit as much as you. Possibly the both of you.”

  “I don’t know about that,” Hacksaw commented.

  With a winsome smile, Nath rode along, enjoying their conversations. Last night at the banquet, he’d met a few score of people that showered him with adoration and thanks for his heroism. They offered him gifts, a place to stay in their homes, and exchanged warm hugs and kisses. There were many fine maidens who clung to his arms, fighting one another, trying to haul him away as they danced, sang, and drank into the night. He’d felt needed and appreciated.

  It would be a long road to Slaver Town. He’d made the journey before, tethered to Prawl the orc. The trail brought back memories that haunted Nath. Prawl was every bit as cruel as he was ugly. His face burned an unforgettable impression in Nath’s mind. That wasn’t the only unforgettable orc, either. There was Foster, the quarry master, who Nath acquired the sledgehammer, Stone Smiter, from. The pair of them had tormented him with beatings, torture, and confinement with unfettered cruelty. Deep inside, a big part of Nath didn’t want to return to Slaver Town, but at the same time, he wanted to burn it all down. Swaying in the saddle, he caught Darkken looking at him.

  The older warrior waved him over. “Nath, why don’t you and Maefon change places? I’d like a bit of your time to catch up on all that has happened. You don’t mind, do you, Maefon?”

  “Of course not.” She stood up and arched her back. “I prefer the warmth of a leather saddle over this hard bench any day.” With Nath’s help, she sat in the saddle right in front of him. She pushed her supine body back into his. “Off you go now.”

  Somewhat reluctantly, Nath slipped into the supply-laden wagon and sat on the bench.

  “Aren’t the two of you a pair,” she said with an approving smile. “I like seeing my favorite men together. If you don’t mind, I’ll take this beautiful beast for a gallop. I love a hard ride and the wind in my hair. Would that be all right with you, Hacksaw?”

  “Gallop all you want, but don’t overdo my steed. I might trot after you. A quick ride in the wind may clear my head a little.”

  Maefon put her heels to the horse. The beast lunged forward into a trot then broke out into a full gallop with the elves running in fast pursuit.

  Hacksaw trotted past the wagon. “I’ll keep an eye on them.”

  Darkken chuckled. “I suppose we could race this wagon down the road in case you are feeling left out.”

  “No, I’m quite fine, thank you.” Nath felt a little awkward being alone with Darkken. It was as if he was vulnerable for some reason. “But if you want to race…”

  “Of course not,” Darkken said in his warm and friendly manner. His eyes were smiling like a caring friend. “So, tell me, how are you feeling?”

  “How am I feeling? That’s an odd question, isn’t it?”

>   “Nath, you’ve been through a lot, and honestly, I didn’t know what to say to you. I thought we should talk about your plans for Slaver Town, but”—Darkken lifted a finger—“I thought I would break the ice with simple conversation. Sometimes, when so much happens, your mind needs a break. You just need to talk and let it out.”

  “I see.” Nath bobbed his chin. “Honestly, I feel… relaxed, but I feel guilty for feeling that way. I’m so used to being on edge or under fire.” Blue jays flew right past the horses and into the tall berry bushes scattered along the road. “I’m not used to peace.”

  “I feel the same way. If you think for one moment I enjoy this pursuit of the Caligin, you would be dead wrong. Why, I’d much rather be back in the city of festivals being showered in gifts. But it would become stale after a while. That’s why I just make the most of it when I can and then get back to the business at hand. Besides, I can’t sleep well knowing the likes of Chazzan and the Caligin are out there. When I see that scar on Maefon’s belly...” Darkken ground his teeth. His hands tightened on the reins. “It sends a fire right through me.”

  “I know the feeling.”

  The wagon bounced hard on the rocky road.

  “See, it’s like that,” Darkken commented.

  Nath gave him a funny look. “Like what?”

  “In life, you’ll be moving along, nice and easy, when all of a sudden, boom, something unexpected happens. You are jostled. If you aren’t prepared for it, your entire life can be turned upside down.” Darkken flipped the reins, alternating with each hand in rhythm but not disturbing the horses. “See how the reins ripple like waves in water. Life is like that. But if I snapped them hard, an untamed horse would bolt, but these horses expect it. It’s the same as the big bumps in the road. We know they are coming. We are prepared but avoid them if we can. Many are never prepared. Some bumps are unavoidable. But you, Nath, are used to the bumpy road. Even the big bumps give you comfort. Life without those bumps is empty. Make sense?”