Downfall

Do

Rig continued to stare, refusing to eat any of the sumptuous fare that Do

"His concern," Fiona said. "This is his country. What would you have us do, overthrow him?"

Not such a bad idea, the mariner thought.

The library was at the same time grand and appalling. Three walls were covered with shelves that stretched to the top of a fourteen-foot-high ceiling. Each shelf was crammed with books, the spines of which were labelled in the common tongue, as well as elf, dwarf, kender, and a few languages Dhamon did not recognize. Some were histories, others fanciful tales of fiction. A thick tome embossed with gold was about the art of warfare. On a quick inspection, it appeared none were marked with the buglike characters that could be found on Bloten's business signs. Perhaps ogres did not write books, Dhamon mused.

The books smelled musty and were covered with dust and cobwebs, hinting that none were ever read, only looked at and possessed. Had they been well cared for, they would have been worth a veritable fortune in any reasonably sized city of Ansalon.

The fourth wall was decorated with helmets of silver and black plate-souvenirs from Solamnic Knights and Dark Knights. A full suit of Dark Knight armor stood vigilant behind an overstuffed armchair that Do

Near the chair hung a great two-handed sword, which Maldred lifted down from a rack. Its pommel was shaped like a knobby tree trunk, and chunks of polished onyx were set into the whorls. He checked it for balance and swung it in a level arc, nearly tipping over a pink marble column holding a bust of Huma.

"Take it. The sword is yours, Maldred," Do

Maldred ran his thumb along the blade, cutting the skin and drawing blood.

"And the sword I am seeking, the one I sought this audience for?" Dhamon stood in front of the chieftain, facing him with his hands on his hips.

Do

"The sword that belonged to Tanis Half-Elven."

"Ah, that sword. The one that can find treasure. We have heard of the weapon."

"In your stables is a wagon loaded with…"

"Uncut gems from our valley," Do

"And it's more than enough to purchase the sword that tales say is in your possession."

Do

Dhamon waited patiently.

"But why should we give up a sword that can find treasure? We love gold."

"I've brought…"

Do

After a moment more, Maldred eased the two-handed sword into the latticed sheath on his back. "How did you come by it? This sword Dhamon wants?"

A deep chuckle escaped from Do

Do

"And what is this errand?"

"We want you to accompany your two human friends into the mountains. To the goatherders' village, Knolls-bank. We want you to make sure they live up to their word of stopping the raids. Help your friends deal with the wolves."

"Rig and Fiona are not my friends."

"But they are your kind," Do

"I've no desire to remain in their company. All I want is the sword. You've said I more than met your price."

"But we do not trust the Knight and the dark-ski

Dhamon frowned.

"And more," Do

Dhamon's jaw clenched. His eyes darkened and narrowed and his voice grew threatening. "I'll take the sword now and accompany Fiona and Rig. But I want the sword up front."

Do

"You do not trust them," Dhamon said evenly. "How can I trust you?"

"Oh, you can trust him." This came from Maldred, who stepped from behind the ogre to join them. "On my word, Dhamon Grimwulf, you can trust Chieftain Do

"Done, then," Dhamon said, extending his hand. "We will tend to your village of goatherders, and then we'll conclude our deal." He pivoted on the balls of his feet and strode quickly from the room.

When he was out of sight, Maldred turned to Do

"We are not concerned," Do

"Then why…"

"You are not to go with Dhamon Grimwulf and the others. Do you understand? Neither is Ilbreth. Stay here, Maldred, in our palace."

Lines of curiosity spread across Maldred's forehead.

"Those three will not be returning from Knollsbank," Do