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“There is more than enough,” said Thrang, raising his mug as if to toast Alex and Arco
“Perhaps too much of your red ale,” Skeld laughed, launching the bread Andy had thrown at him in the direction of Thrang’s mug.
“It is a fair vintage,” Thrang replied, slapping the bread away.
Alex and Arco
“You seem more at ease than you were this morning,” commented Thrang, looking closely at Alex. “Did the Oracle tell you what you wished to hear?”
“Yes,” replied Alex.
“It is not your concern,” said Bregnest sternly to Thrang. “You know that the Oracle’s words are private.”
“Forgive me,” said Thrang, smiling ruefully at Alex. “Perhaps Skeld is right—I’ve had too much ale.”
Alex simply smiled, bowing his head slightly to accept Thrang’s apology. He was happy, and the thoughts that had troubled him for so long now seemed distant. For the first time in a long while, he felt at peace.
Alex and Arco
“We should look at your sword,” said Arco
“The Oracle said you would know about this one,” Alex said, turning toward the sleeping house.
“Then bring it out into the sunlight,” Arco
Alex entered the sleeping house and picked up his sword. He remembered how easily the blade had passed through the troll’s leg, as if his own effort was unimportant, and the strange heat he had felt during the fight. Picking up the scabbard, he saw that the inlayed swirls of gold still seemed to spell something, but he still couldn’t make out what the words might be.
Leaving the sleeping house, Alex saw the others had gathered on the shady side of the bathhouse. Carrying his sword in both hands, he approached Arco
“You recognize it then?” Alex asked.
“I do,” said Arco
“Can you tell me about it?” Alex held out the scabbard as the others gathered around to get a better look.
“I . . . I can,” Arco
Alex drew the sword from its scabbard and held it up in the sunlight. The gold inlay flashed like fire in his hand, and Alex heard Arco
“A well-made weapon,” said Thrang, looking from the sword to Arco
“Indeed it is,” said Arco
As Alex obeyed, Arco
“Yes,” Andy answered, looking worried. “He said it wasn’t one of his swords, but that an adventurer had sold it to him. He said it was as good as anything he’d ever made, maybe
better.”
“Better indeed,” said Arco
“Dark elves?” Alex questioned, concerned.
“Not evil elves as you might think,” Arco
“Not more,” Halfdan stated in a defiant tone.
“At least as much then,” said Arco
“You speak of them in the past,” said Skeld. “Are they no longer to be found?”
“Most of them were destroyed long ago,” replied Arco
“Do you know any more about this sword and its history?” Bregnest asked.
“Moon Slayer was the sword of many great warriors, but I’ll not trouble you with their names and deeds,” replied Arco
“Then you made a good bargain,” said Alex, looking at Thrang. “You paid for this sword, and I ca
Thrang looked at the sword and then at Alex. He seemed a little nervous, almost afraid, when he spoke.
“The sword is yours,” said Thrang, his hand automatically stroking his beard. “I have no claim on it. You have chosen it—or perhaps it has chosen you. I offered to stand good for you, that is all. I won’t go back on my word.”
“You show great wisdom, Thrang Silversmith,” said Arco
Alex felt pleased that such a famous sword would choose him as its master. He hoped he would be able to live up to the ancient tradition of the sword, though he still had some doubts about his skill as a warrior.
“For as long as you carry Moon Slayer, you will find honor among the elves,” Arco
“Thank you,” said Alex, bowing to Arco
“As do I,” Arco
Alex returned the sword to the sleeping house, though he was reluctant to leave it there. He placed it carefully beside his magic bag, then quickly rejoined his companions.
“A warrior anda wizard,” said Skeld, slapping him on the back and gri
The others laughed at Skeld’s comments and so did Alex. He knew he was not a wizard or a warrior—at least not yet—but somehow, he knew he would be both someday.
As the shadows started to creep across the courtyard, Rothgar appeared, carrying a large book. He bowed politely to Bregnest before addressing the group.
“The lady Iownan asks for your forgiveness, as she ca
When he finished speaking, Rothgar bowed to Alex and handed him the large book. The others crowded around Alex as Rothgar departed as quickly as he had appeared.
“Another gift from the lady? You must have made a great impression,” said Skeld, looking over Alex’s shoulder.
Alex waved him off but didn’t say anything. The fine leather cover of the book was blank and he wondered what it might contain. He opened the book slowly and a note slipped out from inside the front cover.
My Friend,
Please accept this gift. It will aid you on your future journeys. I’m sure you will find it useful.
Iownan