Slathbog's Gold

Alex nodded his understanding and took his share of the treasure, trying to forget his misgivings about the bandits being men.

“We’ll ride to Techen,” said Bregnest as they prepared to depart. “If the rains hold off, we should make it in four days.”

“And if the rains come, it will be five or six,” Skeld replied. “And the horses won’t look so good when we try to sell them.”

“Then I expect you to take care of them,” answered Bregnest with a smile. “And if they don’t fetch a fair price, you’ll make up the difference to us all.”

Skeld laughed loudly and Alex wondered if anything ever dimmed his happy mood. Skeld’s endless happiness made Alex’s heart feel lighter so he was glad that Skeld was with them.

The rains held off for two days as the company rode toward Techen and they made good time both days. The morning of their third day, though, the rain started falling, building into a terrific downpour before midday. Alex and his friends moved slowly along the muddy and slick road. The rain continued as they stopped to camp for the night.

“At least we can eat without getting any wetter,” Skeld laughed, shaking his head like a dog.

The company’s mood had darkened slightly because they were all soaked to the skin and unhappy about it. The muddy road had slowed their progress as well, and Bregnest said he thought it would be at least two more days before they reached Techen.

“Remember, when we reach Techen, we are trading horses. Nobody is to speak of our goal to anyone,” warned Bregnest. “I will make a few inquiries about Varlo and see if there is anything I can learn.”

The company agreed with Bregnest’s plan, though Alex thought eight adventurers turning up and trading bandit ponies was sure to attract interest from the people of Techen. If anyone knew anything about Varlo, they would quickly suspect that Alex and his friends were headed there.

“Perhaps they will,” agreed Arco

“If they’re on a different quest, why do they ask?” Alex questioned.

“For future reference,” replied Arco

“Is it really that dangerous?” Alex asked.

“It won’t be easy,” answered Arco

“Prophecy?”

“Yes, but it is not mine to speak of,” said Arco

“May I ask you something else?” Alex questioned.

“You should rest, your watch has passed,” said Arco

“It’s about my sword,” said Alex. “About the feelings I had when we were fighting the bandits.”

“Ah, I wondered how the sword might affect you,” said Arco

“It is hard to explain, but while I was using the sword, I felt almost like laughing out loud and crying at the same time.”

“And after the battle?”

“I didn’t really feel anything after. I just . . . well, I just knew that I’d done what was needed. I didn’t feel happy or sad or anything.”

Arco

“I feel their emotions as well,” said Alex.

“Yes. I would guess the joy was greater, as the sword was being used to destroy evil. Still, it is a terrible kind of joy, one tempered by much sorrow.”

“Yes,” said Alex. “It was a terrible joy.”

“Do not be troubled, Alex,” Arco

“Thank you for telling me what you know,” said Alex, bowing to Arco

The next morning dawned bright and clear. The clouds had drifted away during the night, and the sun came out to dry the waterlogged land. They made good progress that day, but as night crept across the land, there was still no sign of Techen.

That night during his watch, Arco

“Forgive me for saying so, but you seem to have great respect for dragons,” said Alex, as Arco

“Indeed I do,” said Arco

“And what does that mean?” Alex asked.

“As with all people, they are what they are,” replied Arco

“Why?” Alex asked, wondering if anyone could really be stronger than a dragon.

“Dragons are magical. They have powers of their own that only they understand. If you look them in the eye, they can capture you in a spell.”

“Can the spell be broken?”

“It is said that once the dragon looks away, the spell will be broken,” replied Arco

Alex considered everything Arco

That night, Alex dreamed about dragons and the mysteries hidden behind their eyes. He dreamed that he could look into a dragon’s eyes without fear, but before he could look, it was morning, and time to ride on.

chapter eleven

Techen

It was almost noon the next day when Alex and his friends reached the city of Techen. It was not a large city nor was it a fair city to look at. Most of the buildings were short and brown, their walls cracked and bulging. The tallest buildings Alex could see were several towers built into the wall around the city. The towers were twice as high as anything else, and Alex was amazed they could stand so tall when they looked so close to falling down.

“It’s not much to look at,” said Andy, riding next to Alex. “But if half the tales are true, the stop will be worth it.”

“Why?” questioned Alex.

“They say a feast in Techen is worth two in any other city,” Andy replied with a smile.

“It would have to be something special to make up for the city’s appearance,” Alex commented in a lowered tone.

“The food is supposed to be incredible,” Andy continued, taking no notice of Alex’s comment. “They say that this is where most of the really great ideas in food were started.”

“And Master Goodseed would know a bit about food,” Skeld laughed happily from behind Alex. “I’ve noticed he never gets enough of Thrang’s cooking.”

Skeld and Halfdan had been riding at the rear of the company, leading the bandit horses they had captured. Andy turned around quickly to reply to Skeld’s comment, but both Skeld and Halfdan were already laughing too hard to hear anything he had to say.

Alex smiled to himself but managed to keep from laughing as well.