Slathbog's Gold

“Not at all,” Thrang replied, embarrassed. “It’s just that . . . well, we don’t speak openly about the true silver of the Brown Hills. Not even among ourselves.”

“There is great wisdom in that,” said Arco

“And I daresay you’ve heard less than I have,” replied Thrang.

“What is true silver?” Alex asked.

Thrang looked around nervously before answering. “True silver is different than common silver. For one thing, it is much harder to find and thus worth much more—even more than gold. Once found and polished, true silver will never lose its shine.”

“It doesn’t turn black like normal silver?” Alex asked.

“No, it doesn’t,” answered Thrang. “But that has little to do with the value of true silver. It can be worked and forged into armor and weapons that are harder and stronger than any iron or steel. I suspect your wonderful sword is made of true silver, though it is difficult to tell. I don’t know why the blade is so dark, but I would guess it has something to do with the elf magic in it.”

“Dwarfs are keen on keeping true silver to themselves,” said Halfdan as Thrang fell silent. “Not so much for its value, but because of its beauty.”

“That’s true enough,” said Thrang with a smile. “True

silver can be shaped into wonderful things that never tarnish or break. It can also be used in cu

“Dwarf magic?” Alex questioned.

“Nothing like a wizard’s magic,” Halfdan said quickly. “Dwarf magic is more for making things like strong doors and tools that won’t break.”

“There are other kinds of dwarf magic as well,” Thrang added. “And not just any dwarf can do magic. Like starting and putting out fires, you have to have some magic in you to make it work.”

“But magic is magic, isn’t it?” Alex asked.

“Perhaps it all comes from the same place,” replied Thrang. “But dwarf magic is just used for things that dwarfs find helpful or pleasing. It’s normally not as strong as, say the magic in your sword or anything like that.”

“Do you think we will be able to see some true silver when we reach the Brown Hills?” Andy asked in a hopeful tone.

“Perhaps,” Thrang replied, sounding slightly worried. “But I would ask that none of you mention it to the dwarfs there. They’ll not be happy if they knew how much information we’ve shared. Too many questions will test any friendship they may offer us.”

“Then I will make it a command,” said Bregnest, looking at each member of the company in turn. “When we reach the dwarf realm, none of us will speak of true silver—except of course Thrang and Halfdan, who will know what to say and to whom.”

“A kind gesture,” said Thrang, getting to his feet and bowing to Bregnest.

There was little more talk before Bregnest and the others began rolling into their blankets for the night. Alex sat with Arco

“You seem much more interested in your magic book tonight,” Arco

“A bit,” Alex replied with a smile.

“So you’ve decided you like the idea of magic now?”

“I’m still not sure,” answered Alex slowly. “I’ve been a little afraid of it. You know, after what you said about power and responsibility. I’ve also worried that magic can be dangerous if you don’t really understand it.”

“But your fear is starting to fade?” Arco

“Yes, it is,” replied Alex. “I think it might be useful to know a bit more magic than I do now. When Thrang and Halfdan were talking about dwarf magic being used to help the dwarfs with things, I thought maybe I could learn some magic that would help us as we travel. You know, something more than just how to start and put out fires.”

“Indeed,” said Arco

“I’ll remember,” said Alex, closing his book and moving toward his blankets as his watch ended.

The next day remained su

“Your knowledge has grown quickly,” said Arco

“The plants, maybe,” said Alex, smiling at Arco

animals.”

“That will come in time,” said Arco

Alex did not reply, happy to ride along and watch the Brown Hills grow into mountains in front of them. Arco

“Here is a sign,” said Thrang loudly, interrupting Alex’s thoughts.

Thrang pointed to a large stone pillar standing by the side of the road. Hundreds of small, neatly cut markings covered the pillar, and Alex realized that the markings were some kind of writing.

“We are now entering the lands of the dwarf realm of Vargland,” said Thrang happily. “The pillar says we should ride forward until sunset. We will be met as the sun sinks into the west.”

“Met by whom?” Bregnest questioned, looking at the pillar.

“It doesn’t actually say,” answered Thrang. “If they follow custom, though, we should be met by soldiers and a warden of the king.”

“Soldiers?” Andy questioned nervously.

“Not to trouble us,” said Halfdan. “But as a sign of respect.”

“And in case we’re troublemakers, I would guess,” Thrang added. “If we look like trouble, they may attack, but they would probably give us the chance to withdraw first.”

“Are you sure it’s safe to go forward?” Bregnest asked, sounding unhappy about the soldiers and Thrang’s words.

“’Course it is,” said Thrang with a grunting laugh. “It’s not as if we’re here to make trouble.”

“But will your cousins know that?” Skeld asked slyly.

Bregnest didn’t wait for Thrang’s reply. He asked Arco

“It’s really not necessary,” Thrang protested loudly. “It’s not as if we’re in any danger.”

“But you should have a place of honor,” said Arco

“You’re right about that,” Thrang admitted, taking his place as the company rode forward. “But I’m sure you’ll be well received, and if you’re not, I’ll have something to say about it.”

“Then let us hurry to the reception,” said Skeld loudly.

Following Bregnest and Thrang, the group rode past the stone pillar, heading for the Brown Hills. As the sun began to drop behind them, they suddenly came to a halt.

“Declare yourselves,” a loud voice called out.

Alex looked, but he could not see where the voice came from.

“Silvan Bregnest and company,” Bregnest called back. “We are a company of adventurers, traveling to the east.”

For a few moments there was silence, then the voice called back again.

“We see two of our kinsmen among your company. Have them come forward.”

Slowly, and with Bregnest’s approval, Thrang and Halfdan moved away from their companions toward the voice. For several minutes, the rest of them heard nothing, and then the voice called again.

“Your companions have vouched for you. You may approach,” the voice called.

They all moved forward, following the road and looking around as they went. Alex spotted several dwarfs standing in the shadows of large rocks on either side of the road now that he was closer. The fading light made them difficult to see.