Albrek's Tomb

“Only some of them,” said Alex, still smiling. “I’ve not learned enough about dwarfs to love all of their poetry—at least not yet.”

Thrang and Arco

“Thrang,” Thorgood called. “Thorson told us you would be coming. I take it you’ve found success on your adventure.”

“We have, my lord,” Thrang answered as he dismounted and bowed to the king.

“Wonderful,” said Thorgood. “This is the best news of all, but . . . one of your company appears to be missing. Thorson did not say you would bring sad news.”

“And we do not,” said Thrang. “But perhaps the story should wait until the lords of Thraxon can be gathered.”

“Yes, that would be best,” said Thorgood after a moment. “For now, I will thank you and the members of your company that are with you. I’ve had rooms prepared for all of you. Tonight we will feast, and then you can tell the story of your adventure.”

“You are most kind, great king,” said Thrang as he and the rest of the company bowed.

Alex knew Thorgood didn’t want to wait to hear the story of their adventure, but being a good king, he knew he had to. So instead of asking questions and talking to them as he had done on their previous visit, he had servants lead them to their rooms and ordered that they were not to be bothered.

“Once he hears our story, he will guess that Kat is the new oracle,” Thrang said when they were alone.

“And what action will he take?” Arco

“I’ve known Thorgood for many years, but I don’t know what he will do now,” Thrang said slowly. “Kat becoming the oracle was unexpected, and it might cause trouble.”

“Not from Thorgood,” said Alex. “Perhaps the lords of the dwarf realm will see things differently, but I don’t think Thorgood will start any trouble.”

“New oracles are often the center of trouble,” said Arco

“Yes, I believe you’re right,” Alex agreed after some thought. “Kat saw trouble coming after she became the oracle. I’ve promised to help her in any way I can.”

“Well, that should be enough to prevent any real trouble,” Nellus said with a smile. “After all, most kings will bow to the wishes of a wizard.”

“Most wise kings would,” Barnabus added. “Yet not all kings are so wise.”

“You don’t think Kat is in danger, do you?” Thrain questioned in a worried tone. “If she needs help, I can send to Vargland for soldiers. I know my grandfather would send a small army to protect the empty tower.”

“And risk war with the dwarf realm of Thraxon?” Thrang asked, shaking his head. “Don’t be silly, Thrain, it is too great a risk. Your grandfather may rule in Vargland, but that is far away.”

“I’m not worried about a war,” Alex said thoughtfully. “And I think Thorgood will listen to reason. As for the lords of the dwarf realm, I think I can make them see reason as well.”

“Yes,” said Thrang, his eyes resting on Alex. “I’m sure the lords will do as you wish, but remember, the dwarf realm is not the only power in Thraxon.”

“No, it’s not,” agreed Alex. “It is, however, one of the greatest powers, and there are few that would challenge it. If the dwarf realm is an ally of the tower, I doubt anyone will start any trouble. And I’ve also given the lady of the tower a powerful defender if she should ever need him.”

“The dragon?” Arco

“She may call upon him only in the hour of her greatest need,” said Alex. “I hope that she never needs to call, but she knows how.”

“Well then, there is little for us to worry about,” Thrang said in relief. “We will tell our story to Thorgood and deliver the ring to him. He will keep his word and make the payments he has promised. Once that is done, our company’s business in Benorg will be finished.”

“But you live here,” Nellus said. “You can’t pretend that Kat being the oracle won’t affect you.”

“I’m sure there will be a lot of talk, but if anything, it will improve my standing in Thraxon,” Thrang said with a smile. He glanced at Alex. “And I think there is some other business that must be dealt with before we return to Telous.”

“Yes,” said Alex. “I would be honored if you would arrange a meeting, Thrang, with Thorgood and his lords. If you and I could speak with them, I think we might solve a great many problems before they actually become problems.”

“As you wish,” Thrang said with a bow. “I will speak to Thorgood tonight, after we return the Ring of Searching.”

“Thank you,” said Alex. “Now, I think we should all get cleaned up. We will be the honored guests of the king tonight, and we should look our best.”

As Alex turned, he heard Thrang say softly to Thrain, “You see, he said a great deal and you still don’t know what he’s talking about.”

Alex smiled as he headed toward his room.

Once Alex and his friends had cleaned up from their journey, they didn’t have to wait long before they were summoned to the great feast of King Thorgood.

Thrang looked happier than he had in a long time, and Alex could tell that his friend had already worked out the story of their adventure to the last detail. He was glad, because Thrang would have to leave out or make up several important parts of the story while he told it.

As Alex and his friends took their seats for the feast, Alex looked at the assembled dwarfs. Many of the dwarf lords looked as happy as Thorgood did, but a few looked troubled.

“My friends,” Thorgood said once everyone was seated. “As many of you know, I asked my good friend Thrang Silversmith to set up an adventure some time ago. The details of this adventure I may now share with you all as Thrang and his company have returned to our fair city, and they have been successful in their quest.”

There was a slight buzzing of conversation as the dwarfs in the great hall whispered to each other. Alex wondered how many of them had guessed what Thorgood had asked Thrang to do.

“As you all know, our mines have become less productive over the past several years, which has caused some difficulty for the kingdom,” Thorgood explained. “I asked Thrang to find the one item that would solve this problem for us: the legendary Ring of Searching. Thrang has found the tomb of Albrek and retreived the ring, which has been lost for so many years. He and his company have done the dwarf realm of Thraxon a great service, and I am sure you will all wish to honor them.”

Thorgood paused, allowing his words to sink in. Alex glanced around at the assembled dwarfs and saw that many of them looked both happy and excited.

“As the person who arranged for this adventure, it is my duty and privilege to declare the adventure a success,” Thorgood said with a wide smile. “Thrang, if you would be so kind.”

Thorgood motioned for Thrang to come forward, and Thrang slowly stood up and walked to where the king was standing. Bowing to the king, Thrang took the Ring of Searching from his magic bag, holding it high above his head so the assembled dwarfs could see it.

“Will you accept this ring as fulfillment of our bargain for this adventure?” Thrang questioned in a loud, clear voice.

“I will,” Thorgood answered. “And I will fulfill the terms of our agreement to you and your company. This adventure is a success, and may all dwarfs honor you for what you have done.”

Thrang knelt in front of the king and offered him the Ring of Searching. Thorgood took the ring from Thrang and motioned for two of his guards to come forward. The guards carried a large golden chest between them, which Thorgood opened, carefully setting the ring on the velvet lining. With the ceremony complete, Thorgood bowed to Thrang and thanked him for his service.