Dwarven Steel Read online

  Gerard said, “What’s going on?”

  I replied, “Assassins, king and queen, hurry,” and then teleported straight to them, I’d been in the meeting room they were in more than once, so it was easy enough.

  I took in the scene in a split second, the king was dying, Andrew was dead, and the queen was hysterical. The dwarves looked alarmed, and were even more alarmed at my sudden arrival. The two guards behind me against the wall brought up their pikes to attack me. I didn’t have time for explanations, so I pinned both royal guards against the wall and stepped forward.

  I muttered a prayer under my breath, and the king’s, Andrew’s, and the queen’s goblets lit up with a greenish light. The spell I’d cast was detect poison. It was also apparent the queen hadn’t drunk from hers yet, Andrew’s was mostly empty, and the king had only taken a sip or two, which is probably why he was still alive.

  The dwarves looked at me warily from the other side of the table, but thankfully didn’t intervene as I reached out and touched the king, and cast remove poison. I was thankful to my good memory, I’d never used those spells before, but I’d memorized them perfectly. I felt calm and at peace for a moment, as the goddess’s power raced through my body and out through my hand. I immediately cast a healing spell, to heal the damage the poison did before I neutralized it, and once again felt the goddess’s presence as her power ran through my body.

  The queen looked up at me with wide eyes, and I nodded once, “He’ll be fine when he wakes up, I’m afraid it’s too late for Andrew. It was the wine, all three cups are poisoned. Looks like they went after the royal family when they went after me. First strike in the coming war?”

  The queen’s eyes went wide, I’d never seen her so shaken, “Darren!”

  I checked quickly, I knew the little boy’s mind well enough to find him fast, and then shook my head, “There’s no one near him, he’s asleep.”

  The queen gazed at the wall by the door, “Can you let the guards down?”

  One guard felt mostly concerned to me, and a little anger about being held. The other one however felt terrified. I decided he should scared, as I fished out the information. This was no time to be shy or hold back because I didn’t want to see another’s memories. He’d poisoned the drinks earlier during his inspection of the drinks brought in from the kitchen. Bastard. He wasn’t even from Jendas, just sold the king out for a bag of gold.

  I finally said, “I can let one of them down your highness,” and I did, “But the other one was paid to poison you.”

  The guard I freed asked, “Are you sure about that?”

  I nodded, “The empty vial is in his boot, but should still have traces of the poison in it.”

  The queen asked, “How… how did you know?”

  I nodded at Andrew, “When he died you lost your mage shields, and I felt your panic and grief right after I killed my assassin. You’re mind called out, and I heard you.”

  She nodded, still shaken, and after checking on the king again, her face turned back into the mask I usually saw. I almost felt sorry for the guard as the good one tied him up. It would have been more merciful to just kill him. That’s when I felt Gerard coming. I used telepathy to catch him up on all of it from the deaths, to the poisoned wine, and exactly what meeting room we were all in. He was in the room a few moments later with two more royal guards. One to drag the traitor away, the second to replace his post.

  The king woke up just a few seconds later and looked groggy. Just in case, I moved the poisoned wine to the other end of the table. It took a while to go through it all again, but once I finished the king’s face was granite. He looked at Andrew’s corpse, and cursed.

  Alexander ordered, “Clean house now. I want all enemy spies dead within the hour. The first strike of the war has been made, and we have a lot to do to prepare. Also, send out runners to the noble quarter, Katrina and I might not have been the only targets.”

  The royal guard saluted, and ran to get all that started.

  The king shook his head, and said to the dwarves, “My apologies for the interruption, just another moment please.”

  Interruption? That’s what he calls it? I tried not to giggle, and mostly succeeded. The king let it pass, I supposed I gained a little latitude saving his life. I felt bad about Andrew, but there was nothing I could do.

  He turned back to us and said, “Thank you Katrina for your efforts, you’ve saved my life. Andrew’s loss will be felt, he was the best mage I had at spying on the enemy forces through the elements, not all mages can scry with equal facility. Just a few hours ago, he reported several units in Jendas’s army were on the move. It will take time, a week, maybe two at the most to get their soldiers into position and supplied, but within that time Jendas’s forces will be coming through the pass. No doubt the assassinations were meant to throw things in turmoil, and perhaps delay Trelin’s response so they wouldn’t have to face a reinforced Ironcastle keep at the mouth of the mountain pass. I need to work out some details with the ambassadors here, but I want you both in this room directly after breakfast tomorrow morning.”

  I could have argued I didn’t work for him, but there was no point. Both he and I knew nothing would take me from Gerard’s side except different marching orders from my goddess. I’d be here in the morning and ready to help Gerard help Trelin, and the king knew that well. So, I didn’t bother, and Gerard and I spoke in unison as we bowed, “Yes your majesty.”

  We were also sure we were dismissed, so turned and left the room. I wasn’t sure what the king had in mind for us, but I was sure it would be critical in the coming effort against Jendas.

  Chapter Three

  The room was almost filled to capacity, when we returned the next morning after breakfast. Including us there were eleven others in the room. The atmosphere was reserved, but not tense. Even the dwarves seemed more relaxed based on their emotions, so I guessed they’d come to an agreement which we were about to hear about, and participate in. I was assuming, but I couldn’t think of another reason we would be there.

  Not after Danielle’s warning, and Arella saying I was already caught up in events, whatever this was it would be serious.

  King Alexander and Queen Caroline sat at the head of the table. They both looked tired, and had obviously worked through the night. No doubt to both make that agreement, and start sending orders out to our own army. To the King’s right along the length of the table sat two mages I’d never seen before, both dressed in elaborate mage robes, and James the royal historian was there as well. Gerard and I sat on that side of the table as well at the king’s prompting.

  Across from us were the two dwarven ambassadors, and the two dwarven guardians. I sensed curiosity from them, but they looked serious. The ambassadors both had their reddish brown robes we’d been seeing them in for a few days now, the male’s was darker. The warriors looked fierce in steel armor and with their ugly one-handed axes on both their hips.

  The ambassadors, Tursac and Hanathra Goldborn, were married. Tursac had brown eyes, and red hair and beard. His wife Hanathra also had brown eyes, but her hair was a beautiful shade of honey brown, and was done up in an elaborately decorative ponytail with jewels and short chains of gold.

  The king said, “Most of you know each other, but introductions are in order. To my right is my royal historian James.”

  James was an older man with gray beard and mustache, balding, and usually rather cheerful, but in this setting he looked as serious as anyone else. I couldn’t blame him, the king encouraged formality.

  He continued, “Next to James is Mage Baron Bryce Timmons, and Mage Marchioness Lynn Darish. The two just joining us, are Gerard, paladin of Ictia, and Katrina, paladin of Arella.”

  Mage Baron Bryce Timmons exuded arrogance, I disliked him immediately as I read his emotions. His face was neutral, but his feelings were arrogant and dismissive of those around him, even the king to a certain extent. I decided then to avoid the man if possible, but I feared it may not be. He
was in his late thirties, had brown hair, and hazel eyes. His robes were a dark blue, almost royal purple, and they might have been if he’d dared wear that color before the king.

  Mage Marchioness Lynn Darish looked closed off, but she was far more curious, open-minded, and I immediately liked her, even if she did look like she had her nose up in the air right now. She was rather like the queen that way, who I think would have been a good friend if she could politically afford to make a connection to me. Lynn was in her late twenties, had raven black hair which flowed over her shoulders, and she had light blue eyes. I hoped we would be friends in the future, but I wondered if she dared show her true self to the man next to her.

  I wasn’t sure what was going on, but whatever it was, Bryce was sure to make it not fun.

  Gerard of course, my gorgeous husband was in his armor, with a sword on his side. I was wearing the riding outfit that looked like a normal thin light brown leather pants with a matching vest. Under the vest was a creamy white shirt, and I had on my comfy black boots that I’d been holding onto ever since I’d been banished from my old world. Gerard’s armor looked much more effective, but the truth was my suit was many times stronger being made from special materials, and was in essence a super suit in disguise.

  Luckily, my husband had something similar under his armor as padding, so he was protected as well as I was.

  The king finished up the introductions, by naming his four dwarven guests. Tursac and Hanathra Goldborn, and the guardians Norrig and Nolebera Lightfeet.

  The king explained, “After much effort last night, we were able to come to an agreement. The dwarves have requested our help, and in return they offer much. Three hundred swords and shields made of dwarven steel, which I don’t have to tell most of you will really help against the coming invasion from Jendas. They’ve also agreed to give us four defensive siege engines created by one of their master rune-wrights.”

  He said, “For those who don’t know, dwarven forged steel is as good as the best of our enchanted weapons, and those fighting with normal weapons and swords will be at a distinct disadvantage. Though they aren’t enchanted they are magical in nature.”

  Hanathra grumbled, “It’s something our master smiths add while folding the steel, an element that is magical in nature but doesn’t apply effects other than that it makes the edge sharp and almost impossible to dull or chip, they’ll break a normal sword if enough pressure is applied. They truly aren’t enchanted though, it takes our rune-wrights to enchant our weapons.”

  The king nodded, “Quite so, they’ll start making our items as soon as you four get there and the agreement is shared with the dwarven king of Belirith. The catch is, we have to deliver on our end before they’ll allow us to take them.”

  Gerard asked, “Us four?”

  The king nodded, “The problem is apparently only something a mage can discern and unravel, you will be going along as a guard for Baron Bryce Timmons, while Katrina will be guarding Marchioness Lynn Darish. The investigative spells they’ll use will make them rather defenseless while casting,” he turned to the dwarves, “Perhaps you could explain the issue a little bit?”

  Oh crap, we have to guard them? At least I got Lynn, my poor husband has to guard the arrogant twit, I mean Baron Timmons.

  Ambassador Tursac replied gruffly, “It’s really quite simple, some creature with the magic to conceal itself from us, is murdering our young. There had been nine victims when we left, and we’ve had no luck in trying to trace the creature. Our magic is of fire and earth, and suitable for the forge, and mining, not finding a hidden creature in our tunnels. About the only thing we are sure of is that it’s a creature of water magic, at least partially. It leaves no trace or clue at the scene, and never attacks unless the target is alone, no witnesses. We fear only a mage will be able to identify it and find it. The only clue is the method it uses, the murdered young have all drowned to death, in a stone tunnel without water sources nearby. The noble mages won’t need protection from us, but we believe it is crucial you’re there to defend them if the creature decides to attempt to stop them.”

  Okay, I felt a little sick to my stomach. Dwarven children were dying, and we’d taken a few days to get as much as we could out of it? I know those were the political realities, but damn, three hundred swords and shields of dwarven steel? We were getting a lot out of this deal, and I knew we should get something for helping, but it still seemed wrong to extract payment from people losing their young. I stared at the table while I tried to wrestle my emotions back in check. In that moment, I was disgusted by the king, but then again we were in dire straits as well, and he was doing his best to save his people from invasion. I couldn’t put a price on children, but I also couldn’t put a price on the Trelin soldier’s lives that would be saved by the dwarven weapons. Either way, it was a damned ugly trade.

  But what else were they supposed to do? Rush to each other’s aid? That wouldn’t happen in real life. Well, I’d have done it for free, but the king ruled a nation, and the dwarves weren’t rushing to our aid either, so there it was. I wondered if I was being too judgmental again, and decided that I probably was.

  I’d have to work on that.

  The king said, “That’s it. The mages will be riding in the carriage with the ambassadors, the guardians will ride up top, and I want you two on horseback scouting ahead and watching the rear until you get to the dwarven mountains. Go get packed, I want you on the road east by lunchtime.”

  That was blunt enough, we got up and I followed Gerard out. All I needed to do was grab my saddle bags and load in fresh oats and water bags. Other than that, I was ready, dressed, and had my sword at my side and my dagger in my boot. Anything else I could summon at need. I felt like I should introduce myself to my new charge, but I supposed there would be time enough on the road to get to know Lynn.

  I also planned to read the dwarven history when we stopped later that night, I should have done it earlier, but it never seemed like I had enough time to do everything I wanted to do. I also refused to feel guilty for enjoying my honeymoon and new husband during our vacation.

  “Do you know how long the trip will be?” I asked curiously on the way back to our suite.

  Gerard shrugged, “It’ll be tomorrow night before we get to the mountain entrance to Belirith, the mountains are about eighty miles away, I’m not sure how long we’ll be travelling underground after that. Perhaps another few days? The dwarven kingdom spans the whole north-south range from about Lanmoor, and as far north as Castlehaven is in Jendas. They have several villages and cities in the mountains, and countless mines. I’m not sure where the king is at, or where the trouble is.”

  “Got it, hopefully not as far north as Castlehaven, it would take us a week.”

  Gerard smiled, “I suspect it will be closer to the middle, the dwarves care nothing for our politics or wars, if the problem was that far north they’d have gone to Jendas for aid. We’ll find out later.”

  I nodded, and once I’d taken care of my saddlebags I helped Gerard pack. I just hoped it wouldn’t be as hard, or as annoying, as I thought it would be…

  Chapter Four

  It was a warm sunny afternoon, but it was most definitely cooler out than when I’d gotten here almost a month ago now. It was hard to tell without a clock, but I was fairly sure the days were getting shorter as well. I suddenly realized I had no idea what the change of seasons were like on this world.

  Gerard and I were at the stables waiting by the strange dwarven carriage, Stormy was excited to see me, and being a bit fractious about getting on the road. Unfortunately, we were stuck waiting until the nobles and dwarves showed up.

  “Is winter very cold, how long does it last?”

  I felt stupid asking, but it was information I didn’t have.

  Gerard shrugged, “In Trelin it doesn’t get below freezing very often like it does in Jendas. We’ve got another few weeks for winter, which lasts for three or four months. The weather changes are fairly
mild in Trelin.”

  That was good to know, and if it stayed above freezing my riding clothes would be more than warm enough.

  Gerard looked uncomfortable for a moment, and I asked, “What is it?”

  He sighed, “You aren’t going to like it. I don’t like it, and I’m used to it when I get these types of assignments.”

  “What?” I asked suspiciously.

  He frowned, “The Baron and Marchioness are in charge, and though I could tell you liked her, you can’t chat her up or call her Lynn, ever. If you have an opinion about the problem or want to talk to one of the dwarves, just don’t. Guards are seen but not heard, we don’t talk when on duty unless asked a direct question, and we never ask questions unless it’s to clarify a request.”

  He was right, I was going to hate this. No, I already hated it.

  “Any good news?”

  He nodded, “They can’t really give us orders, only requests. We work for the king, and not them. We’re there to guard them, not pour their drinks, or wait out in the other room. We’ll literally be sleeping in the same room, which means we may not find time to sleep together for the duration of the mission.”

  Oh crap, I really hated this mission.

  He continued, “That said, they’re nobles of the kingdom, which means we very respectfully ignore them if they try to give us orders that will compromise our job.”

  “This is Alex’s revenge for saving his life, isn’t it?”

  Gerard’s eyes widened in shock, “Tell me you didn’t just call the king by a nickname?”

  I bit my lip and tried not to smile. When I disliked things, I tended to push back, it was who I was. I was a grown woman, married, and deeply in love. In a lot of ways, very responsible, I’d even saved the humans and elves. But I was still just eighteen, and I’d have to watch my inner teenager on this mission.

  Worse, how stupid does someone have to be to cut the telepath out of the investigation. I was sure the baron and marchioness were very powerful, and quite competent, I hoped.