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from there, where we were wed under Tymora." Narm felt suddenly shy under
this
old man's stern, clear eyes. He said no more, then, as he turned back to
Warrior, who rumbled appreciatively. He turned from the horse's flank a few
breaths later to find his gaze collected by Gorstag's. Unconsciously, Narm
took
a step back, but he said nothing. At last, Gorstag nodded and turned back to
the
first of the three mules.
"Tell me, if you will, how you met Shandril Shessair/' he said softly. The
mule
pricked its ears at him, but it was clear that he expected no answer from it.
Narm studied the innkeeper's broad shoulders for a moment.
"I saw her first here and... liked what I saw, though we did not speak. In
the
morning, I left with my master, and we made our way to Myth Drannor"
Gorstag's arms stopped their rhythmic brushings for a moment, and then
resumed.
"We met with devils, and Marimmar, my master, was slain. I was rescued from
the
same fate, by the Knights of Myth Drannor, who patrol there.
"Later I returned to Myth Drannor and saw Shandril from afar. She was the
captive of a cruel mage, The Shadows!!, and I tried to free her. I called on
the
knights for aid, and we ended up in caverns where a dracolich laired.
Shandril
and I were trapped together when the cavern collapsed during a mighty battle
of
art. We thought we'd never get out, so..." Narm paused, studying the mule
before
him, and then sighed and turned to face Gorstag. "We came to care for each
other. I love her. So I asked her to marry me."
Tb Nairn's surprise, Gorstag nodded and chuckled. "Aye. It is the same for
me."
He made a clucking noise, and the sta-bleboy reappeared immediately. Gorstag
nodded. "See to them all... the very best, mind, as if a fine lord and lady
rode
them." He waved to Narm to follow him out, and then turned back to the boy
and
added, "Because they do."
As they went back around the side of the inn in the moonlit, misty night,
Gorstag said, "My house is open to you both, but you seem in much haste. How
long can you stay?"
Narm hesitated. "We must leave on the morrow, sir," he said quietly. "Many
have
tried to slay us slay Shandril, actually these past days, and they will no
doubt
try again. Mfe dare not tarry. Elminster told us to be sure to call on you,
and
Shandril insisted too, but there is danger to us here, waiting, and we would
not
bring it upon you."
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"Can you say more?" Gorstag asked. "I will not stay you, and Elminster is a
name
I set great store by, but I would rest easier, Narm and call me Gorstag, mark
you! to know where and why the little girl I raised these years passing is
riding, and who would do her ill, and why."
"I have not the right to answer you, Gorstag," Narm replied. "Only my lady
should speak on this. I can say that those who pursue us are of different
causes, but all, it seems, are powerful in art. Therein lies your peril and
Shandril's secret."
They went inside the inn, only to find Lureene regarding them with a finger
to
her lips, as she knelt beside a chair before the fire. Narm raced forward at
the
sight. Behind him, Gorstag smiled.
"She sleeps," Lureene said softly as Narm bent anxiously near. Shandril moved
her head and murmured something.
They all came close to listen.
"Narm," she said. "Narm, we're here. We're home. Wait here... wake Gorstag...
come carefully, ready for war ..."
Narm kissed her cheek, and in her sleep she raised a hand slowly to pat at
his
head, smiling. Then, suddenly, she was upset. "She went for you," Shandril
cried
faintly. "She went for you, and there was not time! I had to burn her!"
"Shan! Shan!" Narm said urgently, shaking her awake. "It's all right. . .
we're
safe."
"Yes, safe," Shandril said, awake now, looking up at him. "Safe at last." She
kissed his hand on her shoulder.
Then her eyes moved to Gorstag, who stood looking gravely down at her. "I am
sorry," she said slowly. "I did not wish to be such a trial to you. I should
have told you where I'd gone. I was a fool."
"We all play at fools," Gorstag said with a smile. "\bu are back safely, and
nothing else matters now."
Shandril thanked him with her eyes and said, "We cannot stay, I fear. We are
fleeing from far too many to vanquish or avoid if we stand and stay. We must
ride on in the morning."
"So Narm said," Gorstag replied. "And he said it was for you to tell us why.
Will you, lass?" Shandril nodded.
"Have you ever heard of spellfire?" she asked.
Gorstag nodded, sadly. "Your mother had it," he said softly. "Oh, lass. Oh,
Shandril. Beware the cult."
"Beware the cult, indeed" Narm said ruefully. "We have fought them half a
dozen
times or more already, if you mean the Cult of the Dragon." [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]