Part 48 (1/2)
”What you need,” Sturm advised, ”is to look for Reorx. You won't find him at the bottom of a pit.”
Hornfel thought this over. Like most dwarves, he had sworn many an oath by Reorx. The Thane had never before prayed to Reorx, however, and he wasn't certain what to say. He had been told of the words of the strange dwarf who had appeared in the entrance to the Valley, how the fate of Thorbardin hung by a slender rope. In the end, Hornfel's prayer was simple and heartfelt, ”Reorx, grant me the wisdom and the strength to do what is right.”
He held his troops in readiness, as did the Thane of the Daewar, Gneiss, whose thinking had agreed with Hornfel on all points except Reorx's return. If the G.o.d had come back, he would have made himself known to the Daewar first, since they had been the ones to build and tend his shrines. As of yet, Gneiss had seen no sign of him.
Tufa, the Thane of the Klar, had seen the draconian and been eager to kill it. He envisioned these monsters creeping into Thorbardin along dark and secret paths, and he sent his people, who knew their way around the darkness and the labyrinthine tunnels, to investigate.
The Thanes a.s.sembled in the Temple of the Stars, each bringing with him heavily armed guards. Hornfel had also invited the Talls to join them in the Temple. A large square building, the Temple had four entrances, one at each of the four compa.s.s points. Wide halls ran straight from the four doors to intersect in the inner chamber. This was the altar room and it was circular in shape, for it had been built around the pit-a round pool of starlit darkness beneath a domed ceiling. A hole in the ceiling was placed directly above the pit, matching it in shape and size and symbolizing the idea that the realm of the G.o.d had no beginning and no end.
The altar of Reorx, which had been considered ancient in King Duncan's time, had never been removed. Made of red granite carved in the shape of an anvil, the altar stood at the end of the platform that extended out into the pit. The dwarven Thanes eyed the altar uncomfortably, wondering if they should make some offering to acknowledge the G.o.d's return. None knew what they were supposed to do or say, so rather than risk offending the G.o.d, who was known to be touchy, they stood before it, doffed their helms, and then looked uncomfortable.
The rest of the large altar room was empty. There were no thrones, chairs, or benches. Those was entered the altar room were in the presence of the G.o.d and were meant to stand in respect. Hornfel, Gneiss, Tufa and Klar were the four Thanes in attendance. They came together, talking in low and worried voices. Tanis and his friends stood apart, saying little. The dwarves had placed torches in sconces around the walls, but the flames did little to light the vast room. Darkness seemed to flow out of the pit and drown them, for though the air was still and calm, the torches constantly flickered and went out. Even the light cast by the staff of Magius seemed dimmer than usual, shedding its light only on Raistlin, illuminating nothing else.
”Two of the Thanes are missing,” said Sturm, ”those of the Theiwar and the Daergar.”
”The fact that Realgar is absent is no surprise,” said Tanis, ”but it is beginning to look as though the Daergar have joined forces with their dark cousins.”
The Aghar Thane was also missing, but no one noticed.
The tension mounted as everyone waited for the Hammer. Nerves stretched taut. Conversation dwindled. No one had any idea what was going to happen, but most believed it was going to be bad. The strain proved too much for the leader of the Klar, who suddenly threw back his head and let out a hideous shriek-a feral, heart-stopping howl that echoed throughout the chamber and caused the dwarven guards to draw their weapons. Sturm, Caramon, and Tanis clapped their hands to their swords. The Klar merely snarled and waved his hand, indicating that he'd meant nothing by it, he was simply easing the tension.
”I hope he doesn't do that again,” said Caramon, thrusting his sword back into its sheathe.
”I wonder what is taking so long,” said Sturm. ”Perhaps they were waylaid-”
”We don't even know for certain that the news about the Hammer is true,” Raistlin observed. ”For all we know, this may be a trap. We might have been sent here to keep us away from the Hammer.”
”I don't like this any better than the rest of you,” said Tanis. ”I'm open to suggestions.”
”I say that Tanis and I should go to Valley of the Thanes and look for Flint,” said Sturm.
”No, you and I should go, Sturm,” said Raistlin.
Sturm hesitated a moment, then said, ”Yes, Raistlin and I should Tanis was so amazed at this sudden strange alliance that he nearly forgot what he was about to say. He had started to suggest that perhaps they should all go to the Valley when suddenly there was Ta.s.slehoff, right in front of him.
Tanis had never been so glad to see anyone. Risking the loss of his personal possessions, he gave Tas a hug. The others greeted the kender warmly, then immediately bombarded him with questions.
”How did you get here? Where's Flint? Does he have the Hammer of Kharas?”
”A magical rune made by a golden woolly mammoth,” Tas answered them all in jumble. ”Flint's here and no, he doesn't have the Hammer. Arman has it.”
Tas pointed to Flint standing on the platform before the altar of Reorx. Arman Kharas stood beside him, holding the bronze hammer in triumph over his head.
”1, Arman Kharas, have found the Hammer of Kharas!” he thundered. ”I return it to my people!”
Tanis sighed. He was glad the Hammer had been recovered, but he was concerned for his old friend. ”I hope Flint's not taking this too hard.”
”I was worried about that, too,” said Tas. ”But Flint seems really chipper. You'd almost think he found the Hammer.”
Sturm and Raistlin exchanged glances.
”The G.o.ds be praised-” Sturm began, but his prayer was cut short.
Hot flame erupted from the pit and exploded in their midst. The dazzling light blinded them, the concussive blast jarred the senses and knocked many to the floor.
Half-blind and dazed, Tanis staggered to his feet, fumbling for his sword and trying to see what had happened. He had a vague impression of something monstrous crawling out of the pit. When his dazzled vision cleared, Tanis saw it was a man, fearsome in blue armor and horned helm, pulling himself with ease over the edge of the platform.
Lord Verminaard. Very much alive.
Chapter 24.
Seeing Is Believing. True Metal and False.
Verminaard was dead!” Sturm shouted hoa.r.s.ely. ”I stabbed him through the heart!”
”Something's not right!” Raistlin gasped.
”Yeah, the b.a.s.t.a.r.d can't be killed,” Caramon said.
”Not that!” Raistlin whispered, felled by a fit of coughing. He tried desperately to speak, his lips were flecked with blood. ”The light... blinded... a magic spell...” He doubled over, struggling to breathe. The coughing spasms tore at his frail body, and he could say no more.
”Where's Flint?” Tanis asked worriedly. ”Can you see him?”
”The altar is in the way,” said Sturm, craning his neck. ”The last I saw, he was standing beside Arman.”
The helmed head turned in their direction. Verminaard was aware of them; perhaps he had even heard them. He did not appear overly concerned. His attention was fixed on the Hammer of Kharas, and the dwarf who held it.
Arman Kharas had not been felled by the magical blast. He stood stalwart and firm, the hammer clasped tightly in his hands, facing the terrible foe who towered over him, a foe who commanded the elements, who wielded fire and blinding light. A foe who had risen from the holy site that was the dwelling place of Reorx, mocking the power of the G.o.d.
”Who dares defile our sacred Temple?” Arman cried. He was pale beneath his long black beard, but resolute and determined, and he faced his enemy without fear.
”Verminaard, Highlord of the Red Dragonarmies. In the name of Ariakas, Emperor of Ansalon, and of Takhisis, Queen of Darkness, I have conquered Qualinesti, Abanasinia and the Plains of Dust. I now add Thorbardin to the list. Bring me the Hammer and bow down before me and proclaim me High King or perish where you stand.”
Sturm said softly, ”We should rush him. He can't fight all of us.”
The Dragon Highlord s.h.i.+fted his hand and pointed at the knight. A ray of light shot out from the Highlord's hand, streaked through the air and struck Sturm on his metal breastplate. Lightning sizzled around the knight. He collapsed to the floor and lay writhing in agony.
All the time, Verminaard had not taken his gaze from Arman, who was staring at the stricken knight in horror, his hands clasping the hammer in a convulsive grip.
”Witness my power,” Verminaard said to the young dwarf. ”Bring me the Hammer, or you will be next!”
Tanis saw Caramon's hand close over the hilt of his sword.
”Don't be a fool, Caramon!” Tanis said softly. ”Go see to Sturm.”