Temple Hill (35 page)

The male stepped over to the bed, and began to examine Corin. “We can do nothing about his missing limb. The wound is too old. The curse has settled in too deeply.”

“But can we save him?” the female asked.

Her companion nodded, and they each drew a small powder case from their belts. The male’s case was bright red, like the fine particles inside. The female’s was a dark green. They sprinkled the dust over Corin’s writhing form, chanting softly as they did so.

When Lhasha came to, the intruders were gone. She wasn’t even aware they had been there at all. She ran to Corin’s bedside to make sure he was all right. For the first time since they brought him to the workshop, Corin was sleeping peacefully.

Fendel paused at the door of the Glowing Staffs tavern, his eyes seeking out his friends. He saw them sitting at a table in the corner, his eye caught by the bright turquoise of Lhasha’s blouse, and the aquamarine sash thrown over her shoulder. Corin was dressed far more conservatively, wearing a simple gray woolen shirt. In the warrior’s left hand he held a quill, and a parchment was spread out before him.

Sitting across from Lhasha and Corin was a young man. A sword was propped up against the side of his chair. Fendel stepped in through the door but didn’t approach right away. He had no wish to interrupt. After a few minutes, the man rose to his feet and left, giving the gnome a nod as he went by.

“Fendel,” Lhasha exclaimed, finally noticing the old gnome standing by the door and waving him over. “Come have a seat!”

The old gnome sauntered over and sat down with a smile.

Corin lifted his cup to his hps with his metal hand and drained the contents. “Just water,” he explained, noticing the gnome watching him with interest.

“It’s not that,” Fendel laughed, slightly

embarrassed at being caught staring. “I was just impressed with how well you’ve learned to use your prosthetic.”

Corin nodded. “It’s been nearly two months,” he said, then paused and glanced down at the floor. A second later he continued without looking up, his voice hesitant and uncertain. “I have to tell you something, Fendel. Something I should have said a long time ago.”

The warrior’s voice was soft, almost uncertain as he continued. “You’ve done a great thing for me, Fendel. This arm… you have no idea how much it means to me. What you’ve done for me. I just…”

Corin trailed off in embarrassment. “I’m not much for words, Fendel.”

The kindly gnome interrupted softly. “I understand, Corin. You don’t have to say anything.”

“No. That’s not good enough,” Corin said, shaking his head while still staring at the floor. “It needs to be said. I just wish I knew how to say it better.”

He glanced up, staring intently into Fendel’s eyes. With his good hand he reached out and took a firm grip on the gnome’s arm, giving it a heartfelt squeeze.

“Thank you, Fendel. Truly. Thank you.”

The gnome nodded and patted the soldier on his burly shoulder. “You’re welcome.”

For a brief moment, just before Corin released his grip on the gnome’s arm, Fendel actually saw the warrior smile.

To dispel the awkward silence that followed, Fendel changed topics. “So business is good, I take it? The newly resurrected White Shield Company is doing well?”

Lhasha flashed her mentor a wide grin. Tm making more money guarding people’s valuables than I ever did stealing them!”

“We’re expanding again,” Corin added, his voice

returning to its usual self-assured timbre. “We’re hiring two more recruits. That makes over a dozen, now.”

“That young fellow you just interviewed one of your prospects?” the gnome asked.

Corin shrugged noncommittally, but Lhasha burst in before he could speak. “He’s got my vote!” She fanned herself with her hand for effect. “Did you see his gorgeous eyes?”

Her business partner grunted. “Takes more than pretty looks to make a good guard.”

Lhasha patted his arm. “I know that. But it doesn’t hurt if they’re pleasing to the eye. What about that girl from Waterdeep you hired?”

“She’s a mercenary with five years’ experience,” Corin protested.

“And legs up to her eyebrows,” Lhasha countered with a laugh. “I’ve seen the way she looks at you, Corin. You should take her, uh … under your wing.”

Fendel pushed his chair away and stood up, chuckling to himself. “I see you’re busy right now. Stop by my workshop later today if you have some free time. You’re always welcome at the House of Hands. That goes for you too, Corin.”

“Oh, don’t go yet,” Lhasha pleaded. “Sit down and have a drink. We’re rich enough to take a few minutes off for our friends.”

“No, I should get going,” Fendel explained. “I need to pick up some supplies for the church. We’ve got a big project in the works, truly awe inspiring. I’ll show you the blueprints when you stop by. I just wanted to see how things were going.”

“Better than I ever dreamed,” Lhasha assured him. “It’s amazing how much business we’re bringing in! My reputation as Elversult’s most successful thief is drawing clients so fast we can’t keep up with the demand.”

Corin snorted. “You don’t suppose the referrals have anything to do with my old White Shield reputation and connections?”

“Don’t be foolish,” Lhasha chided. “Everyone knows that if you want to keep your valuables safe from thieves, you have to hire a thief to guard them. Know thy enemy, know thy self.”

“I don’t think that’s how the saying was intended,” Corin replied.

The gnome shook his head and, with a wave, left the pair to their squabble. He knew the real explanation behind the phenomenally quick success of the reborn White Shields. It wasn’t Lhasha’s reputation as a thief or Corin’s connections from his White Shield days.

When Fendel had learned of their plans to start up a mercenary outfit, he had called in the last of his favors with his old friends. A few key referrals from some rather influential figures on the Elversult political scene—recommending the reborn White Shield Company for discreet, professional protection—was all it had taken to get the gears turning.

Once the word was out, the prospective clients had beaten a path to Corin and Lhasha’s door. Or rather, they had beaten a path to the Glowing Staff, where the White Shields were currently operating. Obviously, any mercenary group endorsed by the Lady Constable of Elversult herself was going to do all right.