The Warlock Senator (Book 2) (30 page)

Alferug looked up, expecting to see Al, but instead he saw a familiar face from years long past. The dwarf looked much like Al, strong and sturdily built, with eyes that held much wisdom. Only this dwarf had died a long time ago. It was Al’s father, the former dwarf king. His body seemed to glow faintly, as though he were made of the same essence as the blue stars above. “My king,” Alferug greeted humbly as he dropped to one knee.

“Alferug, my friend and loyal servant, you have no need to bow to me now.” He moved forward, floating more than walking.

Alferug looked up, but remained on his knee. “I have failed our people, your highness. They have turned their backs on the Ancients, and forsaken our pact with the humans.”

The king smiled warmly. “Our people have been misled, but they have not altogether forgotten their way. They only need someone to show them the correct path.” The ghost turned and gazed upon his sleeping son. “Long have I waited to see him return.”

“Shall I wake him?” Alferug asked.

The king turned back and smiled. “My time grows short. Listen carefully. I will move the clouds and show you the door. You and my son will enter and travel along the corridor which will bring you into a private chamber used by kings past to read and meditate. You will be discovered shortly after that and imprisoned. Tell my son to remember the fishing hole we used to frequent when he was a small child. That will help him escape. Then he should challenge Threnton in front of the court. It is of the utmost importance that the entire court be assembled when he issues the challenge. Only then will there be enough support.” As soon as the king stopped speaking, he faded away into the night.

“My king, don’t leave,” Alferug pleaded. No response came. The delight he had been filled with upon seeing his dear friend now flittered away, leaving him alone and void. He sighed and wiped a single tear from his right eye. He rose to his feet and glanced back to Al, still sleeping as peacefully as he had been before. Suddenly the area around Al became illuminated with pale, silvery light. Alferug looked up to the sky as a fierce wind pulled his long beard to the side. He smiled as the massive, thick clouds sailed away, uncovering the full moon. “Time to wake Al,” he told himself.

Alferug bounded over to Al and poked him on the shoulder. “It’s time!”

Al’s eyes snapped open and he jumped up to his feet in one fluid motion. He looked up to the moon and nodded. “My father’s spirit is with us this night, I can feel it,” he said. Al clapped his companion on the shoulder and moved around him to scan the rocks. It barely took more than a minute to locate the glowing stone. “There,” Al said.

“Incredible,” Alferug commented. “I was searching for the door with my hands, and I am certain I ran them over that very spot at least twice.”

Al chuckled. “The door is not simply invisible, it is sealed in the rock until the moonstone glows. Even had you known its exact location, you would not be able to open it so long as the moonstone is dark.” Al rushed over and placed his hand below the moonstone. “I Aldehenkaru’hktanah Sit’marihu, command the door of kings to open and allow entrance to Roegudok Hall.”

The mountain groaned. Shale and pebbles boun
ced and vibrated away from the landing they stood upon as the rock itself came alive, sliding and scraping as it writhed before them. A massive, arched slab of slate and granite removed itself to the side and revealed a shallow cavern that covered a glowing blue doorway, covered in runes and designs of stars and moons.

Al walked inside without hesitating. He reached up to the side of the cavern, grasping a brass tube.

“What is that?” Alferug asked.

“It is the secondary key.” As Al twisted the brass tube a stream of light emerged from the end and shone upon a small spot on the door. Satisfied that he had adjusted the light correctly, Al walked forward to the door.

“It appears a jewel is missing,” Alferug pointed out.

“Indeed,” Al said. He traced his finger in the empty space where a jewel should be and let the light from the brass tube dance upon his skin for a moment. “Our ancestors were quite clever.” Al reached up and pulled a thin leather thong from around his neck up and over his head. “My father passed this to me when he told me of the rear door.” Al lifted the thong to reveal a small, wooden sphere. He place his hands on either side and twisted once, separating the two halves. Then he slid a covering away to reveal a pink gemstone. He placed the stone into the empty mount on the door and took a step back.

The silver light from the tube refracted in the pink gem, splitting its light and sending rays to the several other blue stones in the door. The runes sang in answer to the light and the door glowed brighter as each of the jewels soaked in the light.

“Why does it not open?” Alferug asked.

“Patience,” Al said. “There is yet a third key.”

Al stood waiting as the door grew brighter and brighter. As the brilliance grew, the two dwarves shielded their faces until their eyes adjusted to the intense light. As the entire cave
danced with the dazzling colors emitted from the stones, a pattern became visible in the center of the door. A golden dragon’s face glowed in the stone itself.

“It is a reminder of the Ancients, who gave us life and built our home,” Al stated simply. “It is also the third key.” He stepped forward and put his forehead to the image of the dragon’s head, locking eyes with the glowing eyes in the stone. A yellow light emerged and created a conduit between Al and the image in the door. The light was warm, and inviting as it entered his eyes gently. The whole ordeal
lasted only a few seconds before the light pulled back and the golden dragon turned white. Then the door simply vanished, allowing entrance into the great dwarven kingdom.

“Incredible,” Alferug said.

Al turned back and smiled. “Like I said, they were clever.”

Alferug dropped to a knee, “My king,” he said.

Al shot him a confused look and told him to rise. “I am not king yet,” he said. “Let’s get moving.”

The counselor did as he was told and the two walked through the corridor until it came to an end. The wall was smooth and flat.

“A fourth key?” Alferug asked.

Al shook his head. “No, the keys are only used at the entrance. My father said there would be a secret button to push in the left side wall near the end. Al ran his hands over the surface and grinned when he wiped away a patch of old, dry clay to reveal a small hole. He wiggled his pinky finger in and depressed the button inside. A series of clicks and snaps were heard. Then the sound of a heavy chain winding around a windlass echoed through the cave above the din of the stone slab sliding up into its sheath.

Al stepped through, into a round chamber filled with shelves stocked with books and tomes. The domed ceiling gleamed with magic stones that emitted a vibrant light. The desk in the center was covered with a thick layer of dust, as were the two books resting atop the desk’s surface. Al walked over to the desk and gently opened the nearest book.

“My father must have been the last person to use this library,” Al said.

Alferug nodded thoughtfully and scanned the room, twirling about in place as he took it all in. “Even I never knew such a hall existed here. Surely this must be the wealth of kings that your father always referred to.”

Al chuckled. “Threnton always thought the wealth of kings was some lost mine in the lower depths. He used to bait me into following him down there when we were younger.” The smile on Al’s face disappeared then as he realized the gravity of his purpose. “Come, there will be time for reflection later.” Al walked to the other side of the room where a large window was fitted into the wall with a hefty golden frame around it. “Do you recognize this?”

Alferug approached and nodded. “It appears to be the hall in front of the king’s bedchamber.”

“That is curious,” Al commented. “I must have passed by this mirror hundreds, maybe thousands of times before I left Roegudok Hall. I never would have guessed it concealed this room.” Al reached out and pulled the jeweled handle on the glass door.

The heavy door moved silently on perfectly hung hinges. The two of them stepped through and the door closed behind them. Al turned and inspected the mirror. There were no indications how the portal would open from this side. He heard a faint click and knew that the door had sealed from the inside. He gently pressed on the glass, but it held firm, as though it did indeed hang upon a wall of stone.

“Very clever,” Al said.

“Halt!” a voice shouted from farther down the hall.

Al turned to see a trio of guards coming around the bend in the hall. His hand curled into a fist and he shook his head. “I am Aldehenkaru’hktanah Sit’marihu, and I have come to see my brother.”

“Stonebubbles,” one of the guards cursed. “Apprehend them both!”

Another guard retrieved a small whistle made of bone and blew forcefully. The door at the other end of the hall opened and another trio of guards came rushing into the hall from the other side.

“Al, listen to me,” Alferug pleaded. “Do you remember the fishing hole you used to frequent with your father?”

Al turned a bewildered eye on Alferug. “What are you talking about?” A sudden blow knocked the air out of Al’s lungs and the dwarf fell to the ground. Out of
his peripheral vision he saw numerous boots swarming around him. He felt a series of kicks and jabs and then hands moved quickly upon him, stripping him of his gear. He faintly heard Alferug cry out as others descended upon him. Then everything became dark.

Erik blinked his eyes a few times, clearing the blurry scene around him. A heap of bloody rags sat in a large ceramic bowl upon a small round nightstand next to him. His body ached, but he could move again. He slowly reached up with his right hand and pulled the blanket away to inspect his wounds. His shoulder was bandaged, and only a small round spot of blood was visible. Shifting his gaze down to his left leg he saw that almost his entire thigh was wrapped in bandages.
He bent his right arm back to prop himself up and then he wiggled the toes on his left foot.

“You lost a lot of blood, but fortune was on our side yesterday,” Braun said. “The king’s guard who brought us here returned shortly after I managed to stop the blood and he was able to send for a healer.” Braun smiled. “The healer worked into the late evening making sure the wounds were closed properly and casting spells to ward off infections.”

Erik nodded and looked to his left. “Thank you Braun,” Erik said.

Braun nodded and rose from his chair. He wiped a hand over his face and then approached the bedside. “How is Erik?” Braun asked.

Erik smiled and looked back down to his leg. “He is alright,” he said.

“No one else is here,” Braun said. “Gildrin is downstairs preparing new clothes for you, and the healer has gone out to get some things from the apothecary.”

Erik shot Braun a confused look.

“Tell me the truth,” Braun pressed. “I heard you cry out for your father last night.” Braun put a hand on Erik’s left arm. “I wouldn’t believe it, had I not heard you myself.”

Fear gripped Erik’s heart for a brief moment, but then he felt a wash of relief. If there was anyone he could trust with his secret besides Al, it was Braun. “Yes Braun, it’s me,” Erik said.

Braun chewed on his bottom lip and squinted one eye down at Erik. “How?” he asked.

Erik sighed. “I am not sure. It happened after I went back to Valtuu Temple. Master Lepkin had turned into his dragon form to fight a nightwing.”

“A nightwing?” Braun asked.

“A dragon that has been turned evil by Nagar’s Secret,” Erik responded. He looked off into the distance. “Lepkin managed to slay the beast, but he had been in his dragon form for too long. Nagar’s Secret had warped his soul. I used my power to try to save him.” Erik stopped and his eyes watered.

“Did you succeed?” Braun asked.

Erik shrugged. “I’m not sure. From what Lady Dimwater and Marlin say, Lepkin and I went into comas and when I woke I was in Lepkin’s body.”

“And Lepkin is in yours?”

Erik nodded slowly. “We think so.”

“You don’t know?”

“He hasn’t woken up yet,” Erik replied.

A knock came at the door and then Gildrin walked in, holding a silver tray with a plate of eggs and bacon. “Braun I thought you might like some…” he stopped in his tracks upon seeing Erik awake. “Master Lepkin, how do you feel?”

Erik shot a glance back up to Braun and then answered Gildrin. “I am much better, thank you. I appreciate your hospitality.”

“Nonsense,” Gildrin replied. “It is the least I can do for the man who slew my captor.” Gildrin moved in and set the tray next to Erik. “Braun, would you mind if I let Lepkin eat this? I can make a new plate for you.”

“That is fine,” Braun said quickly. “He needs it more than I do.”

Gildrin nodded and left the room quickly. “I’ll be back in a few minutes,” he said as he left.

After the two of them were alone again Braun looked back to Erik. “Well, as always, Master Erik, I stand at your service.”

Erik smiled. “I know, Braun. Thank you.” A tear fell from Erik’s eye and he fought the lump in his throat. “Thank you for standing with my father.”

Braun squeezed Erik’s arm but said nothing. He directed Erik’s attention to the food and went to sit back down in the chair. As he watched Erik eat the food he cleaned his fingernails with a short knife. “Tell me something,” he said. “How did you turn into a dragon?”

“I have no idea,” Erik said. “I guess somehow I was able to tap into Lepkin’s ability since I am in his body.”

“Hm,” was the only response Braun gave as he went back to cleaning his fingernails.

Gildrin returned with another tray and brought it to Braun. “When would you like to be off?”

Braun looked back to Erik. “I will leave that to Master Lepkin,” he said.

Erik let his fork clank down onto the plate after his last bite of egg and wiped the corners of his mouth with his forefinger and thumb. “I would like to check the bedroom before we leave.”

Gildrin frowned. “I don’t think there is anything in there. He never even locked that room when he went on trips outside the city.”

Erik shrugged. “Even so, we are here now so it would only take a little bit of extra time. I would rather make sure we don’t overlook something.
”

Braun piped up through a mouthful of bacon. “I can go now and search the room,” he offered.

Erik started to move and then stopped suddenly. “Did the healer say I had to take it easy with my leg or anything?”

Braun shook his head. “No, he said the wound itself wasn’t so bad, it’s just that it had nicked an artery.”

“But he said he was able to completely repair it with his magic,” Gildrin added quickly. “He said you might ache for a day or two, and there may be some seepage from the wounds, but otherwise you should be alright after that.”

Erik nodded and slowly swung his feet down to the ground. He gingerly pushed himself up and tested putting his weight on his legs before standing up fully. It stung slightly as he shifted his weight, but it was not overly bothersome. Next he carefully shrugged his left shoulder up and rotated it around. “I think it’s alright,” he told Braun.

“Alright then, let’s go check out the other room.”

“I’ll gather the trays and be right behind you,” Gildrin said. He took two steps forward and then stopped.
He looked at the tray next to Erik and frowned. “I suppose I don’t need to do that anymore.” Gildrin stared at the tray for a moment with longing eyes and then motioned for Erik and Braun to follow him. “Come, I’ll show you to his bedroom.”

Erik limped at first, mostly because he wasn’t sure how his leg would respond. It felt a bit tight as he took the first few steps, but it loosened quickly and he was almost walking normally by the time he exited the room.

He followed Gildrin through the hall, noticing that the man was slowing his pace just enough to look at each bust in the hallway. Erik looked down at the first one and realized that the figures were an homage to ancestors past. Each held a brass plate in its base with the name of the individual the bust represented as well as his birthdate, date of death, and how many years he served in the senate.

Braun seemed unimpressed by the busts and started to pass Erik and Gildrin on his way to the large double doors at the end of the hall. “You said he never locked it?” Braun asked.

Gildrin nodded. “That’s right.”

“Still, perhaps I should check it first?” Erik said. Braun reluctantly stopped and waited for Erik to catch up. Erik called upon his power to search for any spells or barriers. He found none. He nodded to Gildrin and Gildrin pushed the doors open with hardly a care as he strolled into the room.

The curtains were drawn over the windows, nearly blocking the sunlight out entirely. Gildrin was quick to open them and tie the fabric back in place with gold silk tassels. “I am not sure where you would want to look,” he said. “There are a couple of bookshelves there, a desk there, and…”

“How about the locked chest?” Braun asked.

Gildrin frowned. “What chest?” he asked.

Braun walked over to the side of the bed. A metal corner poked out just enough to be visible under the black coverlet. “This one.” He bent down and pulled a long, rectangular box out from under the bed. Erik inspected the cold, dull gray metal as Braun set the box on the bed. There were three bands of black iron, each with hinges and heavy locks upon them. Braun tapped on one of the locks. “It might take me a few minutes, but I can probably get these open.”

Erik nodded and went to the desk. This one was not like the desk in the library. It was made of cherry wood and was extremely simple in design. A short hutch held two cubbies and a small drawer. In one cubby was a gold plated hourglass. In the other was a small figurine of a mammoth carved out of ivory. Erik opened the drawer and found some writing instruments, but nothing of interest. Next he turned his eyes to the books on top of the desk. One was a treatise on senate protocol, and another was a history of the senate.

“Did he spend much time reading these?” Erik asked.

Gildrin shrugged. “I would find him perusing them on occasion, but most of what I would call his study time was spent in the library.”

Erik nodded and fanned through the books to see if any notes had been left inside. Other than an old, pressed yellow rose he found nothing. He turned the preserved flower in his hand and then gently set it back inside the book. He then reached down to pull the side drawer out. Inside he found a tray for rings and other jewelry. They looked nice, but none of them were particularly special from what Erik could tell. Most of them were simple silver rings with various patterns etched into them.

“My former master enjoyed those,” Gildrin said from the other side of the room. “He often purchased a silver ring while he was traveling on business.

Erik closed the drawer.

“I got it,” Braun said. Erik turned and the last of the locks popped open. Erik turned and walked over to Braun.

“What’s inside?” Erik asked.

Braun frowned and gently pushed the lid back. “It looks like he might have been the wizard from that tale after all,” he said.

Erik peered inside and scooped up a short, wooden sword. It was very light, obviously made as a toy for a small child. Under that was an old, threadbare doll with one of its button eyes missing. Erik pulled it out and set it next to the sword. Next he saw a long yellow silk dress. As he unfolded it, a large gold ring with a ruby cut into the shape of a heart fell out and clanked inside the chest.

“Am I correct in assuming these are the warlock’s?” Braun asked Gildrin.

Gildrin
nodded. “They do not belong to my real master. Senator Bracken never had a family of his own.”

“What is this?” Erik asked. He reached down and pulled a small leather bound book out of the chest. The binding had come apart and been stitched together with new thread. The pages loosely hung in place and were well worn. “It looks like he read this many times.” Erik said.

“What is it?” Braun asked.

Erik turned the book over in his hands, searching for a title. “It looks like the title has been worn off of the cover.” Erik opened the book and gingerly turned to the title page inside. Part of the page had
torn away and was missing. “It is hard to make out the title,” Erik said. “All I can see is ‘Aikur’s Wa’ the rest is missing.”

Gildrin walked around the bed and took the book from Erik. “Of course,” he said with a nod as he thumbed through the pages. “Aikur’s War,” he said. “Have either of you heard of it?”

“I have,” Braun said. “Isn’t that the legend about the man who travels into Hammenfein to rescue his family’s souls?”

Gildrin nodded. “The story says that the gods themselves helped him do it after his family was murdered.”

“Look at this,” Erik said as he pulled out several journals. He opened them to find hand-drawn maps, notes about ancient relics and spells. “It looks like he spent a lot of time studying this book to figure out how to bring his own family back to life.”

“But the legend isn’t true, it’s just a story,” Gildrin retorted.

“Story or not, it looks as though he took it as fact,” Braun said.

“There are a lot of notes in these journals,” Erik said. “We should take these with us.”

“With us?” Braun asked.

Erik nodded. “It would take too long to read all of them thoroughly. There are six journals here, each with hundreds of pages. We can start working on them as we travel to Lokton Manor. Maybe something in here will help us.”

Braun shrugged. “I could pack them into saddle bags.” Braun turned to Gildrin. “Can you help me prepare those four horses you mentioned?”

“The horses are in a stable nearby, but we can pack the bags here and then take them along with us.”

Erik nodded. “Let’s go.”

The thr
ee of them left the room and descended the stairs to the main room on the first floor. Erik stopped at the bottom as his left leg began to ache and spasm.

“Are you alright?” Braun asked.

Erik nodded. “Perhaps I should sit for a moment before we depart for Lokton manor,” he stated.

Braun and Gildrin nodded.
Erik rested on a couch near a fireplace by the rear entrance while Braun and Gildrin went around the house preparing provisions for the journey. Once they were ready they returned to Erik.

Erik stood
and nodded to them. “I am doing a lot better than I was,” he said.