Tato was shocked. Murki was so stunned that he actually shivered. Cher's eyes widened. Rollvag, Kuros and Elkin just smiled and gazed at Tato, as if to measure him mentally, and ask themselves: "Could this truly be the son of the Torontair?"
The Fairies grinned even more profusely. The others had grave looks on their faces. Rollvag spoke first: I knew that Tato was too strong and commanding to be an average man!"
"Here, here!" added Kuros.
Dingle looked at each one in turn. Then he said: "I realize that not all of you understand the ways of Arveta, but I intend for you to help each other. For now, I bid you to be silent about this manner, because the rescue attempt of the Kanokai is very important for Arveta. If you wish, Gvin and Elkin will accompany you. And Finnie and Flippie will accompany Tato either way. I'll bet that they can't be dragged away from him now!! Ho Har! Really though, they are quite more than meets the eye. Finally, you should be quite surprised at what you find in Kanokai."
Dingle then turned to Murki and said: "By the authority vested in me, I release you from the Eyri school. You must serve this group as its principal physician. I quite expect that you have much to learn about the methods used by such as Tara of Vasquenta, from across the Azure." Then Dingle glanced quickly at the place where Grimheld stood silently and added these words: "Now, of course, we can not speak of this to Grimheld -- not just yet. He will, you see, make a complete report to the Council of Toridar in Toridar City -- complete I might add -- with Drog prisoners, their Captain's orders and the witness of a Dwarf Trader! Ho har! Anyway, we must see about getting you all outfitted. I believe that each should have a pack effereet and some bags, so if you wish, these will be provided."
"But Dingle!" said Tato.
"No buts, Tato! I can not go with you to Baldor and we will settle with the Brigands later. Here is the key to the Trading Post; go open the larders for the people and soldiers to carry with them back to Toridar City. Now go!!!" Tato, Tara and the two Fairies left for the Trading Post. Rollvag turned toward Dingle and asked: "What can we give you in exchange for the food and bags?"
Dingle smiled and said "There is no need, oh polite rider that I do not know, you may have what you wish."
Then Dingle stated: "You must be Rollvag!"
"That I am!" said Rollvag as the two shook hands.
"Glad to have you with us and out of those dreaded caves." said Dingle.
"Glad to be here..."
Earnestly, the adventurers and soldiers helped the townspeople ready themselves. Several had wagons. Grimheld dispatched a large squad of men to travel with the caravan. To him were left a dozen. The caravan left hurriedly after all were accounted for. The travelers looked at their Trader's Nest with tears in their eyes. For many it would be for the last time...
Everyone that was left, including Gvin and Dingle, gathered at the center of the street to hear what Grimheld would say next. The tall Karwe looked at each one in turn and then looked toward Mount Crag.
"An emergency session of the Toridar Council has been called. I have been asked to make a report at that session. I grant you my leave and bid you Hold speed. My dozen will escort you to Mount Crag, but after there, we have no orders to pass beyond. At least not YET. We will look for you when you return." With that Grimheld rolled his fist across his breast and brought it up into the salute of the Patrol. A fine honor.
Q(1) What will you do and say now?
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© Copyright 1999 by Abram Paradies.
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