01 Tales of Uncle Trapspringer

Dixie Lee McKeone Tales of Uncle Trapspringer

Th is is a st or y a bou t m y Un cle Tr a pspr in ger . It seem s t h a t a long, long time ago ... Chapter 1 In t h e gr ea t libr a r y of P a la n t h u s, Ast in u s, t h e ch r on icler of t h e h ist or y of Kr yn n , wa s r ecor din g im por t a n t even t s on Ansalon.... Th e lobo wolf peer ed t h r ou gh t h e br u sh , h is yellow eyes seekin g en em ies a n d pr ey, h is sen sit ive n ose sn iffin g for da n ger on t h e br eeze. H e cr ou ch ed ben ea t h t h e bu sh es on a n u n n a t u r a l r ise of t u m bled st on es over la id wit h ea r t h a n d undergr owt h a n d ga zed a t a pla ce n a t u r e h a d n o pa r t in building. Man-pla ce, h is sen ses wa r n ed h im . A pla ce of t wo-legs wit h t h eir flyin g, wou n din g sh a ft s. H e h a d n o con cept of st r u ct u r es, bu t h e kn ew st r a igh t wa lls wer e n o pa r t of n a t u r e; t h ey wer e m a n -wor k. H is exper ien ce a lso t old h im t h a t m a n -wor k fa llin g down , wa lls cr u m blin g, wa s n o lon ger the den of his mortal enemy. He had seen other places where n a t u r e wa s t a kin g ba ck wh a t t h e t a ll t wo-legs h a d left wh en they moved on to new lairs. Off t o t h e r igh t of wh er e h e st ood peer in g t h r ou gh t h e bu sh es, h e sa w t h e dim n ess of a n a r r ow en t r a n ce, a lm ost obscu r ed by cr eepin g pla n t s. Th e da r kn ess wit h in su ggest ed it wa s cover ed a bove. It ca lled t o h im , it s sh a dowy dept h s

pr om isin g sa fet y fr om h is en em ies, even if h e did n ot fin d food inside. H e cr ept t h r ou gh t h e br u sh , t h r ou gh t h e h igh weeds a n d a cr oss t h e n ew spr in g gr a ss t h a t sepa r a t ed t h e m a n -place fr om t h e for est , sn iffin g a s h e wen t . H e discover ed t h e t h r eeday-old trail of a rabbit. Fresher was the trail of a mouse and t h e owl t h a t h a d ca u gh t t h e r oden t a n d m a de a m ea l of it , bu t n o m a n scen t . H e st opped a t t h e da r k en t r a n ce a n d n ot iced t h e scen t of m or e m ice. H e cr ept in t o t h e sh a dows of t h e r u in , fou n d a bed of lea ves t h a t t h e win d h a d blown in t o the shelter and curled up to sleep. Th e wolf felt sa fe beca u se h e kn ew t h e t a ll t wo-legs wer e gone. He was wrong. The ruin was not abandoned. Two h u n dr ed feet below wh er e t h e wolf slept , a h ea vy-boned m a n wa lked down t h e pa ssa ge of a n old, deep du n geon . As h e pa ssed down t h e cor r idor , t or ch es set in wa ll scon ces bu r st in t o fla m e a s h e n ea r ed t h em a n d m a gica lly died a wa y a ft er h e h a d pa ssed. Th e st on es in t h e wa lls a n d t h e a r ch ed ceilings still emanated an aura of the pain and suffering that had taken place in the dungeons of Pey. The horror had been mortal and had no power to disturb Draaddis Vulter. H is t or t u r e ca m e fr om a differ en t sou r ce. Not h in g fea r fu l im peded h is pa t h a s h e wa lked t o h is wor k ch a m ber , bu t h e dr ea ded m a kin g t h e jou r n ey. On ce t h er e h e cou ld be subject ed t o h or r or s on ly t h e m ost t wist ed of m in ds cou ld con ceive, a n d h is r et u r n t r ip wou ld t a x a ll h is m en t a l reserves.

He was paying the price of having offended his god. Th e h u ge dom ed va u lt t h a t ser ved h im for a la bor a t or y h a d long ago been stripped of its tools of misery to make room for a differ en t kin d of evil. It wa s n ow t h e la bor a t or y of t h e black-r obed wiza r d. Dr a a ddis wou ld h a ve pr efer r ed a t ower , but to show himself openly would put his life in danger. More than a century after the Cataclysm, wizards and clerics still hid and worked in secret. The people of Krynn had never forgiven the users of magic for the disaster that sundered the wor ld of An sa lon . Th e kn igh t s, t h e wiza r ds, a n d m ost of t h e cler ics h a d n ot t a ken pa r t in t h e dest r u ct ion , bu t , in t r u t h , they might have been able to prevent it. Th e r espon sibilit y for t h e disa st er belon ged t o t h e Kin gpr iest of Ist a r a n d h is follower s. Th e cler ics of Ist a r h a d gr own in power u n t il n eit h er t h e wiza r ds of Kr yn n n or t h e priest-kn igh t s of Sola m n ia h a d been willin g t o open ly oppose t h em . As t im e pa ssed t h e Kin gpr iest a n d h is follower s gr ew en a m or ed of t h eir own h olin ess. In t h eir con ceit , t h ey dem a n ded a n en d t o t h e ba la n ce of good a n d evil t h a t h eld sway over Ansalon. The Kingpriest of Istar challenged the gods. The answer had been swift and catastrophic. The great lands of Ist a r , wit h it s m a gn ificen t t em ples, sa n k ben ea t h t h e Sea of Blood. All over Kr yn n m ou n t a in s cr u m bled, n ew r a n ges r ose, t or n ou t of t h e ea r t h by t h e a n ger of t h e gods. Sea s flowed in a n d dr own ed gr ea t cit ies. Th en , followin g t h e r en din g of t h e wor ld, ca m e wa r , pla gu e, pest ilen ce, a n d starvation, all riding on the winds of the immortal wrath. In t h e m in ds of t h e cit izen s, t h e wiza r ds a n d kn igh t s sh a r ed t h e bla m e. Th ey h a d kn own t h e in evit a ble r esu lt of t h e Kin gpr iest 's a r r oga n ce a n d h a d don e n ot h in g t o st op h im .

Th e con cla ve of wiza r ds h a d deba t ed wh a t det a ils t h ey cou ld su r m ise of t h e im m in en t u ph ea va l. Th ey h a d decided n ot t o in t er fer e. Th e wh it e-r obed wiza r ds dedica t ed t o la wfu l pr a ct ice, t h e r ed-r obed n eu t r a ls, a n d t h e bla ck, t h e follower s of t h e evil Ta kh isis, wer e on e in t h eir desir e t o m a in t a in t h e balance of good and evil. Th e Ca t a clysm ca m e a n d wen t , a n d Dr a a ddis Vu lt er , t h e m ost power fu l of h is or der , h id in secr et a n d t r od t h e passages of an old dungeon and used the torture chamber for his laboratory. Sh elves lin ed t h e wa lls a n d a n cien t books in t h eir bla ck bin din gs wer e st r ewn a bou t ca r elessly on t h e wor k t a bles, a s if pu lled fr om t h e sh elves, sea r ch ed, a n d t h r own down in anger and frustration. Acr oss t h e va u lt ed ch a m ber ot h er sh elves h eld t h e r esu lt s of vile exper im en t s, gr isly pa r t s of wh a t h a d on ce been livin g bein gs, den ied a n a t u r a l dea t h . In on e, a n a n im a l h ea r t con t in u ed a slow, even bea t . In a n ot h er a sca led a n d cla wed h a n d, sever ed a t t h e wr ist , gr a sped a t t h e a ir a s it pu sh ed a ga in st t h e side of it s gla ss con t a in er . Open cr ocks h eld wor kin g m ixt u r es, t h eir su r fa ces in slow a n d con st a n t m ovem en t a s bu bbles br oke t h e viscou s su r fa ces a n d slowly popped, releasing noxious gases. Dr a a ddis Vu lt er ign or ed h is a ba n don ed or on goin g exper im en t s a n d st r ode t o t h e cen t er of t h e r oom . H e approached a stile, four feet high, covered with a black silken dr a pe t h a t wa s la vish ly t r im m ed wit h gold. H e lift ed t h e dr a pe, exposin g a n ir idescen t bla ck globe t wo feet in dia m et er . F r om it em a n a t ed a n evil t h a t ca u sed t h e wolf, in the ruins two hundred feet above, to whine in his sleep.

An eye a ppea r ed in t h e globe. H ea vily la sh ed a n d sligh t ly sla n t ed a t t h e ou t er cor n er , it wa s defin it ely a fem a le eye. Draaddis gave a low bow. "Ta kh isis, Qu een of Da r kn ess, Ou r La dy of t h e Dr a gon s, Ruler of the Nine Hells, " he murmured. "Greetings. " "Wh y h a ve you ca lled m e, Dr a a ddis?"-t h e voice wa s low a n d su lt r y, fillin g t h e wiza r d wit h sh iver s of fea r a n d deligh t "Have you found an answer?" "Not on e of m y own m a kin g, m y qu een , bu t I m a y h a ve discover ed a wa y for you t o en t er t h is wor ld. I wa n t ed t o la y m y fin din gs befor e you in t h e h ope t h a t you r divin e wisdom would help me decide if the discovery is what we seek. " Th e sin gle eye of t h e evil goddess br igh t en ed. Mor e t h a n a m illen n iu m h a d pa ssed sin ce H u m a , r idin g t h e silver dr a gon Gwyn n et h , h a d u sed t h e dr a gon la n ces t o dr ive Ta kh isis a n d h er ch r om a t ic dr a gon s fr om t h e wor ld of Kr yn n . F r om t h e First P la n e of t h e In fer n a l Rea lm s, Ta kh isis cou ld on ly peer t h r ou gh m a gica lly con st r u ct ed win dows like t h e globe. Sh e lu st ed for t h e cor r u pt ion sh e cou ld cr ea t e if sh e cou ld r ea ch the world of mortals again. "Tell me, " she demanded. "Show me, " "Ten days ago, while traveling on the shadow plane-" "Ten da ys?" Ta kh isis h issed a n d t h e ch a m ber floor su dden ly flowed wit h ser pen t s. Th ey coiled on t h e t a bles a n d slit h er ed down t h e st ools, m a ssin g on t h e floor a n d cr a wlin g over ea ch other to reach the wizard. Draaddis's tongue stuck to the roof of h is m ou t h . H e sh u dder ed u n con t r olla bly. Th ey slit h er ed u p h is legs, wr a pped t h em selves a r ou n d h is a r m s, t h eir fa n ged m ou t h s st r u ck a t h is fa ce a n d n eck. Th e fa n gs t or e a t

h is flesh a n d t h e poison fr om t h e fa n gs bu r n ed t h r ou gh h is veins like rivers of fire. H e t r em bled violen t ly a n d for ced h im self t o r em em ber illu sion wa s t h e on ly power t h e goddess cou ld u se a ga in st him. Sh u t t h em ou t . H e or der ed h is m in d t o sh u t ou t wh a t h is eyes and nerves told him was true. H e fou n d h is voice a n d con t in u ed h is expla n a t ion . H e for ced himself to think beyond the crushing, biting pain and the fire in his blood. "An d wh ile on t h e sh a dow pla n e I ch a n ced t o m eet a n ot h er wiza r d, a you n g r ed r obe, seekin g a wa y t o t h e Cor e of All Wor lds, " H e ga sped ou t t h e begin n in g of h is t a le. Wit h it went the image of the serpents. With them went the pain. He t ou ch ed h is fa ce t o a ssu r e h im self of wh a t h e kn ew. Th e t or t u r e h a d been a n illu sion ; h is skin wa s wh ole. Dr a a ddis took a deep breath and went on with his story. "Th e r ed r obe h a d som e ga r bled t a le of st on es t h a t cou ld be ga t h er ed t h er e. H e cla im ed t h ey wou ld open a por t a l t o a n y plane-" "Br in g h im t o t h e or b, I will qu est ion h im , " Ta kh isis demanded, but Draaddis shook his head. "I fea r , m y qu een , t o lea r n even t h e lit t le I did, I wa s for ced t o st r ip h im of h is kn owledge. " Dr a a ddis sh r u gged. "H e wa s a fool, with more courage than strength, and as I said he was young, still learning his art. He did not survive my entry into h is m in d. I h a ve h is kn owledge, bu t it wa s in com plet e. F or t h e pa st t en da ys I h a ve been sea r ch in g ou t t h e m yst er iou s red robe who has a set of these gate stones. "

"Did you find him?" "I h a ve fou n d h im , m y qu een , a n d m or e. I h a ve u sed a con st r u ct t o pla ce a viewin g disk in h is wor k ch a m ber so we ca n ju dge for ou r selves t h e wor t h of h is fin d in t h e Cor e of Worlds. " Dr a a ddis wa ved a h a n d in t h e dir ect ion of t h e la r gest t a ble, wh er e a r ed-eyed r a t sa t scr a t ch in g h is ea r . A closer look showed a pair of wings pressed flat to its back. When the eye of t h e dr ea d qu een t u r n ed in it s dir ect ion , t h e r a t ba cked u p to hide behind a stack of books. "You h a ve don e well, " Ta kh isis sa id, m om en t a r ily dr a win g ba ck fr om t h e globe. Wh en h e cou ld see h er en t ir e fa ce, Dr a a ddis t r em bled even m or e violen t ly. In h er h u m a n for m , t h e Da r k Qu een 's bea u t y wa s in com pa r a ble. H er per fect features and eyes held more allure than any mortal face. Her sen su ou s m ou t h , even in r epose, ga ve pr om ise of deligh t s n o m or t a l wom a n cou ld offer . J u st ga zin g a t h er m a de Draaddis for get t h e da n ger in h er en t in t h e pr esen ce of t h e r u ler of t h e Abyss. "Sh ow m e!" Wit h t h e com m a n d sh e pu t h er eye t o t h e globe a ga in a n d a ll h e sa w wa s t h e da r k pu pil t h a t followed h is movements around the chamber. "Th e seein g disk is m a t ed t o t h is on e, " Dr a a ddis t old h is qu een , open in g h is h a n d. H e sh owed h er a sm a ll, in t r ica t ely ca r ved disk of gr a y-gr een gla ss. A t a il of ca r ved m a gic r u n es, in dividu a lly t oo sm a ll for t h e u n a ided eye t o discer n , swir led ou t fr om a sm a ll ca r vin g in t h e cen t er t o t h e edge of t h e gla ss. Dr a a ddis pla ced t h e disk on a r ou n d, u n a dor n ed mirror that lay flat on the table.

Th e st ile t h a t h eld t h e bla ck globe disa ppea r ed, a lon g wit h t h e bla ck-r obed wiza r d, t h e sh elves, t h e gr isly exper im en t s, a n d t h e du st y m u r kin ess of Dr aaddis's work room. It seemed a s if t h ey h a d in st a n t ly been t r a n spor t ed in t o a n ot h er u n der gr ou n d ch a m ber . By t h e ba r ely discer n ible odor of veget a ble deca y, it h a d in t h e pa st been u sed a s a h u ge food la r der . Th is, t oo, wa s a wiza r d's la bor a t or y a n d h eld a ll t h e clu t t er of a lch em y, sa ve t h e exper im en t s wer e n ot of su ch a gr izzly n a t u r e. Th e ch a m ber wa s clea n er a n d clea n -burning t or ch es pu r ified t h e a ir . Old ca r pet s of in t r ica t e design cover ed t h e floor , a n d t h e wa ll scon ces t h a t h eld t h e t or ch es were ornate enough to have graced a lord's dining hall. Two people wer e in t h e r oom . Or a n der Ma r lben it , a m a st er wiza r d in r ed r obes sa t a t a t a ble, pou r in g over a book. Acr oss fr om h im , wh a t Dr a a ddis fir st t h ou gh t wa s a ch ild of fou r or five yea r s, st ood on a ben ch , pou r in g t ea in t o a cu p. Th e pot wa s t oo la r ge for h er t in y h a n ds. Th e lit t le figu r e a lso wor e a r ed r obe, a n d beside h er a sh or t st a ff lea n ed a ga in st t h e ben ch . Th ick, cu r lin g bla ck h a ir fr a m ed h er fa ce a n d t u m bled down h er ba ck. Wh en sh e t u r n ed t o pu t t h e pot back on a tray, they saw her face. The diminutive size was at odds with the maturity of a young woman in her twenties. "At lea st h a ve a cu p of t ea befor e you begin , " sh e sa id. H er voice wa s h igh ly pit ch ed a n d ch ildlike, bu t t h e t on es wer e t h a t of a n a du lt . Wh en t h e wiza r d con t in u ed r ea din g sh e became exasperated. "Ma st er Or a n der !" sh e spa t . "You n eed st r en gt h for you r studies, and even more if you try the experiment. " Th e la r ger figu r e r a ised h is h ea d. Wh it e h a ir peeked ou t from under his hood and bright blue eyes sparkled beneath a pa ir of h ea vy wh it e eyebr ows. H is bea r d, a lso wh it e, h a d been in exper t ly cu t sh or t , a con cession t o con ven ien ce r a t h er than style. He smiled at his companion.

"You m a ke t oo m u ch of it , H a lm a r a in . I won 't be in a n y dan ger , a n d I won 't be gon e lon g. I'll ju st t est t h e st on es on a ben ign pla n e. " H e poin t ed a t a pa ssa ge in t h e book h e wa s reading. "Alch viem sa ys h er e t h a t t h e t on e is ever yt h in g. On ce t h e vibr a t ion st a r t s if we keep t h e n ot e soft a n d st ea dy, t h er e's nothin g t o fea r . " "Bu t t h er e's st ill a dou bt , " H a lm a r a in snapped. Or a n der fr own ed. "H a lm a r a in , we a r e st u den t s of t h e n a t u r e of m a gic, a n d we will fa ce a n y da n ger t o fu r t h er ou r a r t . You will either accept that fact or find another teacher." "I wou ld r a t h er keep t h e on e I h a ve," sh e r et or t ed. H er eyes wer e soft er t h a n h er voice a n d t h ey sh owed h er con cer n . "Rem em ber , a ll you 've lea r n ed will be gon e if you don 't com e back." Or a n der la u gh ed. "All t h is a r gu m en t , a n d we don 't even know if the stones can open a portal to another plane." "I a lm ost h ope t h ey don 't ," t h e t in y wom a n r eplied, sh a kin g her head. Chapter 2 Wh en m y Un cle Tr a pspr in ger set ou t on h is fir st gr ea t a dven t u r e h is sist er , Ripple, wen t a lon g t o keep h im com pa n y. Th ey wer e a ppr oa ch in g Lyt bu r g wh en t h ey sa w some soldiers who spied them at the same time.... "Kender!" the soldier shouted, pointing toward Trap-springer a n d Ripple F a r go wh o h a d ju st r ou n ded a ben d in t h e du st y r oa d. Th e wa r n in g a ler t ed t h e r est of t h e t r oop, wh o wer e

t a kin g a dva n t a ge of t h e for est sh a de t o r est a n d ea t a m idda y m ea l. Th e soldier s t ossed food a n d fla sks a side a s they jumped to their feet, most dashing for their horses. "Wow, look, they certainly seem glad to see us," said Trap, as h is fa m ily ca lled h im . H e wa t ch ed t h e soldier s r u n in t o ea ch other as they tried to reach their mounts. "Lytburg must be a friendly place," his sister, Ripple, replied. Sh e wa ved a t t h e few soldier s wh o wer e st ill st a r in g in t h eir dir ect ion , t h en br u sh ed a t t h e r oa d du st on h er lea t h er leggin gs a n d boot s a n d swept a h a n d fr om h er for eh ea d t o h er t op kn ot , ch eckin g t o see if a n y t en dr ils h a d wor ked loose. "I t old you we sh ou ld h a ve fou n d a st r ea m a n d wa sh ed a wa y t h e du st fr om t h e r oa d," sh e sa id. "It 's t h e lea st we cou ld h a ve don e for people wh o a r e gla d t o see u s. I'm so gla d t h ey a r e h er e, I've been so t ir ed of n ot seein g a n yon e on t h e r oa d, a n d t h ey'r e ea t in g, do you t h in k t h ey m igh t sh a r e som e of t h eir food wit h u s?" Sh e ga ve a skip a s sh e wa lked a t h er brother's side. Th e soldier s cer t a in ly wer e excit ed. Th e fir st t o r ea ch h is h or se wa s obviou sly t h e lea der of t h e t r oop. H e wor e a sh in in g, or n a t ely t r im m ed h elm et a n d a glit t er in g coa t of ch a in m a il wh ile t h e ot h er s wor e m et a l-t r im m ed, h a r den ed lea t h er br ea st pla t es. H e jer ked t h e r ein s befor e h e h a d h is r igh t foot set in t h e st ir r u p. H is m ou n t sh ied a n d t h e r ider slid sidewa ys in t h e sa ddle. Th e ot h er r u sh in g m en , t h e sidlin g h or ses, a n d a n off-ba la n ce r ider t h r ew t h e lea der 's m ou n t in t o a pa n ic. H e bu cked a n d t u r n ed, blockin g t h e n ext two riders as they tried to pass him. Tr a p a n d Ripple wa t ch ed, fa scin a t ed. As t h e h or se sidled ba ck a n d for t h , t h e lea der 's a r m or spa r kled in t h e su n a n d r eflect ed sm a ll su n bea m s on t o t h e r oa d a n d in t o t h e deep

sh a de of t h e for est . Th e ken der wer e so bu sy en joyin g t h e sh ow t h a t t h ey m issed seein g t h e a r ch er s wh o h a d esch ewed t h eir m ou n t s a n d cr ept n ea r er u sin g t h e bu sh es for cover . Bot h ken der for got t h e st r u gglin g r ider wh en a n a r r ow whizzed by Trap's shoulder. "That's not friendly!" Ripple gasped, her eyes wide. "Th ey've m a de a m ist a ke!" Tr a p sa id. Neit h er h e n or h is sist er h a d don e a n yt h in g t o in cu r t h e wr a t h of t h e pa t r ol. St ill, t h e soldier s seem ed t oo in t en t on sh oot in g t h em t o list en t o expla n a t ion s. H e gr a bbed Ripple's a r m a n d jer ked her away as a shower of arrows arose from the underbrush. H e led t h e wa y a s t h ey r a ced a few pa ces u p t h e r oa d. Th ey wou ld n ever be a ble t o ou t r u n a r r ows, so h e jer ked Ripple t o the right and pulled her into the underbrush close to the side of t h e r oa d. Th e sh ower s of a r r ows con t in u ed. Tr a p felt a t h u d a s a n a r r ow st r u ck h im . H e h a d n ot even felt t h e pa in . He released Ripple's hand as he gingerly felt for a wound. "It h it you r bedr oll," sh e t old h im a n d led t h e wa y in t o t h e denser undergrowth. Beh in d t h em t h ey h ea r d pou n din g h ooves a n d r u n n in g feet followed by t h e sou n d of sn a ppin g br a n ch es. An ot h er sh ower of a r r ows a r ced t h r ou gh t h e for est . Th e sh a r p m et a l poin t s pierced soft bark or ricocheted off the tough old trunks. "Up," Tr a p sa id a s t h ey r ea ch ed a h u ge a n cien t oa k a n d da sh ed a r ou n d t o t h e n or t h er n side, opposit e t h eir pu r su er s. At h is gest u r e sh e cu pped h er h a n ds a n d ben t h er kn ees. H e st epped in t o t h e st ir r u p sh e pr ovided a n d sh e jer ked h er self u pr igh t a s h e st r a igh t en ed h is kn ees. Th eir com bin ed for ce t h r ew Tr a p h igh en ou gh t o gr a b t h e lowest lim b. H e locked h is feet a r ou n d t h e lim b a n d dr opped, h is a r m s ext en ded a s h e r ea ch ed down for Ripple. Sh e swa r m ed u p h is body u n t il

sh e st ood on t h e lim b. Th en sh e lower ed a h a n d t o pu ll h im up. Wor kin g t oget h er , t h ey r ea ch ed t h e h igh er lim bs a n d la y fla t wh ile t h e soldier s bea t t h e bu sh es below. Lon g, br ea t h less m in u t es pa ssed befor e t h e det er m in ed sea r ch er s m oved ou t of sight, deeper into the forest. Tr a p a n d Ripple clim bed down a ga in , dr opped fr om t h e la st lim b a n d wor ked t h eir wa y west t h r ou gh t h e t h ick u n der gr owt h t h a t bor der ed t h e r oa d. Wh en t h ey wer e a few h u n dr ed ya r ds a wa y fr om wh er e t h e soldier s sea r ch ed, t h e t wo ken der cr ossed t h e bea t en t r a ck a n d en t er ed t h e woods to the south. Safe for the moment, they followed a creek until t h ey r ea ch ed a bea ver 's da m . Th ey sa t on a log t o r est , t o t h e indignation of the beaver who had just cut down the tree. "I don 't u n der st a n d," Ripple sh ook h er h ea d. "No on e cou ld be angry at us." "Th ey didn 't wa n t u s. Th ey sa id 'ken der ,' " Tr a p r em in ded her. "Either they don't like any kender or...." "Th a t 's n ot possible," Ripple in t er r u pt ed. Th e en t ir e r a ce of ken der t ook ju st ifia ble pr ide in bein g t h e fr ien dliest people on Krynn. "Or ... do you think there might be kender outlaws?" Neit h er h a d ever con sider ed t h e possibilit y. Th ey occa sion a lly h ea r d t a les, m ost of wh ich t h ey discou n t ed a s soon as the stories accused kender of "stealing." Tr a p a n d Ripple kn ew t h a t ever y ot h er civilized r a ce on Kr yn n con sider ed ken der t o be t h ieves. Th eir r a cia l

r epu t a t ion wa s t ot a lly ju st ified, of cou r se, ju st a s it wa s pa t en t ly u n t r u e. Ken der wer e n ot t h ieves, t h ey wer e h a n dler s. Th eir cu r iosit y a n d t h eir in sa t ia ble desir e t o poke a n d pr y a n d t ou ch led t h em t o h a n dle a n yt h in g t h ey cou ld pick up. That same curiosity could draw their attention away fr om wh a t t h ey h eld. An xiou s for som e n ew exper ien ce, t h ey oft en , a n d qu it e u n in t en t ion a lly, t u cked t h e a r t icles in t o t h eir pou ch es. Th e over sigh t u su a lly ca m e fr om a desir e t o fr ee t h eir h a n ds for som et h in g n ew, a n d t h ey oft en fou n d t h em selves wit h it em s t h ey cou ld n ot r em em ber a cqu ir in g. In a ken der cit y, a n oddly sh a ped r ock or piece of gla ss, kn ife, sca r f, or dish cou ld h a ve a h u n dr ed own er s in a bu sy week. Ou t side t h eir own la n ds t h ey h a d lea r n ed t o m a ke u p excuses for unexplained possessions. "I was keeping it for you." "It must have fallen in my pouch," or "You m u st h a ve pu t it in m y pou ch by m ist a ke," wer e t h r ee of t h e m ost com m on u sed t o r a ces wh o did n ot u n der st a n d t h e ken der h a bit of h a n dlin g. If t h e own er of a pu r loin ed object wanted it back, the kender cheerfully returned it. "Wh a t sh ou ld we do?" Ripple a sked, h er br ow wr in klin g in disappointment. "I wanted to see the city." Tr a p u n der st ood h is sist er 's feelin gs. Th ey h a d been bor n a n d r a ised in Legu p, a villa ge in t h e m ou n t a in s of H ylo, a n d like the rest of the Fargo family, as soon as they had reached a du lt h ood t h ey wer e st r icken wit h wa n der -lu st a n d h a d set ou t t o see t h e wor ld. Th ey h a d yet t o see a cit y of h u m a n s and dwarves firsthand. Their gr ea t -gr a n dfa t h er h a d wa lked ea st fr om Legu p t o Sola m n ia a n d sou t h t o Ka olyn a n d Aba n a sin ia . Aft er t h e Ca t a clysm t h e geogr a ph y of Kr yn n h a d ch a n ged, a n d n ow a n

u n n a m ed sea divided Nor t h er n E r got h a n d H ylo fr om Sola m n ia a n d it s polit ica l a n d geogr a ph ica l n eigh bor s t o t h e south and east. Tr a p a n d Ripple h a d left t h e por t of H ylo by sh ip, in t en din g t o t r a vel a cr oss t h e ch a n n el t o on e of t h e por t t own s in Sola m n ia . A su dden st or m h a d blown t h e sh ip sou t h . Th e win d scr ea m ed t h r ou gh t h e sa ils a n d t h e sea m en dangled fr om t h e m a st s a n d spa r s in a n a t t em pt t o t r im t h e sa ils. Th e ken der fou n d t h e t r ip excit in g, bu t a s t h e st or m blew it self ou t t h ey gr ew bor ed. At t h e fir st oppor t u n it y t h ey a sked t o be pu t a sh or e. Th e ca pt a in wa s gla d t o do so a ft er h e lost h is fa vor it e kn ife, a ca r ved a n d silver ch a sed in kwell and several maps. He had not even waited until they reached a port. H e dr opped t h em on a deser t ed bea ch . Wit h ou t kn owin g t h eir st a r t in g poin t , t h ey h a d t h r ee ch oices. Th ey cou ld go n or t h or sou t h , wit h n o idea h ow fa r t h ey wer e fr om t h e por t s sh own on t h e m a p, or t h ey cou ld st r ike in la n d. Th ey wer e on t h e west er n sh or e of t h e con t in en t , so m ost of t h e cit ies wou ld be t o t h e ea st . A da y la t er t h ey fou n d a h igh r oa d t h a t a n gled in a n or t h ea st er ly dir ect ion . Cor rectly gu essin g it led t o a cit y, t h ey followed it u n t il t h e soldier s attacked. "I kn ow," Ripple br igh t en ed, slipped h er pa ck off h er sh ou lder s a n d r u m m a ged in t h e dept h s. "We'll ch a n ge clot h es so t h e soldier s won 't r ecogn ize u s, a n d we'll wea r t h ese," sh e pu lled ou t t wo cr u m pled h a t s wit h t a ll cr own s and floppy brims. "You 'r e det er m in ed t o t a ke a ba t h a n d ch a n ge clot h es," Tr a p la u gh ed, t h ou gh h e h a d n o object ion . It h a d t a ken t h em five da ys t o a m ble t h e sixt y m iles fr om t h e sh or e t o t h eir pr esen t location . Th ey h a d st opped fr equ en t ly, in spect in g t h e loca l flor a , a n im a ls a n d a n yt h in g else t h a t in t er est ed t h em . Th e afternoons had been hot and his skin was sticky with sweat.

An h ou r a n d a h a lf la t er , Tr a p st ood wit h h is feet wide a pa r t a n d h is h a n ds br a ced on h is kn ees a s h e lea n ed for wa r d. St r a n ds of h is lon g, da r k br own h a ir , fr esh ly wa sh ed a n d n ea r ly dr y, m oved in t h e ligh t br eeze. H is sist er ca u gh t it a n d t wist ed it in t o a sm oot h r oll, t h en sh e exper t ly flipped it in t o a loop close t o h is h ea d. Usin g on e slim fin ger , sh e pu lled t h e coil t h r ou gh t h e loop. Wit h a gen t le jer k, st r on g en ou gh t o set t h e h a ir , bu t n ot h a r d en ou gh t o ca u se Tr a p any pain, she tightened the top knot. Ma n y ken der u sed t h on gs, cor ds, m et a l r in gs a n d ot h er devices t o m a n a ge t h eir lon g h a ir , a n d in H ylo som e cu t it sh or t t o be r id of t h e bot h er . Th e F a r go fa m ily h a d a lwa ys adhered to the ancient custom of the actual knot at the exact cen t er of t h e cr own . Wh en Tr a p st ood, t h e en ds fell ju st t o the nape of his neck. Ripple lea n ed for wa r d a n d h e t ied h er m u ch lon ger h a ir . Th en h e ca u gh t u p t h e blon d pon yt a il a n d flipped it a r ou n d h is fin ger . Wh en h e let it go it fell in on e sh in in g cu r l t h a t r ea ch ed h er wa ist . Bu t n o on e wou ld be seein g t h a t t h ick, sh in in g t r ess for a wh ile. Sh e lea n ed sidewa ys, ca u gh t it in t h e cr own of t h e h a t a n d sea t ed t h e h ea dgea r fir m ly on h er head, hiding both the topknot and her pointed ears. Th e h a t s h a d been a pa r t in g gift fr om t h eir u n cle, Skipou t F a r go, a n d h e h a d given t h em cr ypt ic in st r u ct ion s t o go wit h the h ea dgea r . Obeyin g t h e a dvice of Un cle Skipou t , Tr a pspr in ger wr a pped h is beddin g a r ou n d t h e for ked en d of h is h oopa k a n d a t t a ch ed h is pa ck t o it . Ripple did t h e sa m e wit h h er wh ippik. Wh en t h ey wer e fin ish ed, Tr a p su r veyed the result and shook his head. "Gee, we don 't look like ou r selves," h e com pla in ed wh en t h ey wer e r ea dy. Wit h t h eir t op kn ot s a n d ea r s h idden a n d t h eir wea pon s ca m ou fla ged, t h ey r esem bled slen der t welve-yearold human children.

"I think it's what Uncle Skipout intended," Ripple said. "I ca n 't t h in k wh y." Tr a pspr in ger m u r m u r ed wit h a fr own , bu t wh en a n idea st r u ck h im h is fa ce lit wit h a sm ile. "Maybe humans like kender to look like them." "I see, we'r e doin g it t o be fr ien dly! I like t h a t ," Ripple sa id, nodding her approval. "Remember what father said." As sh e t ook a st ep a wa y fr om t h e log a low br a n ch n ea r ly dislodged h er h a t . Sh e lea n ed h er wh ippik a ga in st t h e t r ee, r ea dju st ed h er h ea dgea r , a n d a s sh e r ea ch ed for h er ca m ou fla ged wea pon , n ot iced a sm a ll, in t er est in g flower : a pink puff on a short stem. "Wh a t did fa t h er sa y?" a sked Tr a pspr in ger , wh o h a d been gazing into the bushes where a rustle had given evidence of a h idin g a n im a l. H e decided h e h a d been m ist a ken a n d h a d picked up the thread of the conversation. "It's very pretty." "Father said your hat was pretty?" Ripple looked fr om t h e flower t o h er br ot h er a n d sa id, "Did he ever see my hat?" Br ot h er a n d sist er exch a n ged sm iles a n d sh ou lder ed t h eir wea pon s a n d pa cks. Th e t ypica l ken der con ver sa t ion flowed a lon g a ser pen t in e cou r se wit h eddies of u n r ela t ed bu t in t er est in g sideligh t s. To a h u m a n , t h e en t ir e poin t of t h e con ver sa t ion wou ld be qu ickly lost , bu t sin ce t h e ken der seldom wa n t ed t o m a ke a n y poin t t h ey wer e u su a lly satisfied.

"I h ope t h e soldier s a r en 't m a d a t u s a n ym or e," Ripple sa id as she stepped over a log. "Th ey m a de a m ist a ke, a n d wh en t h ey r ea lize it t h ey'll be sor r y," Tr a pspr in ger sa id. "We sh ou ldn 't be a n gr y a bou t it , it cou ld h a ppen t o a n yon e. I kn ow t h ey'll a pologize, bu t r igh t now, I think we should keep to the woods as long as we can." Wa lkin g t h r ou gh t h e for est wa s m or e plea sa n t t h a n t r a velin g t h e du st y r oa d. Spr in g wa s well u n der wa y, it bein g t h e begin n in g of t h e m on t h of F lower -field in t h e ken der la n gu a ge, F lu er -gr een in Sola m n ic. Th e t r ees h a d been in full leaf for less than a fortnight. The day was lazily warm so t h ey en joyed t h e sh a de. Bu sy in sect s bu zzed t h r ou gh t h e sh a dows a n d in t o t h e da ppled su n -ligh t wh er e t h eir win gs glowed in the bright beams. Th e for est st r et ch ed ea st a n ot h er t wo m iles. Wh en they r ea ch ed t h e r oa d a ga in t h ey sa w n o sign of t h e pa t r ol, so t h ey con t in u ed u n t il t h ey st ood lookin g a t t h e wa lled cit y. Th e sh ip ca pt a in 's m a p t h a t h a d m yst er iou sly a ppea r ed a m on g Tr a pspr in ger 's belon gin gs h a d list ed t h e n a m e of t h e city as Lytburg. "What do you think?" Trap asked his sister. Above t h e ou t er defen ses, br ist lin g wit h ba t t lem en t s a n d ba r t iza n s, t h ey cou ld see t h e t ower s of t h e keep, set fa r inside the city's fortifications. "It looks a s if t h ey'r e expect in g t r ou ble," Ripple sa id, undaunted by the prospect of danger. "It looks interesting."

"In t er est in g" wa s t h e r a llyin g cr y for t h e en t ir e r a ce of ken der , wh o wou ld r a t h er fa ce dea t h t h a n bor edom , so t h ey continued up the road. As they drew closer to the bridge at the gates of the city, they n ot iced a deep t r en ch t h a t r a n a lon g t h e ou t side of t h e cit y's wa lled defen ses. Aba t is lin ed t h e dit ch . Th e ba r k of t h e secu r ely a n ch or ed, u p-t h r u st logs a n d st r on g t r ee br a n ch es h a d gr a yed wit h a ge. Th e poin t ed en ds sh owed bla cken ed t ips, su ggest in g t h ey h a d been h a r den ed wit h fir e. Below t h e bla ck ch a r t h e pa le, fr esh ly cu t wood in dica t ed t h a t t h e points had been recently sharpened to cut away the rot. A st on e br idge wit h st u r dy st on e r a ilin gs lim it ed t h e a ccess t o t h e ga t e. Sever a l fa r m er s' ca r t s wer e dr a wn u p a s close t o t h e left r a ilin g a s possible. Th e dr iver s wa it ed for t h e ga t e gu a r ds t o in spect t h eir ca r go. Th e wide sh a r p t ips of t h e cit y's m ilit a r y wea pon r y glea m ed a s if n ewly sh a r pen ed. Th e soldier s r ou gh ly sh oved on e of t h e fa r m er s a bou t . They dem a n ded t o kn ow t h e fa r m er 's bu sin ess a n d poked a t t h e baskets of potatoes and cabbages in his simple cart. "Th e gu a r ds look bu sy," Ripple sa id a s t h ey a ppr oa ch ed t h e end of the bridge. "Th ey'r e im por t a n t t o t h e cit y," Tr a p r eplied. "We sh ou ldn 't take up their valuable time." Ah ea d, a gu a r d or der ed t h e a r r ivin g ca r t t o pu ll t o t h e left . Th e veh icle wa s u n wieldy, piled h igh wit h h a y. Th e m u les object ed t o t h e wa ll a n d t h e soldier kept sh ou t in g a t t h e dr iver . Wh en t h e wa gon fin a lly st opped, t h e gu a r d reached u p a n d gr a bbed t h e a r m of t h e fa r m er , h a u lin g h im off t h e seat. Th e t wo ken der h a d been a bou t t o skir t t h e ca r t a n d cr oss the bridge, but just then a troop of soldiers came through the

ga t e, lea vin g t h e cit y. Th e lea der sh ou t ed a t t h e gu a r ds a n d t h e fa r m er s t o m a ke wa y a s h e u r ged h is h or se for wa r d. Beh in d h im t h e t r oop, r idin g t wo a br ea st , wer e sh ovin g t h e farmers and the guards up against the carts. Tr a p a n d Ripple du cked ba ck beh in d t h e la st ca r t a n d h e clim bed u p on t h e left br idge r a ilin g t o get ou t fr om u n der foot . Th e st on e fa cin g h a d on ce r isen t o a kn ife-sharp a n gle, bu t a ge h a d r ou n ded it . Ken der in gen er a l h a d excellent balance, particularly the Fargo family. "We ca n ju st wa lk a lon g t h is r a ilin g t o t h e ga t e," Tr a p sa id, lea din g t h e wa y. "Th e gu a r ds will be gr a t efu l t o u s for n ot bot h er in g t h em , a n d we won 't get in t h e wa y of t h e h or ses and wagons." Th e t wo ken der wa lked a lon g t h e r a ilin g beh in d t h e ca r t s, en t er ed t h e cit y u n n ot iced, a n d st r olled down a bu sy st r eet . Th e loca ls, m ost ly h u m a n a n d dwa r f, h u r r ied in bot h directions on unknown errands. Occasionally they saw an elf, bu t t h ey h a d n ot seen a n y of t h eir own people. Th e h eigh t of t h e h u m a n s' sh ou lder s wer e well a bove t h e h ea ds of t h e ken der , so t h eir view wa s lim it ed t o t h e bu ildin gs t h ey passed. Two a n d t h r ee st or y h a lf-t im ber ed bu ildin gs, m ost wit h ca n t ilever ed secon d floor s, sh a ded t h e pa vem en t a n d t h e smell of mustiness mingled with the odor of bodies. Th eir dim in u t ive h eigh t h a d kept t h em fr om seein g wh a t la y ahead. Then, through a break in the crowd, they saw a sunlit open squ a r e a n d ca u gh t a glim pse of a wn in gs over r ou gh stalls. "Wow, it's Shadow Day," Ripple said with delight.

"Ca ll it Br a ch a h er e," Tr a p r em in ded h is sist er . Wh et h er t h ey u sed t h e kin der or t h e Sola m n ic n a m e, it did seem t o be the seventh day of the week, market day. Th ey in cr ea sed t h eir pa ce a n d in m in u t es t h ey r ea ch ed t h e open squ a r e. Th er e t h ey slowed, st oppin g occa sion -a lly t o look a t t h e displa yed m er ch a n dise. E ver yt h in g in t h e wor ld seem ed t o be on sa le in t h e squ a r e. Th ey sa w pigs a n d h or ses, fu r s a n d veget a bles, h oes a n d plows, wa gon s a n d fowls r oa st in g on spit s. Bolt s of silks, wool a n d velvet la y cheek by jowl with cured leather. F a r m er s in h om espu n clot h in g, wit h t h e m u d of t h eir fields st ill on t h eir boot s, r u bbed sh ou lder s wit h t h e cit y dweller s, some in filthy rags, some in clean, well darned clothing, some in silks a n d velvet s. H a wker s ca r r ied t r a ys a n d ba sket s su ppor t ed by lea t h er st r a ps or r opes a r ou n d t h eir n ecks or over t h eir sh ou lder s. Th ey sh ou t ed over t h e n oise of t h e cr owd a s t h ey a n n ou n ced t h eir wa r es. Ca lls of "Roa st ed Nu t s!" "Mea t r olls!" a n d "Melon slices!" r a n g over t h e a r gu in g, ba r ga in in g, sh ou t ed gr eet in gs a n d la u gh t er of t h e shoppers. F u r t h er on t h ey discover ed a t r a velin g ba ker 's st a ll a n d beh in d it a n oven m a de of ir on sh eet s clever ly fit t ed t oget h er . It cou ld be t a ken a pa r t in m in u t es. Tr a p st opped t o con sider t h e oven , won der in g if it wa s of dwa r ven design . Ripple continued down the row of stalls. Tr a p picked u p a st ill wa r m loa f, in spect in g t h e cr u st t o see if it was to his liking. Across the way a shouting match broke ou t bet ween t wo wou ld-be bu yer s for t h e sa m e pig. Th e ken der h u r r ied over t o see if t h er e wou ld be a figh t , bu t t h e seller , a n a r r ow fa ced lit t le m a n wit h a t wit ch in g n ose, decided h e h a d u n der va lu ed t h e pig. H e u pped t h e pr ice a n d t h e t wo bea r ded, r ou gh ly dr essed fa r m er s su dden ly a llied against him.

Wh en t h e sh opper s st om ped a wa y, Tr a p lost in t er est a n d wa n der ed on down t h e st a lls. H e for got h e wa s st ill h olding t h e br ea d u n t il h e ca u gh t u p wit h Ripple. Sh e spot t ed t h e loa f, t oo la r ge for Tr a p t o ea t a lon e, a n d a sked if h e pla n n ed on sh a r in g it wit h h er . H e looked down a t t h e br ea d in surprise and she understood his expression. "You for got t o pa y for it ," sh e obser ved, kn owin g h er br ot h er wa s a ll ken der . Th ey h a d pr om ised t h eir pa r en t s t h ey wou ld be ca r efu l t o pa y for wh a t ever t h ey t ook, a n d t h eir pou ch es were bulging with steel pieces. "I wen t t o see a figh t ," Tr a p expla in ed h is possession of t h e br ea d. H e pr om ised h im self h e wou ld r et u r n a n d pa y for it , bu t a t t h e m om en t t h er e wa s so m u ch t o see. H e wou ld pa y the baker when they returned up the row of stalls. "We r ea lly sh ou ld ea t it wh ile it 's st ill wa r m ," h e sa id a s h e t or e t h e loa f in h a lf a n d h a n ded Ripple h er sh a r e. H e wa s ju st goin g t o t a ke a bit e wh en h e sa w t wo h u m a n ch ildr en h u n gr ily eyein g t h e food. Tr a p br oke off t wo pieces, givin g each a warm, crusty hunk. Ripple had walked on ahead again and stopped at a jeweler's st a ll t o a dm ir e a br a celet of gold set wit h blu e st on es. Th e own er of t h e st a ll, a dwa r f wit h a m a gn ificen t bla ck bea r d st r ea ked wit h gr a y, wa s in t h e m iddle of a ba r ga in in g session wit h a por t ly, well dr essed h u m a n . Th r ee you n g boys ca m e r a cin g t h r ou gh t h e cr owded st a lls, scu fflin g a nd pu sh in g ea ch ot h er pla yfu lly. Two, wr est lin g ea ch ot h er a s t h ey r a n , kn ocked in t o t h e r igh t su ppor t of t h e dwa r f's st a ll. Th e t em por a r y sh elt er swa yed. Th e pegged displa y boa r d, r a ised t o a st eep a n gle t o bet t er sh ow t h e glit t er in g wa r es, wa s in da n ger of t opplin g. Th e dwa r f ca u gh t it a n d pu lled it ba ck in t o pla ce. H e wa s n ot in t im e t o keep t wo n eckla ces and a wide gold bracelet from falling to the ground.

Ripple kn elt a n d picked u p t h e jewelr y. Sh e wa s r isin g, r ea ch in g t o pu t t h em ba ck on t h e displa y boa r d wh en a fem a le sh opper pa ssed, obliviou s t o t h e pr oblem s of t h e jeweler . Th e wom a n wa s ca r r yin g a wide ba sket on h er a r m , and it brushed against Ripple's hat, knocking it off. Th e dwa r f h a d seem ed h a ppy en ou gh t o h a ve Ripple's a ssist a n ce, bu t wh en h e sa w t h e t opkn ot a n d poin t ed ea r s, he roared and ducked under the display. "Th ief! Ken der t h ief!" h e r oa r ed a n d pu sh ed pa st t h e por t ly customer as he reached out, grabbing Ripple's arm. Chapter 3 When the dwarf shouted thief, Ripple was still half crouched. Sh e looked a r ou n d, t r yin g t o spot t h e cr im in a l a s sh e picked u p h er h a t . Sh e h a d n ot r ea lized t h e dwa r f gla r ed a ccu sin gly a t h er , bu t Tr a p sa w t h e dir ect ion of t h e st a ll own er 's attention. "Th a t 's n ot n ice! Sh e's pickin g t h em u p for you ," h e explained, bu t t h e dwa r f sh ook h is fist a t Tr a p befor e r a cin g a r ou n d t h e fa r open en d of t h e st a ll. Th e jeweler 's a t t en t ion wa s a ll on Ripple a s h e pu sh ed by Tr a p a n d m a de a da sh for the kender girl. Tr a p lea ped for wa r d. In a fla sh h is h oopa k wa s in h is left hand. H e t h r u st t h e st eel poin t ed en d bet ween t h e jeweler 's feet . Wit h h is r igh t , h e gr a bbed Ripple's a r m a n d jer ked h er a wa y ju st in t im e t o keep t h e dwa r f fr om fa llin g on h er . Th e dwarf hit the ground with a thud and a curse. Ripple wa s st u n n ed by t h e a ccu sa t ion , a n d wa s st ill h oldin g ou t t h e jewelr y sh e h a d picked u p wh en t h e por t ly cu st om er took up the shout.

"Ken der t h ieves, r obbin g h on est folk," h e sh ou t ed a n d m a de a gr a b for t h e t wo n eckla ces Ripple h eld. "Th ieves! Th ieves! Ca ll t h e wa t ch !" As h e t u r n ed t o a ler t t h e cr owd, Tr a p sa w him tuck the two necklaces inside his gold-trimmed sleeve. "I sa w wh a t you did!" Tr a p yelled a t t h e h u m a n . "You 'r e stealing! You're a thief!" Tr a p kn ew lit t le a bou t h u m a n s, bu t h e did su spect a r ich t own sm a n wou ld be believed befor e a st r a n ger . Th ey cou ld flee or fin d t h em selves in t h e cit y du n geon s. H e ga ve Ripple a sh ove t owa r d t h e n a r r ow spa ce bet ween t h e jeweler 's st a ll a n d t h e on e beside it wh er e ir on ket t les a n d pa n s wer e on display. Ripple h a d been sh ocked by t h e a ccu sa t ion , bu t h er qu ick wit s r iva led h er bot h er 's. Wh en t h e t in ker t r ied t o gr a b h er sh e st r u ck h im on t h e h ea d wit h h er wh ippik befor e da sh in g t h r ou gh t h e n a r r ow open in g. Tr a p followed on h er h eels. H e h a d ju st pa ssed t h e st a gger in g t in ker 's t a ble wh en t h e m a n st epped in t o on e of h is own pot s a n d fell on h is own displa y. Th e t a ble legs colla psed, t h r owin g t h e ket t les u n der t h e feet of t wo bu r ly m en wh o wer e lea din g t h e ch a se a ft er t h e kender. Tr a p a n d Ripple dodged ou t in t o a spa ce bet ween t h e ba ck of the st a lls, a pla ce t h e sh opper s seldom sa w. Th ey dodged a r ou n d bu n dles a n d ba sket s of m er ch a n dise t h a t wa it ed for displa y r oom in t h e cr owded st a lls. Beh in d t h em t h ey h ea r d t h e ca ll of "Ken der t h ieves!" a s it pa ssed t h r ou gh ou t t h e m a r ket squ a r e. As t h ey r a n t h ey pu lled t h eir pa cks fr om their weapons and slipped their arms through the straps. Th ey fled down t h e deser t ed r ow a n d wr iggled t h eir wa y t h r ou gh a n a r r ow spa ce in t o t h e n ext m a r ket isle, bu t t h e a la r m h a d t r a veled t h r ou gh t h e squ a r e. Th ey h a d n ot t a ken

t wo st eps befor e a t a ll, bea r ded m a n gr a bbed Tr a p's a r m . H e let go wh en Ripple poked h im in t h e st om a ch wit h t h e en d of her whippik. Th ey da n ced down t h e isle, skippin g a wa y fr om r ea ch in g h a n ds. Th ey t r ipped t wo m or e people a n d swu n g t h eir weapons toward the others, keeping them at bay. At t h e en d of t h e isle a da r k, n a r r ow m ea n st r eet led ou t of t h e m a r ket a n d Ripple da sh ed in t o it s r ela t ive pr ot ect ion . At lea st t h ey cou ld n ot be gr a bbed by r ea ch in g h a n ds on ever y side. Th ey st ill h a d a la r ge gr ou p of ir a t e sh op-keeper s a n d t own sm en on t h eir t r a il. Th ey r a n down t h e st r eet , t u r n ed onto another at random and then into a narrow alley. Tr a p's h ope for esca pe sa n k a s h e sa w a r icket y sh elt er blockin g t h e a lley, bu t t h en h e n ot iced a n a r r ow spa ce bet ween it a n d t h e bu ildin g on t h e r igh t . Ripple, r u n n in g a h ea d of h im , h a d seen it t oo a n d wr iggled in t o t h e spa ce with her brother right behind her. Th ey slipped t h r ou gh t o t h e ot h er side a n d Tr a p wa s slowin g his pace when he heard shouting behind him. He looked back a n d t h r ou gh t h e n a r r ow cr a ck h e cou ld see t h e fir st of t h eir pu r su er s t r yin g t o st op. Th e m om en t u m of t h e cr owd beh in d t h e lea der s of t h e ch a se sh oved t h em for wa r d, a ga in st t h e sh a bby lea n -t o. Th e r icket y st r u ct u r e colla psed wit h a cr a sh . As t h e ken der r a n on t h ey h ea r d t h e sou n d of h u m a n s in pain and others swearing in their anger. Tr a p in cr ea sed h is speed a ga in a n d a few st eps fu r t h er h e sa w t wo pa ir of eyes st a r in g ou t of t h e dim n ess. H e h a d n ot t h ou gh t t h e a lley da r k en ou gh for a n yon e t o h ide in it . As h e dr ew even wit h t h em , h e r ecogn ized t wo gu lly dwa r ves. As if to prove the reputation of their race, these two were so grimy t h eir clot h in g, h a n ds, a n d fa ces h a d blen ded wit h t h e da r k gray stone.

One of them had been rolling a wagon wheel toward the little lean-t o, bu t wit h a qu ick m ove h e sen t it ca r een in g in t h e other direction, and chased after it. Th e Agh a r r ollin g t h e r icket y wh eel wa s in t h e lea d. H e wa s taller and had darker hair. The second, smaller, thinner, and wit h blon d h a ir , r a n in h is wa ke. Th ey h a d t u r n ed so qu ickly Tr a p h a d lit t le t im e t o n ot ice t h eir fea t u r es, bu t even in t h e sem i da r kn ess h e cou ld t ell t h e sm a ller gu lly dwa r f wa s you n ger t h a n t h e ot h er . Like ken der , t h e Agh a r developed fa cia l wr in kles ea r ly in life. Th e sm a ller gu lly h a d n o wrinkles. Th e gu lly dwa r ves wer e on ly t wo pa ces in fr on t of Ripple wh en t h ey r ea ch ed wh a t Tr a p t h ou gh t wa s a dea d en d, bu t t h ey wh ir led a r ou n d a cor n er . Th e gu lly dwa r f wit h t h e wh eel ga ve it a pr a ct iced t u r n t o ch a n ge dir ect ion a n d t h e ken der followed. Beh in d t h em t h ey cou ld h ea r r u n n in g feet again so they put their trust in the gully dwarves. Aft er a ser ies of t u r n s, a ll in t o a lleys t h a t beca m e in cr ea sin gly n a r r ow, da r k, a n d dir t y, t h ey sa w wh a t h a d t o be t h e en d of t h e ch a se. Th e dir t y lit t le gu lly dwa r ves st ill h a d on e t r ick left . Th ey wh ir led a r ou n d a h u ge pile of r u bbish a n d disa ppea r ed. St ill t r u st in g t h e gu lly dwa r ves' sen se of su r viva l-it wa s sa id t h a t wa s t h e on ly sen se t h ey had, including the sense of smell-Ripple followed them. Tr a p h ea r d Ripple squ ea l in su r pr ise. H er br ot h er , followin g, t r ipped over a low st on e t h a t cou ld h a ve been a door st ep, a n d fell in t o da r kn ess. Th e da r kn ess h id a sm oot h , descending ramp and he tumbled down a steep, dark chute. H e r olled t o a st op wit h som et h in g m oder a t ely soft u n der h is legs a n d h is m ou t h fu ll of h a ir -h e h a d a t lea st fou n d Ripple. Th e soft t h in g u n der h is legs com pla in ed a n d h e discover ed

by t ou ch a n d sm ell t h a t it wa s a gu lly dwa r f. Wh en h e t r ied t o sit u p, h e fou n d t h a t h is left leg wa s ca u gh t u p in t h e spokes of the dwarves' wagon wheel. F a r a bove t h ey h ea r d voices t h a t ech oed off t h e wa lls. Th e humans had followed them. "Don 't wor r y a bou t t h em ," on e voice, lou der t h a n t h e ot h er s remarked. "They'll never get out of there, they're done for." Th e fou r a t t h e bot t om of t h e st r a n ge sh a ft r em a in ed st ill u n t il t h e ech oin g foot st eps fa ded a wa y. Th en , a ft er a few a bor t ed a t t em pt s t h a t r esu lt ed in feet in fa ces, elbows in st om a ch s, a n d fin ger s in eyes, t h e t wo ken der a n d t h e t wo gu lly dwa r ves sor t ed t h em selves ou t . Th ey discover ed t h a t t h eir la n din g pla ce h a d a ceilin g h igh en ou gh so t h ey cou ld stand up. "What happen?" asked one of the gully dwarves. "We run away," the other said. "From what?" "Don't know." "You want torch?" "Why? Got no light." "I've got a tinderbox," Trap said. "Who that?" one of the gully dwarves exclaimed.

"Ken der , I t h in k," t h e dwa r f's com pa n ion offer ed. "Never seen one before." "You 've got a t or ch a n d I've got a ligh t , so you ca n see on e again," Trap suggested. "You ca n see t wo," Ripple a dded. "Th ou gh wh y you 've n ever seen kender before, I can't imagine." Aft er a con sider a ble a m ou n t of fu m blin g (du r in g wh ich Ripple h a d t o sla p som eon e) fin ger s ca u gh t t h e h a n d Tr a p wa s h oldin g t in der box wit h a n d gu ided it t o t h e t or ch . Mor e fu m blin g followed befor e h e lit wh a t t u r n ed ou t t o be a m u st y bu n dle of a lr ea dy h a lf-bu r n ed r a gs a r ou n d a br oken m op h a n dle. On ce t h e fir st t or ch wa s lit , t h ey wer e a ble t o fin d a secon d, a n d ligh t it t oo. Th e t wo ken der a n d t h e t wo gully dwarves stood quietly, inspecting each other. Tr a p decided h is fir st est im a t e wa s cor r ect . Th e t a llest , wit h t h e begin n in g of fa cia l wr in kles, wa s t h e eldest . Th e wr in kles wer e ea sy t o see, bein g filled wit h gr im e. H is h a ir wa s da r k, pr oba bly da r k br own , bu t over la id wit h dir t t h a t ligh t en ed it sligh t ly. Th e sm a ller dwa r f h a d n o wr in kles, bu t wa s n o less dir t y. Th eir h a ir wa s a ppr oxim a t ely t h e sa m e color , bu t t h e su bt le differ en ce of da r k h a ir ligh t en ed by dir t a n d ligh t h a ir da r ken ed by dir t , led Tr a p a n d Ripple t o believe that the younger dwarf was originally blond. Th e gu lly dwa r ves wer e dr essed in r a gged ca st -offs t h a t h a d on ce been h u m a n clot h in g. Th eir t r ou ser legs a n d sleeves h a d been ca r elessly r olled in t o bu lky cu ffs. Du r in g t h e r u n t h e sm a ller dwa r f's r igh t pa n t s leg h a d u n r olled a n d fa llen down over h is boot so h e wa s wa lkin g on t h e bot t om por t ion of the trouser leg.

F in ish ed wit h h is in spect ion of t h e Agh a r , Tr a p con sider ed t h eir su r r ou n din gs. Th ey wer e in a pa ssa ge, r ock lin ed a n d a r ch ed. A few feet fr om wh er e Tr a p st ood, a n em pt y scon ce showed where one of the dwarves had found the torch. Ripple blin ked a ga in st t h e ligh t a n d wa lked t o t h e bot t om of t h e st eeply ca n t ed ch u t e t h a t h a d du m ped t h em m or e t h a n a h u n dr ed feet below st r eet level. Sh e t r ied t h r ee t im es t o climb it, but the bottom was slick. It was marginally too wide a n d h igh for a ken der or a gu lly dwa r f t o r ea ch t h e sides or ceiling. They could not brace themselves to climb. "Beans!" she said as she slid back a third time. "We'll have to find another way out." "Could have told them," the first dwarf said. "Me too," said the second. "H ello," Tr a p wa s a lr ea dy gr owin g t ir ed of t h e dwa r ves con ver sa t ion t h a t exclu ded t h e ken der . "I'm Tr a pspr in ger Fargo. This is my sister Ripple." "His name Trapspringer," the taller dwarf said. "She Ripple. She pretty," the other replied. "Th a n k you . Th a t 's ver y n ice. Wh a t 's you r n a m e?" Ripple asked. The compliment had made her forget her irritation. The larger of the two seemed to draw himself up. "Me Umpth Aglest. Me leader mighty Aglest clan."

"You h a ve a cla n ?" Ripple a sked. "Ca n t h ey h elp u s? Ma ybe they could drop a rope down the chute." "That's a good idea," Trap nodded. "No. Cla n h er e," Um pt h poin t ed a t h is com pa n ion . "Gr od Aglest, brother. Him clan." Tr a p looked a r ou n d, peer in g u p a n d down t h e pa ssa ge a s fa r as he could see in the light of the sputtering torch. "Wh ich wa y?" h e a sked of n o on e in pa r t icu la r . Um pt h im m edia t ely poin t ed t o t h e r igh t a n d Gr od t o t h e left . Th ey exch a n ged gla n ces a n d bot h poin t ed in opposit e dir ect ion s. Sin ce Ripple h a d n ot expr essed a n opin ion , Tr a p set off t o t h e left , wit h h is sist er close t o h is side. Beh in d h im ca m e t h e dwa r ves. Um pt h r olled t h e wa gon wh eel. "Ken der smart," Umpth observed. "Me point this way." "Me too," Grod said. "What is this place?" Ripple asked. "This no This Place," Umpth answered. "No live here." "I kn ow you don 't live h er e, I ju st t h ou gh t you m igh t kn ow about this place." "No Th is P la ce," Um pt h sa id a ga in . "Not kn ow wh a t pla ce this is." "Kender don't talk good," Grod said.

"Don't know This Place from any place," came the reply. "Do t h ey m a ke a n y sen se t o you ?" Ripple a sked Tr a p. Sh e spoke soft ly, n ot wa n t in g t o h u r t t h e feelin gs of t h e gu lly dwarves. "It 's h a r d t o t ell," Tr a p r eplied. "I h ea r wor ds I t h in k I kn ow, but they're not strung together right." "Kender have big words, no sense," Umpth observed. "Keep eye on h im ," Gr od su ggest ed. "Me wa t ch h er . Sh e pr et t y." H e r ea ch ed ou t t o t ou ch t h e sin gle lon g golden cu r l t h a t h a d fa llen over Ripple's left sh ou lder , bu t sh e st epped back, away from his grimy hands. As t h ey wa lked a lon g t h e pa ssa ge, t h ey occa sion a lly sa w old t or ch es in t h e wa ll scon ces. Ripple in spect ed t h em , t a kin g t h e fir st t h r ee t h a t wer e a t a ll u sa ble. Wh en sh e fou n d m or e she gave Grod three to carry. They had been walking for half a n h ou r wh en t h ey fou n d a set of st eps goin g u p a bou t t h ir t y feet. At the top was a door with a heavy lock. Th e dwa r ves a scen ded t h e st a ir wa y beh in d t h em , bu t wer e having a hard time rolling the wagon wheel up the steps. "Wh y did you br in g t h a t wh eel?" Ripple a sked, lookin g ba ck a t t h e st r u gglin g dwa r ves. "It 's n o good. H a lf t h e spokes a r e gone. The rim is loose too." "Wheel magic," Umpth said. "Aglest clan magic." "Wow! Rea lly? Big jiggies!" Tr a p a sked, su dden ly in t er est ed. "How can a wheel be magic?"

"Belon g t o a n cest or . All left of wa gon br in g Aglest cla n t o This Place. Ancestor magic strong." "I've n ever h ea r d of a m a gic wh eel," Tr a p sa id, n ot su r e h e believed it , bu t a t t h e fir st oppor t u n it y h e wa n t ed t o see what the wheel would do. "See, n o sen se," Gr od sa id. "Not kn ow Th is P la ce, n ot kn ow magic, no sense." "Don't be rude!" Trap said with a dark look over his shoulder. In his irritation he forgot his interest in the wheel. Wh ile Ripple h eld t h e t or ch , Tr a p pu lled ou t t h e set of lock picks his father had given him as a traveling present. After a few pokes a n d t wist s t h e lock clicked. Tr a p pu sh ed t h e door open t o t h e squ ea l of r u st y h in ges a n d a sh ower of cr u st ed dir t a n d sm a ll st on es fell wa y. Obviou sly it h a d n ot been opened for many years. Th ey fou n d t h em selves in a n ot h er pa ssa ge. Th is on e wa s a lr ea dy lit wit h t or ch es, dr y a n d swept clea n , t h ou gh a few cobwebs decor a t ed t h e a r ch ed ceilin g. Th e a ir wa s r ea son a bly fr esh , kept so by t h e bu r n in g t or ch es, a n d fr om a dist a n ce t h ey h ea r d voices. Ripple pu t ou t t h e ligh t sh e ca r r ied by t h e sim ple expedien t of r ollin g it on t h e floor u n t il t h e fla m es died. Th e fou r wa n der er s cr ept down t h e h a ll a s quietly as the rolling wagon wheel would allow. The voices became louder as the foursome reached a doorway a t t h e en d of t h e pa ssa ge. Th e t h ick h ea vy door st ood a ja r , a n d Tr a p looked in t o see a h u ge ch a m ber , on e u n like a n yt h in g in h is exper ien ce. Sh elves of books in r ed bin din gs lin ed t h e wa ll on t h e fa r side of t h e ch a m ber . At t h e en d of the room more shelves held hundreds of glass jars containing

st r a n ge a n d won der fu l object s. Old bu t st ill color fu l r u gs over la pped ea ch ot h er on t h e st on e floor . In t h e cen t er of t h e r oom , a lit t er of books, scr olls, a n d st r a n ge pa r a ph er n a lia covered four tables. A h u m a n in r ed r obes st ood on on e side of t h e r oom . H e pressed his elbows tight to his sides and bent his arms so his h a n ds, pa lm s u p, wer e close t o h is sh ou lder s. F r om ea ch pa lm ca m e a pa le, glowin g ligh t . H e wa s h u m m in g a soft , even t on e. Th e glow fr om h is h a n d r ose t o for m a n a r c of ligh t a bove t h e m a n 's h ea d. Beh in d h im st ood wh a t Tr a p t h ou gh t wa s a ch ild in a r ed r obe. Th e gir l pla yed a lu t e, st r okin g t h e sa m e n ot e t h e m a n h u m m ed. Th eir t u n e cou ld get bor in g ver y qu ickly, so Tr a p t h ou gh t t h e t wo h u m a n s might enjoy learning more about music. "Th a t 's ver y bor in g," h e ca lled a cr oss t h e r oom . "If you like, I'll show you how to make-" He intended to offer his help, but h e h a d st a r t led t h e sm a ll on e, wh o ju m ped a n d st r u ck a su dden lou d, discor da n t n ot e. Th e m a n 's voice r ose in t h e sa m e discor da n t n ot e a n d su dden ly t h e a r c of ligh t ch a n ged, disa ppea r ed, a n d a bla ckn ess deeper t h a n velvet open ed a r ou n d t h e r ed-r obed h u m a n . H e st epped ba ck wit h a cr y a s a hot wind, strong as a gale, blew through the hole. Th e t or ch es blew ou t a n d a va r iet y of object s, im possible t o see in the sudden darkness, were hurled about by the gale. A piece of cloth hit Trap in the face and as he jerked it away an unknown object struck him sharply on the shoulder. "Orander!" a voice called out in fear. "H a lm a r a in ," a m a n 's voice ca lled ba ck. "St a y a wa y fr om t h e portal!" "A por t a l? Wh a t is a por t a l?" Tr a p a sked t h e r oom a t la r ge. "Is it a magic door, does it lead to some interesting place?"

No on e a n swer ed h im , bu t h e h ea r d wh a t h e t h ou gh t wa s a cr y a n d a wh im per , t h ou gh h e cou ld n ot posit ively iden t ify t h e sou n d. Su dden ly t h e ch a m ber filled wit h a r oa r t h a t h a d n ot h in g t o do wit h t h e h ot win d. Dim ly, over t h e r oa r , h e h ea r d a t h in scr ea m t h a t cou ld h a ve been h u m a n or ken der , and he wondered if Ripple had entered the chamber. H e h ea r d t h e sou n d of split t in g wood a n d t h e t h u d of h ea vy fu r n it u r e h it t in g t h e wa ll. Su dden ly Tr a p wa s gr a bbed by a h u ge, cla wed h a n d. H is feet dr a gged a ga in st a n open in g a s he was pulled through some unseen door. It seemed to be the m eet in g pla ce of t h e ga le, wh er e t h e win ds wer e blowin g in both directions. Chapter 4 Wh en t h e gia n t cla wed h a n d pu lled Tr a p t h r ou gh t h e por t a l to the other plane, the kender found himself in deep twilight. The air was so hot he could hardly breathe. He saw two huge eyes looking at him out of a giant, bestial face. "H ello," h e sa id soft ly. "I don 't kn ow if you kn ow a bou t ken der , bu t we'r e r ea lly ver y fr ien dly. We en joy a dven t u r es and seeing new places-Oh! You have a very large mouth!" A m a w open ed, wider t h a n Tr a p wa s t a ll, a n d r oa r ed u n t il t h e r est of t h e ken der 's speech wa s sm ot h er ed u n der t h e n oise. Th e m on st er t h r u st t h e h elpless ken der ba ck in t o t h e da r kn ess. Tr a p's feet wer e dr a gged a cr oss t h e st on e floor , t h en t h e m on st er r elea sed h im a n d t h e ken der fell on h is ba ck. In t h e da r kn ess, Tr a p sen sed r a t h er t h a n sa w t h e a r m r ea ch pa st h im . It swu n g a bou t a s if sea r ch in g, t h en ga ve another roar of frustration and withdrew.

As su dden ly a s t h e ga le h a d st a r t ed, it st opped. Tr a p br ea t h ed t h e cool, m oist a ir of t h e st on e ch a m ber a ga in . H e wa it ed a m om en t , sa t u p, a n d exa m in ed h im self, gin ger ly m ovin g h is a r m s a n d legs. Not h in g seem ed br oken , bu t h e could feel his bruises. "Trap?" Ripple called. "I'm here," he answered. "Wherever 'here' is...." A m om en t la t er a ligh t glea m ed br igh t ly fr om t h e t ip of a short staff held by the tiny red-robed figure, and he could see a ga in . H e wa s in t h e ch a m ber lin ed wit h sh elves, bu t t h ey wer e t h e on ly fu r n ish in gs st ill in pla ce. Books in r ed cover s littered the floor along with broken glass, jars, and furniture. In it s sea r ch , t h e m on st er h a d over t u r n ed t wo of t h e big work tables and shoved them against a wall. The third lay in splin t er s. In t h e cen t er of t h e r oom st ood t h e sm a ll figu r e in red robes. She was glaring at Trap. "A ken der !" Sh e spa t ou t t h e wor ds a s if sh e fou n d t h em distasteful. "I might have known it would be a kender!" In spit e of it s h igh pit ch , h er voice pr oved sh e wa s n ot a ch ild. Tr a p t h ou gh t sh e m igh t be a sm a ll dwa r f, t h ou gh fr om wh a t h e h a d h ea r d a bou t dwa r ves sh e cer t a in ly wa s a pr et t y one. "Hello, I'm Trapspringer Fargo," he said courteously. "What's you r n a m e? Ar e you H a lm a r a in , t h e on e t h e wiza r d wa s talking to?" The kender stood and bowed.

"How did you get in here?" she demanded. "Th r ou gh a door in t h e pa ssa ge," h e sa id, poin t in g in t h e dir ect ion t h ey h a d com e. "By t h e con dit ion of t h e lock a n d t h e h in ges, you h a ven 't u sed it in yea r s, pr oba bly beca u se you 'd lost t h e key. It 's ea sy t o lose keys, people do it a ll t h e time-" "Tr u st a ken der t o fin d a door even a pa ir of m a gicia n s h a d over looked," t h e lit t le wiza r d m u t t er ed. Sh e ga zed a r ou n d t h e ch a m ber a n d pu sh ed sever a l books ou t of t h e wa y a s sh e picked up a short stool and sat on it. "P oor Or a n der ," sh e sa id, sh a kin g h er h ea d a n d h u n ch in g her shoulders. "I just hope he's still alive." "Wh y sh ou ldn 't h e be?" Tr a p t h is a t a ll. "Wh er e did h e go? t h e n ext h e wa s gon e. Wh a t Wh en h e com es ba ck, do you him?"

a sked. H e didn 't u n der st a n d On e m in u t e h e wa s h er e a n d a n in t er est in g wa y t o t r a vel. t h in k h e m igh t t a ke u s wit h

"I wish you h a d gon e in st ea d of h im ," t h e lit t le wiza r d grumbled. "I don 't u n der st a n d wh y you 'r e so a n gr y. I don 't even kn ow what happened," Trap pressed. "J u st lea ve m e a lon e a n d let m e t h in k." Sh e m a de pu sh in g motions as if trying to get rid of him. "I ju st wa n t t o kn ow wh y you 'r e so m a d a t m e," h e sa id, followin g h er a s sh e st epped over t h e fa llen books. "I didn 't do a n yt h in g wr on g, I ju st wa n t ed t o h elp. I don 't u n der st a n d what happened."

"An d you 'r e n ot goin g t o st op pest er in g m e u n t il I t ell you ," sh e sa id, gla r in g a t h im . "Ma st er Or a n der , wit h t h e u se of som e m a gic st on es wa s t r yin g t o open a por t a l in t o a n ot h er plane." "I've h ea r d of pla n es! A lit t le a n ywa y," thoughtfully. "I'm trying to remember...."

Tr a p

sa id

"What you remember is unimportant. What happened is that wh ile h e wa s h oldin g t h e st on es a n d we wer e cr ea t in g a vibr a t in g t on e in a pit ch t h a t wou ld t a ke h im in t o on e wor ld, you-you st a r t led u s a n d we open ed a por t a l t o a n u n kn own dest in a t ion . Now h e's som e pla ce t h a t cou ld be da n ger ou seven deadly-and it's your fault." From the doorway Ripple, Umpth, and Grod stepped into the ch a m ber . Um pt h wa s st ill r ollin g t h e wa gon wh eel. Th e t h r ee silen t ly st a r ed a t t h e m ess. Ripple wa s t h e fir st t o overcome her surprise. "Wa s t h a t m a gic?" sh e a sked t h e lit t le wiza r d. "I t h ou gh t m a gic wa s pr et t y. St ill, it wa s differ en t ," sh e a dded, a s if sh e wer e con sider in g H a lm a r a in 's feelin gs. "Bu t h ow ca n you see wh a t you 'r e doin g in t h e da r k? H ow do you kn ow you 'r e making the right magic? Can you see in the dark?" "No, I ca n 't see in t h e da r k," H a lm a r a in sn a pped. "Th a t wa s magic gone awry, thanks to your friend here." "Th a t 's n ot fa ir ! H e wa s ju st t r yin g t o h elp," Ripple defended her brother. "Your song was pretty boring." "I'm su r e sh e didn 't in t en d t o be r u de," Tr a p sa id. "Sh e sou n ds a s if sh e wa s fr igh t en ed by t h e da r k-you r em em ber how it was when we were little...."

Ripple, wit h r ea dy sym pa t h y, sm iled a t t h e lit t le wiza r d a n d sa id, "You don 't h a ve t o be a fr a id a n ym or e. We'r e h er e a n d we'll h elp you ligh t a ll t h e t or ch es a ga in ." Th e ken der gir l looked around dubiously. "Though this place is really a mess. How do you find anything? I hate to mention it, but you don't seem t o be a ver y good h ou se-keeper . Ma ybe you ca n cook, wh ich wou ld be ver y n ice sin ce I'm a lit t le h u n gr y. Do you mind if I explore this room? You have such interesting stuff." H a lm a r a in st a r ed a t Ripple a s if sh e cou ld n ot fin d wor ds. Sh e sh ook h er h ea d a n d sa t st a r in g a t t h e floor . Th e ot h er s wa lked a bou t t h e r oom , in spect in g t h e h a voc wr ou gh t on t h e ch a m ber . Ripple st opped a n d picked u p som et h in g fr om t h e floor wh ile Um pt h pu sh ed a t on e of t h e over t u r n ed t a bles t h a t h a d been kn ocked a ga in st t h e wa ll. Th e gu lly dwa r f jumped back with a cry. From behind the table came a wail. Tr a p skit t er ed over a pile of books t o t a ke a look; Ripple ca m e r igh t beh in d h im . Th ey st ood ga zin g over t h e edge of t h e over t u r n ed t a ble a t a cr ea t u r e t h a t sh iver ed a s it cr ou ch ed on t h e floor . It st a r ed a t t h em wit h eyes en la r ged by fr igh t . Th e lit t le m on st er wa s ba sica lly h u m a n oid in sh a pe a n d fa ce, t h ou gh it 's skin wa s a deep gr a y-gr een . It s n ose r esem bled a bir d's bea k. It 's m ou t h wa s wider t h a n a n y h u m a n oid's a n d a s it ga ve a defen sive sn a r l, it exposed a mouth full of thick, strong teeth. "Wh a t a st r a n ge cr ea t u r e. Is it a n a n im a l?" Ripple a sked, lookin g ba ck over h er sh ou lder a t t h e wiza r d. "Is it m a gic? Did Orander make it?" "Wh a t a n im a l?" H a lm a r a in sn a pped. "Th e on ly livin g thing in here other than me came with you."

"Th is didn 't ," Tr a p sa id. "I've seen som et h in g like it befor e-I for get wh er e-bu t I cer t a in ly don 't kn ow wh a t it is." "Don 't know," Umpth said. "Wizard make, maybe," Grod agreed with Ripple. "H ello," Tr a p sa id, ext en din g h is h a n d t o t h e lit t le m on st er . H e in t r odu ced h im self, Ripple, a n d t h e t wo gu lly dwa r ves. The odd little stranger just stared at him and whimpered. Tr a p ga ve t h e cr ea t u r e a su fficien cy of a t t en t ion a n d t u r n ed away. As he looked about the room, he tried to figure out just wh er e t h e m a gic por t a l h a d been . Th en h e r ea lized wh y t h e strange creature was so familiar. "I kn ow!" h e a n n ou n ced in t r iu m ph . "It looks like t h e m on st er ! Th e on e t h a t gr a bbed m e a n d pu lled m e t h r ou gh t h e por t a l."-h e h u r r ied ba ck t o look a t t h e lit t le st r a n ger again-"Yes, it has the same face." Th e lit t le wiza r d h a d r em a in ed sit t in g on h er st ool, h er h a n ds u p over h er fa ce, bu t n ow sh e pu lled t h em down a n d st a r ed a t Tr a p. In t h e m ea n t im e Tr a p h a d spot t ed a n u n br oken bot t le on t h e floor a n d h a d picked it u p. In side were two dead and dried lizards. He stood, turning the bottle in his hands. "Well? Tell me about this thing," Halmarain prompted. "There are two of them, and they're dead," Trap replied as he ga zed in t o t h e bot t le. "H ow did you get t h em in side? Th e neck is awfully small." "No, a bou t t h e cr ea t u r e on t h e ot h er side of t h e por t a l," t h e little human insisted.

"Oh , t h a t on e, it wa s t en . .. m a ybe even t wen t y t im es la r ger t h a n t h is on e."-h e peer ed over t h e edge of t h e overturned t a ble a ga in -"Look, it s sh iver in g so it m u st h a ve com e fr om a h ot t er pla ce a n d it wa s h ot on t h e ot h er side of t h e m a gic door ... do you t h in k you cou ld open t h e por t a l a n d let in some heat? It is a little chilly in here." "You 'r e r igh t !" Ripple a n n ou n ced. "I felt t h e h ot win d in t h e pa ssa ge a n d I bet it wa s blown t h r ou gh t h e por t a l a n d if t h e t h in g t h a t gr a bbed you wa s so m u ch la r ger , t h en t h is m u st be its baby." When Ripple suggested the origin of the creature, Halmarain r ose a n d u sed h er foot t o pu sh books a n d debr is ou t of h er pa t h . Sh e wa lked over t o look beh in d t h e over t u r n ed t a ble. Lyin g on it s side, t h e widt h of t h e t a ble m a de a wa ll t oo h igh for h er t o see over , so Tr a p obligin gly sea r ch ed ou t a n ot h er stool. She climbed up and raised her staff to get a better look at the newcomer. Th e st r a n ge bein g t h a t h a d on ly wh im per ed a t t h e sigh t of t h e ken der a n d gu lly dwa r ves, sn a r led a t t h e lit t le wiza r d and lashed out with a clawed hand. St a r t led, H a lm a r a in ju m ped fr om t h e ben ch a n d ba cked away. "Don't do that!" Ripple ordered. "You be nice!" In answer, the creature whimpered again. When the newcomer was quiet, the little wizard stared at the bla n k t op of t h e over t u r n ed t a ble t h a t wa s it s sh elt er , h er eyes thoughtful.

"I've seen som et h in g like it befor e," sh e sa id t h ou gh t fu lly, ga zin g a r ou n d t h e r oom . H er a t t en t ion focu sed on t h e scattered books. She squared her shoulders and glared at the kender. "Help me pick up these books and get them back on the shelf. I've seen a dr a win g of it in on e of t h e books of m a gic. If I ca n fin d t h e r efer en ce, I ca n t ell wh er e Or a n der wen t . Ma ybe we can help him." "I'd love t o look a t m a gic books, do t h ey h a ve pict u r es?" Ripple was more than willing to help. "You ca n pick t h em u p, br in g t h em t o m e a n d h elp pu t t h em on the shelf," Halmarain said shortly. "If you open one, you'll pr oba bly lose a h a n d. Th ey'r e pr ot ect ed by spells." Sh e ga ve Tr a p a h a r d look. "You h elped t o cr ea t e t h is m ess, so you 'll help clean it up." "I sa id I wa s sor r y," Tr a p sa id. H e h a d a lr ea dy a pologized, a n d h er r epea t ed a ccu sa t ion s wer e ir r it a t in g. St ill, h e wou ld like t o t a lk t o t h e wiza r d, wh ich wa s im possible u n less t h ey cou ld open t h e por t a l a ga in . H e wa s u n fa m ilia r wit h books, bu t h e liked h a n dlin g t h em . A few h a d fa llen open a n d h e was fascinated by the pictures he could see. "If there's a spell on these books, why are some open?" Ripple asked. She had always been quick to pick up a fallacy. "Beca u se t h ey wer e a lr ea dy open , we wer e st u dyin g t h em ," t h e lit t le wiza r d sa id. "Th e on es t h a t wer e on t h e sh elves a r e still shut. Now get busy and pick them up!" "I don 't m in d h elpin g you , bu t n ot if you 'r e goin g t o yell a t u s," Ripple a n n ou n ced. "You h a ven 't been ver y fr ien dly, you

kn ow. You h a ven 't offer ed t o sh ow u s a n y n ice m a gic or anything." H a lm a r a in 's fa ce r edden ed wit h r a ge. "You 've com e in h er e, m essed u p a spell, en da n ger ed Or a n der 's life or -" sh e st opped. "Bu t t h en , you 'r e ken der . Typica lly ken der , I gu ess. Please help me pick up the books and work out my problems, then I'll show you some magic." "Oh good, we'r e goin g t o see m a gic a ft er a ll," Tr a p sa id, hardly able to contain his enthusiasm. They cleared a spot in t h e m iddle of t h e floor a n d m oved a t a ble close t o t h e r ow of sh elves wh er e t h e books h a d been . As h e h elped pick u p t h e r ed-bou n d t om es, Tr a p spot t ed a sm a ll object on t h e floor a n d picked it u p a lso. At fir st h e t h ou gh t it wa s ju st a sm a ll ch ip off t h e wa lls. On closer in spect ion , h e discover ed it wa s r ou n d, som e sor t of gla ss, gr a y-gr een a n d ca r ved wit h a spir a l of t in y figu r es. Th e su r fa ce h a d been ca r efu lly roughened to keep it from shining. "Ar e we pickin g u p t h e books or n ot ?" H a lm a r a in gla r ed a t h im befor e t u r n in g h er a t t en t ion t o Um pt h . "An d you , you keep an eye on that monster in the corner." Tr a p slipped t h e lit t le gla ss disk in t o h is pou ch so it wou ld not get lost again in the clutter. He wanted to ask the wizard about it when she was in a better mood. Chapter 5 Ast in u s t h e Ch r on icler dipped h is pen a n d h is wor ds flowed on the parchment.... Deep ben ea t h t h e r u in s of P ey, Dr a a ddis Vu lt er a n d h is god, Ta kh isis, wa t ch ed t h e a ct ivit y in Or a n der 's la bor a t or y. At lea st h e su pposed t h e Qu een of Da r kn ess st ill wa t ch ed. By

t h e power of t h e viewin g disk on t h e m ir r or , h e cou ld n ot see t h e globe t o kn ow if sh e wa s st ill givin g h er a t t en t ion t o t h e a ct ivit ies of t h e ken der , t h e gu lly dwa r ves, a n d t h e lit t le wizard. It wa s en ou gh t o kn ow sh e h a d n ot t u r n ed h er a t t en t ion a n d h er fr u st r a t ion ba ck on h im . St ill, h e dou bt ed it wou ld be lon g befor e sh e did. H is god wa s h is gr ea t est joy a n d h is gr ea t est t er r or . F or yea r s h e h a d been pa yin g a pr ice for having taken her gifts and misusing them. Am bit ion h a d been h is t r a p. In h is you t h h e wor ked a n d st u died u n t il h e beca m e pr oficien t en ou gh t o t a ke h is Test in t h e Tower of H igh Sor cer y. H is exa m in a t ion h a d been ea sier t h a n h e'd expect ed. H is joy wa s sh or t lived; h e wa s sn eer in gly t old h e h a d n ot h in g t o br a g a bou t . All t h e or der s n eeded m in or wiza r ds, t h ose wh o cou ld ser ve bu t wou ld n ot h a ve t h e t a len t t o a dva n ce t o t h e poin t wh er e t h ey ch a llen ged m a st er wiza r ds a n d t h e lea der sh ip of t h e or der . For them the Test was not as strenuous. H is t r iu m ph h a d t u r n ed t o du st . H e ch a fed a s h e ser ved Gr en ot en , on e of t h e m a st er wiza r ds in t h e H igh Tower . Dr a a ddis wa s a wiza r d a n d h e r efu sed t o be h eld ba ck, lim it ed t o spells t h a t wer e good for n ot h in g m or e t h a n h ou sekeepin g ch or es. H e st u died, bu t h e fou n d h e la cked t h e m em or y for t h e gr ea t er spells. H e h a d t o fa ce t h e scor n of Gr en ot en a s well a s h is own disa ppoin t m en t . Dr a a ddis su ffer ed h is ser vit u de a n d h is t h wa r t ed a m bit ion for t wo years before he turned to Takhisis. H e begged t o be given t h e m em or y a n d t h e t a len t t o gr ow beyon d h is n a t u r a l gift s, a n d pr om ised in r et u r n t o ser ve t h e Da r k Qu een fa it h fu lly. P ossessin g a good m in d a n d a qu ick tongue, h is a r gu m en t s a n d pr om ises wer e con vin cin g a n d sh e ga ve h im t h e gift s h e r equ est ed. Th e n ext da y h e fou n d h im self a ble t o r ea d a n d m em or ize spells wit h a speed a n d precision he had not dreamed possible.

For a year he made no show of his new talents. He continued to serve Grenoten, to study diligently, and to put up with the m a st er wiza r d's sn eer s. Kn owin g h e wa s lea r n in g fa st er ever y da y r obbed t h e scor n of it s power t o st in g. Dr a a ddis h a d a pla n of h is own a n d wh en h e wa s r ea dy, h e pu t it in t o action. Usin g a polym or ph spell, h e r edu ced t h r ee of t h e m a st er wiza r d's m in ion s, a n d t h en Gr en ot en h im self, t o t wo in ch es h eigh t . Wh en h e fin ish ed t or t u r in g t h em , h e cr u sh ed t h em with his heel. H is r even ge h a d been sweet , bu t h e h a d n ot r eckon ed on t h e a n ger of h is goddess. Gr en ot en a n d t h e m or e lea r n ed of h is m in ion s h a d been st u dyin g a n d sea r ch in g for a por t a l t h a t wou ld a llow t h e Da r k Qu een t o r et u r n t o t h e wor ld of An sa lon . In h er r a ge sh e h a d su bject ed Dr a a ddis t o t wo yea r s of t or t u r e befor e sh e pu t h im t o wor k fin ish in g Grenoten's work. Sh e h a d even in cr ea sed h is t a len t s, bu t in st ea d of t h e glor y h e cr a ved, h e h a d lived in t h e r u in s of P ey for t h ir t y yea r s, struggling to find a way for his mistress to return to Krynn. On ly wh en h e wa s st u dyin g wa s h e fr ee of h er t or t u r e. H e cou ld wa lk t h e u n der gr ou n d pa ssa ges of h is qu a r t er s unimpeded as long as he was traveling in the direction of the la bor a t or y. Wh en h u n ger a n d fa t igu e dr ove h im t o lea ve h is wor k, vile a r m s a n d t en t a cles r ea ch ed ou t of t h e wa lls, clutching at him, tearing his flesh. Th e a r m s a n d t h e r en din g of flesh wa s a n illu sion , bu t h is m in d a dded pa in t o t h e t or t u r es of h is qu een . Sh e h a d pr om ised h is su ffer in g wou ld en d wh en sh e r et u r n ed t o An sa lon . Sh e cou ld n ot wa n t a ccess t o t h e st on es a n y m or e than Draaddis.

Th e clu t t er of Or a n der 's la bor a t or y disa ppea r ed. Dr a a ddis wa s a ga in a wa r e of h is own , n ea t er , bu t fa r m or e sin ist er wor kr oom a n d h is exper im en t s. Ar ou n d h is viewin g disk, st ill lyin g on t h e r ou n d m ir r or , a sm a ll bla ck clou d h over ed, indicating the magic of its mate was blocked on all sides. "Th e lit t le t h ief t ook t h e ot h er viewin g disk!" Dr a a ddis wa s outraged. "He put it in his pouch!" "Sh a m e on t h em a n d t h eir evil n a t u r es," Ta kh isis la u gh ed. To t h e wiza r d's ea r s t h e sou n d wa s fem in in e, a llu r in g, like t h e t in klin g of bells. St ill, t h e in flu en ce of h er a n ger a t bein g t h wa r t ed sh r iveled a ba sket of fr esh ly picked h en 's ba n e u n t il it dr ied a n d cr u m bled t o du st . Th e lit t le win ged r a t squealed and retreated into a dark corner. Dr a a ddis wa s a wa r e sh e h a d been m ockin g h im . At lea st sh e had not used her powers of illusion to torture him again. "We sa w en ou gh t o kn ow t h e st on es wor ked," Ta kh isis sa id, unconcerned about not being able to see more of the action in Orander Marlbenit's laboratory. "But wh a t good will t h a t do if h e t ook t h e ga t e st on es t o t h e P la n e of Va sm a r g. . . ." H e t u r n ed t o look dir ect ly a t t h e or b. "Unless you can travel there." "I ca n n ot , bu t t h e jou r n ey is u n n ecessa r y. Appa r en t ly you did n ot see t h e a ct ion clea r ly," t h e Qu een of Da r kn ess r eplied. "Or a n der dr opped on e of t h e st on es befor e h e wa s pu lled t h r ou gh t h e por t a l. Th e m a le ken der picked u p t h e viewing disk, the female kender has the gate stone." Dr a a ddis t ook ca r e t o keep h is expr ession bla n k. If h e h a d u n der st ood t h e kn owledge of t h e you n g wiza r d wh o h a d died

givin g h im t h e in for m a t ion , bot h st on es wou ld be r equ ir ed t o open a por t a l t o a n ot h er wor ld. Appa r en t ly h is qu een h a d seen som et h in g h e h a d m issed. H e r em a in ed silen t , wondering if she would enlighten him. Takhisis h a d dr a wn ba ck sligh t ly, a n d h e cou ld see pa r t of h er fa ce a s sh e looked beyon d h im , deep in t h ou gh t . Th en she turned her head and fastened her gaze on him. "You don't see the possibilities, do you Draaddis?" "I confess, my queen, my mind could never match yours." "Th e secon d ga t e st on e will com e ba ck t o Kr yn n , m y fa it h fu l ser va n t . It will com e a n d it will br in g a n a lly. A silly ken der h a s given u s t h e oppor t u n it y we seek." H er sm ile widen ed wh en sh e r ea lized h e did n ot u n der st a n d. "Dea t h a n d destruction , wa r a n d pest ilen ce, a n d t h e open in g of t h e portal." Dr a a ddis didn 't a n swer a t on ce a n d Ta kh isis, cor r ect ly divining his problem, gave a soft laugh. "Don 't st r u ggle t o u n der st a n d, Dr a a ddis. I will expla in wh en I a m r ea dy. F or n ow, I will t ell you h ow t o pr ovide a ser va n t wh o will n ot fa il t o loca t e t h e ken der . H e will br in g you t h e ga t e st on e a n d t h e m er ch est i, a s well a s t h e m iser a ble lit t le thieves." "You want the little fiend as well?" Draaddis asked, puzzled. "Th e lit t le fien d, m y fa it h fu l ser va n t , is cr u cia l t o m y pla n ," sh e sm iled. "Th r ou gh h im I will a ccom plish m y ever y desir e, but this too you will wait to learn. I tire of explanations."

"To fu lfill you r wish es is t h e pu r pose of m y life, m y la dy queen," Draaddis bowed. "Tr u e," Ta kh isis ga ve h im a n evil sm ile. "Bu t we m u st fin d t h e ken der qu ickly, befor e t h e you n g fien d decides h e h a s a taste for kender as well as rocks and wood." "Th ey a r e in da n ger fr om h im ?" Dr a a ddis a sked. F r om wh a t he had seen, the young fiend seemed harmless enough. "Mer ch est i ea t a n d ca n digest a n yt h in g," t h e Da r k Qu een sa id. "P er h a ps even t h e ga t e st on e, so we m u st get it befor e t h e in fa n t m er ch est i m a kes a m ea l of it s n ew fr ien ds a n d crunches up the stone in the process." Chapter 6 ... now, Uncle Trapspringer was willing to be helpful.... Trap, Ripple, and Grod picked up the books and carried them t o t h e t a ble wh ile Um pt h kept a n eye on t h e lit t le fien d in t h e cor n er . H a lm a r a in looked a t t h e t it les, pu t t h em in sepa r a t e st a cks, a n d dir ect ed Tr a p a s t o t h eir pla cem en t on the shelves. Th e ken der st opped sever a l t im es t o explor e ot h er object s of in t er est a n d t h e t in y wom a n h a d t o pr od t h em bot h t o get t h em ba ck t o wor k. Th e gu lly dwa r ves, wh o pr efer r ed n ot h in g a s m u ch a s clu t t er , com pla in ed, a n d sh e h a d t o t h r ea t en t o t u r n t h em in t o r a t s befor e t h ey cou ld be in du ced to keep working. At t h e wiza r d's dir ect ion t h ey picked u p a ll t h e books a n d pla ced t h e ot h er u n br oken object s ba ck on t h e sh elves. Gr od swept t h e br oken gla ss in t o on e cor n er of t h e r oom . As h e

wor ked h e in sist ed n o floor n eeded t o be swept a s lon g a s they could step over the debris. H a lm a r a in set u p a la dder t h a t seem ed t o m a gica lly h a n g in t h e a ir in fr on t of t h e book sh elves. Sh e clim bed u p a n d down, pulling the books down faster than Trap had put them u p. Sh e la id ou t sever a l in pr ecise loca t ion s, a n d wh en sh e ran out of the room, she demanded they set up the remaining table for more books. "Thing hides back there," Umpth pointed out the difficulty. "It can hide somewhere else," Halmarain said. "She's n ot ver y n ice," Ripple m u r m u r ed t o h er br ot h er . "If the thing's a baby, it's probably scared." "And it's not like it wanted to come here," Trap said, nodding in a gr eem en t wit h h is sist er . "Th is H a lm a r a in sh ou ld be more considerate." "Th in k wh a t you wa n t ," t h e lit t le wiza r d gla r ed a t t h em a s she tugged at the table, though she was too small to move it. "I think you're mean," Ripple said as she frowned at the little wizard. "Maybe you're so mean because you're so short." "Can stretch her," Umpth suggested. "Then no be mean," Grod added. "You la y on e h a n d on m e a n d I'll t u r n you a ll in t o beet les," H a lm a r a in wa r n ed. "If I seem m ea n it s beca u se I don 't h a ve t im e t o be n ice. If Ma st er Or a n der cou ld h a ve r et u r n ed h e

wou ld be h er e by n ow." Tea r s for m ed on h er la sh es. "H e didn 't wa n t t o go ... wh er ever h e is. H e wou ld h a ve r et u r n ed r igh t a wa y if h e cou ld. Sin ce h e h a sn 't , I h a ve t o open t h e portal and help him if I can." "Would he show us some magic?" Trap asked hopefully. Th e lit t le wiza r d fr own ed a t t h e ken der , t h en h er ga ze t u r n ed specu la t in g for a m om en t . Sh e fa vor ed t h em wit h a sly smile that was just opposite to her earlier mood. "He just might show you all sorts of magic." "Oh , good, if h e'll sh ow u s m a gic, we'll be gla d t o h elp," Ripple said, her anger fading as quickly as it had appeared. Tr a p st epped for wa r d a lon g wit h Ripple a n d wit h a sh r u g t h e gu lly dwa r ves t ook a h a n d. Th ey set u p t h e t a ble a n d wh en it wa s in pla ce Tr a p wen t ba ck t o t h e cor n er wh er e t h e creature crouched. "Tr a pspr in ger ," h e sa id a s h e pu t a h a n d t o h is ch est . H e t r ied t h r ee t im es befor e t h e h u ddled figu r e blin ked, pu t a hand to its own chest, and said, "Beglug." "Beglu g," Tr a p r epea t ed, poin t in g a t t h e cr ea t u r e. H e h a d in t en ded t o poin t t o h im self a ga in a n d give h is n a m e, workin g t h r ou gh t h e pr ocess of bu ildin g com m u n ica t ion , bu t Beglu g sca m per ed ou t of h is cor n er . As h e st ood u pr igh t h e pr oved t o be sligh t ly less t h a n t h r ee feet t a ll, ju st a cou ple of in ch es t a ller t h a n t h e lit t le wiza r d. H is feet , wh ich Tr a p h a d n ot n ot iced u n t il t h e cr ea t u r e wa s st a n din g on t h em , wer e sm a ll h ooves. H e da sh ed t h e len gt h of t h e wa ll t o t h e pile of broken glass and started eating it.

"No, you 'll cu t you r m ou t h ! You 'll cu t you r in sides a ll t o pieces a n d you won 't like t h a t a t a ll!" Tr a p r a n a ft er Beglu g and tried to take the glass away. The creature bared its teeth a n d swa t t ed a t h im wit h a h a n d t h a t su dden ly sh owed extended claws. Trap backed away. "Waste time clean floor," Grod said with disgust. Neither the mage nor the gully dwarves seemed to care what t h e lit t le m er ch est i a t e a s lon g a s t h ey wer en 't on t h e m en u . Th e t wo ken der wa t ch ed it a n xiou sly. Beglu g con su m ed t h e broken glass, apparently without feeling any pain. Beglu g ign or ed h is com pa n ion s a s h e h a ppily clea n ed t h e floor of a ll sh a r ds of gla ss, bu t wh en H a lm a r a in clim bed down off a stool and tried to pass the little fiend, he roared at her and made a swipe with his clawed hand. "Keep it away from me or I'll kill it," Halmarain warned. "H e didn 't a t t a ck you ." Tr a p object ed. "H e ju st wa n t s you t o leave him alone." "I won der wh y h e doesn 't like you ?" Ripple a sked befor e lea din g t h e cr ea t u r e a wa y t o t h e cor n er wh er e it h a d h idden beh in d t h e t a ble. Wit h a sou n d a kin t o a bu r p, it set t led in its corner, closed its eyes, and went to sleep. "You pr om ised u s som e m a gic," Tr a p r em in ded t h e lit t le wizard. "I don't have time to play games. I need to open that portal." "You pr om ised," Ripple sa id, h er voice h a r sh wit h a n ger . "You sa id you 'd sh ow u s som e m a gic if we picked u p t h e

books a n d we did, bu t if you 'r e n ot goin g t o keep you r promise we can pull them all off the shelf again." H a lm a r a in gla r ed a t t h em for a m om en t , sigh ed, a n d pu sh ed away the book she had been studying. "You 'll h a ve t o give m e t im e t o st u dy som et h in g you wou ld like." Sh e sigh ed. "It ca n 't be m u ch , I n eed t o pu t m y t im e on more important matters." "We'll wa it ," Tr a p sa id, m a kin g a m a jor con cession . Wa it in g wa s t h e h a r dest ch or e a ken der ever fa ced. Th e n ext h ou r seemed to last a month. Ripple, sitting at the other end of the room, near the sleeping m er ch est i, wa s pla yin g wit h a sm a ll object . Tr a p wa n der ed over t o see wh a t it wa s. Sh e h eld a wh it e r ock t h a t ga ve off a curious little glow when she rubbed it. "Touch it," she instructed her bother. "Quiet!" Halmarain shouted. "Tou ch it ," Ripple wh isper ed. "I fou n d it wh en we wer e picking up the books." Tr a p fin ger ed t h e r ock. It felt so slick, a t fir st h e t h ou gh t it wa s cover ed wit h a slim y su bst a n ce, bu t h is fin ger s wer e dr y when he withdrew his hand. "Won der wh a t it is," h e a sked ju st lou d en ou gh for Ripple t o h ea r . Th en h e h a d a n idea , on e so excit in g h e for got t o keep his voice down.

"Do you t h in k it 's m a gic?" h e a sked Ripple. Sh e sh ook h er h ea d in dica t in g h er ign or a n ce a n d con t in u ed t o pla y wit h it , but his question had caused Halmarain to raise her head. "Is wh a t m a gic?" sh e a sked. "Let m e see wh a t you 'r e t a lkin g about." Ripple ju m ped u p a n d skipped a cr oss t h e r oom , a n xiou s t o have the little wizard explain the stone. "I fou n d it on t h e floor , a n d I wa s ju st keepin g it u n t il you h a d t im e t o t ell m e wh a t it is," sh e sa id, h oldin g it ou t . "It 's r ea lly in t er est in g, t h e wa y it feels wet a n d slipper y, bu t t h er e's n o wa t er on it . Do you kn ow wh a t m a kes it so slipper y? It 's like t h e m oss in t h e cr eek a t h om e; wh en you pu t you r foot on it , you slide. Doley Gofor t h on ce slipped on the moss and he went-" "It 's on e of t h e ga t e st on es!" H a lm a r a in cr ied ou t , st a r in g a t t h e st r a n ge lit t le r ock in h er h a n d. "Th a t 's wh y Or a n der hasn't come back! He only has one stone!" "Then wh y don 't we open t h e por t a l a n d give h im t h e ot h er one," Trap asked. "When he gets back we can-" "It doesn 't wor k t h a t wa y," H a lm a r a in in t er r u pt ed. Sh e lower ed h er h ea d over h er r ea din g, bu t t h e ken der didn 't understand that she was attempting to end the conversation. "Door s a r e door s," t h e som et im es pr a ct ica l Ripple a n n ou n ced. "My br ot h er ca n open a ll sor t s of door s. H e is ver y good, you 'r e ju st n ot givin g h im a ch a n ce." Sh e ga zed a t Tr a p. "Rem em ber t h a t door t o Lon gdown Wa lka -long's house?"

"Sure, I got that open when even Uncle Skipout couldn't." H a lm a r a in clen ch ed h er t in y h a n ds in t o fist s a s sh e for ced down h er im pa t ien ce. "Look," sh e sa id. "I'll t r y t o expla in so even you can see the difficulty." "To u n der st a n d por t a ls, you m u st t h in k in t er m s of t h e m u lt iver se. Th in k of a n on ion slice, t h e wa y t h e r in gs cir cle each other?" "I like onions in a stew." Trap informed her. "P la n es cir cle ea ch ot h er like t h e r in gs of a n on ion ," H a lm a r a in con t in u ed, ign or in g Tr a p's in t er r u pt ion . "Th er e a r e m a n y wor lds on ea ch pla n e, som e a r e n ice, som e t er r ible. To reach them you must go through portals: doors created by magic." "They're not ordinary doors?" Trap asked, disappointed. "I've h ea r d ken der a r e good wit h locks, bu t you ca n 't open a door t h a t isn 't t h er e," t h e lit t le wiza r d expla in ed. "P or t a ls h a ve t o be cr ea t ed. We ca n 't m a ke on e a n d n eit h er ca n Or a n der . At lea st , I don 't t h in k we ca n . Let m e st u dy t h ese books." "No food," Grod suddenly complained. "Leave here, find food," Umpth announced, getting to his feet and picking up the wagon wheel. "You 'r e n ot lea vin g h er e, n ot a n y of you ." H a lm a r a in gla r ed a t t h e dwa r ves. "You h elped t o m a ke t h is m ess a n d you 'll stay and help settle it."

"Done swept," Grod argued, thinking he had done his share. "Th a t 's n ot t h e m ess I'm t a lkin g a bou t ," t h e wiza r d sa id. "Now I kn ow wh a t t h a t m on st er is." Sh e t a pped t h e book in fr on t of h er a n d poin t ed t o t h e cor n er of t h e r oom wh er e Beglu g slept . "It 's a n in fa n t m er ch est i. Well, pr oba bly n ot a n infant, but so young I doubt it can take care of itself." "A m er ch est i?" Tr a p a sked. "Wh a t is a m er ch est i? Ca n it make magic too?" "It 's a cr ea t u r e fr om t h e P la n e of Va sm a r g, a n d it s evil. Appa r en t ly t h ey h a ve som e in n a t e m a gic, t h ou gh t h is on e is pr oba bly t oo you n g t o t a ke a dva n t a ge of it . Th a t 's pr oba bly wh y it sn a r led a t m e," sh e sa id, h er eyebr ows r isin g in surprise. "It's sensitive to the power around it, and afraid." "It doesn't seem evil," Ripple said. "It is, but, according to Alchviem, the merchesti are normally n ot a pr oblem t o u s, even if we open ed a por t a l. Ou r wor ld doesn't attract them, it's a bit too cold, he says." "Th e win d t h a t ca m e t h r ou gh t h e por t a l wa s h ot ," Ripple said. "Do you remember the hot wind that blew-" "An d it wa s h ot over t h er e," Tr a p sa id, in t er r u pt in g Ripple's story. Halmarain ducked her head over the book again and read for a bit.

"Alch viem sa ys h er e t h a t h e t r a veled on Va sm a r g wit h ou t t r ou ble except for t h e t im e wh en h e en cou n t er ed a m er ch est i wit h a you n g on e. Appa r en t ly t h ey'r e viciou s wh en protect in g t h eir you n g. As lon g a s t h a t t h in g"-sh e poin t ed t o t h e cor n er a ga in -"st a ys in ou r wor ld, it 's pa r en t will be wor kin g t o r ea ch Kr yn n . Mer ch est i h a ve been kn own t o u se portals, or so Alchviem writes." "So will sh e open t h e por t a l a n d t a ke h er ba by ba ck?" Tr a p a sked. H e h oped t h e wiza r d wou ld r et u r n soon . P er h a ps h e cou ld per su a de Or a n der t o t a ke t h e ken der wit h h im on h is travels. "That's what I'm trying to find out. In the meantime we need to keep the creature here, and you will look after it. I need to study, to see if there is any way I can protect us from it." "If Orander can't open the portal with one stone, how can the m er ch est i do it ?" Ripple sa id, h er sh a r p lit t le m in d st ill a ler t to fallacy. "Th ey h a ve been kn own t o en t er ot h er pla n es by t h eir own m ea n s," H a lm a r a in sa id. "Not even Alch viem kn ew m u ch about the merchesti." "You sa id t h e m ot h er wa sn 't da n ger ou s, a n d sh e didn 't h u r t Trap," Ripple reminded Halmarain. "No, I sa id it wa sn 't in t er est ed in Kr yn n . If it open ed a por t a l, en t er ed ou r wor ld, a n d cou ldn 't fin d it s you n g, it cou ld kill t h ou sa n ds in it s sea r ch ." Sh e gla r ed a t t h e ken der . "It didn 't h u r t you r br ot h er beca u se it wa s t oo con cer n ed wit h fin din g it s offspr in g t o bot h er wit h h im . Mer ch est i a r e evil, they're from an evil world."

Gr od, wh o h a d been wa lkin g a r ou n d t h e r oom , st a r ed a t H a lm a r a in wit h wide blu e eyes. Th e gu lly dwa r f t u r n ed t o look a t t h e lit t le fien d, t h en ba ck t o ga ze a t t h e wiza r d, a n d then turned toward Beglug again. "I don 't see h ow you ca n be so su r e of t h a t ," Tr a p a r gu ed. "Beglu g doesn 't look evil, a n d h e h a sn 't don e a n yt h in g wr on g. H e's ju st lit t le, a n d if h e does t h in gs we don 't like we ca n t ea ch h im t o be good. Rem em ber , Ripple, wh en lit t le H a m Tr ot a lon g wa n t ed t o wa lk off t h e side of t h e br idge, h is mother taught him not to?" Ripple agreed with her brother. "And if the merchesti mother loves h er ba by en ou gh t o sea r ch for it , sh e cou ldn 't be evil either." "Ca r in g for it s you n g doesn 't m a ke it good," H a lm a r a in r et or t ed. "E ver y cr ea t u r e is bor n wit h a n eed t o procreate. Th e n eed t o pr ot ect t h e you n g u su a lly va r ies wit h t h e n u m ber of offspr in g a t on e bir t h . A cr ea t u r e t h a t la ys h u n dr eds, m a ybe t h ou sa n ds of eggs a t on e t im e m a y lea ve t h em t o t h eir fa t e, bu t t h ose h a ve few or sin gle bir t h s actively protect their young. "P r ot ect ion h a s n ot h in g t o do wit h good a n d evil, it 's a n in st in ct ," t h e lit t le wiza r d con t in u ed. "Th a t t h in g is evil. It doesn 't seem h a r m fu l r igh t n ow, bu t if it 's in ou r wor ld ver y long, you'll soon see for yourselves." "What can we do?" Trap asked the little wizard. "I don 't kn ow," H a lm a r a in a dm it t ed. H er fa ce t wist ed a s if sh e m igh t cr y, bu t sh e pu lled h er self t oget h er . "I don 't kn ow wh a t I ca n do, I'm ju st a n a ppr en t ice. I don 't kn ow en ou gh magic to open the portal, even if we had both stones."

"Bu t you ca n r ea d Or a n der 's encouraging Halmarain.

books,"

Ripple

sa id,

"Su r e, you 'r e a wiza r d, even if you 'r e ju st a lit t le on e," Tr a p a gr eed. "You 'll t h in k of som et h in g, a n d we'll h elp you , if you want us to, particularly if you show us some magic." The tiny human drew herself up and took a deep breath. She for m ed h er t r em blin g lips in t o a fir m lin e a n d n a r r owed h er eyes, blinking away the tears on her lashes. "I h a ve t o t r y," sh e sa id. "If I keep st u dyin g t h e books, I m igh t fin d a n a n swer . J u st keep t h a t bea st qu iet a n d let m e see what I can learn." "Sh e's ba ck t o givin g or der s," Ripple sa id, h er sym pa t h y evaporating. "And you promised us some magic," Trap reminded her. "Got food?" Umpth asked. "The kitchen is along the passage, to the right, up five steps," H a lm a r a in t old Ripple. "You fix it t h e m ea l. Don 't let t h ose st in kin g cr ea t u r es n ea r t h e la r der or t h ey'll be wea r in g pig's h ea ds on t h eir sh ou lder s. An d don 't t r y t o lea ve. Or a n der wove protective spells over all the other doors." "If we t r y t o go t h r ou gh t h e door s, wh a t will t h e spells t u r n u s in t o? It m igh t be n ice t o be som et h in g differ en t ," Tr a p said. "You 'd be bu r n ed t o a cr isp," H a lm a r a in sa id, t h en r et u r n ed to her studies.

Tr a p decided t h a t a cr isp wa s n ot t h e m ost lively t h in g t o be, sin ce cr isps didn 't wa n der . H e woke t h e lit t le m er ch -est i a n d led h im down t h e pa ssa ge, followin g Ripple a n d t h e gu lly dwa r ves. Th ey wa lked a lon g t h e pa ssa ge beyon d t h e door wh er e t h ey h a d en t er ed t h e wiza r d's la ir . At t h e en d, a second narrow hall led into a large scullery. A h u ge h ea r t h filled t h e fa r wa ll. To t h e r igh t , wide sh elves h eld m or e t h a n t wen t y la r ge, over t u r n ed ket t les of va r iou s sizes. Mor e t h a n h a lf wer e t oo la r ge for t h e ken -der t o lift . In t h e cen t er of t h e r oom fou r t a bles, t wen t y feet lon g a n d six wide, pr ovided a wor k spa ce for a n a r m y of cooks. Th e t a bles h a d been m a de for t h e com for t of st a n din g h u m a n cooks a n d t h eir su r fa ces wer e a t eye level t o t h e ken der . Um pt h a n d Grod, short for gully dwarves, were no better off. Ten t a ll st ools st ood a r ou n d ea ch t a ble a s if t h e wor ker s h a d ju st st epped ou t . F ift y pot t er y ja r s bea r in g t h e n a m es of spices, sa t in a r a ck a cr oss fr om sh elves of pot s. Th r ou gh a n a r ch t h ey cou ld see h u ge ea r t h en st or a ge vessels st a n din g rank on rank. A sm a ll fir e bu r n ed in t h e big gr a t e. Th e m er ch est i ga ve a gu r gle of plea su r e wh en h e felt t h e h ea t a n d wa s soon cu r led up on one end of the hearth. "What a big place!" Ripple looked around. "Let 's explor e," Tr a p su ggest ed. H e followed Ripple in t o t h e la r der wh er e t h e t or ch es lit by t h em selves a s t h e t wo wa lked in. Most of the huge jars were empty, but in the smaller ones t h ey fou n d a good su pply of st a ples. Befor e lon g Ripple h a d m a de a m a ize pu ddin g wh ile Tr a p sliced r a sh er s of ba con and had them sizzling in a skillet.

J u st a s Tr a p wa s t a kin g u p t h e ba con , H a lm a r a in en t er ed t h e ch a m ber . Sh e wa s st ill r ea din g on e of t h e r ed-bound books. She sniffed from time to time as if following her nose. "H a ve you fou n d ou t h ow t o open t h e por t a l t o t h e ot h er pla n e?" Tr a p a sked. H e wa s a lr ea dy bor ed wit h t h e underground caverns. "I m a y be com in g t o t h e a n swer ," sh e sa id. "Let m e r ea d t h is and I'll tell you." Sh e or der ed t h e gu lly dwa r ves ba ck t o sit on st ools a n d r ea ch ed u p over h er h ea d t o pu t t h e book on t h e t a ble. Sh e climbed t h e r u n gs of a st ool, per ch ed on t h e sea t a n d continued to read. Th e t wo ken der br ou gh t t h e food t o t h e t a ble in bowls a n d t r en ch er s. Th ey br ou gh t spoon s for t h e pu ddin g, bu t t h e gu lly dwa r ves gr a bbed t h e bowls a n d sh oved t h e pu ddin g into their mouths with their dirty fingers. Disgu st ed by t h e Agh a r 's la ck of t a ble m a n n er s, Tr a p sea r ch ed for a t opic of con ver sa t ion t o h elp cover t h e slu r pin g. As h e gla n ced a t t h e wiza r d, h e t h ou gh t of a question he had wanted to ask. "You 'r e a dwa r f," Tr a p obser ved. "Wh a t kin d? Ar e you a Neida r or Kla r ?" H is u n cle h a d t old h im dwa r ves wer e su spiciou s of a n y m a gic t h a t wa sn 't in n a t e t o t h eir r a ce. H e dou bt ed sh e cou ld be fr om on e of t h e H yla r cla n s, sin ce t h ey u su a lly st a yed in t h eir deep ca ver n s in t h e m ou n t a in s, though they were sometimes seen on the surface if they were on a mission of some importance. "I'm n ot a dwa r f," sh e a n swer ed, t oo a bsor bed in h er r ea din g to sound irritated. "I'm human, believe it or not."

"A fu ll gr own h u m a n sh or t er t h a n u s?" Ripple wa s astonish ed. H a lm a r a in wa s st ou t er , bu t sh or t er t h a n a twelve-year-old kender. "Som e h u m a n s don 't gr ow ver y m u ch . We'r e r a r e, per h a ps one in a hundred thousand." "Big cook place," Umpth spoke up. "Wizards eat lot maybe," Grod suggested to his brother. Halmara in ign or ed t h e gu lly dwa r ves, bu t Tr a p wa s a lso curious about the huge, well appointed kitchen. "It 's a won der fu l pla ce," h e sa id. "In t er est in g. I liked explor in g it . Does it h a ve ot h er r oom s?" H e wa s lookin g for wa r d t o explor in g som e of t h e la r ge ea r t h en wa r e ja r s t h ey had not had time to open. "No, t h is is it . Befor e t h e ca t a clysm t h ese ch a m ber s wer e t h e scu ller y, la r der , a n d st or a ge for t h e keep," H a lm a r a in sa id, poin t in g t owa r d t h e ceilin g. Th e ea r t h qu a kes colla psed t h e u pper pa ssa ges. Th e people in t h e keep m u st h a ve t h ou gh t a ll t h e u n der gr ou n d ca ver n s wer e dest r oyed. Th ey n ever tried to dig them out." Tr a p wa n t ed t o a sk m or e qu est ion s, bu t t h e gu lly dwa r ves h a d em pt ied t h eir bowls a n d wer e off t h eir st ools, h ea din g for t h e h ea r t h . H a lm a r a in gla n ced u p a n d t h r ew t h e ken der a h a r d, wa r n in g look. Tr a p h u r r ied t o h ea d t h em off. H e r efilled t h eir bowls a n d h is own wh ile h e wa s a t it . Ripple's maize pudding was delicious. It was famous in Hylo.

H a lm a r a in con t in u ed t o st u dy a s sh e fin ish ed h er m ea l. Sh e was ju st closin g h er book, r ea dy t o lea ve t h e t a ble, wh en sh e noticed the expectant look in the kender's eyes. "I'll do som e m a gic for you , bu t a ft er wa r d I'll expect you t o clea n t h e scu ller y a n d keep a n eye on t h e m er ch est i a n d t h e dwarves." H a lm a r a in r ea ch ed in t o t h e sa lt cella r a n d ca r efu lly cou n t ed ou t t welve gr a in s. Sh e sca t t er ed t h em on t h e t a ble, wa ved her hands and spoke an incantation. Twelve grains enlarged, br oke a pa r t , a n d fr om ea ch st epped a glowin g lit t le m a n . Th ey a ppea r ed t o be m a de of sm a ll blocks a n d t h ose a t t h e h ips, kn ees, sh ou lder s, a n d elbows a ppea r ed h in ged a s t h e little men began to dance around the top of the table. Th e ken der cla pped t h eir h a n ds, t h e gu lly dwa r ves' gr in s n ea r ly split t h eir fa ces a s t h ey r ea ch ed for t h e t in y ca vor t ing figu r es, bu t t h eir fin ger s pa ssed t h r ou gh t h em a n d t h e lit t le m en kept da n cin g. Th ey ca vor t ed for n ea r ly five m in u t es before disappearing. "Now r em em ber you r pr om ise in r et u r n ," H a lm a r a in wa r n ed a n d r et u r n ed t o t h e wiza r d's wor k r oom . Th e ken der st a yed beh in d t o clea n u p t h e kit ch en . Th e dwa r ves em pt ied t h e pot of maize pudding and Beglug ate two of the trenchers. Wh en t h e kit ch en wa s clea n , t h e dwa r ves spr a wled ou t on t h e floor . Sin ce t h e m er ch est i wa s sh iver in g wit h cold, t h e ken der bu ilt u p t h e fir e. H e slept on t h e h ea r t h a n d t h ey wr a pped t h em selves in t h eir bla n ket s a n d st r et ch ed ou t on the big kitchen tables. The next day Halmarain studied her books. The kender were bor ed. Th ey cou ld n ot in du ce H a lm a r a in t o do a n y m or e m a gic for t h em , t h ou gh sh e pr om ised sh e wou ld a ft er sh e fou n d t h e a n swer s t o h er qu est ion s a bou t t h e por t a l. Tr a p

a n d Ripple explor ed t h eir own pou ch es, sh owin g ea ch ot h er t h eir possession s. Som eh ow, Ripple h a d r ega in ed possession of t h e sin gle ga t e st on e. An h ou r la t er t h ey did t h e sa m e job a ga in . Tr a p r ega in ed h is possession s t h a t h a d som eh ow fou n d t h eir wa y in t o Ripple's pou ch es a n d sh e t ook ba ck hers. P a r t of t h e m or n in g pa ssed plea sa n t ly en ou gh wh en in t h eir t h ir d explor a t ion of t h e u n der gr ou n d ca ver n s t h ey fou n d a chest pushed well back under Orander's bed. It h a d n ot occu r r ed t o eit h er ken der t h a t a s well a s a lock, a wizard might put a spell on his personal belongings. The lock wa s ch ild's pla y for a ken der , bu t t h e spell blew t h em a cr oss t h e r oom a n d sin ged Tr a p's eyebr ows a n d t h e kn ees of h is leggin gs. Lu ckily, h e h a d been sligh t ly t o t h e side of t h e ch est a n d esca ped t h e wor st a ffect s of t h e fir eba ll. H a lm a r a in h a d closed t h e h ea vy door of t h e la bor a t or y a n d had not heard the noise. Th ey spen t a n ot h er plea sa n t h ou r excla im in g over r in gs a n d via ls a n d br ooch es. Th ey exa m in ed sm a ll, ca r efu lly fa st en ed pou ch es filled wit h powder , a n d t wo st r a n ge kn ives. Th ey wer e fa scin a t ed by t h r ee golden r in gs. Wh en t h ey wer e fin ish ed wit h t h eir explor a t ion s, Tr a p ca r efu lly r e-locked t h e ch est so n o on e cou ld get in t o it a n d st ea l Or a n der 's belon gin gs. Neit h er n ot iced t h e ch est wa s con sider a bly em pt ier t h a n it h a d been wh en t h ey open ed it , or t h a t t h r ee rings, one of the knives, and several vials had not found their way back into the chest. La t er t h e sa m e a ft er n oon t h ey r ea r r a n ged t h eir pou ch es again, this time trading back and forth, so they both had new it em s. Tr a p in spect ed a kn ife h is sist er ga ve h im in r et u r n for on e h e h a d fou n d in h is belon gin gs a ft er t h ey left t h e ship.

"Th is looks like on e Or a n der h a s t u cked a wa y in h is ch est ," he said, slipping it into his sheath. "Yes, it does," sh e r eplied. "Wh en h e com es ba ck t h r ou gh t h e por t a l, you sh ou ld com pa r e t h em . If h is wer e m a gic, m a ybe you r s is t oo. Gee, t h a t wou ld be in t er est in g, h a vin g a m a gic knife." Th e gu lly dwa r ves h a d spen t t h e da y m a kin g a n ew "Th is P la ce." Th ey fou n d a n u n u sed ch a m ber wit h on e colla psed wa ll a n d la id cla im t o it . Th eir fir st t a sk h a d been t o t a ke on e of t h e h u ge st on e cr ocks fr om t h e la r der a n d ca r efu lly chip down bot h sides u n t il it fell n ea t ly a pa r t in t wo h a lves. An n ou n cin g t h ey n ow h a d beds, t h ey sca ven ged for a n yt h in g useful to put in their new home. By t h e en d of t h e da y t h e ken der , t h e gu lly dwa r ves, a n d t h e lit t le m a gicia n h a d fin ish ed m ost of t h e food in t h e la r der . Beglu g, wh o seem ed t o be a ble t o ch ew a n d digest a n yt h in g bu t h a d a pa r t ia lit y for wood, h a d ea t en on e of t h e t a ll st ools and part of a table. Th a t even in g, Ripple m a de a n ot h er pot of h er deliciou s m a ize pu ddin g. H a lm a r a in ca m e t o t h e kit ch en t o join t h em . Sh e wa s st ill r ea din g a s sh e a t e, bu t sh e sou n ded a s if sh e wer e developin g a st om a ch a ch e. Sh e sigh ed, m oa n ed, a n d groaned. "It cou ldn 't be t h e pu ddin g," Ripple sa id, fr own in g a t h er brother. "No, I've fou n d t h e a n swer I wa s lookin g for ," H a lm a r a in sa id. "Not t h e a n swer I wa n t ed-defin it ely n ot wh a t I wa n t ed. At lea st I kn ow wh a t we m u st do t o get t h a t t h in g ba ck in t o its own world and rescue Orander ... if he's still alive."

Chapter 7 "I thought you said the markesi-" "Merchesti," Halmarain corrected Trap. "I thought the merchesti could open the portal," he finished. "If Or a n der is st ill a live a n d h a d bot h st on es, h e cou ld open it . If h e's n ot st ill a live-a n d I'm a fr a id h e's n ot - t h en it cou ld t a ke t h e fien d yea r s t o lea r n h ow t o r ea ch ou r wor ld. Th is m on st er wou ld be gr owin g u p on Kr yn n ."-sh e poin t ed a t Beglu g wh o sa t on t h e floor - "Th e lon ger it st a ys h er e, t h e la r ger a n d m or e da n ger ou s it will becom e. If we ca n 't sen d it home before long we'll have to kill it." "No!" Ripple object ed. Th e m er ch est i wa s sit t in g a t t h e foot of h er st ool. H e occa sion a lly lea n ed h is h ea d a ga in st h er leg as if seeking the touch of another creature for reassurance. "St op sa yin g t h a t ! H e's n ot evil! You 'r e ju st m ea n !" Tr a p argued. "He hasn't done anything but eat and sleep." Across the table, Grod's eyes grew wide again. "It will sh ow it s fou l n a t u r e a s it gr ows," t h e lit t le wiza r d pa ssed off t h e a r gu m en t s a s if t h ey didn 't exist . Sh e pa u sed a n d r efer r ed t o t h e book. "Bu t t h e por t a l won 't open h er e. According to Alchviem, to open and then close a portal by the u se of t h e ga t e st on es t h icken s t h e fa br ic bet ween pla n es. Th e t h icken in g sou n ds a s if it 's som e-t h in g like sca r t issu e over a healed wound."

"I kn ow wh a t t h a t is, I h a ve a sca r ," Ripple pu sh ed ba ck h er sleeve t o sh ow a blem ish on h er a r m . "On e da y wh en Soso Stepup and I were-" "I m u st fin d a wiza r d power fu l en ou gh t o h elp Or a n der open t h e por t a l," H a lm a r a in sa id, in t er r u pt in g Ripple's st or y. "Maybe we can rescue Orander if he's still alive." "An d Beglu g ca n go h om e," Tr a p sa id. "H e doesn 't seem t o like wa n der in g." Th e ken der sh ook h is h ea d. "I'd t h in k h e wou ld like t o see n ew pla ces, bu t h e keeps m oa n in g. Of cou r se m a ybe h e ju st h a s a belly a ch e fr om a ll t h a t st r a n ge stuff he keeps eating...." Ripple fr own ed. "Bu t if you h a ve t o go fa r t o fin d a wiza r d, how do we know Beglug's mother will find him when we send him back?" "I don 't kn ow," H a lm a r a in sn a pped. "I don 't kn ow wh a t else t o do. Alch viem sa ys n o on e ca n open t h e por t a l fr om h er e a second time, so we know staying here won't help." "Wh o is Alch viem ?" Tr a p a sked. H a lm a r a in h a d n ever explained him. "Is he a wizard? Will he do magic for us?" "H e wa s a wiza r d wh o lived a t h ou sa n d yea r s befor e t h e Cataclysm," Halmarain said with a patience they had not yet exper ien ced fr om h er . "H e t ook t h e r ed r obes, a n d devot ed h is life t o lea r n in g a bou t t h e por t a ls. H e lea r n ed m or e a bou t t r a velin g t h e pla n es t h a n a n yon e h a s befor e or sin ce. Or a n der fou n d h is wr it in gs a n d discover ed h ow t o obt a in t h e gate stones. When I tell you anything I read in these books,"sh e t a pped t h e on e sh e h eld-"you ca n be cer t a in t h er e is n o better information on Krynn."

"In for m a t ion ? Th a t m ea n s lea r n in g n ew t h in gs. I like in for m a t ion ," Tr a p sa id, t h in kin g m a gic fa ct s m igh t be bot h interesting and good to know. Beglu g h a d been wa n der in g a r ou n d t h e kit ch en , h is h ea d down a s h e in spect ed t h e floor , possibly lookin g for m or e gla ss sh a r ds. H e bu m ped in t o H a lm a r a in 's st ool a n d ju m ped back, snarling, claws bristling as he eyed the little wizard. . "Get h im a wa y fr om m e," H a lm a r a in cr ied a n d m a de shooing motions at the merchesti. "I'll get h im ," Ripple sa id. Sh e ju m ped down a n d t ook t h e lit t le fien d by t h e a r m . H e wa s willin g en ou gh t o sit on t h e floor by h er st ool. "H e wa s ju st sca r ed, h e didn 't a t t a ck you or anything." "Read us some out of that book," Trap suggested. "Th is isn 't a st or y book," t h e wiza r d sa id, sla ppin g it closed with her two small hands. "An d you didn 't m a ke m u ch of a st or y a bou t Alch viem ," Ripple obser ved a s sh e sh ift ed on h er st ool. "I don 't like it h er e a n ym or e a n d I wa n t t o lea ve." H er lower ed br ows wer e storm warning signs, though the little wizard didn't know it. "I don 't t h in k you u n der st ood wh a t I sa id," H a lm a r a in frowned at the kender. "Of cou r se we kn ow wh a t you sa id," Tr a p wa s qu ick t o com e t o t h e defen se of h is sist er . "Open in g t h e por t a l m a de a sca r . Remember the scar on Marchon Bolo's hand, Ripple?" "How did he get that?" Ripple asked. "I forgot."

"Trying to open a chest that belonged to-" "Forget Ma r ch on Bolo!" H a lm a r a in or der ed. "We h a ve a pr oblem . We m u st t a ke t h e lit t le fien d t o a wiza r d power fu l enough to-" "-Ba gbu s J u m pdown !" Tr a p sentence.

t r iu m ph a n t ly

fin ish ed

h is

"You 'r e n ot list en in g t o m e!" H a lm a r a in sh ou t ed in a n ger . Her habitual irritation suddenly made Ripple angry. "Wizard's gizzard, loud and yelling," she snapped. Trap grinned at his sister. He knew the game. "Cannot listen, always telling," he added "St om ps a n d sh ou t s a n d gives or der s," Ripple con t in u ed while Halmarain glared, her flush of anger deepening. "Ma kes big n oise t oo," Gr od a dded, in exper t ly ca ppin g without a rhyme. Bot h ken der la u gh ed a n d Gr od join ed in wit h cla ppin g hands, then Trap gazed at Halmarain. "We did hear you," he said. "You wa n t t o t a ke Beglu g t o a n ot h er wiza r d wh o m igh t open a por t a l a n d sen d h im h om e," Ripple sa id. "I t h in k sen din g h im ba ck is a good idea if h e doesn 't like t o wa n der , t h ou gh I

don 't u n der st a n d wh y h e wou ldn 't like t o see n ew pla ces, bu t t h en I r em em ber h ea r in g of a ken der wh o didn 't like t o wa n der eit h er , st ill, I t h in k Tr a p m igh t be r igh t a n d h e m igh t h a ve a belly a ch e, bu t it seem s t o m e t h a t if you ca n open and read the books, you should be able to take the stone and open the portal and then-" "Isn 't a por t a l like a door ?" Tr a p a sked, in t er r u pt in g h is sist er wit h a n ew idea . "I ca n open door s, a ll sor t s of door s, even when they're locked like the one out in the passage-" "St op a ll t h is ch a t t er !" H a lm a r a in dem a n ded. "I n eed t h e h elp of a m a st er wiza r d. Sa lr a n din , wh o lives ju st sou t h of P a la n t h u s wou ld be t h e best , I t h in k. Bu t m a st er wiza r ds don 't ju st com e wh en su m m on ed, so I m u st t a ke t h e m er ch est i a n d t h e ga t e st on e t o h im . We eit h er do t h is or we kill t h e lit t le fien d befor e h e becom es la r ge en ou gh t o be a danger." "You ca n 't do t h a t !" Ripple br ist led. "H e h a sn 't don e anything!" "An d I h a ve t o t a ke Alch viem 's books a n d open t h em for t h e ot h er wiza r d." Th e lit t le wiza r d st a r ed a t t h e ken der wh o st ill a ppea r ed t o be u n con vin ced. Sh e sigh ed a n d expla in ed. "As wizard's go, I'm not exactly on the top rung of the ladder. I'm ju st lea r n in g m y a r t . Th e fir st spell I lea r n ed wa s on e of r ea din g m a gic, bu t t h a t on ly a llows m e t o r ea d it . I ca n 't u se the more powerful spells ... not yet." "You can make more salt men," Trap suggested hope-fully. H a lm a r a in con t in u ed a s if h e h a d n ot spoken . "I kn ow t h e com m a n d t o open t h e books; I ca n r ea d t h em , bu t it wou ld t a ke a wiza r d wit h fa r m or e power t o u se wh a t I ca n r ea d. If a n d wh en we fin d on e, even h e m a y n ot h a ve t h e kn owledge of Alchviem, so we need to take the books with us."

"You 've st opped sa yin g 'I' a n d you 've st a r t ed sa yin g 'we,' " Ripple pointed out. "Are you inviting us to come with you?" "I've ju st r ea lized I ca n 't do it a lon e," H a lm a r a in sa id wit h a sigh. "It will even be dangerous to take that monster through t h e cit y, Th er e's n ot h in g like t h e m er ch est i on Kr yn n . Som e idiot will r ea lize it 's a n a bom in a t ion a n d t r y t o kill it . P eople often try to destroy what they don't understand." "You could disguise him," Ripple said. "Th a t 's a good idea ," H a lm a r a in sa id, n oddin g, t h in kin g ou t lou d. "We'll do t h a t , bu t t h e jou r n ey will st ill be t oo h a r d a n d too long. I don't want to try to make it alone. The easiest way t o r ea ch P a la n t h u s wou ld be t o t r a vel west t o Gwyn t a a r a n d t a ke a sh ip fr om t h er e ... bu t t h e cr ew wou ld soon see t h r ou gh Beglu g's disgu ise. We'll n eed t o t r a vel over la n d, by horseback, ponies, I think." "I love riding," Trap announced. "I h ope so," H a lm a r a in sa id. "I ca n 't sa ddle a pon y, a n d even if I cou ld, I cou ld n ever get t h a t m on st er on t o a sa ddle. That's why you must go with me." "We stay," Umpth announced. "New This Place now." "P len t y good food." Gr od a dded. "All st a y Th is P la ce." Th e ken der n ow u n der st ood t h a t t h e gu lly dwa r f wa s u sin g h is race's term for home. "Last This Place knocked flat." "You 'r e r igh t . Th is wou ld m a ke a good pla ce t o live," Ripple sa id br igh t ly. "Th a t is, if you wa n t t o st a y h er e, bu t t h in k of a ll t h e t h in gs you 'll m iss seein g, a n d n ow t h a t I t h in k of it

you ca n 't st a y h er e, beca u se you cou ldn 't get ou t t o get m or e food, a n d I don 't t h in k st a r vin g wou ld be in t er est in g a t a ll, bu t m a ybe Beglu g cou ld t ea ch you h ow t o ea t wood a n d rocks... wonder how they taste?" Th e gu lly dwa r ves t r a ded specu la t in g gla n ces, scr a t ch ed differ en t pa r t s of t h eir bodies, a n d a ppea r ed t o com e t o som e sort of agreement. "We go with them," Umpth told Grod. "Find new This Place." Grod agreed "I won't travel with gully dwarves," Halmarain snapped. "Gee, I don 't see wh y n ot ," Tr a p sa id, st a r in g a cr oss a t Um pt h a n d Gr od. "I t h in k t h ey'r e n ice, a n d t h ey did h elp clean up the laboratory, and even if they do eat a lot-" "You 'r e ju st bein g m ea n . You kn ow you like t h em , or you wou ldn 't h a ve a sked-did you a sk t h em t o h elp clea n u p a ft er Or a n der fell t h r ou gh t h e por t a l? I for got . An ywa y, sin ce we pr om ised t o h elp fin d t h em a n ew h om e a ft er t h eir old on e was knocked down, we have to stay with them." "You m u st go wit h m e. I n eed you t o t a ke ca r e of t h e m er ch est i. E ven if I cou ld wa t ch h im da y a n d n igh t , t h a t monster doesn't like me. And I need you to look after it while I st u dy m y spells." Sh e m et Tr a p's eyes in t h e m a n n er of a per son squ a r ely m eet in g a n u n plea sa n t su bject . "I ca n 't m a ke t h e jou r n ey a n d look a ft er it a lon e, so if you don 't go with me I'll have to kill it before I leave." "No!" Trap was outraged.

"If its dead, I can travel with a caravan, the way I did when I came south." "Oh, Trap, we'll have to go or she'll kill Beglug!" Ripple cried. "We'll go wit h you , if you pr om ise n ot t o h u r t Beglu g," Tr a p sa id. "Act u a lly, we'd like t o see P a la n t h u s. Wou ld we see other interesting places?" "We'll st a y a wa y fr om cit ies," t h e wiza r d sa id. "We'll st a y away from as many people as we can." "Thorns and thistles, that sounds boring," Trap announced. H a lm a r a in t ook a deep br ea t h , pu ffin g h er self u p like a fr og. Th en h er look t u r n ed ca gey. Sh e folded h er lit t le h a n ds a n d stared up at the ceiling. "Then I suppose you don't want any magic." "Magic?" Ripple was instantly diverted. "Aglest cla n got m a gic," Um pt h a n n ou n ced, bu t n eit h er t h e kender nor the wizard paid any attention to him. "If you h elp m e get Or a n der ba ck fr om t h e ot h er pla n e, h e will reward you with all sorts of magic," Halmarain replied. "What kind of magic?" Trap asked. "Will he teach us spells?" "No, you wou ldn 't like t h a t ," H a lm a r a in sa id. "You 'd h a ve t o st u dy m a gic a n d you 'd fin d t h a t bor in g. H e m igh t t a ke something ... like he took my staff and put magic into it."

"Show us! What will it do besides make light?" Ripple asked. "Well, I don 't like t o clea n t h e scu ller y," H a lm a r a in sa id. "An d it t a kes t oo m u ch t im e, so Or a n der ga ve t h e st a ff som e specia l m a gic t h a t I h a ven 't lea r n ed." Sh e spoke a wor d of com m a n d. In a n in st a n t t h e cu ps, spoon s, t r en ch er s a n d pot s wer e clea n a n d t h ey lift ed off t h e t a ble, sa ilin g t o t heir a ppr opr ia t e st or a ge a r ea s. Wit h a cla t t er a n d cla n g, t h e pot s h u n g t h em selves ba ck on t h eir h ooks, t h e t r en ch er s st a cked t h em selves on t h e sh elves a n d t h e spoon s dipped, h a n dles down, to stand in a crockery pot. "Wow! Big jiggies!" Ripple ju m ped u p fr om h er st ool a n d r a n over t o look a t t h e clea n pot s. "If I m a ke m or e pu ddin g will you do that again?" "Or a n der will t h in k u p som et h in g fa r m or e in t er est in g for you if you help to return him to Krynn," the little wizard said as Ripple returned to her stool. She sat staring at Halmarain with sparkling eyes. "Then I'll go," Trap said. "I want a-" Ripple ga ve a yelp a n d t h r ew h er self h a lfwa y a cr oss t h e t a ble a s h er st ool colla psed. Ben ea t h h er swin gin g feet , Beglug chewed on one leg of her stool. "Ken der wa n t ," Gr od pr om pt ed, r em in din g Tr a p h e wa s about to make a request. "I for get ," Tr a p sa id, slidin g off t h e st ool t o a ssist h is sist er . H e t ook t h e r em a in s of h er for m er sea t a n d u sed it t o coa x Beglu g t o t h e h ea r t h . Th en h e pu sh ed a n ot h er st ool u n der his sister.

"We'll h a ve t o disgu ise t h e m er ch est i," H a lm a r a in sa id. "If we'r e goin g t o sen d it h om e, we don 't wa n t it t o a t t r a ct t oo much interest here on Krynn." "We won't let anyone kill him," Trap assured her. "Ma ybe h e'll ca t ch t h e eye of som eon e wh o wou ldn 't wa n t t o kill h im ," H a lm a r a in su ggest ed slyly. "Th ey m igh t wa n t t o st ea l h im , pu t a ch a in a r ou n d h is n eck a n d pu ll h im fr om t own t o t own . Som ebody cou ld m a ke a lot of m on ey by exhibiting him to the curious." "That would be cruel," Trap was shocked at the idea. "If we'r e n ot ca r efu l, h e will a t t r a ct a t t en t ion ," t h e lit t le wizard repeated her warning. "So will a wizard," Ripple said with a grin. "If t h e cit izen s lea r n I'm a wiza r d I'll be in m or e da n ger t h a n the fiend," Halmarain said. "And my size-well- some consider m e a fr ea k." H er eyes da r ken ed over som e m em or y. "Ch ildr en like t o t h r ow st on es a t wh a t t h ey don 't understand...." Her voice trailed off in sadness. "Bu t t h a t 's n ot fa ir ," Tr a p sa id. "We'd n ever t h r ow a n yt h in g a t you , we like you , except wh en you 'r e m a d, bu t I don 't think-" "I know, we can all go as animals," Ripple announced.

"Wow! Gr ea t ! I wa n t t o be a bir d," Tr a p sa id, fa llin g in wit h h is sist er 's idea . "H a lm a r a in ca n pu t a spell on m e so I ca n fly. That would be fun." "We cou ld a ll fly," Ripple a gr eed. Sh e h eld ou t h er a r m s a n d fla pped t h em . Th e gu lly dwa r ves looked dou bt fu l, bu t t h ey mimicked the female kender. "No, I can't do flying spells," Halmarain said. Th e ken der s' h opes wer e da sh ed for on ly a m om en t befor e Trap's natural enthusiasm rose again. "I know! We could be horses!" "Th en we cou ld t r a vel ver y fa st ," Ripple u r ged. "Cou ld you make us horses?" "No, a n d I ca n 't m a ke you wolves eit h er , so don 't su ggest it . We u se clot h in g, I su ppose. Dwa r ves. Beglu g a n d I a r e a little small, but we might pass as Neidar." "We cou ld a ll be dwa r ves," Tr a p sa id. "Um pt h a n d Gr od a r e going with us. We could be gully dwarves." H a lm a r a in st a r ed a t t h e ken der a s if t h ey h a d lost t h eir m in ds. "I won 't do it ," sh e a n n ou n ced. "Not h in g wou ld m a ke me pretend to be a gully dwarf!" Tr a p gla n ced u n ea sily a t Um pt h a n d Gr od, bu t t h ey h a d filled t h eir st om a ch s a n d pu sh ed t h eir dish es a side. Th ey sa t , elbows on t h e t a ble, ch in s pr opped in t h e pa lm s of t h eir h a n ds. Th ey wer e wa t ch in g t h e ken der a n d t h e wiza r d wit h an air of impersonal interest as if they had no idea they were

t h e su bject s u n der discu ssion . Th ey t u r n ed t h eir h ea ds t o speak to each other and proved they had heard every word. "Maybe clan grow," Umpth said. "Beglug make good Aghar." "More good than wizard," Grod agreed. "She too short." "Got no clan magic," Umpth added. "Not much use." "Ken der got n o cla n m a gic," Gr od sa id. "Mu ch t r ou ble. On ly Aghar have good magic." "Th a n k you ver y m u ch , bu t I ca n h a n dle m yself," H a lm a r a in br ist led. "An d I don 't a ppr ecia t e bein g t a lked a bou t a s if I wa sn 't h er e. It wou ld be ba d en ou gh t o pr et en d t o be a Neidar, but an Aghar, no." Halmarain shook her head. "Yes, you ca n do t h a t ," Ripple sa id. "Th a t wou ld be fu n . You pr et en d t o be Neida r . . . you , Beglu g, Um pt h a n d Gr od. What could we be?" She gazed questioningly at her brother. "E a gles? Un icor n s?" h e a sked h opefu lly. H e sigh ed a s Halmarain shook her head. "How can the gulleys be Neidar?" he asked. "How will you keep them clean?" "Not even m y m a gic cou ld h a n dle t h a t ," H a lm a r a in scoffed. "I'll n eed a ll m y a r t t o h a n dle t h a t t h in g." sh e poin t ed a t Beglug. "Wiza r d like n o's," Um pt h obser ved t o h is br ot h er . "H a ve n o yes's," Grod agreed.

"I ca n sa y yes a s qu ickly a s a n y ot h er if som eon e su ggest s a workable solution," Halmarain snapped. "I refuse to look like a fool or a gully dwarf." "I won 't go if you won 't st op bein g m ea n !" Ripple cr ossed h er arms and pursed her mouth as she stared at the little wizard with tightened lips. "See a fight," Umpth told Grod, wriggling in anticipation. "Females fight good," Grod nodded. "Th er e will be n o figh t ," H a lm a r a in sa id wit h a sigh . "You 'r e r igh t , Ripple, I'm let t in g m y con cer n for Or a n der over r ide good sen se. I'll do wh a t ever it t a kes t o get m y m a st er ba ck through the portal. I really don't think I can travel as a gully dwa r f, bu t if we ca n disgu ise t h em a s Neida r , I'll t r y it . They'll need new clothing, and they'll have to bathe." Th e decision m a de, t h ey set t led t o pla n n in g t h e jou r n ey t o P a la n t h u s. On ce t h e t in y wiza r d h a d decided t o cooper a t e, sh e st a r t ed t o wor k. By a wa t er clock in t h e pa ssa ge, t h ey kn ew t h e even in g wa s well a dva n ced. Th e sh ops wou ld be closed, so they set to work doing what they could. Halmarain decreed the Aghar had to be bathed and scrubbed unt il yea r s of gr im e h a d been r em oved. Alon g wit h t h e gu lly dwa r ves a n d ken der , sh e st r u ggled wit h pa ils of wa t er a n d a r m loa ds of wood a s t h ey filled a ca ldr on a n d h ea t ed it . Th e gu lly dwa r ves beca m e in cr ea sin gly u n ea sy a s t h e wa t er h ea t ed, fea r in g t h e wiza r d wou ld pu t t h em in t h e boilin g ca ldr on . Th ey wer e on ly a lit t le r elieved wh en t h e wa t er r ea ch ed a t em per a t u r e a bit beyon d t h e best degr ee for soa kin g off t h e dir t a n d Tr a p r a ked a wa y t h e fir e. Wh en t h e bot t om wa s cool en ou gh n ot t o bu r n t h eir feet a n d bottoms, Halmarain gave them a choice: they could climb in and bathe or she would turn them into frogs and throw them in.

"F r ogs m u st wa sh ?" Um pt h sa id, con sider in g t h e secon d option. "F r ogs st a y in wa t er ," Gr od sa id wit h a sh u dder a n d t h en t u r n ed h is a t t en t ion on t h e wiza r d. "Ca n n o m a ke fly, ca n n o make horses. How make frogs?" Umpth was sitting on the floor. He had removed one boot but h e st opped a n d ga zed a t h is br ot h er a s if h e dou bt ed su ch pr ofou n d logic cou ld com e ou t of Gr od. Um pt h slowly n odded and put his boot on again. "I ca n 't m a ke six people in t o h or ses bu t I ca n t u r n t wo gu lly dwa r ves in t o som et h in g, a n d t h a t will be you , a n d you will be frogs. Now get in that tub!" Um pt h n odded a n d st r ipped off h is clot h in g. Ripple a n d H a lm a r a in t u r n ed t h eir ba cks u n t il t h e dwa r ves wer e in t h e ca ldr on . Th en , t o t h e su r pr ise a n d deligh t of t h e ken der , H a lm a r a in t ou ch ed t h e dwa r ves' filt h y, r a gged clot h in g wit h h er st a ff a n d spoke a wor d of com m a n d. In a n in st a n t t h e ga r m en t s wer e clea n , t h e or igin a l color r est or ed a n d a ll t h e t ea r s m en ded. Th e spell on ly r est or ed t h e clot h in g, it did n ot h in g for t h e len gt h of t h e sleeves a n d t h e t r ou ser s t h a t had been made for humans. "Oh! Hey! That's good magic!" Ripple clapped her hands. "I t ook ca r e of t h eir clot h es, you t a ke ca r e of t h em ," t h e lit t le wiza r d sa id. Sh e left Tr a p t o scr u b t h e gu lly dwa r ves wh ile she and Ripple returned to Orander's work room. Tr a p decided h e h a d t h e wor st of t h e dea l a s h e t r ied t o keep t h e gu lly dwa r ves sit t in g in t h e la r ge ca ldr on of h ot water. H e a r gu ed t h em in t o r u bbin g soa p in t h eir h a ir a n d bea r ds.

H e u sed a br u sh t o scr u b a t t h eir n ecks a n d ba cks. H e in sist ed t h ey clea n t h e r est of t h eir bodies. Th ey kn ew n ot h in g a bou t closin g t h eir eyes t o keep t h e soa p ou t . Th eir howls echoed through the scullery and down the passage. Dr a wn by t h e excit em en t , Beglu g ca m e over t o wa t ch t h e spla sh in g. Th e lit t le fien d t h ou gh t t h e ba t h looked like fu n a n d h e h opped in t o t h e ca ldr on t oo. At fir st h e con t en t ed himself with trying to bite the bubbles. Then he ate the soap. "Drink all water too," Umpth encouraged Beglug. F or t u n a t ely, t h e gu lly dwa r ves wer e a s clea n a s t h ey wou ld get wit h on e soa kin g. To r em ove a ll t h e em bedded gr im e wou ld t a ke da ily soa ks for weeks. St ill, on e clea n sin g h a d m a de a t r em en dou s differ en ce. Um pt h did h a ve br own h a ir t h a t flowed in t o a br own bea r d. Th ey m a t ch ed in a dept h of color t h a t wa s a lm ost bla ck. Aft er a t h or ou gh clea n in g, h is ch eeks, n ose, a n d pa r t of h is for eh ea d wa s pin k, bu t t h e gr im e in h is wr in kles ga ve t h e a ppea r a n ce of da r k lin es drawn on his face. Gr od, wit h ou t wr in kles, h a d a r eddish com plexion t h a t a lm ost blen ded wit h a r eddish blon d bea r d a n d h a ir . H is eyes were a startling bright blue. Wh ile t h e gu lly dwa r ves a n d Beglu g slept , Tr a p, Ripple, a n d H a lm a r a in t a lked over t h eir pla n s a ga in a n d a dded det a ils. Th ey h a d decided t h e sh oppin g t r ip t o ou t fit t h e expedit ion would be made by Halmarain, who could negate the spells on the doors; with her would go Trap and Grod. One of the gully dwa r ves h a d t o go t o be su r e t h e clot h in g a n d dwa r f a r m or fit t ed. H a lm a r a in fa sh ion ed h er self a t u n ic a n d skir t t h a t would allow her to pass as a dwarf. "It will work," Ripple said and with a sudden leap, did a back flip.

E a r ly t h e n ext m or n in g, t h e t h r ee sh opper s wa lked t h e lon g, con fu sin g r ou t e t h r ou gh secr et u n der gr ou n d pa ssa ges t h a t Or a n der h a d clea r ed for h is own u se. Th ey ca m e ou t on a st r eet n ea r ly h a lf a m ile west of Ma r ket Squ a r e. Sin ce Halmarain had spent most of her time far below the city, she kn ew lit t le a bou t Lyt bu r g. Gr od h a d t o be for cibly pu sh ed pa st t r a sh h ea ps in t h e a lly befor e h e wa s con vin ced t o lea d t h em t o a n a r r ow, n oisy, bu t clea n st r eet t h a t ser ved a s t h e dwarven section of town. Their first purchases were clothing, t wo set s for H a lm a r a in a n d Beglu g, a n d a n ext r a for ea ch of the gully dwarves. To expla in t h eir n u m er ou s pu r ch a ses, t h ey t old a t a le of h a vin g been r obbed of ever yt h in g bu t t h e clot h in g t h ey wor e a n d a h idden pu r se. Th e st or y seem ed t o a lla y t h e su spicion s of t h e sh op keeper s wh o wer e gla d t o m a ke la r ge sa les. At t h e boot m a ker s, H a lm a r a in pu r ch a sed n ew boot s for t h e Agh a r , a pa ir for Beglu g, a n d a t t em pt ed t o fin d som et h in g t h a t wou ld fit h er sm a ll feet . Sh e h a d t o set t le for t h e smallest pair and stuff them with rags. Dwa r ves n ever t r a veled wit h ou t wea pon s a n d a r m or so t h ey visit ed a n ot h er sh op. Tr a p lost cou n t of t h e st eel pieces t h ey wer e spen din g. H e wa s dolin g ou t t h e m on ey beca u se, for som e r ea son h e cou ld n ot expla in , h e a lwa ys seem ed t o h a ve Or a n der 's pu r se. H a lm a r a in fin a lly t old h im t o keep it . At least she would know where it was. Un der t h e lit t le wiza r d's su spiciou s scr u t in y, h e h a d been syst em a t ica lly em pt yin g t h e ba g, bu t t h ou gh it wa s n ea r ly fla t wh en h e r et u r n ed it t o h is pou ch in t h e secon d sh op, wh en h e t ook it ou t t o pa y for t h eir t h ir d bu n dle of pu r ch a ses, it wa s h ea vy wit h st eel pieces a ga in . H e decided it was a magic bag, refilling itself automatically. Wh en t h ey left t h e a r m or er 's sh op, Gr od a n d H a lm a r a in wer e dr essed in ch a in m a il u n der dwa r ven t u n ics a n d wor e

m et a l h elm s. H a lm a r a in clu m ped a lon g in h er h ea vy boot s a s if sh e wer e sloggin g t h r ou gh t h ick m u d. Sh e cou ld n o lon ger h elp t o ca r r y t h eir pu r ch a ses sin ce sh e cou ld ba r ely walk in her armor. All this seemed to add to her bad mood. Th eir wea pon s-axes-wou ld be u seless in t h e h a n ds of t h e wiza r d a n d t h e Agh a r , bu t t h ey wer e n eeded t o com plet e t h e disguises. Trap struggled under the weight of a heavy canvas ba g t h a t h eld a r m or a n d wea pon s for Beglu g a n d Um pt h . Grod was loaded down with bedrolls, clothing, and boots. They left t h e pu r ch a se of food a n d ot h er t r a velin g n eeds for la t er , sin ce t h ey h a d so m u ch t o ca r r y. Befor e t h ey r et u r n ed t o t h e u n der gr ou n d ca ver n s, H a lm a r a in wa n t ed t o visit a n in n , on e wh er e a dven t u r er s a n d t r a veler s ga t h er ed wh en they first entered Lytburg. "An d you t wo, beh a ve," sh e wa r n ed. "You sit wit h you r m ou t h sh u t wh ile you 'r e ea t in g, Gr od. An d Tr a p, keep you r h a n ds t o you r self a n d list en . We wa n t t o h ea r a n y n ews about roads, traveling conditions, goblins, ogres, or any other humanoids on the move." Tr a p a n d Gr od wer e a gr eea ble. Gr od wa s h u n gr y a n d t h e ken der loved t o h ea r a n y sor t of st or y, n o m a t t er if it wa s on ly a few wor ds a bou t t h e t r a vel of goblin s. Th e gu lly dwa r ves wer e fa m ilia r wit h t h e sh ops a n d in n s, t h ou gh t h ey kn ew t h em fr om t h eir t r a sh h ea ps. Gr od led t h em t o a n est a blish m en t wh er e, h e in sist ed, a dven t u r er s a n d m er cen a r ies oft en ga t h er ed. In a ddit ion , ju dgin g by t h e t a st in ess of wh a t t h ey t h r ew ou t , Gr od sa id t h eir food wa s good. Th ey en t er ed t h e in n , t h e Lea pin g H a r t , a n d t ook sea t s a t a sm a ll t a ble in t h e cor n er . A h ea r t h a t t h e r ea r boa st ed a r oa r in g fir e wit h a pig r oa st in g over t h e fla m es. Th e da y h a d t u r n ed wa r m , so t h e in n wa s st iflin g. It did n ot seem t o

bot h er t h e m or e t h a n t wen t y r a n gy, h a r d-eyed dr in ker s wh o were swilling ale a n d pa ssin g st or ies. Most h a d wea pon s a n d h elm et s lyin g beside t h em . Som e h a d r em oved pieces of armor and their chain mail. H a lm a r a in h a d in st r u ct ed Tr a p t o or der en ou gh food a n d a le t o keep Gr od qu iet a n d h a d t old h im t o wa t ch t h e gu lly dwarf's table manners while she listened. H a lm a r a in su ggest ed t h ey or der r ib m ea t , ch icken , a n d r olls for t h e gu lly dwa r f. E ver yon e a t e bon y m ea t a n d br ea d wit h t h eir fin ger s, so Gr od's la ck of m a n n er s wou ld n ot be t oo n ot icea ble. Tr a p kept or der in g food a n d a le, ca u t ion in g t h e dwa r f t o be a s qu iet a s possible wh ile h e a t e. H a lm a r a in sa t a lit t le a pa r t fr om t h em , h er eyes on h er m u g a s sh e list en ed in on t h e con ver sa t ion s a t t h e ot h er t a bles. Tr a p cou ld h ea r practically nothing over Grod's slurping and smacking. Bored, t h e ken der fin ger ed t h e t a ble, h is m u g a n d t h e sea t , t h e on ly it em s a va ila ble for h a n dlin g. H e fin a lly beca m e in t er est ed in t r a cin g t h e r a ised gr a in on t h e well scr u bbed t a ble. H e for got t o keep h is h a t on in or der t o h ide h is ea r s a n d t op kn ot . H e t ook it off t o fa n h im self. H e wa s soon n ot iced by a t a ll, r a n gy h u m a n wh o fr own ed a n d poin t ed a t Trap. "Hey, innkeeper, I didn't think you allowed kender in here!" E ver y eye t u r n ed t owa r d Tr a p. Th e in n keeper h a d ser ved t h em t wice wit h food a n d t h r ee t im es wit h a le. H e kn ew Tr a p h a d pa id pr om pt ly, bu t h e sla m m ed h is t r a y of em pt y mugs on a table and glared at the three in the corner. "Out, you! I'll have no kender stealing from my patrons."

"H e is n ot st ea lin g," H a lm a r a in spoke u p, dr oppin g h er h igh ly pit ch ed voice in a n a t t em pt t o sou n d like a dwa r f. "An d h e pa id you in fu ll! H e t r a vels wit h u s, a n d we'll vou ch for him." "An d wh o will vou ch for you ?" Th e in n keeper dem a n ded. "If you travel with a kender-" "Wa it ," a bu r ly m a n on t h e ot h er side of t h e r oom inter r u pt ed, r isin g t o gla r e a t t h e t h r ee in t h e cor n er . "Ask him his name." "Tr a pspr in ger F a r go," Tr a p sa id clea r ly a n d a t on ce. "I'm very glad to meet-" "Wa sn 't t h a t t h e n a m e of t h a t ou t la w ken der t r a velin g wit h Alch a r Gr oom b's ba n d?" som eon e yelled. "Tr a p-spr in ger , or something like that?" Several others nodded. "It 's a com m on n a m e a m on g ken der ," H a lm a r a in spoke u p quickly. "Half the kender in Hylo are named Trap-springer." Tr a p t u r n ed t owa r d h er , a lr ea dy sh a kin g h is h ea d. Sh e m u st h a ve m isu n der st ood t h e n a m e. As fa r a s h e kn ew h e wa s t h e on ly Tr a pspr in ger in H ylo. Befor e h e cou ld object , m ovem en t among the patrons caught his attention. Th ey r ose fr om t h eir sea t s a n d st a r t ed for wa r d, t h eir h u n ger for revenge clear in their eyes. Chapter 8 Tr a p ga zed a t t h e a n gr y fa ces of t h e in n 's pa t r on s. Th r ee h u m a n s h a d r isen fr om t h eir sea t s a n d seem ed r ea dy t o ch a r ge t h e ken der 's t a ble. Tr a p t r ied t o decide h ow h e wa s

goin g t o sa ve h is skin . H e h a d n ever fou n d h a r d blows t o h is per son t o be en t er t a in in g. At H a lm a r a in 's in sist en ce, h e h a d left h is h oopa k in t h e ca ver n so ca r r yin g it wou ld n ot m a ke h im in st a n t ly r ecogn iza ble a s a ken der . H is on ly wea pon s wer e t h e sm a ll kn ife in t h e sh ea t h a t h is belt , n ot m u ch u se a ga in st a n u m ber of swor ds a n d wa r a xes. H is t on gu e h a d st u ck t o t h e r oof of h is m ou t h , lea vin g h im n o oppor t u n it y t o explain. Gr od, wh o h a d been sit t in g a s st ill a s a m ou se, su dden ly st ood u p a n d pu lled off h is n ew h elm et . H e bowed h is h ea d as he spoke. "Th a t Tr a pspr in ger dea d," h e a n n ou n ced t o t h e r oom a t large. "A good tale, that." "Dea d?" t h e fir st a dven t u r er r epea t ed. H e sou n ded a s disa ppoin t ed a s su spiciou s. So did t h e ot h er s, bu t t h ey paused, waiting to hear the explanation. "Yes, h e's dea d," H a lm a r a in a gr eed wit h a sigh . Un der h er la sh es sh e ga zed a t t h e ken der a n d wh en h e didn 't in st a n t ly agree, she kicked him under the table. "Dea d," Tr a p sa id, t r yin g t o look sa d. H e t h ou gh t of Un cle Goa lon g, a fa vor it e r ela t ive t h a t h a d r ecen t ly died. Th in kin g of Goa lon g a lwa ys m a de Tr a p sa d a n d in secon ds t ea r s ringed his eyelashes; two rolled slowly down his cheeks. "A fr ien d of you r s, wa s h e?" a sked a sh or t , h ea vily m u scled m a n a t t h e closest t a ble wh en h e sa w t h e ken -der 's t ea r s. Alon g wit h t h eir r epu t a t ion for pu r loin in g, ken der wer e a lso kn own for t h eir loya lt y t o t h eir com pa n ion s. Th ey gr ieved deeply at a friend's death.

Tr a p gu lped ba ck a sob. "My u n cle," h e sa id. H e h a d been thinking of his Uncle Goalong. "If we ca n 't kill h im ou r selves, a t lea st let 's h ea r h ow h e died," dem a n ded t h e bu r ly m a n wit h t h e r ed bea r d. H e glared threateningly at Trap. The kender twisted on his seat, his mind racing to make up a story. "H is fu ll n a m e wa s Tr a pspr in ger Qu ickh a n ds," Tr a p sa id. "H e wa s m y m ot h er 's br ot h er a n d t h e t h ir d son of Rogo Qu ickh a n ds. Did you ever m eet Rogo wh en h e wa s wa n der in g? I t h in k h e ca m e by h er e, t h ou gh h e m a y n ot , bu t he did seem to go everywhere, even down to Solace and south fr om t h er e t o Zer ia k wh er e I wa n t t o go t o see t h e Icewa ll Gla cier . H a ve you ever seen a gla cier ? I h ea r t h ey'r e r ea lly big and-" "Get on wit h t h e t a le of t h is Tr a pspr in ger !" t h e fir st adventurer demanded. "Oh . Su r e. It 's ju st h a r d for m e t o t ell it . Th e sh a m e, you see." Th e wor d sh a m e h a d br ou gh t wit h it a st r on g em ot ion a n d h e gu lped a sob. "Ou r villa ge ba n ish ed h im for h is m isdeeds a n d I h a d n ot seen h im for a lon g t im e wh en I m et him on the road a few weeks ago." Th e ken der h oped t h e cu st om er s of t h e Lea pin g H a r t wer e n ot t oo fa m ilia r wit h t h e cu st om s of h is r a ce. As fa r a s h e kn ew, n o villa ge in H ylo h a d ever ba n ish ed a n yon e. H e h a d picked up the idea from a scrap of conversation he had heard while they were shopping. "I h a d n ot t h ou gh t h e wou ld t a ke m y pu r se!" Tr a p h a d a lwa ys been a ble t o t h r ow h im self em ot ion a lly in t o h is t a les a n d t h e t h ou gh t of a ken der deliber a t ely st ea lin g fr om another of his race caused his eyes to flash with anger.

"Robbed h is own n eph ew?" t h e bu r ly m a n sh ook h is h ea d. "No honor among thieves today," he added, shaking his head. "Let's hear this tale of how he died." Ken der loved t a les, t h ey en joyed t ellin g t h em a s m u ch , if n ot m or e, t h a n list en in g. Th ey n ever r epea t ed a st or y exa ct ly like it h a ppen ed or a s t h ey h a d h ea r d it . Th eir a gile im a gin a t ion im pr oved on it , givin g it m or e dr a m a , su spen se, or h u m or . On ly a sm a ll st ep sepa r a t ed em bellish m en t fr om pu r e in ven t ion . Tr a p decided t o ba se h is st or y on h is own recent adventure with the portal. "Well, now . . . this is hard. We think my Uncle Trapspringer is dea d, beca u se we don 't t h in k h e cou ld h a ve lived t h r ou gh h is t r ou ble wit h t h e wiza r d...." h e bega n . H e pa u sed wh ile t h e list en er s t ook in t h e fa ct t h a t a m a gic u ser wa s in volved. Sin ce t h e ca t a clysm , wiza r ds wer e in disr epu t e t h r ou gh ou t Krynn. His listeners would believe anything of them. Trap wove a tale of the outlaw kender stopping a wizard who wa s t r a velin g t owa r d Lyt bu r g. Wiza r ds did n ot u se wea pon s beca u se t h ey wer e u su a lly t oo bu sy st u dyin g t h eir cr a ft t o pr a ct ice t h e a r t of wa r fa r e a n d t h is wiza r d h a d been ca u gh t u n a wa r e. F or a t im e h e h a d been a t t h e m er cy of t h e ken der 's wea pon s. By t h e u se of gu ile h e h a d pr even t ed t h e other Trapspringer from spearing him out of hand. "An d t h a t wa s m y Un cle Tr a pspr in ger 's m ist a ke," t h e r ea l Trap said as he looked around the room, allowing the tension t o bu ild. Th a t 's wh en h e n ot iced Gr od h a d left h is sea t a n d wa s slippin g food off t h e pla t e of a fu lly a r m ed m er cen a r y wh o wa s givin g h is a t t en t ion t o t h e st or y. H a lm a r a in h a d slipped a wa y fr om h er pla ce a lso, a n d wa s bea r in g down on t h e gu lly dwa r f. Th e ken der left t h e t in y h u m a n t o dea l wit h the Aghar and went on with his tale.

"Th e wiza r d t h r ew off h is br own t r a velin g cloa k, r evea lin g h im self in h is r ed r obes. Th is st a r t led m y u n cle, a s you ca n im a gin e." H e ga zed a t t h e bu r ly a dven t u r er . "H a ve you ever seen a wiza r d wea r in g r ed r obes? It 's a n a wfu l color of r ed, you kn ow." Th is la st h e sa id wit h a sly look a t t h e lit t le wizard. "Just tell us what happened next." "Bu t wiza r ds a r e in t er est in g," Tr a p object ed. H a lm a r a in threw him a hard look and he went on with his tale. "Go on with your story," she hissed. "Befor e m y u n cle cou ld do m or e t h a n st ep ba ck," h e con t in u ed, "t h e wiza r d r a ised h is h a n ds a n d sket ch ed a door , muttering his foul incantations. A black hole appeared in the su n ligh t of t h e r oa d, fr om it spr a n g a win d, ca r r yin g su ch a st en ch of r ot a n d deca y, t h a t t h e a ir t u r n ed gr een a n d viscou s...." As h e m a de u p h is t a le, Tr a p wa s su dden ly visit ed wit h t h e idea t h a t h is a bor t ed jou r n ey t o a n ot h er pla n e h a d n ot been n ea r ly a s fa scin a t in g a s h is st or y. H e felt a bit ch ea t ed a s h e con t in u ed t o a llow h is qu ick t h ou gh t s t o add intriguing details. "And then a black, scaled arm, so large it filled the door-way, reached out and grabbed Uncle Trapspringer."-the kender let t h e t ea r s t r ickle down h is ch eeks-"An d if h e is st ill a live, h e is in that terrible place. "We really think he's dead," he added softly. Most of the adventurers nodded solemnly, but the inn-keeper lou dly scoffed. A cit y dweller , h e h a d n ever believed h a lf t h e t a les of t h e m er cen a r ies a n d wa n der er s wh o ca m e t o Lytburg.

"And how do you know this happened?" "The-uh-half-goblin in t h e ou t la w ba n d t old m e of it ," Tr a p added hastily. "He had been with my uncle, but you know his kin d," h e n odded wisely t o t h e sh or t , bu r ly h u m a n wh o h a d seen h is t ea r s. "Th ey'r e bu llies, bu t t h ey won 't fa ce a n y r eal danger." H e a llowed t h e a dven t u r er s' dislike of t h e h u m a n oids t o carry the weight of his pronouncement. "No, t h ey n ever do," sa id a r ed bea r ded m a n wit h a sca r . H e turned back to his ale, looked in his mug and found it empty. H e ca lled t o t h e in n keeper . Neit h er kn ew Gr od h a d fin ish ed off the contents of several cups while the customers had been listening to the kender's tale. "Wh en did a ll t h is h a ppen ?" a sh ou t fr om a cr oss t h e r oom left Trap unsure of the speaker. "I-uh-don 't kn ow for su r e," h e sa id. H e didn 't wa n t t o r u in h is st or y by sa yin g t h e ou t la w h a d died t wo da ys befor e h e wa s kn own t o h a ve r obbed on e of t h e pa t r on s of t h e in n . "I h ea r d t h e st or y ju st la st n igh t . Th e h a lf-goblin h a d t h e t a le so ga r bled-you kn ow wh a t t h ey'r e like wh en you wa n t a st r a igh t a n swer . H e wa s st ill sca r ed, so I t h in k it m u st h a ve been r ecen t ly. Do you kn ow t h a t h a lf-goblin ? H e h a s a wa r t on h is n ose, ju st like h im ." Tr a p poin t ed a t t h e in n keeper wh o, sin ce h e didn 't like ken der a n ywa y, t ook in st a n t offense. "You 've t old you r t a le, n ow get ou t of m y in n ," t h e la n dlor d ordered. "I'll have no outlaws or even their relatives in here."

"Let 's lea ve," H a lm a r a in wh isper ed in h is ea r . "You 've m a de a good t a le of it , let 's get ou t befor e t h ey r ea lize Gr od h a s eaten everything in sight." Th ey left t h e in n , sa u n t er ed down t h e st r eet u n t il t h ey wer e su r e t h ey wer e ou t of sigh t of a n y cu st om er s wa t ch in g t h em a n d du cked in t o a n a lley. Gr od led t h em , su pposedly t owa r d t h e r u in ed bu ildin g t h a t wou ld t a ke t h em ba ck t o t h e underground pa ssa ges. Befor e lon g, Tr a p cou ld n ot r ecogn ize a single street. "I don 't r em em ber t h is st r eet . I wou ld. It 's in t er est in g. Where are you taking us?" the kender asked. "This way. Good trash this way," Grod said without pausing. "You 'r e n ot r u m m a gin g t h r ou gh a n y t r a sh du m ps," H a lm a r a in t old h im . "Ta ke u s ba ck t o t h e pa ssa ges. Ta ke u s straight there." Th eir pa t h t ook t h em t h r ou gh t h e dwa r ven sect ion of t h e cit y, a n d a s t h ey r ou n ded a cor n er Tr a p bu m ped in t o a dwarf. "E xcu se m e," h e sa id polit ely. H e wa s a lwa ys r ea dy t o a dm it any small, accidental faux pas. Th e dwa r f gla n ced a t t h e ken der , looked a ga in a n d st opped dea d, blockin g h is pa t h . "You wer e wit h t h a t ot h er t h ief!" h e shouted at Trap. Recogn izin g t h e jeweler wh o h a d a ccu sed Ripple of st ea lin g, Trap's anger flared. "That's a lie, she's no thief!"

Lacking any other weapon, Trap swung his heavy sack full of a r m or a n d wea pon s. Th e ba g ca u gh t t h e dwa r f on t h e ch in . Dwa r ves wer e dou gh t y figh t er s a n d h a r d t o over com e, bu t bein g h it wit h a sa ck of a r m or a n d wea pon s kn ocked t h e jeweler senseless. "Dr a g h im fa r t h er ba ck a r ou n d t h e cor n er ," H a lm a r a in ordered Grod, looking anxiously toward the street. "Here! Stand here and block the alley. We don't want anyone t o see Gr od dr a ggin g h im a wa y," t h e ken der sa id. "Let 's pu t our bags down and lean over them." "We'll look a s if we'r e r edist r ibu t in g t h e loa ds in t h e sa cks." Halmarain agreed with the kender's idea. Th ey spr ea d t h em selves a s well a s t h ey cou ld t o sh ield t h e gully dwarf's activities. "That's all I need, kender thieves," Halmarain grumbled. "St op t h a t . Ripple didn 't st ea l," Tr a p sn a pped. H e h a d a lr ea dy t old t h e t a le of t h e jeweler 's t ilt in g displa y a n d Ripple's attempt to return the jewelry to the dwarf. "Wh a t 's keepin g Gr od?" H a lm a r a in com pla in ed wh en sh e t ir ed of pokin g in t h e bu n dles. Th e gu lly dwa r f h a d been ou t of sight for several minutes. "Here he comes," Trap said as he stood upright and stretched t o ea se h is m u scles. H e wa s a lso t ir ed of ben din g over t h e sa cks. Befor e lon g t h ey r ea ch ed t h e under-gr ou n d ca ver n s a ga in . Ripple, Um pt h , a n d Beglu g wa it ed in t h e wiza r d's wor k r oom . Th e you n g fien d wa s cu r led u p in t h e cor n er ,

a sleep. Most of t h e debr is in t h e r oom h a d disa ppea r ed a n d Beglug belched between snores. "By a ll t h e gods of Kr yn n ," H a lm a r a in fu m ed a s sh e gla r ed a t t h e sleepin g m er ch est i. "We for got t h e on e t h in g we m u st have to disguise Beglug." "H im n eed bea r d," Gr od sa id, r ea ch in g in side h is t u n ic. H e pu lled ou t a m a ss of bla ck h a ir , st r ea ked wit h gr a y. As t h e gu lly dwa r f spr ea d it ou t on t h e t a ble, Tr a p r ecogn ized it . It was the magnificent beard of the dwarf jeweler. "You cut it off?" Trap could hardly believe it. "Wow. That was smart." He wished he had thought of it. "Dwa r f gr ow m or e," Gr od sa id wit h a la ck of con cer n t h a t was pure gully dwarf. "Beglu g n ot gr ow bea r d," Um pt h sa id, st r okin g h is own da r k facial hair as he nodded approval of his brother's idea. "I ju st h ope we don 't r u n in t o t h a t dwa r f a ga in ," H a lm a r a in said as she sorted their purchases. "It 's fr om t h e dwa r f t h a t ca lled m e a t h ief?" Ripple wa s deligh t ed wit h t h e bea r d. "Bu t h e won 't kn ow u s a ga in ." Sh e wa s fu ll of pla n s for a differ en t kin d of h a t a n d h a d wa sh ed their travel clothing so they would not be recognized. "Bu t on t h e r oa d, you 'll bot h be ken der , for ever yon e t o see," H a lm a r a in sa id a s if sh e h a d r ea d Tr a p's t h ou gh t s. "No on e will bot h er u s, t h ey'll be t oo a fr a id of get t in g t h eir pocket s picked. An d spea kin g of pocket s a n d pu r ses, wh er e's m in e?" she held out her hand to Trap.

"You t old m e t o keep it for you ," h e r em in ded h er a s h e h a n ded it over . Sh e h eft ed it a n d gla r ed a t t h e ken der . "It 's h ea vier t h a n wh en we left ," sh e sa id. "Did you pa y for anything?" "I pa id for ever yt h in g! You sa w m e!" Tr a p object ed. "Th e purse filled up every time I took out a handful of steel pieces. I thought it must be magic." Halmarain stared at the small leather bag. "Maybe it is," she sa id slowly. "It 's Or a n der 's. I didn 't kn ow t h er e wa s a spell for making steel pieces, but Orander was-is one of the best of ou r or der ." Sh e h a n ded it ba ck t o Tr a p. "Keep it for n ow. Before I can blink twice, you'll have it back again." Wh ile Ripple a n d H a lm a r a in wor ked on Beglu g's bea r d, t h e t wo gu lly dwa r ves h elped Tr a p dr ess t h e you n g fien d. H e h a d been bor n t o a h ot pla n e h e h a d spen t m u ch of h is t im e sh iver in g wh en h e wa s a wa y fr om t h e h ea r t h so h e liked t h e wa r m t h h is clot h in g pr ovided. H e liked h is h a u ber k t oo, a n d was attempting to take a bite out of it when Trap slapped his hand. "No, Beglug." "No Beglu g," t h e you n g fien d sa id, sm oot h in g t h e in t r ica t e st eel lin ks. On e pr oblem solved, t h ey soon discover ed t h ey h a d a n ot h er . H ow wer e t h ey goin g t o keep t h e fien d's sm a ll, hoofed feet in the dwarf boots? "Could nail board on hooves," Umpth suggested. "Cou ld n a il boot s on h ooves." Gr od wa s for cu t t in g ou t t h e extra work.

"We won 't n a il a n yt h in g," Tr a p a n n ou n ced, bu t h is eyes lit up. "It might be worth trying just to see his reaction-what do you think he'd do if we-" "I don 't t h in k so," H a lm a r a in r eplied qu ickly. "We wa n t it t o trust us enough to stay with us ...." "Ma ybe h e'd like you a lot bet t er if you 'd st op ca llin g h im 'it ,' " Ripple snapped. H a lm a r a in gla r ed a n d t h e ken der gir l, t h en sh r u gged a n d sighed. "We wa n t it -h im t o t r u st u s u n t il we ca n get h im ba ck t o h is world again. That's the only hope I have of finding Orander." Th ey spen t a lon g a ft er n oon seekin g a sa t isfa ct or y m et h od of fit t in g dwa r f boot s t o Beglu g. H e seem t o en joy t h e a t t en t ion and was fascinated by the footwear. He lost interest when he learned the boots were "No, Beglug" too. When the gully dwarves and Trap had taught Beglug to walk in h is n ew foot wea r , H a lm a r a in a ppr oa ch ed wit h a ja r a n d h a n ded it t o Tr a p. H e seem ed t o be t h e m ost a ccept a ble t o the young merchesti. "Rub this on his face and hands," the wizard said. Tr a p cover ed t h e m er ch est i's fa ce wit h a flesh color ed pa st e a n d t h en a t t a ch ed t h e bea r d a n d m u st a ch e t h e fem a les h a d made. When Beglug was wearing his helmet, they decided he would pass as the ugliest dwarf on Krynn. As if h e kn ew som et h in g in t er est in g wa s a foot , Beglu g beca m e cu r iou s a bou t t h e pr epa r a t ion s, so cu r iou s h e

a ppr oa ch ed H a lm a r a in sever a l t im es. H e h a d st a yed well a wa y fr om t h e lit t le wiza r d, bu t a ppa r en t ly h e wa s beginning to lose his fear of her. Sin ce ever yon e wa s r ea dy t h ey sh ou lder ed t h eir pa cks, picked u p t h eir wea pon s, a n d H a lm a r a in ext in gu ish ed t h e torches as they left the caverns. She stopped by the scullery and spoke a word of command as sh e wa ved h er st a ff a r ou n d t h e r oom . Th e pot s, t r en ch er s and tabletops were instantly clean, the floor swept itself, and the stools flung themselves back into their places. On t h eir wa y t h r ou gh Lyt bu r g t h ey bou gh t food for t h eir jou r n ey. Wh en t h ey left t h e sh ops, ever y pa ck bu lged wit h su pplies. Th ey ca r r ied bedr olls a n d gr ou n d sh eet s st r a pped t o t h e t op of t h eir ba ckpa cks a n d r ea ch ed t h e cit y ga t e in t im e t o m in gle wit h t h e loca l fa r m er s a n d r esiden t s of t h e su r r ou n din g cou n t r yside wh o wou ld be lea vin g t h e cit y, trying to reach home before dark. Tr ou ble developed wh en t h ey r ea ch ed t h e ea st ga t e. A gr ou p of fa r m er s wer e a r gu in g wit h on e of t h e gu a r ds a n d t h e disa gr eem en t digr essed in t o a pu sh in g a n d sh ovin g m a t ch before an officer arrived. He ordered the guards back to their posts and told the farmers to get on their way. Th e en t ir e ga t e wa s blocked by t h e fr a ca s, a n d a qu eu e h a d developed, wa it in g t o lea ve t h e cit y. Th e officer wa t ch ed t h e exit in g flow for a few m in u t es. Ripple kept a close eye on Umpth and Grod. The Aghar were hard pressed to keep their wa gon wh eel r ollin g in t h e pr ess, bu t a ll t h r ee pa ssed through the gate while the officer watched the crowd and the guards.

Wh en t h eir su per ior left , t h e soldier s ch ose t o t a ke ou t t h eir ba d t em per on wh a t t h ey t ook for t wo dwa r ves, on e t oo young for a beard. Trap, just to the side, went unnoticed. "Wh o a r e you a n d wh a t bu sin ess did you h a ve in Lyt bu r g?" one of the guards demanded of Beglug. "J u st dwa r ves seekin g t o bu y pr eciou s st on es," H a lm a r a in a n swer ed for h im , bu t t h e gu a r d wa s n ot sa t isfied. Wh en t h e lit t le fien d didn 't a n swer , t h e gu a r d sh oved t h e poin t of h is spear at Beglug's face. Beglu g lea n ed for wa r d, bit t h e st eel spea r h ea d off t h e sh a ft , and noisily chewed. Chapter 9 Th e gu a r d st a r ed a t h is r u in ed spea r . Tr a p a lso goggled a t t h e splin t er ed en d of t h e wooden sh a ft a n d a t Beglu g, wh o h a ppily ch ewed t h e m et a l poin t . Th e ken der 's sen se of survival kicked in quicker than the guard's outrage. Tr a p gr a bbed t h e lit t le m er ch est i's a r m a n d pu lled h im for wa r d in t o t h e su r ge of h u m a n s pu sh in g t h r ou gh t h e ga t e. Beh in d h im , t h e ken der h ea r d t h e gu a r d ba wlin g t o h is com pa n ion s. Tr a p, H a lm a r a in , a n d Beglu g m elt ed in t o t h e crowd that crossed the bridge. "I h ope we don 't h a ve t oo m u ch of t h a t ," H a lm a r a in sa id between gasping breaths as she trotted after the kender. "Gosh , did you see? H e bit t h e spea r in t wo." Tr a p sa id, skippin g a lon g t o keep pa ce wit h t h e t a ller h u m a n s t h a t su r r ou n ded t h em . "Tr a velin g wit h Beglu g will be r ea lly

in t er est in g. I wish we cou ld h a ve st a yed t o h ea r t h e gu a r d explain what happened to his spear." "I don 't ," t h e lit t le m a ge r eplied. "Let 's get ou r selves lost fast," Th ey slowed t h eir pa ce wh en t h e cr owd t h in n ed ou t on t h e ot h er side of t h e br idge. Tr a p pu sh ed H a lm a r a in a n d Beglu g in t o a lin e of fa r m er 's ca r t s. Th ey wa lked ca r efu lly a t t h e r ea r of a n a pple ca r t , t r yin g h a r d t o st a y ou t fr om u n der t h e hooves of the mules that followed. "You 'r e goin g t o get u s t r a m pled," H a lm a r a in sa id, du ckin g h er h ea d a s t h e r igh t lea d m u le n u dged t h e t op of h er dwarven helmet. "You sa id you didn 't wa n t t h e gu a r ds a t t h e ga t e t o ca t ch sigh t of u s," Tr a p sa id. "Besides, m u les a r e fr ien dly." H e r ea ch ed in h is pou ch a n d pu lled ou t a n a pple t h a t h a d som eh ow fa llen in t o it wh ile t h ey wer e sh oppin g. H e fed it t o t h e left lea der , wh ich ca u sed it 's t ea m m a t e t o n u dge m or e urgently at the little wizard, nearly knocking her off her feet. Th e m er ch est i a llowed h im self t o be bu st led a lon g wit h ou t com pla in t . H e wa s st ill h a ppily ch ewin g on t h e spea r poin t , which had been a large one. "You kn ow, Beglu g's digest ive syst em m u st be a la va pit ," Trap sa id. "H e ea t s t h e st r a n gest t h in gs. We sh ou ld t r y h im on rocks." "H e's n igh t m a r ish ," t h e sm a ll wiza r d sn a pped. "An d by a ll the gods, look at his boots. The left had turned side-ways, toe out, and the right was completely backward.

"Ma ybe n o on e will n ot ice," t h e ken der sa id h opefu lly. By skipping and kicking at Beglug's boots as the fiend raised his feet , Tr a p t u r n ed t h e t oes for wa r d a ga in . H a lf a m ile fu r t h er on , t h ey fou n d Ripple a n d t h e gu lly dwa r ves. Gr od sa t on a r ock wh ile Ripple a t t em pt ed t o kn ock m u d off t h e ba ck of Um pt h 's h a u ber k wit h a h a n dfu l of br a n ch es. Sh e looked a s if sh e wer e bea t in g h im , bu t by h is expr ession , Um pt h wa s unconcerned with the switches. "He got tired and sat down in a mud puddle," she explained. "We won 't go m u ch fu r t h er on t h e r oa d," H a lm a r a in sa id, u sin g t h e m a gic in h er st a ff t o clea n t h e gu lly dwa r f's clot h in g. "If we st a y sou t h of t h ose m ou n t a in s, we'll be a ble to cross the foothills." Th eir dest in a t ion wa s P a la n t h u s, on e h u n dr ed a n d seven t yfive m iles t o t h e n or t h , a ccor din g t o on e of Tr a p's m a ps. A n ew m a p h a d m yst er iou sly a ppea r ed a m on g h is belon gin gs after their last shopping trip. The kender had left the decisions on the route to the wizard's a ppr en t ice, sin ce t h ey h a d n o pr efer en ce a s t o dir ect ion . Th e gu lly dwa r ves h a d n o object ion s t o t r a velin g a n ywh er e if there was plenty of food. H a lm a r a in led t h e wa y ea st a lon g t h e r oa d for a n ot h er h a lf m ile, wh er e t h r ee la r ge ba r n s, ea ch wit h a big cor r a l, st ood ju st off t h e r oa d. A fa ded sign a n n ou n ced: Glom er 's H or sesBought, Sold, and Boarded. "I don 't in t en d t o wa lk a ll t h e wa y t o P a la n t h u s, especia lly sin ce we h a ve Or a n der 's m a gic pu r se," t h e lit t le wiza r d a n n ou n ced a s sh e led t h e wa y in t o t h e ya r d. "An d keep t h ose gully dwarves from sitting in the dirt," she hissed at Ripple.

Tr a p cou ld h a ve spen t t h e r est of t h e da y lookin g a t t h e a n im a ls, bu t H a lm a r a in ch ose seven pon ies in qu ick su ccession . Sh e pa id for t h e a n im a ls a n d six sa ddles a n d a pa ck fr a m e wit h ver y lit t le h a gglin g. In a sh or t t im e t h ey were leading their mounts east along the road. "You pa id t oo m u ch ," Tr a p t old H a lm a r a in . "Not t h a t it m a t t er s. We'd bet t er fin d som et h in g else t o bu y. Th e pu r se has already filled up again." "I kn ow I pa id t oo m u ch ," t h e lit t le wiza r d sa id. "I wa n t ed t o lea ve befor e t h a t .. . befor e Beglu g a t e t h e bla cksm it h 's a n vil or the gully dwarves sat down in a pile of manure. Either one would cause more talk than we can afford." "Who would talk about us?" Trap wanted to know. "I don 't kn ow ... n o on e ... ever yon e ... look, h u m or m e. I ju st have a bad feeling, as if we're not safe." "Does it com e fr om you r m a gic?" t h e ken der a sked, su dden ly interested. H a lm a r a in looked a t h im wit h r a ised eyebr ows. "You kn ow, it cou ld," sh e a dm it t ed. "I wa s t r yin g t o lea r n a m a gic sensing spell before you . . . before Orander went through the por t a l. I didn 't br in g t h a t book. If I h a d, I'd st u dy t h a t spell. No, I think I'm worried about making this trip." "Is t h a t wh y we'r e goin g ea st in st ea d of west , like you sa id we would?" Ripple asked. Halmarain st a r ed a t t h e ken der for a m om en t . Sh e n odded, sigh ed, a n d sh ook h er h ea d. "I t old you I cou ld n ot m a ke t h e journey alone. Which way is west?"

Th ey con t in u ed ea st , lea din g t h e pon ies u n t il t h ey r ea ch ed a sm a ll wooded a r ea a n d t u r n ed off. Wh en t h ey wer e ou t of sigh t of a n y pa ssin g t r a veler s, t h ey t et h er ed t h e a n im a ls t o t h e t r ees a n d t ied t h eir bu n dles on t h e pa ck pon y. As H a lm a r a in h a d wa r n ed t h em , sh e cou ld n ot r ea ch h igh en ou gh t o t ie t h e bu n dles. Sh e t r ied sever a l t im es befor e sh e gave up in disgust and left the job to the kender. "The fun begins when we try to get that... get Beglug into the sa ddle," H a lm a r a in sa id, st a r in g a t t h e lit t le fien d. Th e gu lly dwa r ves h a d t o lift h im in t o t h e sa ddle, bu t Ripple h a d t h e h a ppy t h ou gh t of t a kin g a st ick of fire-wood fr om t h e h or se ch a n dler 's wood pile. Soot h ed wit h a lit t le sn a ck, t h e merchesti was happy enough. Th ey soon discover ed t h e gu lly dwa r ves pr esen t ed a m or e difficult problem, mainly because the Aghar mixed their lefts a n d r igh t s. Told t o st a n d on t h e left sides of t h e pon ies a n d pu t t h eir left feet in t h e st ir r u ps, Um pt h t ook a posit ion on t h e r igh t a n d u sed h is left foot . Gr od, t r yin g t o follow h is leader's example by mirroring his actions, stood on the left of h is m ou n t , bu t h e u sed h is r igh t foot . Bot h en ded u p mounted backward. "P on y goin g wr on g wa y," Um pt h a n n ou n ced, fr own in g u n t il his grime-filled wrinkles scrunched together. "Wiza r d get wr on g en d pon ies," Gr od obser ved a s h e t wist ed t o look over h is sh ou lder . Th e pon y t u r n ed it s h ea d t o look back at him. "Get down . Tr y it a ga in ," Tr a p sa id. Th e ken der la u gh ed. Th e t in y wiza r d sh ook h er h ea d a n d pr edict ed dir e r esu lt s before they reached their destination.

Gr od im m edia t ely t r ied t o t h r ow h is r igh t leg over t h e r u m p of t h e pon y; h is boot t a n gled in t h e st ir r u p a n d h e fell fr om t h e sa ddle. H is a r m s a n d sh ou lder s t ou ch ed t h e gr ou n d a n d h is blon d bea r d swept t h e h a r d pa cked dir t . H is r igh t boot wa s st ill ca u gh t in t h e st ir r u p t h a t wa s looped over t h e saddle. Tr a p da sh ed a r ou n d t h e fr igh t en ed pon y. H e ext r ica t ed t h e dwa r f by pu llin g h is foot ou t of h is boot , wh ile Ripple ca lm ed Grod's mount. "We h a ven 't seen m u ch of a cit y, bu t we st ill h a ve som e t a les t o t ell," sh e la u gh ed a s sh e wa it ed for t h e gu lly dwa r f t o m ou n t a ga in . A fr u st r a t in g t en m in u t es la t er t h ey h a d bot h gu lly dwa r ves pr oper ly m ou n t ed. Th en t h ey discover ed t h e gu lly dwa r ves h a d n o con cept of t h e r ein s or h ow t o u se them. Th e ken der fa sh ion ed lon g lea d lin es so Tr a p cou ld lea d Beglu g's m ou n t a n d t h e pa ck a n im a l wh ile Ripple led t h e two gully dwarves' ponies. "Ar e we r ea dy n ow?" sa id H a lm a r a in , wh o h a d m u m -bled a n d gr u m bled a n d t r a m ped r est lessly a r ou n d u n der t h e trees. She glared at Ripple. "H ow r oll wh eel?" Um pt h dem a n ded, h is da r k wr in kles twisting again. "You 'll ju st h a ve t o lea ve it ," t h e wiza r d sa id a s Tr a p h elped her mount her pony. "No lea ve wh eel," Gr od sa id, t a kin g bot h feet ou t of t h e stirrups, ready to slide out of the saddle.

"No! Don 't do t h a t ," Tr a p object ed. H e fr own ed a t t h e la r ge wa gon wh eel sit t in g by t h e t r ee. "H er e's wh a t you do," h e sa id, sh or t en in g t h e lea d on Gr od's pon y so t h e t wo gu lly dwa r ves r ode side by side. H e r olled t h e wh eel bet ween them. "Roll it together; with one of you on each side of it, you ought to keep it going." "Ken der sm a r t ," Um pt h sa id a s h e sa t wit h h is left h a n d on the pommel and his right on the wheel. "Little wizard no smart as kender," Grod added. "She fuss all time," Umpth added. "No like Aghar magic." "You don 't h a ve a n y m a gic," H a lm a r a in r et or t ed, h er eyes blazing. "She no learn, too," Grod nodded at his brother. "Little wizard, little smarts," Umpth suggested. "Little smarts, little magic," Grod added. "If we don 't get m ovin g, I'm goin g t o kill t wo gu lly dwa r ves," t h e wiza r d m u t t er ed. Sh e wh ipped u p h er pon y a n d led t h e way through the forest. Tr a p h a d expect ed a ll sor t s of t r ou ble wit h t h e wh eel, bu t h e wa s su r pr ised by t h e ou t com e. Um pt h , r idin g t o t h e left of h is br ot h er , kept h is left h a n d on t h e pom m el of t h e sa ddle a n d u sed h is r igh t t o gu ide t h e wh eel. Gr od, h is r igh t h a n d gripping his seat, used his left to move it along.

Th e a ft er n oon wa s wa r m . Tr a p, like a ll ken der , loved r idin g. On ce h e decided t h e gu lly dwa r ves cou ld m a n a ge t h eir wheel, he turned his attention to the countryside. They stayed in the woods as they circled the city to the south a n d wer e on ly five m iles west of Lyt bu r g wh en t h e su n disa ppea r ed beh in d t h e m ou n t a in s. Th ey fou n d a deser t ed fa r m wit h t h e st on e sh ells of sever a l bu r n ed ou t bu ildin gs. E xcept for t h e few fir e st a in s t h a t t h e win d a n d r a in h a d n ot er a sed, t h e r oofless wa lls cou ld h a ve been bu ilt t h e da y befor e. Not a h u n dr ed ya r ds fr om t h e h ou se, a spr in g r ose ou t of t h e gr ou n d a n d t h e wa t er m ea n der ed a wa y in a sm a ll stream. At H a lm a r a in 's in sist en ce, t h ey m a de ca m p in t h e la r ge r oofless ba r n wh er e t h e pon ies wou ld be sh elt er ed. Gr a ss gr ew wit h in t h e wa lls a s well a s wit h ou t . Th ey h obbled t h e pon ies a n d left t h em t o gr a ze a t t h e fa r en d of t h e wa lled enclosure. Ripple looked a bou t . "Wh y doesn 't som eon e pu t on n ew r oofs and live here?" she asked. "Aft er t h e Ca t a clysm , a n d t h e wa r s a n d pest ilen ce t h a t followed, t h er e a r e m or e deser t ed fa r m s t h a n people t o cla im t h em ," H a lm a r a in r eplied. "Th e people wh o su r vived t h ose terrible times moved closer to the roads and the rivers." "Th en t h er e won 't be ot h er t r a veler s goin g ou r wa y," Tr a p sa id sa dly, bu t h e br igh t en ed a lm ost a t on ce. "St ill, if t h er e a r en 't a n y h u m a n s or dwa r ves, t h er e m igh t be ot h er creatures. We might see bears and mountain cats."

"H u sh , don 't m en t ion t h em ." H a lm a r a in sh iver ed a n d looked a r ou n d a ppr eh en sively. H er a dm on it ion h a d been a wh isper , entirely at odds with the clumping of her over-size boots. "Lea ve a lon e!" Um pt h su dden ly sh ou t ed, pu llin g h is wa gon wh eel a wa y fr om Beglu g. Th e m er ch est i h a d slipped it a wa y and was just opening his mouth to take a bite. "No Beglu g!" Tr a p a dm on ish ed. "La va Belly!" Tr a p sh ook h is head. "He can eat anything." "Lava Belly no eat wheel," Umpth complained. Tr a p looked a bou t , t r yin g t o fin d som et h in g t o dr a w t h e a t t en t ion of t h e m er ch est i fr om t h e wh eel. In on e cor n er of the barn he found the blade of a rusty plow. "Do you t h in k r u st will h u r t Beglu g?" Tr a p a sked H a lm a r a in , bu t Beglu g h a dn 't wa it ed for a n a n swer . H e sca m per ed over a n d pu lled t h e plow ou t of t h e ken der 's hands. "Beglu g?" h e sa id, lickin g a t t h e r u st like a ch ild su ckin g t h e sugar off a cake. "I don 't t h in k a n yt h in g bot h er s h is digest ion ," t h e wiza r d replied. "How can he eat such strange things?" Trap asked. H a lm a r a in sigh ed. "I don 't kn ow. Wh o kn ows wh a t t ype of cr ea t u r es t h e m er ch est i r ea lly a r e? I don 't t r u st h im . Ta ke ca r e of t h e lit t le m on st er wh ile I lea r n a ca lm in g spell t o keep him quiet. We're certainly going to need one."

"Ripple and I will make a stew," Halmarain announced when t h e pon ies h a d been u n sa ddled a n d a ca m pfir e st a r t ed. "Bu t t h er e will be n o din n er for t h e gu lly dwa r ves or you "-she fr own ed a t Tr a p-"u n t il t h ey've wa sh ed u p. H ow t h ey ca n get so filthy just riding a pony, I'll never understand." After their evening meal a pair of disgruntled but reasonably clea n gu lly dwa r ves sa t by t h e fir e, Um pt h st r okin g t h e wh eel a n d Gr od, wit h u n ch a r a ct er ist ic cu r iosit y for a n Aghar, looking over the wizards shoulder as if he were trying to read her spellbook. As t h e t wiligh t ga ve wa y t o n igh t , Beglu g cu r led u p on t h e gr ou n d close t o t h e fir e. Ripple t ook a flu t e fr om h er pou ch a n d pla yed a soft t u n e. H er m u sic wa s in t er r u pt ed by h er la u gh t er a s Tr a p t r ied t o t ea ch Um pt h a n d Gr od t h e wor ds t o t h e son gs. Wh en t h e gu lly dwa r ves t ir ed of lea r n in g, Gr od sat staring at Halmarain. "Wizard say do magic," he announced. "H ey, t h a t 's r igh t !" Th ey h a d n ot seen a n y illu sion s for da ys, and Trap had spent the evening hoping. "You're right! She did!" Ripple agreed, glaring at Halmarain. Th e lit t le wiza r d looked u p fr om h er book, fr own ed a t Gr od a n d sigh ed. Aft er sen din g Gr od for a h a n dfu l of lon g bla des of gr a ss, sh e spr ea d t h em ou t a n d spoke t h e wor ds of a spell. Th e bla des of gr a ss r ose, glowed wit h color , a n d t wist ed in t h e a ir , cir clin g a r ou n d a n d t h r ou gh t h e loops of ot h er blades. Th e illu sion t h a t fa scin a t ed t h e ken der a n d t h e gu lly dwarves lasted about five minutes.

"Tr a p, it 's you r t u r n ," Ripple sa id. "I pla yed t h e flu t e. Gr od and Umpth sang, now you tell a story. I know. Tell one about that Uncle Trapspringer." "Him dead," Grod said. "Make a good tale, that." Tr a p let h is m in d t r a vel ba ck t o h is sa dn ess over h is Un cle Goalong and tears trickled down his cheeks. "My poor Un cle Tr a pspr in ger ," h e bega n . "H e n ever sh ou ld have ridden that pony backward...." Wh ile Tr a p wove h is t a le, H a lm a r a in h a d pu lled a spellbook ou t of h er pa ck. Th e la r ge book wa s n ea r ly h a lf h er h eigh t a n d sh e st r u ggled t o spr ea d it ou t a cr oss h er sh or t , ou t t h r u st legs. Sh e kept h er h ea d lower ed a s if st u dyin g t h e book, bu t occa sion a lly sh e lift ed h er eyes a s Tr a p wove a n ot h er t a le of a st r a n ge a n d in t er est in g dea t h for h is imaginary uncle. Chapter 10 Ast in u s of P a la n t h u s ben t h is h ea d over h is wor k a s h e described how.... J a er u m e Ka ldr e r u bbed h is left a r m a n d wa s su r pr ised a ga in . H e wa s t wice su r pr ised. F ir st , t h a t h e cou ld feel t h e h u ge elbow, for ea r m , a n d h a n d. Secon d, t h a t wit h t h e sa m e a r m h e cou ld feel t h e t ou ch of t h e fin ger s of h is r igh t h a n d, nearly fleshless. Bot h sen sa t ion s wer e n ew. In life h e h a d lost h is left a r m just above the elbow, but h is r igh t h a n d h a d been st r on g a n d well fleshed. After the loss of his left limb he had managed to m a in t a in h is posit ion a s t h e lea der of a t r oop of m er cen a r ies,

a t t im es wit h a kn ife in t h e ba ck, t h ou gh occa sion a lly h e openly fought his opponents. H is n ew left a r m ca m e fr om a dea d goblin , t h e bon es a t t a ch ed t o h is own by Dr a a ddis Vu lt er , wh o'd r a ised h im fr om t h e dea d. Ka ldr e's a ppet it e for com m a n d, n ever sm a ll, h a d been en la r ged wh en h e h a d been br ou gh t ba ck t o life in t h e wiza r d's la bor a t or y. Th e skills of t h e wiza r d Vu lt er h a d a llowed h im t o wa lk t h e soil of Kr yn n a ga in in a sor t of h a lfa live st a t e Ka ldr e wa s n ot t oo su r e h e liked. H e did like t h e r ewa r ds t h a t wer e pr om ised h im if h e com plet ed t h e t a sk Vu lt er a n d h is goddess h a d set for h im . Ta kh isis, t h e Da r k Qu een , h a d per son a lly pr om ised h im t h a t h e wou ld lea d h er dea t h kn igh t legion s in t o ba t t le. In life h e h a d n ot been a gen er a l, a n d t h e t h ou gh t of fillin g t h a t post , even in dea t h , pleased him. Wh en h e left Dr a a ddis Vu lt er 's la ir in P ey, Ka ldr e h a d been certain he would be able to complete the task set for hint. He wou ld h a ve n o t r ou ble t a kin g t wo st on es fr om a pa ir of m iser a ble ken der t h ieves. An in fa n t fien d fr om a n ot h er pla n e wou ld n ot be t oo h a r d t o fin d, ca pt u r e, a n d deliver t o the wizard. Once away from the ruins, though, Kaldre's confidence began t o wa in . Un der or der s fr om Dr a a ddis Vu lt er , h e st ood in a la r ge ca ver n in t h e Ga r n et Mou n t a in s, st a r in g a t h is n ew t r oops, su r e h e wou ld be bet t er off wit h ou t t h em . In fr on t of h im st ood a gr ou p of fift y t r em blin g kobolds, bu n ch ed t oget h er a t t h e side of t h e ca ver n . Th eir cowa r dice a n d t h eir smell disgusted him, but he was under orders. Did t h e wiza r d a n d t h e Qu een of Da r kn ess r ea lly believe h e n eeded t h is m iser a ble scu m ? If so, t h ey h a d t oo lit t le fa it h in h is a bilit ies t o even con sider givin g h im com m a n d of a legion . Or wer e t h ey t est in g h im ? Wh en h e wa s a live, a ll h is follower s h a d been h u m a n . H e h a d n ever wor ked wit h ot h er r a ces, a n d a legion of dea t h kn igh t s, spr ea din g t er r or a cr oss

t h e fa ce of Kr yn n cou ld be m a de u p of m a n y t ypes of warriors. H e sh r u gged. If t h ey wa n t ed t o t est h is m et t le, h e wou ld n ot be found lacking. "F or m u p," Ka ldr e or der ed. "We begin ou r m a r ch t o-night." H is follower s cou ld see bet t er in t h e da r k a n d wer e wea ken ed by br igh t su n ligh t , a n d Ka ldr e h a d discover ed on e bon u s in h is n ew "life," h is own n igh t vision wa s fa r bet t er now than it was when he was alive. "We followin g," r eplied t h e kobold lea der Ma lewik. "Mu ch ly quick we following. We doing as wizard says." Th e kobold eyed Ka ldr e wit h a r esen t fu l wa r in ess, su bt ly in for m in g t h e dea t h kn igh t t h a t h is kobolds wer e cooper a t in g on ly beca u se of t h eir in st r u ct ion s fr om Dr a a ddis Vulter. Th e wiza r d h a d in sist ed t h a t Ka ldr e cou ld depen d on t h e kobolds, bu t t h a t t h ey h a d a n in st in ct ive fea r a n d h a t r ed of t h e u n dea d. Ben ea t h Ma lewik's st olen dwa r f h elm et h is eyes were speculating. "We h u n t t wo ken der ," Ka ldr e t old t h em . "Th ey wer e in Lyt bu r g wh en t h ey wer e la st seen , t h ou gh t h a t wa s n ea r ly a week ago." "Humans not liking kender, not liking kender muchly much." Ma lewik h a d im m edia t ely u n der st ood t h eir fir st a n d m a jor pr oblem , a s h is n ext st a t em en t pr oved: "Is dr ivin g ken der ou t of cit y, doin g soon or doin g befor e n ow. We fin din g kender not so easy maybe."

"Yes, a n d if t h ey'r e gon e we'll n eed t o fin d ou t wh en a n d wh er e." Ka ldr e a gr eed. "We will t r a vel west u n t il we n ea r the city. Then I will enter and find out what I can." J a er u m e Ka ldr e led h is m ot ley ba n d fr om t h e ca ver n . Th e journey began well and continued for almost two miles before t h e fir st kobold decided h e h a d t r a veled fa r en ou gh a n d attempted to disappear into the forest. Ta kh isis h a d for eseen t r ou ble wit h t h e u n disciplin ed humanoids and had ordered Draaddis to send his messengert h e win ged r a t -a lon g on t h e fir st leg of t h e jou r n ey. Th e cr ea t u r e r a ised a r a cket a n d Ka ldr e ca u gh t t h e deser t er befor e h e wa s ou t of sigh t of t h e ot h er s. On e sh or t swin g of h is swor d deca pit a t ed t h e h a pless kobold. Beh in d h im , Ka ldr e cou ld h ea r t h e fea r fu l m u t t er in g of t h e r est of h is "army." "H er e, you , t h e la st in lin e," Ka ldr e ca lled t o t h e h u ddled gr ou p. H e lea n ed sidewa ys in h is sa ddle a n d picked u p t h e deser t er 's h ea d by spea r in g it t h r ou gh t h e ea r wit h t h e t ip of his sword. "You ca r r y t h is," h e sa id, flin gin g t h e h ea d a t t h e gr ou p. "You 'll a ll t a ke t u r n s ca r r yin g it ; it will r em in d you of wh a t will happen if you desert." As h e r ode a h ea d of t h e silen t kobold colu m n h e decided h e wou ld u se t h e sa m e t a ct ic on h is r ea l legion s wh en h e t ook t h em in t o ba t t le. H e wou ld m a ke su r e h e h a d n o deserters. Th e kobolds obedien t ly followed a ll n igh t a n d m ost of t h e next day, then he left them in an abandoned barn. J a er u m e Ka ldr e r ea ch ed t h e n or t h ga t e of Lyt bu r g ju st a ft er su n set . H e dism ou n t ed fr om h is blowin g, st ea m in g h or se on t h e fa r side of t h e br idge a n d wa lked a cr oss. As h e

a ppr oa ch ed t h e ga t es h e sa w fou r gu a r ds on du t y a n d another four appeared, led by an officer. H e slowed h is pa ce a n d pu lled h is h ood down t o keep t h e ligh t of t h e t or ch es fr om sh owin g t oo m u ch of h is pa le, sku lllike face. Bu t t h e soldier s h a d n ot n ot iced h is a ppr oa ch . Th e officer a n d t h e n ew a r r iva ls ga t h er ed a r ou n d a gu a r d wh o wa s showing off a broken spear. "H e bit off t h e poin t a n d ch ewed it u p," t h e gu a r d wa s explaining. "Have you been drinking on duty?" the officer demanded. "Na y, a n d t h e ot h er s will bea r m e ou t . I wa s st oppin g a dwa r f I h a d r ea son t o qu est ion . H e ju st bit t h e en d off t h e spear and chewed up the point. I never seen the like." "Sa w it m yself, Ca pt a in ," a secon d gu a r d spoke u p. "Th a t dwa r f ju st bit off t h a t spea r h ea d a n d ch ewed it u p. H e n ever even spit out the shards." Th e officer gla r ed a t t h e t wo gu a r ds, bu t h e h a d h ea r d t h e a ppr oa ch of t h e st r a n ger a n d t u r n ed, h is expr ession h a r sh , a s if h e in t en ded t o u se Ka ldr e a s t h e t a r get for h is frustration. "It's late to approach a city, traveler," the captain called. The wor ds h a d been for m ed in a dva n ce of h is t u r n in g t o fa ce t h e m a n , bu t t h ey ca m e ou t st iffly. An a ir of deca y h u n g a bou t t h e st r a n ger like t h e st u ffin ess of a ga r m en t left t oo lon g in a n old ch est , bu t t h e a u r a of evil em a n a t ed fr om t h e figu r e and not his garments. The officer nearly choked with fear.

"I seek on ly in for m a t ion ," J a er u m e Ka ldr e sa id qu iet ly. "I h a ve t r a veled fa r a n d seek n ews. My dest in a t ion is Ga r n et , a n d I wou ld kn ow if h u m a n s a r e welcom e t h er e or if som e trouble has closed their gates." "Th ey'r e open t o h u m a n s a s fa r a s I kn ow," t h e ca pt a in sa id. Th e fea r t h a t cr ea t ed a cold, h a r d kn ot in h is st om a ch wa r n ed h im t o be m or e cou r t eou s t h a n u su a l. "Lyt bu r g does n ot ba r pea cefu l t r a veler s wh o a r r ive a ft er su n set ," h e sa id, h opin g t h e st r a n ger wou ld n ot a va il h im self of t h e a m en it ies of the city. "If t h a t is a n in vit a t ion , I t h a n k you ," Ka ldr e r eplied. "Bu t t h e m oon is br igh t a n d I ca n t r a vel m iles befor e I r est ." H e t u r n ed h is h or se a n d wa lked ba ck a cr oss t h e br idge, a wa y from the gate. Th e dea t h kn igh t h a d been ca r efu l n ot t o let h is a n ger sh ow. By t h e con ver sa t ion h e h a d over h ea r d, h e kn ew h is qu a r r y wa s n o lon ger in Lyt bu r g. On ly t h e m er ch est i cou ld h a ve chewed up a spear point. If the little fiend left, disguised as a dwa r f... t h e ken der h a d disgu ised it a n d h elped it t o lea ve the city. H e wa lked ca su a lly u n t il h e wa s well a wa y fr om t h e br idge, t h en m ou n t ed h is h or se, spu r r in g it ea st . Not fa r a wa y, in a group of abandoned farm buildings, the kobolds waited. Chapter 11 My Uncle Trapspringer loved to travel.... Sh or t ly a ft er da wn Tr a p a n d Ripple sa ddled t h e pon ies, loa ded t h e pa ck a n im a l, a n d wer e on t h eir wa y a ga in . Th e few trees west of the abandoned farm gave way to more open

cou n t r y. Th e su n wa s st ill low in t h e m or n in g sky wh en t h ey reached what, on Trap's map, was a line of hills. Wh en t h ey left t h e fields beh in d t h ey discover ed t h a t "h ills" did n ot qu it e descr ibe t h e t er r a in t h ey fa ced. In som e dist a n t pa st it m igh t h a ve been a pla t ea u st r et ch in g sou t h fr om t h e m ou n t a in s. Ru n -off fr om t h e h eigh t s t o t h e n or t h h a d du g gu llies t h a t h a d, t h r ou gh t h e yea r s, becom e a r r oyos a n d sm a ll ca n yon s, lea vin g t h e u pper su r fa ce a ser ies of sm a ll mesas with steep sides, many of sheer rock. Where there was soil, range grass and small bushes softened the landscape. Th eir pa t h wa s lim it ed t o t h e a r r oyos t h a t wer e bet ween eigh t a n d t wen t y feet deep. Oft en , wh en t h e pa sses wer e t oo n a r r ow for t wo t o r ide a br ea st , Tr a p led t h e wa y. Wh en possible h e ch ose a pa t h lea din g west . Th e dr y wa t er cou r ses t wist ed a bou t a n d t h ey fou n d t h em selves t r a velin g n or t h , sou t h a n d even ea st a ga in . H a lm a r a in , Ripple, a n d even t h e gu lly dwa r ves m a de su ggest ion s t o cor r ect t h eir cou r se. Th eir ch oices wer e n o bet t er t h a n Tr a p's. Aft er h ou r s of t r yin g t o fin d t h eir wa y ou t of t h e m a ze, Tr a p br ou gh t t h e group to a halt. "Gosh ! Wh er e a r e we? Wh a t sor t of pla ce is t h is?" Ripple a sked wh en sh e, H a lm a r a in , a n d Tr a p dism ou n t ed for a conference. "I'd sa y it wa s left over fr om som e sor t of n a t u r a l u ph ea va l," H a lm a r a in sa id. "Ru n off fr om t h e m ou n t a in st or m s, bu t ju dgin g by t h e veget a t ion , I'd gu ess t h ey'r e n o lon ger st r ea m beds." "It 's st r a n ge. It 's in t er est in g. I t h in k it wa s m a de by wa t er t h a t cou ldn 't m a ke u p it s m in d wh er e it wa s goin g," Tr a p sa id, lookin g fir st t o t h e n or t h a n d t h en sou t h . "Th ese old gu llies seem t o r u n in a ll dir ect ion s a n d I bet t h ey go on for ever , so it wou ld be a won der fu l pla ce for h ide-and-fin d, if

we h a d a n yon e in t er est ed in pla yin g." H e eyed t h e wiza r d hopefully. "We m a y be pla yin g t h a t ga m e wit h ou t m ea n in g t o," Halmarain said. "We could stay lost in here for days." "Do you think so? That sounds like fun," Trap said. At the wizard's urging he dismounted and climbed up a steep bu t n egot ia ble slope. F r om h is va n t a ge poin t h e cou ld see m or e a r r oyos t o t h e n or t h , sou t h , a n d west , a ll r u n n in g in t o ea ch ot h er . To t h e ea st wa s t h e pla in t h ey h a d cr ossed. A gr ou p of t r a veler s wa s a ppr oa ch in g t h e m a ze by a wa sh ou t h a lf a m ile t o t h e n or t h . On e, h ea vily cloa ked-wh ich seem ed st r a n ge in t h e wa r m t h of t h e da y-r ode a h or se. Th e ot h er s wa lked beh in d h im a n d in t h e dist a n ce t h ey seem ed sm a ll in comparison to the rider. Tr a p clim bed down , in t en din g t o t ell H a lm a r a in h e t h ou gh t they should turn north at the first opportunity and follow the ot h er gr ou p of t r a veler s. On t h e wa y down , h e ch a n ged h is m in d. Th e sm a ll h u m a n wiza r d sa w da n ger ever ywh er e, a n d sh e wou ld cer t a in ly object . H e wou ld r elieve h er of h er fea r by not telling her about the travelers. "Did you find a way out?" Halmarain asked. "Of course. I know how to get us through," he said, not really lying. "Th en you lea d u s ou t of h er e," sh e sa id, t a kin g t h e lea ds for t h e t wo gu lly dwa r f m ou n t s. Beca u se of t h e n a r r ow t r a il, Umpth was carrying the wagon wheel, much to the irritation of his pony.

Tr a p led t h e pa r t y n or t h a t ever y oppor t u n it y a n d wit h in a n h ou r h e fou n d t h e t r a il of t h e ot h er gr ou p of t r a veler s. Th eir t r a il t wist ed a bou t t oo, bu t h e followed a lon g, con fiden t t h ey would sooner or later work their way out of the maze. H e wa s ju st r ou n din g a t u r n in t h e pa t h wh en h e st opped. F u r t h er u p t h e t r a il, h e sa w sever a l kobolds wa lkin g in a lin e. Th eir ba cks wer e t o t h e ken der a n d t h e la st wa s ju st disappearing when Halmarain rode abreast of Trap. "What is it ?" sh e a sked, h er t in y voice pit ch ed even h igh er because of her worry. "Kobolds," h e t old h er . "Ma ybe t h ey kn ow a sh or t er pa t h . I cou ld a sk t h em ... I sh ou ld h a ve t h ou gh t of it befor e t h e la st one disappeared." "Cer t a in ly n ot . Th ey'd give you dir ect ion s, get a h ea d of u s, a n d set a n a m bu sh . Th ey'd wa n t ou r m ou n t s a n d su pplies," she warned. "How many did you see?" "At lea st t en ," Tr a p r eplied. "I cou ldn 't t ell h ow m a n y h a d pa ssed befor e I sa w t h em , bu t t h ey seem ed t o kn ow wh er e they were going, and if we want to find our way out-" "Ten is t oo m a n y for u s t o figh t ," H a lm a r a in m u r m u r ed a s if to herself. "But if we were nice to them-" "No, leave them alone," Halmarain ordered. Befor e Tr a p cou ld object h e h ea r d t h e clu m p of h ea vily boot ed feet , t h e r a t t le of equ ipm en t , a n d t h e sn a r lin g complaints of goblins before he saw them. They were heading

n or t h west , u sin g a n a r r oyo t h a t r a n pa r a llel t o t h e on e in which the kender and their group hid. "Goblin s on on e side, kobolds on t h e ot h er ," H a lm a r a in sa id. "What do we do now?" "F or a lin e of deser t ed h ills, t h is pla ce cer t a in ly is bu sy," Tr a p sa id t o h im self h a lf a n h ou r la t er . H e h a d r ou n ded a cu r ve in a gu lly a n d sa w t h e r et r ea t in g ba ck of a goblin . F or get t in g t h e wiza r d's wa r n in g, h e st epped ou t , sh ou t in g t o catch the last goblin's attention. "H ello!" h e ca lled a s t h e la st in t h e lin e of h u m a n oids stopped and turned to stare at him. "I'm lost. Can you tell me how to get out of this maze?" Th e goblin s st opped t o con fer , a n d h e decided t h ey wer e wor kin g ou t t h e best dir ect ion s t h ey cou ld. Th en , fr om a n in t er sect in g pa ssa ge ju st beyon d t h e goblin s, ca m e a n ot h er sh ou t a n d t h e kobolds r u sh ed in t o sigh t a ga in . Th ey ch a r ged in Trap's direction. Th e ken der wa ved a n d sm iled. Th ey wa n t ed t o be h elpfu l too, he decided. So much for the little wizard's fears. Th e goblin s spot t ed t h e kobolds a n d t wo of t h e goblin s t h r ew spears. One kobold fell and the others attacked the goblins. "Wh a t h a ve you don e?" H a lm a r a in r ode u p a n d st a r ed a t t h e ba t t le. It wa s in cr ea sin g in size a s m or e goblin s a n d kobolds charged out of the narrow gorges. "I ju st a sked a qu est ion ," Tr a p sa id, disa ppoin t ed t h a t sh e didn 't seem t o u n der st a n d. "An d you 'r e wr on g, t h ey'r e so

fr ien dly a n d wa n t t o h elp so m u ch t h a t t h ey'r e figh t in g over who will give us directions." "I'll decide wh er e we go," H a lm a r a in gla r ed a t h im a n d t u r n ed h er pon y a r ou n d, t r ot t in g ba ck t h e wa y t h ey h a d com e. At t h e fir st in t er sect ion sh e t ook a west er ly pa t h t h a t turned south in less than a hundred yards. Tr a p va u lt ed in t o t h e sa ddle a n d r a ced t o ca t ch u p wit h t h e lit t le wiza r d. It wa s on ly lu ck t h a t t h eir n ext t u r n t ook t h em in t o a n a r r oyo t h a t defin it ely sloped down a n d t o t h e west . J u dgin g by t h e sou n ds in t h e dist a n ce, t h e goblin s a n d t h e kobolds wou ld be t oo bu sy wit h ea ch ot h er t o ch a se t h em . Wh en t h e sou n ds of ba t t le fa ded, Tr a p r edu ced t h e pon y's pa ce t o a t r ot . Aft er a n h ou r of t r a vel t h ey left t h e la st of t h e maze behind. Accor din g t o t h e m a p, t h e low lin e of h ills t h a t wer e a n extension of the Vingaard Mountains, were no more than ten m iles wide. It sh ou ldn 't h a ve t a ken t h em m or e t h a n six h ou r s t o cr oss t h e h ills if t h ey m oved in a st r a igh t lin e. Th ey h a d en t er ed t h e m a ze ea r ly t h a t m or n in g, a n d t h e su n wa s ju st t ou ch in g t h e h or izon wh en t h ey fin a lly ca m e in sigh t of the plain to the west. Th ey con t in u ed u n t il t h ey fou n d a n a t u r a l swa le wh er e t h e gr a ss wa s t a ll a n d t h ick. Th ey m a de ca m p in t h e sem idarkness, hobbling the ponies so they could graze. Since they la cked fir ewood, a n d cou ld ba r ely fin d en ou gh t h ick lim bed brush to satisfy Beglug's appetite, they made a cold camp. "Pony tired," Grod said the next morning. "Me tired." "We ca n 't st a y h er e," H a lm a r a in sa id, lookin g a r ou n d a t t h e em pt y cou n t r yside. "Th ose kobolds a n d goblin s m a y fin d ou r trail and we already know they outnumber us."

"By t h e sou n ds, t h ey wer e h a vin g a gr ea t figh t ," Tr a p sa id wist fu lly. "Th ey m a y h a ve killed ea ch ot h er off, bu t m a ybe t h ey didn 't a n d t h ey'll st a r t figh t in g a ga in . I'd be gla d t o go back and see." "Yes! Th a t 's a good idea . I ca n go wit h you ," Ripple sa id eagerly. "Wit h ou r lu ck, t h ey m a y h a ve join ed for ces," t h e lit t le wizard griped. "Look bad things, find bad things," Umpth told his brother as he shoved the last of his travel bread into his mouth. "Th in k ba d, fin d ba d," Gr od a gr eed. "Wiza r d t h in k u p bi-i-ig mess." "I'll h a ve n o m or e gu lly dwa r f ph ilosoph y," t h e lit t le wiza r d snapped. "I will," Ripple's voice gr a t ed wit h t h a t pa r t icu la r h a r sh n ess of ken der a n ger . "If you ca n br in g t r ou ble on by t h in kin g a bou t it , t h en you ca n br in g for t u n e on by t h in kin g good thoughts." "Ken der opt im ism ," foolishness."

H a lm a r a in

sn a pped.

"Ken der

"Yes, ken der opt im ism !" Tr a p sa id, won der in g exa ct ly wh a t opt im ism m ea n t . It sou n ded good, so h e decided h e m u st have some, since he agreed with his sister.

H a lm a r a in gla r ed a t t h e ken der a n d silen t ly followed Ripple t owa r d t h e pon y ca r r yin g pa cks a n d bedr olls. Th e t in y wiza r d r a ised h er bedr oll t o t h e pa ck fr a m e, bu t sh e wa s t oo sh or t t o h old it in posit ion a n d t ie it . Aft er t h r ee t r ies sh e slammed t h e r oll t o t h e gr ou n d a n d m a r ch ed off t o st a n d staring out into the distance. Trap and Ripple had loaded the pa ck a n im a l a n d sa ddled t h e pon ies wh en t h e lit t le wiza r d returned. "P er h a ps you 'r e r igh t ," sh e sa id r elu ct a n t ly. "Ma ybe I do worry overmuch, but Orander is in that awful place, we have t h a t ... we h a ve Beglu g t o wor r y a bou t a n d a ll t h e da n ger s between here and Palanthus." She glanced at Ripple who did n ot seem ed swa yed by h er expla n a t ion . "I'll decide t h a t we'r e for t u n a t e, t h a t we'll be sa fe, a n d t h a t we won 't fa ce a n y dangers. Will that satisfy you?" "Gr ea t ! An d you 'll feel bet t er t oo," Tr a p sa id. E ven if h er good t h ou gh t s didn 't r ea lly h elp, sh e m igh t be h a ppier a n d more fun on the journey. "If we ca n ju st or der u p ou r good for t u n e, we sh ou ld fin d a pea cefu l villa ge wit h a n in n befor e t h e da y's jou r n ey is over ," Halmarain said. "And a good wood pile to keep that... to keep Beglug from eating the furniture." Beglu g seem ed t o like r idin g t h ou gh h e wa s u n a ble t o m ou n t wit h ou t h elp. Tr a p picked u p a few dr ied st icks a n d ga ve t h em t o t h e m er ch est i t o sn a ck on . Um pt h , t h e la r gest of t h e t wo gu lly dwa r ves, pu t bot h h a n ds on t h e r u st in g ir on r im of the wheel. "F in d good pla ce," h e in t on ed. "F in d good food, good du m p." H e h a n ded t h e wh eel ba ck t o Gr od a n d wit h t h e ken der 's help, climbed into the saddle.

H a lm a r a in gla r ed a t t h e dwa r ves a s, wit h a boost fr om Ripple, she mounted her own pony. "We sh ou ld st a y in t h e foot h ills," sh e t old Tr a p a s t h ey set ou t on t h eir secon d fu ll da y's jou r n ey. "We'll t r a vel slower, bu t t h er e's less da n ger of bein g seen by a n yon e wh o m igh t follow us." Tr a p sigh ed a n d pu lled ou t t h e r oll of m a ps t h a t h a d belon ged t o t h e ca pt a in of t h e sh ip on wh ich t h ey h a d sa iled fr om H ylo t o Sola m n ia . H e r em in ded h im self h e m u st fin d the captain and return the maps the next time he was near a seaport. H ow t h e sh ip's m a st er h a d been so ca r eless a s t o pu t t h em in t o Tr a p's pa ck by m ist a ke, h e wou ld n ever u n der st a n d. At that moment he was just glad of the error. H e u n r olled a pa r t icu la r ly pr et t y on e t h a t sh owed t h e west er n sect ion of Sola m n ia a n d st u died it a s H a lm a r a in led t h e wa y n or t h . Som e ca r efu l h a n d h a d pa in t ed it wit h differ en t sh a des of br own for t h e h ills a n d m ou n t a in s, gr een for fa r m a n d r a n ge la n d, a n d blu e for t h e sea s a n d r iver s. Th e loca t ion s of m a n y cit ies, for t s, a n d ca st les h a d been dr a wn in . Ben ea t h som e h a d been wr it t en t h e wor d "r u in s." Th e m a p sh owed n o villa ges, a n d t h e n ea r est poin t of civiliza t ion m a r ked on t h e m a p wa s a for t r ess wit h t h e n a m e of Ironrock. With a road and fresh ponies they could reach it by nightfall, bu t t r a velin g t h r ou gh t h e h ills on t ir ed m ou n t s t h ey wou ld be two days reaching the fortress. "Do you t h in k m a n y people live close t o t h e m ou n t a in s?" h e a sked H a lm a r a in . "I h ope t h e r est of t h e a r ea isn 't a s deser t ed a s t h is. We m igh t fin d som e fr ien ds- t h en a ga in

t h ey m igh t n ot be fr ien dly, so m a n y h u m a n s a r en 't -bu t we'r e thinking good thoughts so I'll pretend they will be." "I'd be happy not to see another person or animal larger than a r a bbit fr om h er e t o P a la n t h u s," H a lm a r a in sa id a s sh e a dju st ed h er h a ir com bs t o keep h er da r k cu r lin g h a ir ou t of her face. "I'd just like a peaceful, quick journey." "I like m eet in g people," Tr a p sa id. "Adven t u r er s h a ve so many tales to tell, and dwarves make such good stuff." "St u ff t h a t wou ld en d u p in you r pou ch es," H a lm a r a in r et or t ed, pu llin g a sm a ll spellbook fr om t h e ba g sh e kept slu n g over h er sh ou lder . Sh e bega n t o st u dy, ju st givin g t h e r ein s a t u g n ow a n d t h en t o keep t h e pla cid pon y m ovin g in t h e gen er a l dir ect ion sh e wa n t ed it t o go. Beglu g's m ou n t a n d t h e pa ck a n im a l followed h er s on lon g lea ds t ied t o h er saddle. Tr a p sigh ed a n d dr opped ba ck t o r ide beside h is sist er . Sh e wa s st ill lea din g t h e t wo gu lly dwa r ves. Tr a p a n d Ripple wiled a wa y t h e m or n in g t r a din g old gossip a bou t t h eir friends back home. "Legu p wa s m or e fu n t h a n t h is," Tr a p sa id a s h e sh ift ed in t h e sa ddle. "We kn ew a ll t h e pla ces, bu t a t lea st t h er e wer e people to talk to-" "An d ever yon e h a d a st or y," Ripple br oke in t o a dd h er pa r t . "I know! Tell us a tale of Uncle Trapspringer. That should be interesting." "Him dead," Grod said.

"Yes. H e n ever sh ou ld h a ve st epped in t o t h e m iddle of t h e figh t bet ween t h e goblin s a n d t h e kobolds," Tr a p sa id a s h e bega n h is st or y. "Of cou r se, h e didn 't kn ow h e wa s goin g t o get killed so we won 't r ea lly bla m e h im for m a kin g a mistake, and after all it was his last one...." Tr a p wiled a wa y a cou ple of h ou r s let t in g h is im a gin a t ion soar. "Th a t wa s a won der fu l t a le," Ripple sa id wh en Tr a p h a d fin ish ed. Sh e wiped a wa y a t ea r a s sh e m ou r n ed a n u n cle she had never had. "When we get back to Hylo, everyone will want to hear your tales." "An d befor e lon g ever y ken der on Kr yn n will h a ve a n Un cle Tr a pspr in ger ," H a lm a r a in sa id. Un t il sh e spoke sh e h a d given no hint that she was listening. "Wh y wou ld ever y ken der wa n t on e?" Tr a p a sked, su spiciou s of the remark. "Th ey'll n eed on e t o keep u p wit h you r t a les. I don 't im a gin e t h ey'll wa n t t o t ell st or ies a bou t you r u n cle wh en t h ey ca n cla im h im for t h em selves. H e h a s died so m a n y t im es t h er e will h a ve t o be a t h ou sa n d of h im . Befor e you get t h r ou gh h e will have traveled all over this world and to the moons too." "Th a t 's a n idea ," Tr a p sa id, t h in kin g h e wou ld r ea lly love t o tell a tale of someone going to the moons. "An d you 'll h a ve t o h a ve h im ea t en by a r ea l dr a gon ," t h e lit t le wiza r d sa id, st a r in g in t o t h e dist a n ce. F or on ce sh e sou n ded en t h u sia st ic. "H ow m a n y t im es a n d wa ys do you think he could drown?"

"In t h e sea , a n d a r iver , a n d in a well. ..." Tr a p wa s t h in kin g over the wizard's idea. "And how many things could he fall from?" Halmarain asked. "Off a r oof, a n d a cliff, a n d ou t of a t r ee...." Ripple a dded su ggest ion s. "You 'r e r igh t , ever y ken der will wa n t a n Un cle Trapspringer," she agreed. "You 'll n eed t o t h in k u p som e m or e t a les," H a lm a r a in sa id t o Tr a p. "Wh er e else cou ld h e go? Wh a t else cou ld h e see a n d do?" "I don 't kn ow," Tr a p sa id a n d fell silen t , t h in kin g a bou t t h e suggestions the others had made. "H e cou ld see lot s of pla ces," Ripple sa id. "We'r e seein g som e of Krynn, but I don't think it's the best part. How long do you think it will take us to reach Palanthus?" "On e, possibly t wo weeks," Tr a p sa id. "An d t h e jou r n ey m igh t st ill be fu n . Th er e cou ld be a ll sor t s of cr ea t u r es t o see on t h e wa y a n d I bet m ost will be fr ien dly. Th en , P a la n t h u s is a large city and there's probably lots to do and see there." "P a ln n u s got du m ps?" a sked Gr od. Usu a lly t h e gu lly dwa r ves ju st t a lked a m on g t h em selves, bu t t h ey liked listening to the others. "Aghar like Palnnus?" Umpth asked. "Su r e. You 'll like it a lot ," Tr a p sa id. "Lot s of du m ps a n d ot h er gu lly dwa r ves, a n d a lot of pla ces t h a t wou ld m a ke a good Th is P la ce, a n d m a ybe t h is on e won 't get kn ocked fla t ...

bu t t h en it m igh t , beca u se lot s of ken der go t h er e. We'll fin d you a good This Place." "Ma ybe n ew Th is P la ce n ea r du m p," Gr od sa id, cla ppin g h is hands in anticipation. "J iggy biggies! J iggy biggies!" Um pt h sh ou t ed, m a n glin g t h e ken der 's fa vor it e explet ive. "Ma ybe big du m p," Um pt h clapped his own hands. With four hands clapping, there were n on e left for t h e wh eel. It st opped, r em a in ed ba la n ced, a n d started rolling backward. "Wheel!" Umpth shouted, but he was too late to catch it. Tr a p looked ba ck a n d sa w t h e wa gon wh eel t a kin g off on it s own . H e t u r n ed h is pon y a n d ga lloped a ft er it . Beh in d h im h e cou ld h ea r t h e dwa r ves, Ripple, a n d H a lm a r a in sh ou t in g. Beglu g wa iled beca u se t h e you n g m er ch est i cou ld n ot understand the trouble. Tr a p's m ou n t did it s best , bu t t h e wh eel h a d ga t h er ed momentum oh the slope. It changed course when it came to a st eep in clin e t h a t led west , bet ween t wo h igh h ills. It slowed a s it r olled pa r t of t h e wa y u p t h e fir st h ill, bou n ced in t o a lit t le gu lly a n d h u r t led off in a differ en t dir ect ion . It left t h e ken der beh in d a s h e slowed h is pon y t o keep it fr om losin g its footing on the rocky slope. At t h e bot t om of t h e slope h e u r ged h is m ou n t t o a ga llop a ga in , bu t t h e wh eel wa s ou t of sigh t . H e r a ced a ft er it , t h in kin g t h e ch a se wa s a t lea st m or e fu n t h a n r idin g t h r ou gh t h e va lleys. H e h a d t r a veled n ea r ly a m ile wh en h e sa w it a ga in , r ollin g u p a slope, slowin g u n t il h e t h ou gh t it might fall over.

It st r u ck som et h in g, t oo sm a ll for h im t o see wh a t , t h ou gh it cou ld h a ve been a r ock. Th e wh eel bou n ced off cou r se, ju st enough for it to roll back down the far angle of the slope. "Gosh ! It ju st keeps goin g! It m u st be m a gic," h e t old t h e pon y. "I don 't see h ow it cou ld st a y u pr igh t so lon g otherwise." Th e wh eel ga t h er ed m om en t u m a ga in a n d con t in u ed down the slope, rolled to a stop and fell over in the grass not thirty yards from the end of a village street. Trap rode his pony forward and stopped by the wheel, letting h is m ou n t dr op it s h ea d t o gr a ze wh ile h e dism ou n t ed a n d picked up the runaway wheel. His sharp ears had caught the dist r essed ca lls of t h e gu lly dwa r ves a n d t h e t h u d of h ooves so h e kn ew Ripple a n d t h e Agh a r wer e followin g. Mom en t s a ft er Ripple ca m e in t o sigh t , lea din g t h e dwa r ves, Halmarain appeared with the two other ponies following. Th e gu lly dwa r ves scr a m bled ou t of t h eir sa ddles t o ch eck t h e wh eel. By t h e t im e t h e lit t le wiza r d a r r ived t h ey wer e satisfied. "Wheel find-here," Umpth said, pointing to the village. "Good Agh a r m a gic, t h is wh eel," Gr od r eplied, h elpin g h is brother examine it for damage. "Mor e bet t er m a gic t h a n sh or t h u m a n ," Um pt h sa id. "Sh e n o find-here"-h e poin t ed t owa r d t h e villa ge a ga in -"Agh a r m a gic find." "Th a t m on st r osit y did n ot fin d t h is villa ge, it r olled t o t h e lowest point-"

"It did. It r olled h er e on it s own ," Ripple sa id, ir r it a t ed wit h t h e wiza r d's com pla in t s. "An d it did fin d a villa ge, you ca n see that for yourself and-" "Mad she no find," Umpth said to Grod. "No do h er self," Gr od n odded a s h e a n swer ed. "Ma d sh e n o find." "I am not jealous of those dirty-" "Ar e you h er e for t h e celebr a t ion ?" A st r a n ge voice ca lled, interrupting the argument. Th ey t u r n ed t o see t h e st r a n gest cr ea t u r e on a ll Kr yn n . It st ood a s t a ll a s a m a n , bu t wit h a lion 's h ea d a n d a humanoid body covered with feathers. Chapter 12 Th e gr ou p st a r ed in silen ce a s t h e st r a n ge cr ea t u r e a ppr oa ch ed. Tr a p st a r t ed for wa r d, ea ger t o m eet t h is odd bein g. H a lm a r a in pu lled h er a xe, t h ou gh sh e h a d n o exper ien ce in u sin g it . Th e weigh t of t h e wea pon n ea r ly pulled the tiny human out of the saddle. Wh en t h e cr ea t u r e sa w h er wea pon , h e st opped, la u ghed, r a ised h is h a n ds, a n d lift ed h is lion 's h ea d off h is sh ou lder s. Beneath it they saw a smiling human face. "F or give m e if I st a r t led you ," h e sa id. "Th is is Wiza r ds' Da y in Deepdel. We for get t h a t n ot a ll of Kr yn n kn ows of ou r yearly celebration."

"Oh , look! It 's a cost u m e!" Ripple sa id, slidin g fr om h er saddle and hurrying forward to see it better. "Celebr a t ion ?" Tr a p a sked br igh t ly. "You 'r e h a vin g a pa r t y? Wow, that's great. Can we come?" "Of cou r se you ca n ." t h e st r a n ge m a n r eplied. "On ce a yea r on Wiza r d's Da y-we h a ve a villa ge pa r t y. It 's in h on or of a ba t t le bet ween t wo wiza r ds t h a t t ook pla ce h er e a m illen n ia ago. Oh, where are my manners? My name is Earne Jomann. My father is the mayor. "La t er t h is a ft er n oon , we will en a ct t h e h ist or ic ba t t le. We welcom e t r a veler s a n y da y of t h e yea r , bu t on t h is da y t h er e is a con dit ion t o en t er in g t h e villa ge. You m u st wea r a cost u m e. On ly a few of t h e pa gea n t pla yer s a r e a llowed t o be without one because of their parts in the reenactment." "We t h a n k you , bu t we m u st con t in u e ou r jou r n ey," Halmarain said. "No," Ripple objected. "We want to see the costumes-" "Ken der ...." E a r n e J om a n n in t er r u pt ed, h is eyes n a r r owin g. H is sm ile disa ppea r ed a n d h e st a r ed a t t h em wit h su spicion . "You will be seeking the traveler that stopped here earlier? A m a n h ea vily cloa ked a n d h ooded? H e wa s seekin g t wo kender traveling with a dwarf." "Seekin g u s? Wh o wa s h e? Do we h a ve a n y fr ien ds h er e?" Tr a p sa id, won der in g wh o m igh t be sea r ch in g for t h em . "H e cou ld n ot h a ve been lookin g for u s, we don 't kn ow a n yon e in Solamnia-until today," he added hope-fully.

"No, we a r e fou r dwa r ves, n ot on e. H e m u st n ot h a ve been sea r ch in g for t h ese ken der ," H a lm a r a in spoke u p qu ickly, lowering her voice so she sounded like a dwarf. E a r n e J om a n n seem ed t o r ela x. "I'm gla d of t h a t ; h e wa sn 't the sort of person I'd want as a friend." "Th a n k you for you r in vit a t ion ," H a lm a r a in sa id. "We will join you r celebr a t ion if you 'll give u s a lit t le t im e t o pr epa r e for the occasion." E a r n e bowed a n d r epla ced h is lion 's h ea d. "Th en I will see you soon in the village square," he said, turning away. As soon a s t h e villa ger wa s ou t of sigh t t h e lit t le wiza r d t u r n ed on t h e ken der . Sh e seem ed m or e fr igh t en ed t h a n angry. "Who would be seeking you?" "No one," Trap replied. "We don 't kn ow a n y h u m a n s in Sola m n ia except you ," Ripple a dded. "Th e on ly on es we've m et sin ce lea vin g h om e wer e on t h e sh ip, a n d h ow wou ld t h ey kn ow we wer e t r a velin g wit h dwarves? Mayhap you were right and the cloaked man really was looking for two other kender." "We'll st a y h er e t h e r est of t oda y a n d t on igh t if we ca n fin d lodgin g," H a lm a r a in decided. "By t h en h e m a y be fa r a wa y. Let 's see wh a t we ca n do a bou t cost u m es. An d for Gilea n 's sa ke, st r a igh t en Beglu g's boot s! Th ey'r e ba ckwa r d a ga in ." Sh e gla r ed a t t h e t wo ken der wh o wer e exch a n gin g looks wit h r a ised eyebr ows. Sh e u n der st ood t h eir expr ession a s if

sh e h a d h ea r d t h eir t h ou gh t s. "You 'r e r igh t , t h ey cou ld look like part of a costume." H a lf a n h ou r la t er t h ey led t h e pon ies down a pa t h t hat win ded bet ween t wo la r ge ba r n s a n d ca m e ou t in t o t h e villa ge squ a r e a cr oss fr om a n old in n . E a r n e h a d been on t h e lookou t for t h em a n d ca lled t h em over t o t h e in n t o m eet h is fa t h er . Th ey cou ld t ell n ot h in g a bou t t h e m a yor beca u se of the strange outfit he wore. He resembled a large, round, blue ball with a carved wooden mask. "An d you 'll h a ve t o iden t ify you r cost u m es," E a r n e sa id, gr in n in g a t t h e lit t le wiza r d. F or H a lm a r a in , t h ey h a d cu t lon g bla des of gr a ss t h a t cover ed h er clot h in g a n d st u ck u p from h er dwa r f h elm et . Sh e wor e a bea r d of gr a ss. Like t h e gr een on h er clot h in g a n d h elm et , it wa s h eld in pla ce by a spell. "I'm a gr a ss elem en t a l," H a lm a r a in sa id. "My fr ien d h er e is t h e cr ea t ion of a n in ept wiza r d"-sh e poin t ed t o Beglu g, wh o wor e h is own fa ce wit h ou t m a keu p a n d h is boot s wer e backward-"Th is is a wh ir ly-gig"-sh e in dica t ed Um pt h , wh o wor e t h e wa gon wh eel a t op h is poin t ed h elm et . It t oo wa s h eld in pla ce by on e of t h e wiza r d's spells-"Th ese t wo a r e kender-dwarves." Trap wore Beglug's beard while Ripple had tied the little fiend's wig under her chin. "An d m e gu lly dwa r f," Gr od pr ou dly a n n ou n ced. Th ey h a d liberally coated his hauberk, helmet, and face with mud. "You did a n excellen t job for t r a veler s wh o h a d n ot expect ed t o join ou r celebr a t ion ," t h e m a yor sa id. H e bobbed u p a n d down u n t il Tr a p won der ed if Br a a d J om a n n wou ld bou n ce away. "Come leave your mounts in the stables and partake of the day."

A cr owd of sever a l h u n dr ed h u m a n s a n d dwa r ves wer e st r ollin g a bou t , ea t in g, dr in kin g, a n d da n cin g. All t h e r eveler s wor e st r a n ge cost u m es. Most com bin ed t h e fea t u r es of a n im a ls, bir ds, fish , a n d dr a gon like sh a pes. Th e over a ll scene resembled the result of some insane and inept wizard's experiments. At on e en d of t h e squ a r e a gr ou p of m u sicia n s per for m ed on a r a ised wooden pla t for m . Th e t wo lu t e pla yer s a ppea r ed t o be wea r in g on e cost u m e t h a t join ed t h eir bodies a n d n ea r legs in t o on e. Toget h er t h ey for m ed a t wo h ea ded cr ea t u r e wit h fou r a r m s, t h r ee legs, a n d a body t h a t wa s m or e t h a n five feet wide. Beside t h em , t wo h u m a n a r m s r ea ch ed ou t fr om a ca r ved dr a gon sh a pe, over la id wit h pa in t ed wooden sca les. Th e h idden m u sicia n bea t ou t t h e r h yt h m of t h e music on a drum. Th e t wo ken der st ood wide eyed, com plet ely for get t in g t h eir com pa n ion s. Th ey wa n der ed a r ou n d fa scin a t ed by t h e cost u m es. F or t h e fir st few m in u t es t h ey wer e t oo bu sy looking to handle the few loose items available. Not even t h eir in t er est in t h e cost u m es cou ld lon g h old down ken der n a t u r e. Th ey spen t a cou ple of h a ppy h ou r s st a n din g quiet ly on t h e fr in ges of ch a t t in g celebr a n t s, t h eir h a n ds bu sy explor in g pou ch es a n d pocket s. Th er e wer e so m a n y pocket s, a n d people wer e m ovin g a bou t so m u ch , even t h e kender lost track of who owned what when they attempted to r epla ce t h e m a n y it em s t h ey'd in spect ed. Th e ken der 's pou ch es bu lged wit h it em s a cciden t a lly dr opped in side a n d ot h er t h in gs t h ey in t en ded t o r et u r n wh en t h ey fou n d t h e owners again. Tr a p a n d Ripple sa w Gr od, wh o h a d fou n d t h e t a bles la den wit h food a n d wa s bu sy st u ffin g h im self. Th e villa ger s, well a wa r e of t h e r epu t ed gu lly dwa r f a ppet it e, wer e offer in g h im food. Th ey com plim en t ed h im on get t in g in t o t h e spir it of h is costume.

Um pt h wa s n ea r t h e m u sicia n 's pla t for m , da n cin g by h im self, spin n in g a r ou n d a n d a r ou n d. H is da r k h a ir a n d bea r d flowed ou t fr om u n der t h e wa gon wh eel t h a t wa s st ill in place on his helmet. Th en t h e m a yor ju m ped on t o t h e pla t for m a n d ca lled ever yon e t o a t t en t ion a n d or der ed t h em t o t a ke t h e sea t s that had been placed around the edge of the square. Th e villa ger s kn ew wh a t wa s com in g a n d willin gly obeyed. E a r n e fou n d sea t s for h im self, Tr a p, a n d Ripple. H a lm a r a in a n d Beglu g sa t by a t a ll h u m a n on t h e ot h er side of t h e squ a r e. Th eir feet da n gled a s t h ey sa t on t h e sea t s m a de for h u m a n s. Th e m er ch est i seem ed fa scin a t ed wit h a ll t h e creatures and for once he was not trying to eat the furniture. At the southern side of the square, a juggler kept four apples in t h e a ir a t on e t im e. Th e cr owd wa t ch ed h im u n t il t h ey h ea r d a sizzle a n d a low boom a t t h e n or t h -west er n cor n er of t h e squ a r e. Th ey jer ked t h eir h ea ds a r ou n d t o see billowin g bla ck sm oke. Wh en it clea r ed, a bla ck-r obed figu r e st ood on the platform. "H ey! Th a t 's gr ea t ! You h a ve wiza r ds a n d m a gic?" Tr a p asked Earne. "I really like magic." "So do I," Ripple said, leaning forward to watch. "No, we don 't h a ve a n y r ea l m a gic, t h e sm oke is on ly a dwa r f t r ick, a n d t h e wiza r d is a loca l wea ver in cost u m e," t h e young man said. "He's playing the part of Canoglid, the black wizard that enslaved our village a thousand years ago." Th e st or y en a ct ed t h a t a ft er n oon wa s in m im e bu t wa s ea sy t o u n der st a n d. Th e villa ger s fea r ed t h e wiza r d wh o, u sin g

h or r ible bea st s t o keep t h em in or der , h a d en sla ved t h em . Th en a n ot h er wiza r d-t h is on e in wh it e r obes- a ppea r ed a n d brought other creatures to drive the evil ones away. The black-robed wizard leaped off the platform and his foe in wh it e m oved for wa r d t o m eet h im . Th ey t h r ew fir eba lls a t ea ch ot h er a n d a t fir st Tr a p a gr eed wit h Ripple, m a gic seem ed t h e on ly expla n a t ion for t h e sm a ll fir es t h a t blossomed around them. St ill, h is eye wa s qu ick. Th e m ock ba t t le br ou gh t t h e wh it erobed wizard close to where Trap and Ripple sat. The kender n ot iced t h a t wh en t h e bla ck-r obed figu r e pr et en ded t o t h r ow a spell, t h e ot h er wou ld flin ch a wa y a s if h e h a d been st r u ck. H is m ovem en t s disgu ised t h e fa ct t h a t h e dr opped a sm a ll object on t o t h e gr ou n d a n d a sh or t -lived bla ze er u pt ed fr om it. One fell without exploding. Trap kept an eye on it. Th e m ock ba t t le con t in u ed u n t il a ll t h e evil cr ea t u r es a n d the black-robed wizard had been driven away. "We a r e sa ved! Th a n ks t o P a la din e, we a r e sa ved!" t h e pla yer s in h u m a n dr ess sh ou t ed a n d t h e on looker s ju m ped u p fr om t h e ben ch es a n d join ed in t h e ju bila n t sh ou t . Th e m u sicia n s h u r r ied ba ck on t o t h e pla t for m a n d t h e m u sic began again. As t h e cr owd bega n t o m ill a bou t , Tr a p h u r r ied t o pick u p t h e lit t le u n exploded ba ll a n d exa m in ed it . Sligh t ly sm a ller t h a n a ch icken egg, it wa s m a de of ver y t h in gla ss a n d wa s pa r t it ion ed. On e side h eld powder a n d t h e ot h er a liqu id. H e slipped it in h is pou ch , t h in kin g som eon e m igh t st ep on it and break it, setting fire to his or her feet. H e decided t h a t h e sh ou ld give it ba ck t o t h e m a n wh o pla yed t h e wh it e-r obed wiza r d. Wh en h e wen t in sea r ch of the tall human, all he found was the white robe, discarded on

a ben ch a t t h e en d of t h e squ a r e. H e fin ger ed t h e r obe, a n d inside a pocket he found six more unexploded flame balls. "Gee! Th a t 's da n ger ou s! Wh a t if som eon e wer e t o sit on t h e cloa k?" h e a sked h im self, gr in n in g a s h e pict u r ed on e of t h e revelers setting his pants afire. He put the rest of the balls in h is pou ch es, in t en din g t o r et u r n t h em wh en h e fou n d t h e player that had worn the white robes. He had just fastened the strap on his pouch when Halmarain a ppea r ed fr om beh in d a gr ou p of da n cin g villa ger s. Sh e seem ed t o be figh t in g h er h ea vy boot s a s sh e h u r r ied t owa r d Trap. Her face was stiff with anger and worry. "I've lost t h a t ... I've lost Beglu g," sh e sa id in a soft voice t h a t was loaded with frustration. "Let h im h a ve som e fu n . H e's pr oba bly ju st lookin g a t t h e cost u m es," Tr a p sa id, su r e t h er e wa s n o ca u se for wor r y. "H e seemed to be fascinated by them." "Th a t wa sn 't fa scin a t ion . I h a d h im u n der a ca lm in g spell t o keep h im qu iet ," H a lm a r a in wh isper ed. "Bu t I wa s spea kin g to another... to someone I met and I forgot to renew the spell. We have to locate him before he does something terrible. You start looking. I'll find the others and set them to searching." Tr a p sigh ed. H e wou ld be gla d t o get t h e lit t le fien d a n d t h e wiza r d t o P a la n t h u s so h e'd be fr ee t o explor e. H e slipped t h r ou gh t h e cr owd, bu t a s fa r a s h e cou ld t ell, t h e m er ch est i wa s n ot a m on g t h e da n cer s. Th en h e h ea r d a ba r kin g, sn a r lin g dog a n d a sou n d t h a t wa s h a lf wh in e, h a lf r oa r . Th e n oises ca m e fr om beh in d t h e in n . Th e dog sn a r led a ga in a n d ga ve a yelp of pa in . Silen ce gr eet ed t h e ken der a s h e t r ot t ed a r ou n d t h e cor n er a n d in t o t h e r ea r ya r d of t h e in n . Beglu g st ood ba cked u p a ga in st t h e wa ll of t h e in n . H e wa s h oldin g a headless dog and crunching away.

Trap sh u dder ed a t t h e sou n d of br ea kin g bon es, bu t h e cou ld h a r dly bla m e t h e lit t le fien d, wh o h a d n ot been doin g a n y h a r m by explor in g. Th e dog h a d been sn a r lin g a n d sh ou ld h a ve been m or e fr ien dly. St ill, h e didn 't wa n t a n y of t h e villagers to see the merchesti eating the dog. A few feet fr om t h e ba ck of t h e in n wa s a sm a ll sh ed. "Br in g it in h er e," h e sa id, gest u r in g for Beglu g t o follow h im . H e m a n a ged t o get Beglu g in t o t h e woodsh ed a n d h a d ju st closed t h e door wh en a bu r ly h u m a n in t h e cost u m e of a beast-m a n ca m e t h r ou gh t h e r ea r door of t h e in n . H e ca r r ied a pla t e of m ea t scr a ps wh ich h e pla ced on t h e gr ou n d a s h e glared at Trap. "What are you doing back here?" he demanded. "Uh , t r yin g t o fin d a wa y in t o t h e in n ," t h e ken der sa id. "I wa n t ed t o a r r a n ge lodgin gs for t h e n igh t , bu t t h e fr on t door wa s blocked by ben ch es." F r om t h e h a lf closed door of t h e wood sh ed h e cou ld h ea r t h e cr u n ch of bon es. "Yes, t r yin g t o fin d a wa y in t o t h e in n ," Tr a p r epea t ed, n ea r ly sh ou t in g a s h e t r ied t o cover t h e sou n d of t h e m er ch est i's gr isly fea st . "I cou ldn 't fin d t h e wa y in . We'r e t r a veler s, a n d we wa n t r oom s for the night." "P eople u su a lly en t er t h e in n by t h e fr on t door ," t h e m a n said, staring at the kender suspiciously. "I t r ied. Th er e wer e so m a n y people a n d so m a n y ben ch es I cou ldn 't get in ," Tr a p sa id. "Th ey blocked you r door . You sh ou ldn 't a llow t h em t o do t h a t , t h ey keep you r cu st om er s away." H e h a d t o dr a w t h e m a n a wa y befor e Beglu g ca m e ou t of t h e shed.

"We'll n eed fou r r oom s," Tr a p sa id, ju st pickin g a n u m ber a t random. Anything to keep the man away from the shed. "If I h a d fou r ext r a r oom s, I'd be a fool t o let t h em t o a ken der wh o wou ld lea ve in t h e m or n in g wit h ou t pa yin g," t h e h u m a n sa id. H e looked a r ou n d, eyein g t h e br oken r ope t ied t o a h ook n ea r t h e door . "You 'r e ju st lu cky t h e dog wa sn 't back here. He's a mean one; you'd be chewed to pieces." "I'll pa y for t h e r oom s n ow," Tr a p sa id, r ea ch in g in h is pou ch for Or a n der 's m a gic pu r se wh ich wa s n ea r ly bu r st in g wit h coin s. "I don 't u n der st a n d wh y you wou ld t h in k I wou ldn 't , bu t if you wa n t t o be su r e, I'll pa y for t h e r oom s in a dva n ce." Tr a p pu lled ou t t h e lit t le lea t h er ba g wh ich seem ed t o be h ea vier t h a n ever . H e br ou gh t ou t a h a n dfu l of st eel pieces and skipped away from the shed and into the alley. He hoped t h e sigh t of r ea dy m on ey wou ld dr a w t h e in n keeper a lon g with him. "F ou r r oom s," Tr a p sa id, pou r in g t h e st eel pieces fr om on e h a n d t o t h e ot h er , u sin g t h e clin k of t h e m on ey t o h elp h ide t h e cr u n ch in g n oises. "We'r e t r a velin g a n d we r ea lly n eed our r est , a n d even if we don 't r est m u ch beca u se t h er e's a party going on we still need a place to put our packs." "Well...." t h e in n keeper br ea t h ed, followin g a lon g. "I've on ly got one room left, but it's big. I've some straw pallets, and I'll be wa n t in g t wo st eel pieces for ea ch per son u sin g it ." Th e stout human glanced around, still looking for the dog. "I'll pay for the six of us, twelve steel pieces," Trap said as he led t h e in n keeper down t h e a lley on t h e wa y t o t h e fr on t of t h e in n . Th e pr ice wa s ou t r a geou s, bu t sin ce t h e pu r se r efilled it self ever y t im e h e t ook coin s fr om it , Tr a p didn 't mind.

"An d you ca n in clu de ou r food in t h e pr ice," Tr a p sa id qu ickly. H e flipped a st eel piece in t o t h e a ir a n d it glit t er ed in the sunlight. "I gu ess I ca n h u n t u p t h e dog la t er ," t h e in n keeper sa id, greed dripping from his speech. Wh en t h ey r ea ch ed t h e squ a r e, Tr a p spot t ed Ripple a n d H a lm a r a in a s t h ey sea r ch ed t h r ou gh t h e cr owd for t h e m er ch est i. H e win ked, n odded, a n d keepin g h is h a n ds ou t of sigh t of t h e in n keeper , poin t ed down t h e a lley h e wa s ju st lea vin g. H a lm a r a in fr own ed. Ripple u n der st ood. Sh e wa s wh isper in g t o t h e lit t le wiza r d wh en Tr a p followed t h eir soon-to-be-h ost . Th e st ou t h u m a n st epped over a ben ch a n d in t o t h e fr on t door of t h e in n . Th e ken der scr a m bled a lon g behind him. Tr a p secu r ed t h e r oom . H a lm a r a in a n d Ripple h a d loca t ed Beglu g, clea n ed t h e dog's blood fr om h is fa ce a n d clot h in g, a n d br ou gh t h im ba ck t o t h e squ a r e. Wh ile H a lm a r a in t ook t h e lit t le fien d u p t o t h eir ch a m ber , t h e ken der loca t ed t he gully dwarves. An h ou r la t er t h e lit t le wiza r d sa t cu r led u p on t h e bed in t h eir ch a m ber , h er spellbooks st a cked beside h er . Beglu g slept off his dinner on a straw pallet. All their gear lay in the cor n er of t h e r oom a n d t h e gu lly dwa r ves h a d wa sh ed off t h e soil of t h eir celebr a t ion . Th ey seem ed t o pick u p dir t ju st wa lkin g a cr oss t h e r oom . Ripple looked a r ou n d t h e r oom , looked out the window, and smiled. "Oh , look. Th ey'r e br in gin g ou t m or e food. If we fin d celebr a t ion s like t h is in ever y villa ge, t h e t r ip t o P a la n t h u s will be fun," she said. "Ma y Gilea n pr eser ve m e fr om a n y m or e celebr a t ion s," t h e wizard said. "I just want a quiet trip."

"Th en if we'r e on ly t o h a ve on e fu n t im e, we sh ou ld en joy it ," Ripple sn a pped. "You st a y a n d st u dy you r books if you wa n t , but we're going back to the party." "St a y ou t of t r ou ble," H a lm a r a in wa r n ed. "Rem em ber t h e reason for our journey." "Ar e h u m a n s a lwa ys so ser iou s a bou t ever yt h in g?" Ripple a sked h er br ot h er a s t h ey descen ded t h e st eps fr om t h eir chamber to the common room of the inn. "I don 't t h in k so," Tr a p sa id slowly. "Aft er a ll, look a t t h e people in the square." E a r n e h a d t old t h em t h e loca l fa r m er s, h u n t er s a n d m a n y a dven t u r er s ca m e in t o Deepdel t o en joy t h e celebr a t ion , a n d the common room of the inn was crowded. Neit h er of t h e ken der h a d ea t en a n yt h in g sin ce t h ey a r r ived, so t h ey fou n d sea t s for t h em selves a n d t h e gu lly dwa r ves a t t h e en d of a t a ble. At t h e ot h er en d, t wo h u n t er s a n d a pa ir of adventurers were trading tales. Th e in n keeper h a d wa t ch ed t h em descen d t h e st a ir s. Th ey h a d been a t t h e t a ble for a cou ple of m in u t es wh en a r olypoly wom a n plu m ped pla t es of food a n d m u gs of a le on t h e table. Wh en Tr a p h a d lu r ed t h e la n dlor d a wa y fr om t h e sou n ds of Beglu g's ca n in e fea st , t h e ken der h a d dicker ed over t h e h igh pr ice of t h e r oom . Th e pr ice h a d n ot dim in ish ed a st eel piece, but the innkeeper had agreed to include their food and drink. Th e t r en ch er s wer e well filled; t h e in n keeper wa s n ot st in t in g t h em on food. Gr od clea n ed h is pla t e a n d looked around for m or e t o ea t . Um pt h , la r ger bu t n ot qu it e a s

gr eedy a s h is br ot h er , slu r ped t h e la st of h is a le. Th e ken der wer e st ill m u n ch in g a wa y wh en a ch or u s of com pla in t s ca m e from the other end of the table. "An d t h e sca bs r obbed u s on t h e wa y t o Ir on r ock," on e of t h e a dven t u r er s wa s sa yin g. H e gla r ed down t owa r d t h eir en d of the table. "One of the group was a kender." Tr a p a n d Ripple looked u p, bot h wide-eyed a n d st ill ch ewin g t h eir food. Th ey won der ed wh y t h e a dven t u r er s wer e st a r in g at them. Grod pulled off his helmet, exposing his blond head. He assumed an expression of sorrow. "That kender dead," he said. "Make a good tale, that." "If t h e scou n dr el got h is ju st deser t s, I'd be gla d t o h ea r h ow," t h e ot h er a dven t u r er sa id. H e sh ou t ed for t h e in n keeper a n d gest u r ed for a le a ll a r ou n d t h e t a ble. "You t ell, you make good story," Grod said to Trap. Th e ken der ca st a r egr et fu l eye on h is st ill h a lf-filled pla t e, but more ale would be welcome, and he did love a good story. H e con sider ed r epea t in g t h e on e h e h a d t old in Lyt bu r g a n d decided a ga in st it . Ret old t a les wer e n ever a s m u ch fu n a s new stories. H e t h ou gh t qu ickly, ca st in g h is m in d a bou t for som e in t er est in g su bject t o u se a s t h e cen t er of h is fa br ica t ion . Ou t side t h e win dows of t h e in n h e cou ld see t h e r a ised pla t for m wh er e t h e m u sicia n s wer e per for m in g. H is eyes rested on the wooden dragon. H e bowed h is h ea d, pu lled u p t h e im a ge of h is dea d Un cle Goa lon g wh ich a lwa ys br ou gh t on t ea r s. H e for m ed t h e fir st pa r t of h is st or y, decidin g t o a dd a n ew t ou ch . Befor e t h ey left Or a n der 's ca ver n s, H a lm a r a in h a d r ea d t h em a st or y in

on e of t h e m a gic books. Th e begin n in g h a d been so solem n , Tr a p h a d kn own im m edia t ely t h a t t h e t a le wou ld be im por t a n t . H e wor ked ou t t h e wor ds t h a t wou ld m a ke h is tale sound important. "It is fit t in g t h a t t h e t a le be t old on t h is da y," h e sa id, lookin g down t h e t a ble, t h ou gh h e cou ld ba r ely see t h r ou gh t h e t ea r y blu r . H e n ot iced wit h sa t isfa ct ion t h a t on e dr op trickled down his cheek, which made a nice touch. "Not a ll t h e cr ea t u r es cr ea t ed by t h e wiza r d Ca n oglid en t er ed Deepdel in t h a t t er r ible t im e wh en t h e wh it e a n d bla ck wiza r ds fou gh t ." H e lea n ed for wa r d a n d t u r n ed h is h ea d so h e cou ld see t h e h u n t er s on t h e sa m e side of t h e t a ble. Th ey wer e sepa r a t ed fr om h im by Um pt h wh o sa t by h is side. "Som et im es som et h in g r obs you r t r a ps a n d you don 't kn ow wh a t it is-of cou r se som et im es you do, bu t n ot a lwa ys, sin ce you 'r e n ot t h er e t o see, n ot t h a t you cou ld be t h er e a ll t h e t im e a t ever y t r a p beca u se you 'd h a ve t o be t en or t wen t y of yourself-" "Kobolds a n d goblin s r a id t r a ps," on e h u n t er sa id. "We kn ow t h a t . Get on wit h you r t a le." H e h a d n ot pa id m u ch a t t en t ion t o t h e ken der u n t il a sked a bou t h is t r a ps. H is eyes sharpened and his mouth formed a thin line. "It 's t r u e, t h ey wou ld r a id you r t r a ps if t h ey h a d a ch a n ce, bu t t h er e a r e ot h er , m or e da n ger ou s cr ea t u r es in t h e sou t h er n r ea ch es of t h e Vin ga a r d Mou n t a in s," Tr a p sa id wit h a sh u dder a n d r em em ber ed h e wa s goin g t o m a ke t h is t a le im por t a n t . "Rem em ber , t h e wiza r d Ca n oglid wa s a servant of Takhisis, Queen of the Dragons." "You 'r e n ot t ellin g m e a dr a gon h a s been r a idin g ou r t r a ps," the hunter scoffed. "There are no more dragons on Krynn."

"Not r ea l dr a gon s," Tr a p a gr eed. "Bu t a r e t h er e m a n y cr ea t u r es t oda y t h a t a r e like t h e cost u m es wor n by t h e people of Deepdel? Look in t o t h e squ a r e, a t t h e size a n d sh a pe of t h a t wooden ca r vin g. Did som eon e r ea lly t h in k it u p? Ask you r self if it ca m e fr om som eon e's im a gin a t ion , or if there might be such a creature hidden in the mountains." He bowed h is h ea d a ga in . "Th e Tr a pspr in ger wh o r obbed t h e adventurers could tell you the truth if he were still alive." "You kn ew t h is r obber ?" t h e st ou t est of t h e a dven t u r er s asked. His face full of suspicion. "Yes, I fea r so. I n ot on ly kn ew h im , h e wa s a n u n cle a n d we wer e bot h t h e n a m esa kes of a sin gle a n cest or ," Tr a p gr u dgin gly a dm it t ed. H e liked t h a t t ou ch , bu t t h e a dven t u r er s wer e get t in g r est less a n d h e wa n t ed t o t ell h is new tale. F ir st h e set t h e fou n da t ion of h is st or y. H e t old h ow t h e dr a gon like cr ea t u r e cr ea t ed by t h e bla ck-r obed wiza r d h a d ch a sed a h a r t in t o t h e m ou n t a in s on t h e da y of t h e fa t efu l battle a thousand years ago. It had not been in Deepdel to be destroyed by the white-robed wizard's creatures. "Why have we never heard of this monster?" The disbelieving hunter scoffed. "Beca u se t h ose wh o see it n ever live t o t ell of it ," Ripple added to the tale. "Think of the hunters you have known who never came back to trade their furs." Th e spea kin g looks exch a n ged by t h e list en er s su ggest ed Ripple's r em a r k h a d m a de a solid h it . Sever a l t h a t h a d scoffed lost their sneering expressions.

Tr a p wove h is t a le a r ou n d a gr ou p of ba n dit s wh o h a d r et r ea t ed t o t h e m ou n t a in s t o a void a ch a se. Bor ed, t h e kender outlaw went exploring and had met the small dragon. Since t h e cr ea t u r e h a d speech a n d wa s lon ely, it a lwa ys talked to its victims before it killed them. It proposed a game of t a les, a n d if t h e ken der cou ld t ell a bet t er st or y t h a n t h e dragon, the kender could go away unharmed. Ot h er pa t r on s of t h e in n h a d ga t h er ed a r ou n d t h e t a ble. Th e ken der wove a t a le of h ow t h e dr a gon a n d t h e ken der a gr eed on a wa ger , t h e dr a gon pr om ised jewels fr om it s h oa r d wh ile t h e ken der ou t la w pr odu ced st olen va lu a bles fr om h is m a n y pouches. But finally the kender had told all his tales. "So t h e sm a ll dr a gon , wh o h a d developed a t r em en dou s a ppet it e wh ile list en in g a n d t ellin g st or ies of h is own -you kn ow h ow h u n gr y a dr a gon ca n get -gobbled u p ou r u n cle. Now m y jou r n ey, m y t a sk t o fin d h im a n d br in g h im ba ck t o Hylo, has been for nothing," Trap finished. By t h e t im e t h e t a le wa s t old, t h e ot h er Tr a pspr in ger h a d becom e r ea l t o Ripple a ga in . Sh e cr ied a t h is dea t h . Th e on e fallacy of the tale was caught by the disbelieving hunter. "If n o on e h a s ever seen t h is dr a gon , a n d t h e ken der is dead, how did you hear the story?" "Th e h a lf-goblin in t h e r obber ba n d h a d gon e in sea r ch of m y u n cle. H e h ea r d t h e st or ies. You kn ow wh a t h a lf-goblin s a r e. H e sn ea ked a wa y, lea vin g m y Un cle Tr a p-spr in ger t o h is fa t e." Tr a p liked t h a t la st pa r t -t o h is fa t e. Th a t sou n ded important too.

"Th er e wa s a h a lf-goblin ," t h e a dven t u r er wh o h a d been robbed, nodded thoughtfully. "And they'd not risk themselves to protect their own mothers." On e of t h e h u n t er s st ill h a lf dou bt ed Tr a p's t a le. Th e secon d h a d a ccept ed it a n d followed t h e ken der 's st or y wit h on e if h is own . H is t a le ga ve cr eden ce t o Tr a p's fa br ica t ion . Th e a dven t u r er s, n ot t o be left ou t , r ela t ed som e of t h eir a dven t u r es. Th e su n wen t down , som e h a r dy villa ger s kept da n cin g in t h e squ a r e, bu t t h e t wo ken der list en ed, en t h r a lled. Th e gu lly dwa r ves h a d slipped a wa y. Th ey wa n der ed a bou t t h e r oom , fin ish in g off m u gs of a le a n d m ea ls t h a t h a d been left on t h e t a bles by pa t r on s wh o gathered around the table where the tales were being told. H a lm a r a in ca m e seekin g t h e ken der , in sist in g t h ey r et u r n t o t h e ch a m ber s a n d t h eir beds. Sh e wa n t ed t o m a ke a n ea r ly st a r t , so t h ey led t h e t wo st a gger in g gu lly dwa r ves u p t h e stairs. Chapter 13 ... and Astinus of Palanthus continued ... Dr a a ddis Vu lt er st ood in fr on t of t h e bla ck globe, wh er e Takhisis, Queen of Darkness raged. "H e lost t h em ?" sh e dem a n ded of t h e wiza r d. "Ka ldr e lost them?" "Accor din g t o m y m essen ger , t h ey wer e a ll ca u gh t u p in t h e m a ze of gor ges sou t h of t h e Vin ga a r d Mou n t a in s. Ka ldr e lea d t h e ba n d of kobolds, a s you or der ed, bu t a gr ou p of goblin s a t t a cked h im . By t h e t im e h e h a d dr iven off t h e goblin s, t h e ken der a n d t h e m er ch est i h a d esca ped ... if t h ey were ever there."

"Ar e you sa yin g you sen t a fool in sea r ch of t h em ?" Ta kh isis dem a n ded. An illu sion of spider s, h u n dr eds of t h ou sa n ds for m ed on t h e wa lls, t h e floor , a n d t h e fu r n ish in gs in t h e wizard's work room. "My la dy ca n see in t o a ll h ea r t s a n d r ea d a ll t h ou gh t s," Dr a a ddis bowed, kn owin g h e wa s givin g h er cr edit for m or e than she could really do, yet the flattery might appease her. "My qu een kn ows I wou ld n ot willin gly sen d a fool, yet cir cu m st a n ces ca n for m t r a ps for t h e feet of even t h e wisest . Who could have foreseen the presence of a band of goblins on t h eir pa t h or t h a t t h e ken der in t h eir sillin ess wou ld ca ll bot h gr ou ps t oget h er a n d t h en esca pe in t h e en su in g ba t t le? Th er e is a n ot h er pr oblem a s well. Th e goblin s, en r a ged a t bein g a t t a cked, a r e followin g Ka ldr e a n d h is kobolds. No doubt he will elude them and further trouble." "Unbelievable! Goblin s n ot wit h st a n din g, h ow cou ld Ka ldr e and the kobolds have missed the kender and the merchesti?" "It cou ld on ly h a ve been ba d lu ck, m y qu een , sin ce m y m essen ger br ou gh t ba ck a n im a ge t o sh ow t h ey wer e t r a velin g wit h a dwa r f, Neida r in dr ess, a n d t wo Agh a r , wh o were dressed as Neidar as well." "Wh a t wou ld t h ey wa n t wit h Agh a r , wh o a r e even m or e foolish than kender?" Takhisis asked. "I h a ve n o idea , bu t a s you sa y, t h e foolish n ess of gu lly dwa r ves a n d ken der t oget h er m u st deliver t h em in t o ou r hands. I've n o dou bt t h a t J a er u m e Ka ldr e will fin d t h e kender... and the little merchesti."

It had been Takhisis, not Draaddis, who had chosen Jaerume Ka ldr e a n d in sist ed t h a t t h e wiza r d r a ise h im fr om t h e dea d a n d sen d h im a ft er t h e ken der . Sh e h a d even ch osen the kobolds a s t h e dea t h kn igh t 's a llies. Th e bla ck-r obed wiza r d ju st h oped sh e wou ld r em em ber it . H e kn ew bet t er t h a n t o remind her. "H e h a d bet t er fin d t h em ," sh e sa id, sen din g ou t a bla st of evil fr u st r a t ion t h a t t h r ea t en ed t o cr u m ble t h e wa lls of Draaddis' h idden wor kr oom ben ea t h t h e r u in s. Sh e ca lm ed down bu t gla r ed a t t h e wiza r d wit h on e per fect eye, en la r ged by the globe. "Ar e you su r e you im pr essed u pon h im t h e u r gen cy of h is mission?" "I tried, my queen...." "Bu t did you t r y h a r d en ou gh ?" Sh e pa u sed, h er eye blin ked sever a l t im es. "Do you even u n der st a n d?" Sh e wa it ed bu t when Draaddis didn't answer she sighed. "Dr a a ddis, m y u n willin g bu t fa it h fu l ser va n t , if we h a ve on e ga t e st on e, we ca n get t h e ot h er . Th ey a r e m a t ed a s t h e viewing disks are mated." "Th en if we h a ve on e, we ca n get t h e ot h er ," Dr a a ddis m u sed under his breath. "Did I not tell you so?" "If t h e ot h er st ill exist s," Dr a a ddis spoke u p. "You did sa y, m y qu een , t h a t t h e in fa n t m er ch est i m igh t kill a n d devou r t h e ken der , ea t in g t h e st on e a s well. Migh t t h e a du lt pa r en t do the same to Orander and the one he carries?"

"Or a n der is dea d," Ta kh isis sa id. "H e m u st be." Sh e r ea lized Draaddis had no idea what she meant. "Sh or t ly a ft er Or a n der disa ppea r ed," Ta kh isis con t in u ed im pa t ien t ly, "a por t a l open ed ju st sou t h of P a la n t h u s. I don 't t h in k it wa s u sed. Th is m igh t h a ve been a coin ciden ce. Redr obed wiza r ds a r e for ever t r a velin g bet ween pla n es a n d it is not unusual for them to open paths of destruction." Dr a a ddis bowed h is h ea d. H e t oo h a d wa lked on ot h er pla n es, bu t h e did n ot wa n t t o r em in d h is qu een of it a t t h e moment. No one prospered from interrupting a god. "J u st so," sh e n odded, cor r ect ly r ea din g h is t h ou gh t . "St ill, I divin e fr om t h e eviden ce t h a t t h e r ed-r obed wiza r d is dea d, and t h a t t h e a du lt m er ch est i h a s t h e st on e a n d is t r yin g t o get into this world to find its young one." Th ou gh h is qu een oft en scor n ed h is m or t a l in t elligen ce, Dr a a ddis wa s n ot st u pid, fa r fr om it . Th e god h er self h a d expa n ded h is m in d, a n d h e sa w a fla w in h er r ea son in g. If t h e ga t e st on es wer e m a t ed a n d t h e a du lt m er ch est i on t h e P la n e of Va sm a r g h a d u sed on e of t h em , t h e por t a l wou ld h a ve open ed n ea r t h e ken der wh o h a d t h e secon d st on e. Th e lit t le t h ieves wer e st ill som ewh er e n ea r t h e sou t h er n t ip of t h e Vin ga a r d Mou n t a in ch a in , st ill a lon g wa y fr om P a la n t h u s. H is qu een 's r ea son in g on t h a t poin t wa s fa u lt y, bu t h e da r ed n ot t ell h er so. In st ea d, h e wou ld pla y t h e st u pid m or t a l, st a y wit h t h e su bject a s lon g a s h e da r ed, a n d hope she saw her mistake. "The a du lt m er ch est i," Dr a a ddis m u r m u r ed. "Bu t it cou ldn 't get through the portal when it was open-" "Do n ot a t t em pt t o a ppea r even m or e st u pid t h a n you a r e," Ta kh isis sn a pped. "Or a n der open ed t h e por t a l. H e open ed it for h im self. Wh en h e u sed t h e st on es, h e h eld t h em n o m or e

t h a n t h r ee feet a pa r t a n d t h e open in g for m ed bet ween them." "Bu t if t h e m er ch est i h eld on e of t h e ga t e st on es, t h en t h e r en t in t h e fa br ic bet ween wor lds wou ld be la r ge en ou gh for t h e m on st er t o en t er ou r wor ld?" Sin ce n ecr om a n cy wa s h is pr im a r y st u dy, h e h a d given lit t le t h ou gh t t o pla n es a n d t h e su bt let ies of por t a ls. Like m a n y ot h er wiza r ds h e u sed por t a ls wh en h e n eeded t h em , bu t h e kn ew ju st en ou gh about them to serve his purpose. "Is t h e m er ch est i in t elligen t en ou gh t o u se t h e st on e?" t h e wizard asked. "In t im e," Ta kh isis r eplied. "Also, a du lt m er ch est i h a ve a n in n a t e m a gic. It sen sed t h e power of t h e st on e, a n d wh en it killed Or a n der , I su spect it t ook a n d kept it . Th eir in t elligen ce is n ot on t h e pla n e wit h h u m a n s, bu t wh ile t h eir t h in kin g is slow, t h ey a r e ca pa ble of wor kin g ou t pr oblem s. An d r em em ber , t h ey h a ve been kn own t o open t h eir own portals, though its rare for them to do so." "H ow lon g wou ld it t a ke for t h e m er ch est i t o lea r n t o u se t h e stone?" Draaddis was as impatient as his queen. "Yea r s, you r lifet im e, if we left it t ot a lly t o t h e fien d on t h e pla n e of Va sm a r g," Ta kh isis r eplied. "St ill, it will com e a ft er it s you n g. Wh en Or a n der open ed t h a t por t a l, h e set a cou r se of dest r u ct ion t h a t is in evit a ble. If we ca n get t h e ot h er st on e, we ca n h elp t h e m on st er t h r ou gh t o t h is wor ld in t im e to help our cause." "Help it through-bring that monster here?" "Yes!" Ta kh isis ga ve a h iss of im pa t ien ce a n d t wo of t h e ja r s on the shelves cracked with the power of her mood.

***** Two h u n dr ed feet a bove t h e ceilin g of t h e wor k r oom , t h e old lobo wolf a woke fr om a t er r ible dr ea m . H e lea ped t o h is feet , sn a r lin g a t t h e evil t h a t su r r ou n ded h im . F u lly a wa ke, h e saw only moonlight through the vines that covered his lair. He wondered why he had been having such terrible dreams. Chapter 14 My Uncle Trapspringer, like all kender, was a light sleeper... Tr a p a woke wh en h e h ea r d a n ir r egu la r t a ppin g. H e sa t u p on t h e pa llet t o see t h e su n com in g t h r ou gh t h e win dow. Beglu g sa t in t h e cor n er , h oldin g on e of Gr od's boot s. Th e you n g fien d wa s ch ewin g u p t h e la st of t h e on ly ch a ir t h a t h a d been in t h e r oom a n d st a r t ed eyein g t h e wood floor . Wh en a n a n t cr a wled ou t bet ween t wo floor boa r ds, Beglu g mashed it with the boot and gave an evil chuckle. "Lit t le m on st er ," H a lm a r a in sa id a s sh e clim bed down fr om t h e bed a n d wen t t o t h e cor n er , sea r ch in g h er pa ck for h er comb. "Beglu g fin d n ew ga m e," Gr od sa id. "Ca n u se own boot ." Th e gu lly dwa r f gr a bbed h is boot fr om t h e m er ch est i a n d pu t it on. "Lava Belly evil." "I don't believe it," Ripple snapped. "If killin g a n d ea t in g t h e in n keeper 's dog isn 't evil, I don 't know what is," Halmarain spoke up.

"I don 't kn ow t h a t ," Tr a p in sist ed. "Th e in n keeper sa id h is dog wa s m ea n , so Beglu g m igh t h a ve killed it beca u se it attacked him. You know he'll eat anything." "La va Belly evil," Gr od a n n ou n ced, a ga in ech oin g t h e lit t le wizard. "No! H e's n ot !" Tr a p wa s gr owin g ir r it a t ed wit h t h e gu lly dwarf for echoing Halmarain's warnings. "Maybe not so bad," Umpth said. His real complaint with the lit t le fien d wa s it s occa sion a l desir e t o m u n ch on h is wa gon wheel. Otherwise Grod's brother didn't seem to mind Beglug. Th e celebr a t ion h a d la st ed well in t o t h e n igh t . E ven t h ou gh t h e t r a veler s h a d t u r n ed in a t a n ea r ly h ou r , t h ey h a d n ot slept well beca u se of t h e n oisy pa r t y in t h e squ a r e. Th ey pa cked t h eir belon gin gs a n d cover ed Beglu g's da r k skin wit h t h e m a keu p a n d a dju st ed h is fa lse wig a n d bea r d. Th e su n wa s h igh wh en t h ey ca r r ied t h eir gea r down t h e st a ir s a n d en t er ed t h e com m on r oom of t h e in n . Th e in n keeper ca m e into the room and glared at the group while they were eating their breakfast. "Wh er e's t h e ch a ir t h a t wa s in you r r oom ?" h e dem a n ded of Grod, who was closest to the end of the table. "La va Belly ea t ch a ir ," Um pt h sa id, poin t in g a t Beglu g. H e con t in u ed t o scoop por r idge in t o h is m ou t h , spillin g it on h is beard in the process. "I wa n t t o kn ow wh a t h a ppen ed t o t h e ch a ir in you r r oom ," the innkeeper said again, dismissing the truth as a joke.

"I wa n t ed t o kn ow t oo." H a lm a r a in sn a pped a t t h eir h ost . Sh e squ ea ked ou t t h e com m en t befor e r em em ber in g t o im it a t e t h e deep t on es of a dwa r f. "We pa id a lot for t h a t r oom a n d we h a d n ot h in g t o sit on except t h e bed. I didn 't bot h er you wit h m y com pla in t wh en you wer e so bu sy la st n igh t , bu t n ow you h a ve t im e t o a pologize for t h e inconvenience to us." "Th er e wer e a lot of ch a ir s a n d ben ch es Ripple sa id. "Som eon e pr oba bly t ook t h a t celebr a t ion a n d for got t o br in g it ba ck, didn't... m a ybe t h ey pu t it in a n ot h er r oom , what some people will-"

in t h e squ a r e," on e ou t for t h e or m a ybe t h ey you n ever kn ow

"Do you wa n t t o sea r ch ou r pa cks t o see if we'r e t a kin g it a wa y wit h u s?" H a lm a r a in a sked wit h a la u gh a s sh e interrupted Ripple's chatter. Since the chair had been a large on e wit h a h igh ba ck a n d t h ick a r m s, it clea r ly wou ld n ot h a ve fit t ed in t h eir bu n dles, even if t h ey h a d t a ken it a pa r t . Th eir a r m or wa s st a cked wit h t h eir belon gin gs. Th ey h a d decided not to wear it that day. The warm morning promised even hotter weather later in the day. Th e in n keeper sh ook h is h ea d a n d wa lked a wa y. "Lost a ch a ir a n d I ca n 't fin d t h e dog. I won der if t h ese celebr a t ion s a r e wor t h t h e t r ou ble," h e m u t t er ed a s h e disa ppea r ed in t o the back room of the inn. "We sh ou ld do som et h in g a bou t Beglu g's diet ," t h e lit t le wiza r d sa id a s t h ey ga t h er ed t h eir belon gin gs a n d left t h e in n , h ea din g for t h e st a ble. H a lm a r a in st a gger ed u n der t h e loa d of h er a r m or a n d t h e a xe a t h er belt . Th e ot h er s ca r r ied t h e r est of t h eir gea r . Th e squ a r e wa s deser t ed, n ot surprisin g, sin ce t h e celebr a t ion h a d con t in u ed u n t il a lm ost dawn. The little wizard took advantage of the empty street to make the gully dwarves wash at a horse trough.

Accor din g t o t h e t a lk in t h e in n t h e n igh t befor e, a good t r a il led n or t h fr om Deepdel t o Ir on r ock. Sin ce t h eir a lt er n a t ive wa s t o t r a vel t h r ou gh goblin in fest ed m ou n t a in s, t h ey h a d decided to risk meeting travelers on the road. "Kn owin g we h a ve ken der wit h u s will pr oba bly keep m ost st r a n ger s a t a dist a n ce," H a lm a r a in sa id a s t h ey r ode ou t of the village. "Wiza r d m or e t a lk ba d," Um pt h a n n ou n ced, sh a kin g h is h ea d u n t il h is da r k bea r d wa ggled. "No like ken der , n o like mighty Aglest clan." "Of cou r se sh e likes u s, sh e a sked u s t o com e wit h h er , didn 't sh e?" Ripple object ed. "Sh e'll be sor r y wh en sh e r ea lizes h ow sh e sou n ds. J u st t h in k. If you wer e a s lit t le a s sh e is, you 'd be worried about everything too, so don't pay any attention if she complains, though I must say, she really does a lot of-" "I don 't n eed a n yon e t o a pologize for m e!" H a lm a r a in snapped. Tr a p, lea din g t h e wa y, t h r ew a da r k look ba ck over h is shoulder. He was forming his objection to the wizard's unjust accusation, but the gully dwarves beat him to it. "P eople n ot like ken der ?" Um pt h a sked Gr od a s h e r olled t h e wagon wheel along beside his pony. "Like kender more than wizard," Grod said. "Wizard have bad mood," Umpth said. "Wizard live in bad mood," Grod agreed.

"I don 't n eed a n y cr it icism fr om filt h y gu lly dwa r ves," Halmarain snapped. "Bet t er dir t on body t h a n in h ea d," Ripple a n n ou n ced. Sh e wa s im it a t in g Agh a r speech , bu t h er voice wa s sh a r p wit h irritation. "Personally I prefer gully dwarves to little humans with little minds." "Do you t h in k la r ge h u m a n s h a ve bet t er m in ds?" Tr a p a sked his sister. "Wonder what giants are like?" "I h ope you fin d ou t ," H a lm a r a in a n n ou n ced. H er fa ce r ed wit h a n ger . Sh e fell ba ck, a llowin g t h e ken der a n d t h e gu lly dwarves, their ponies led by Ripple, to go on ahead. Th e ken der , n ever a n gr y lon g or in a ba d m ood, bega n t o speculate on what they would find in Ironrock. "Th e n a m e sou n ds a s if it wou ld be a dwa r f t own ," Ripple su ggest ed. "It will be in t er est in g. Dwa r ves m a ke won der fu l things." "It 's a for t r ess," H a lm a r a in ca lled t o t h em wh en sh e overheard the conversation. "Built back in the time of Huma, I believe." Th ey h a d been r idin g for a n h ou r . Th e ken der keepin g u p a fr u it less, bu t r u n n in g specu la t ion on Ir on r ock t h a t kept pu llin g t h e gu lly dwa r ves' a t t en t ion a wa y fr om t h e wa gon wh eel. Th e t h ir d t im e t h ey dr opped it a n d t h e en t ir e pa r t y st opped wh ile Tr a p dism ou n t ed t o get it , h e st opped a n d stood staring from it to a small stand of sap-lings nearby.

"Well?" H a lm a r a in a sked wit h h er cu st om a r y im pa t ien ce. "Are we continuing our journey or not?" "Yes, r igh t -su r e we a r e," Tr a p led h is pon y off t h e r u t t ed r oa d a n d t ied it t o a st u r dy t r ee. "Bu t I've got a good idea . Ripple, come help me." Wh ile t h e lit t le wiza r d sa t on h er pon y a n d com pla in ed a t t h e dela y, Tr a p expla in ed h is idea t o h is sist er . Usin g t h eir belt knives, they each cut a slender sapling with a fork at the en d. Th ey com pa r ed t h em t o m a ke su r e ea ch wa s t h e sa m e len gt h , a bou t seven feet lon g. Th en Tr a p cu t a st u r dy on efoot len gt h a n d t h ey ca r r ied t h e t h r ee pieces ba ck t o t h e wheel. "Now a ll we n eed is som e r ope or lea t h er t h on gs," Ripple sa id. Sh e a n d Tr a p sea r ch ed t h eir pou ch es. Sh e pu lled ou t t h e br a celet sh e h a d picked u p wh en t h e Lyt -bu r g jeweler 's display had tilted and looked at it in surprise. "I thought I gave this back to him." "Where did these come from?" Trap held up three small glass vials with dark liquid in them. "They're mine, you thief," Halmarain snapped. "Well, you sh ou ldn 't lea ve t h em lyin g a r ou n d or I wou ldn 't h a ve t o pick u p a ft er you ," Tr a p sa id, a bsen t ly r et u r n in g t h em t o h is pou ch . H e fou n d h is ba ll of st r on g cor d a n d som e thin strips of leather. Th e gu lly dwa r ves wa t ch ed a n xiou sly a s Ripple h eld t h e wh eel wh ile Tr a p slipped t h e foot lon g len gt h of wood

t h r ou gh t h e h u b. H e t ied t h e for ked en d of t h e poles t o t h e short axle length. "Wheel is magic, is not for work," Umpth said. "Not for work," Grod echoed his bother. "Wh y n ot ? You 've been wor kin g t o h a u l it a r ou n d ever sin ce we've kn own you ," Tr a p r et or t ed. "Th is wa y you won 't keep dropping it." Wor kin g qu ickly, t h ey n ot ch ed t h e blu n t en ds of t h e t wo poles and attached them to Umpth's saddle. "Now t h e wh eel won 't get a wa y fr om you ," Tr a p sa id, lookin g wit h pr ide on h is in ven t ion , a va r ia t ion on a t r a vois. "Ma ybe now we can continue?" Halmarain demanded. Tr a p t u r n ed, h is fa ce cr in kled in a fr own bu t h e for got h is a n ger wit h t h e lit t le wiza r d. H e la u gh ed a t t h e sigh t beh in d her. "H ey, look! Beglu g liked h is clot h es bet t er t h a n we t h ou gh t ," he laughed. Du r in g t h e h ot m or n in g, t h e lit t le fien d h a d a ppa r en t ly decided h e wa s wa r m en ou gh wit h ou t clot h in g. H e h a d u sed t h e st op t o pu ll off h is t r ou ser s a n d sh ir t . Th e pa n t s h a d disa ppea r ed. On ly on e sleeve of t h e sh ir t r em a in ed. H e wa s stuffing it in his mouth. "Th e m on st er !" H a lm a r a in looked a s if sh e m igh t kill t h e merchesti.

"You wer e su pposed t o be wa t ch in g h im ," Ripple sa id, la u gh in g a lon g wit h h er br ot h er . "Don 't bla m e h im if h e h a s a healthy appetite." Th e m er ch est i wa s a fu n n y sigh t in h is m et a l h elm et a n d dwa r f bea r d, n a ked except for h is boot s. Th ey h a d been ca r efu l t o keep t h e flesh -color ed pa st e on h is h a n ds a n d fa ce, and he did look strange, since the rest of his body was a deep gray-green. "How did he get his pants off over his boots?" Ripple asked as she pulled her cloak from her pack and mounted her pony. "Th e n ext t im e h e does som et h in g fu n n y wh en we'r e n ot lookin g, we sh ou ld wa t ch ," Tr a p sa id. H e t ook Ripple's cloa k a n d t ied it a r ou n d Beglu g's n eck. Th ey h a d t o cover h is strange gray-green body or leave the road. "Hey, I like that! We'll watch when we're not looking," Ripple laughed as she led the gully dwarf's ponies on up the road. Th ey r ode on t h r ou gh m ost of t h e m or n in g, bu t t h e su n in t h e clou dless, win dless sky fu lfilled t h e pr om ise of a h ot da y. Th e r oa d seem ed n ea r ly st r a igh t , bu t it r ose a t a con st a n t slope, a n d t h e pon ies's h ea d's wer e dr oopin g. H ot du st r ose fr om t h eir pa ssa ge. Wh en t h ey ca m e t o a sm a ll copse of woods wit h deep sh a de a n d a r u n n in g st r ea m , even t h e lit t le wizard was willing to stop. Th ey u n loa ded t h e a n im a ls, ga ve t h em a dr in k fr om t h e st r ea m a n d t et h er ed t h em so t h ey cou ld cr op t h e spa r se gr a ss a n d lu sh u n der br u sh . Aft er t h e h ot du st of t h e r oa d, the moist air around the little creek smelled fresh and sweet. H a lm a r a in h a d slept t h e lea st t h e n igh t befor e, a n d sh e sa t lea n in g a ga in st a t r ee, dozin g. Um pt h a n d Gr od poked

a r ou n d u n der t h e t r ees, a n d Beglu g m u n ch ed on a fa llen br a n ch h eld in h is r igh t h a n d, wh ile wit h h is left , h e u sed a secon d st u r dy st ick t o swa t a t a squ ir r el t h a t wa s well ou t of reach. Th e ken der sa t by t h e st r ea m a n d u sed t h e t im e t o redistribu t e t h e con t en t s of t h eir pou ch es, a n on goin g ch or e as well as a favorite pastime. "Oh , t h a t 's n ice," Ripple sa id a s Tr a p exa m in ed a cu n n in g spa r ker , clea r ly dwa r f m a de. "Wh en did you get it ?" sh e asked, holding out her hand, wanting a closer look. "I don 't kn ow," Tr a p r eplied. H e h a n ded it t o h er , bu t fr own ed a s h e t r ied t o r em em ber it . H e wa s cer t a in it h a d not been in the pouch the day before. "Wh en , wa s pr oba bly yest er da y," H a lm a r a in sa id sleepily. "And where, was doubtless out of someone's pocket." "Not t r u e!" Tr a p sa id. "I wou ld h a ve r em em ber ed it . It 's in t er est in g." H e pu lled sever a l ot h er it em s fr om h is pou ch : a clu st er of folded m et a l r ods t h a t open ed u p t o be a r oa st in g r a ck, a clu st er of fea t h er s t ied wit h bea ded st r in g, a n d a small knife with a jeweled handle. "Som eon e m u st h a ve m ist a ken m y pou ch for h is own ," Tr a p sa id. "H e su r e h a s good st u ff. I wish I kn ew wh o h e wa s, I kn ow h e'd like t h em ba ck." H e a lso fou n d it em s h e did r em em ber , like t h e cu n n in g lit t le gla ss bot t le t h a t h e h a d t a ken fr om a dwa r f's pocket , fin ger ed, a n d in spect ed. Wh en he'd tried to return it the dwarf had moved away. Th e wiza r d sn or t ed a n d closed h er eyes a s if u n willin g t o see what else the kender might pull from his pouch.

Ripple wa s t h e n ext on e t o be su r pr ised. "I didn 't t h in k I h a d so many steel pieces," she said. "No wonder this pouch felt so h ea vy." Sh e fr own ed, sea r ch ed in a n ot h er pou ch a n d pu lled ou t a sm a ll lea t h er dr a wst r in g ba g. "H er e a r e m in e. Wh er e did t h ese com e fr om ?" Sh e h eld u p a h a n d, h ea ped wit h coins. Th e con ver sa t ion br ou gh t H a lm a r a in t o fu ll wa kefu l-ness. She sat up and glared at the kender. "You 've been h elpin g you r self t o Or a n der 's pu r se!" sh e accused. "I have not!" Ripple denied heatedly. "No, she hasn't," Trap held up the wizard's coin bag, red with r u n es a r ou n d t h e sides. "It 's so fu ll a n ot h er piece wou ld cause it to split." H a lm a r a in ca m e over a n d t ook t h e pu r se fr om Tr a p, fir st looking in it, then turning it in her hands. "Or a n der n ever m en t ion ed h is pu r se wa s m a gic," sh e sa id slowly. "I've n ever h ea r d of a n y spell t h a t cou ld con st a n t ly r eplen ish coin s. If t h er e is on e I'd t h in k ever y wiza r d wou ld be wea lt h y." H er eyes n a r r owed a s sh e ga zed a t Tr a p. "You did pay for our room last night...." "Of cou r se I did," h e sa id. "Th e in n keeper wa sn 't a t r u st in g per son , wh ich , I'd t h in k, wou ld be ba d for bu sin ess. I m ea n how many people want to be accused of sneaking out without pa yin g t h eir bills befor e t h ey even get a r oom . I h a d t o pa y for it in advance." "Are you certain?"

H er con st a n t a ccu sa t ion s wer e m a kin g Tr a p a n gr y. Sh e h a d just handed him back the purse, but he threw it back at her. "If you don't trust me, you keep it," he snapped. "Wiza r d, wiza r d, wa r m a s a blizza r d," Ripple t a u n t ed, a lso angry at Halmarain's doubts. "Ta ke u s sh e m u st , bu t gives u s n o t r u st ," Tr a p a dded, falling into the sibling game of rhyming taunts. "Complain, complain, that's Halmarain," Ripple capped him. "That's enough!" Halmarain snapped. "F u ss a n d figh t , a ll da y a ll n igh t ," Tr a p sa id, la u gh in g a s if his joke was the funniest thing he had ever heard. "Ar gle, ba r gle, ga sp a n d ga r gle," Ripple t h r ew h er self ba ck on t h e bed of fa llen lea ves by t h e st r ea m , ca cklin g wit h glee. "I have heard all I want to hear!" the wizard shouted. "Moa n a n d sh ou t a n d flou n ce a bou t !" Tr a p r olled in t o a ba ll, laughing until tears streamed down his cheeks. "On e m or e wor d a n d you 'll en d you r lives a s fr ogs!" t h e wizard threatened. "I-" The gully dwarves' wagon wheel interrupted Halmarain as it ca m e h u r t lin g a lon g t h e st r ea m ba n k fr om t h e dir ect ion of t h e r oa d. Th e wh eel n ea r ly r a n h er down . Um pt h a n d Gr od followed it.

"Pony come," Umpth said. "I keep a wa y wit h m a gic," Gr od sa id. "F in d good m a gic." H e wa ved a dea d squ ir r el a t t h em . By t h e fla t n ess of t h e u pper body, t h e lit t le a n im a l lost it s life t o a wa gon wh eel, on e attached to a fully loaded cart. "Beglu g!" Ripple sa id, lea pin g t o h er feet , t h e a r gu m en t forgotten. "Repa ck you r pou ch es, I'll t a ke h im in t o t h e woods," Halmarain said, dashing away. Th e ken der st u ffed t h eir belon gin gs ba ck in t h eir pou ch es a n d r et ied t h e fa st en er s. Th ey ga ve Um pt h t h e pa ck t h a t h eld Beglu g's ext r a clot h in g a n d wer e st a n din g by t h e st r ea m , wa t ch in g wh en six dwa r ves ca m e in sigh t a n d slowed t h eir m ou n t s. Th ey poin t ed a t t h e woods a n d t h e st r ea m . Clea r ly t h ey a lso wa n t ed t o esca pe t h e h ea t of t h e road. Gr od st ood wa vin g h is dea d squ ir r el a bou t a s if h e wer e wa r din g off ba d lu ck. Th e t wo ken der , deligh t ed a t t h e pr ospect of m eet in g n ew people, r u sh ed t o t h e ea ves of t h e copse by the road. "H ello!" Tr a p ca lled ou t . "Th is is a gr ea t pla ce. It 's cooler u n der t h e t r ees a n d t h e wa t er in t h e st r ea m is cold. Com e and join us." Th e t wo ken der st ood sm ilin g a t t h e six dwa r ves, Nei-da r by t h e fa sh ion of t h eir a r m or a n d clot h in g. Th ey r ode t ou gh little hill ponies.

"A kender," said one of the dwarves. "It could be the one with that outlaw band." "Oh, we're not outlaws, we're just traveling with a wiz-" "A wizzy-waddle bunch of ponies, a couple of Aghar and some Neida r ," Ripple sa id qu ickly, cover in g h er br ot h er 's slip of the tongue. "The others are gathering firewood." "F ir ewood? In t h is h ea t ?" t h e dwa r f lea der sa id su spiciou sly. "Are you sure you're not with that outlaw band?" "We've h ea r d t h er e is a ken der ou t la w," Ripple sa id, bu t on ly one kender outlaw and as you see there are two of us." "Outlaw, him dead," Grod said. "Make good tale, that." Chapter 15 Th e six dwa r ves wer e a du lt m a les, bu t st ill you n g, Tr a p decided, sin ce t h ey h a d n o gr a y in t h eir bea r ds. Th ey ca r r ied h ea vy a xes a n d cr ossbows. Th e pon ies sm elled wa t er a n d st r a in ed a t t h e r ein s. Th e dwa r ves m u t t er ed t oget h er a n d on e dism ou n t ed, ca r r yin g h is a xe a s h e st epped in t o t h e sh a dows. H is belt br ist led wit h kn ives a n d t wo la r ge bovin e h or n s r ose fr om h is h elm et . H is h ea dgea r wou ld ser ve a s a deadly weapon if he butted an enemy with it. Still half blinded by the sun, he nearly collided with Grod. Th e gu lly dwa r f a ppa r en t ly t h ou gh t t h e n ew a r r iva l wa s a bou t t o a t t a ck h im a n d lea ped a wa y a n d sh ook h is dea d squirrel at the Neidar.

"Ma ke you fr og," Gr od wa r n ed. Th e gu lly dwa r f's dodge h a d t a ken h im in t o a n a r ea wh er e t h e sh a de wa s speckled wit h shafts of sunlight. He had removed his helmet because of the h ea t , a n d a sh a ft of ligh t st r u ck h is blon d h ea d, m a kin g it glow. An ot h er sh a ft illu m in a t ed t h e dea d squ ir r el. Wit h t h e r est of h is body in deep sh a de, h is h ea d a n d t h e lit t le ca r ca ss seemed to be floating in the air. Th e dwa r f gla r ed a t Gr od for a m om en t a n d lower ed h is wea pon . "It 's a n Agh a r ," h e sh ou t ed ba ck t o h is fr ien ds. Th e sim ple st a t em en t ca r r ied t h e im plica t ion t h a t n o selfr espect in g ba n d of ou t la ws wou ld h a ve gu lly dwa r ves a s m em ber s. Th e r est of t h e pa r t y r ode in t o t h e sh a de of t h e t r ees a n d dism ou n t ed. Th e la st t h r ee dwa r ves led pon ies loaded with boxes and bundles. "It 's cooler h er e, bu t t h er e's n ot h in g t o do," Tr a p sa id, following the dwarves to the stream. He reached for the reins of a n ot h er pa ck pon y, bu t t h e dwa r f kept a t igh t h old on t h e lea t h er lea d. "I cou ldn 't even fin d a bir d's n est , so it will be n ice t o h a ve som eon e t o t a lk t o. Is t h is you r cr ossbow?" h e asked, reaching for the weapon. "Keep your thieving hands off that," the dwarf snarled. Tr a p st ood ba ck, h is sm ile fa lt er in g. "I wou ldn 't h u r t it ," h e sa id. "I wou ldn 't t a ke it . You 'r e t h in kin g of t h a t ot h er Trapspringer people keep talking about." "Well if t h er e's a n ot h er , so be it , bu t t h is on e-" t h e dwa r f sh ook a fin ger in t h e ken der 's fa ce, "-h a d bet t er keep h is hands in his pockets!" The kender did his best to oblige. Since he had no pockets, he slid h is h a n ds in t o h is pou ch es a n d fin ger ed t h e it em s t h er e. H e h a d t o a dm it som e of t h em wer e pr oba bly m or e

in t er est in g t h a n t h e possession s of t h e dwa r ves, t h ou gh h e would have enjoyed taking an inventory of their belongings. H a lm a r a in a ppea r ed, lea din g Beglu g, wh o st a r ed a t t h e n ew a r r iva ls. By h is m eek m a n n er , t h e lit t le wiza r d h a d pu t a ca lm in g spell on t h e lit t le fien d t o keep h im ou t of t r ou ble. H e wor e h is secon d set of clot h in g, boot s, bea r d, wig, a n d h elm et . H e ga zed a t t h e t r a veler s wit h a m ild in t er est befor e curling up at the base of a tree to sleep. "Good jou r n ey t o you a n d a wa r m dr y h a ll a t t h e en d of you r wa n der in g," t h e lit t le wiza r d sa id, spea kin g t o t h e la r gest of t h e dwa r ves. H er gr eet in g wa s a n a n cien t Neida r t r a dit ion , one seldom heard since the Cataclysm. "A good jou r n ey t o you , m y ch ild," t h e dwa r f r eplied, bowin g. "Tolem Ga r t h wa r , a t you r ser vice. Wit h you r per m ission we will share the shade of this wood and water our beasts." Tolem 's eyes sea r ch ed t h e wood, t a kin g in t h e six t r a veler s. H e h a d fir st looked t owa r d Beglu g, wh ose bea r d wa s st r ea ked wit h gr a y. H e a ppea r ed t o be t h e elder , wh ich sh ou ld h a ve m a de h im t h e spokesm a n for t h e you n g fem a le. Tolem ign or ed t h e ken der a n d t h e gu lly dwa r ves a s if t h ey wer e u n wor t h y of h is t im e. H a lm a r a in 's sm a ll size a n d h er delicate features gave her the appearance of a dwarf child, as did her voice. Even though she tried to make it sound deeper, it wa s st ill h igh a n d delica t e, pa r t icu la r ly for a dwa r f. Tolem's expression demanded an explanation for why Beglug had ignored him. H a lm a r a in looked in t h e m er ch est i's dir ect ion a n d ba ck a t Tolem Ga r t h wa r . Sh e r a ised on e sm a ll fin ger t o h er t em ple and shook her head. "An old wound," she said. "A blow from a goblin's club addled h is br a in s. I fea r m y fa t h er 's fa t h er will n ever be r igh t

a ga in ," sh e t old h im wit h a sigh . "If I ca n ju st get h im t o ou r people in t h e h ills below P a la n t h u s, t h ey will h elp ca r e for him. It's a hard journey, even with these friends to help." Tolem nodded sympathetically. "It is a ser iou s m a t t er for on e so you n g t o be t r a velin g a lon e, m y la dy," h e r em a r ked. "We jou r n ey sou t h for a t im e-on a n errand of great importance, but...." "Oh , I'm n ot a lon e," H a lm a r a in h a st ily r em in ded h im in a n effort to forestall any offer of help. "The kender and the gully dwa r ves a r e loya l fr ien ds. Th ey will see m e t o t h e en d of m y journey." Wh ile H a lm a r a in h a d been dr essin g t h e m er ch est i, t h e dwa r ves h a d wa t er ed t h eir a n im a ls. Th ey h a d r em oved t h e pa cks a n d sa ddles a n d t et h er ed t h eir m ou n t s t o gr a ze a lon g wit h t h e ot h er pon ies. Th eir ch or es fin ish ed, t h ey ga t h er ed ben ea t h t h e deep sh a de of a la r ge t r ee a n d sa t on t h e gr ou n d in a semicircle. H a lm a r a in t ook t h e t wo ken der a side, well a wa y fr om t h e dwa r ves. "You t ou ch on e t h in g belon gin g t o t h ose dwa r ves and you'll end you lives as a pair of rabbits." Tr a p scowled. H e h a d expect ed t h e dwa r ves t o doze in t h e h ea t a n d h a d a lr ea dy pla n n ed a plea sa n t a ft er n oon lea r n in g a bou t t h e t r a velin g gea r of t h e st r a n ger s. Th e lit t le wiza r d r ea d h is expr ession cor r ect ly. Sh e t ook a deep br ea t h a n d muttered a spell. Th e ken der fou n d h is a r m s close t o h is body, a n d h e wa s unable to move more than the tips of his fingers.

"Wh a t did you do?" Ripple wa s lookin g down a t h er own hands, her arms similarly trapped. "I u sed a bin din g spell," t h e lit t le wiza r d sa id. "Do you wa n t to stay that way for the rest of the day, or do you promise not to touch anything that belongs to the dwarves?" Th e t wo ken der pr om ised, r elu ct a n t ly, beca u se wh en t h ey ga ve t h eir wor d t h ey wou ld be bou n d by it a s lon g a s t h ey r em em ber ed it , a n d bot h kn ew t h e lit t le wiza r d wou ld keep t h eir m em or ies fr esh . H a lm a r a in r elea sed t h em bu t t ook ca r e t o see t h a t Tr a p a n d Ripple st a yed well a wa y fr om t h e dwa r ves. Th ey sa t on t h e opposit e side of t h e cir cle, t oo fa r for their exploring fingers to reach into packs or pockets. Th e dwa r ves' or igin a l dislike of t h e ken der eva por a t ed wh en H a lm a r a in a n d Ripple br ou gh t ou t a h a m a n d som e da y old br ea d a n d offer ed it a r ou n d. Th ey h a d br ou gh t t h e food fr om Deepdel. Th e dwa r ves su pplied t h e dr in k: dwa r f m ea d, st r on g a n d h ea dy. Wh en t h ey h a d filled t h eir st om a ch s on e of them leaned forward, gazing at Grod. "Did you say you had a tale about a dead outlaw?" "Trap have tale," Grod answered. Bor ed, a n d wit h n ot h in g t o explor e, Tr a p let h is m in d wander in t o a n ot h er t a le of t h e ken der ou t la w. St ill sligh t ly t iffed a t H a lm a r a in 's ea r lier a ccu sa t ion s, h e wove a r edr obed wiza r d t u r n ed r en ega de in t o h is st or y. H is t a le st r et ch ed ou t t h r ou gh t h e h ot a ft er n oon a s h e m a de sly digs at Halmarain and received angry glares in return. Sin ce sh e wa s sit t in g wit h h er ba ck t o t h e t r ee wh er e Beglu g slept , sh e wa s n ot a wa r e t h a t h e h a d a wa ken ed. H e sa t wa t ch in g t h e dwa r ves a s t h ey pa ssed ea r t h en ju gs a r ou n d

t h e cir cle. Aft er sever a l m in u t es h e cr ept for wa r d. H e picked up one of the crocks that a dwarf and placed in the stream to cool and took it back to his tree. Tr a p n ea r ly lost t h e t h r ea d of h is st or y a s h e wa t ch ed t h e m er ch est i down t h e con t en t s of t h e ju g in on e lon g gu r gle. Then Beglug ate the jug. Th e ken der 's st or y su dden ly in clu ded a gr ou p of st on e golem s t h a t m a de lou d a n d cr a sh in g n oises a s h e t r ied t o cover t h e sou n d of Beglu g's cr u n ch in g. Th e lit t le fien d wa s lookin g a r ou n d for som et h in g else t o sn a ck on wh en H a lm a r a in n ot iced h im . Sh e t u r n ed so t h e dwa r ves wou ld n ot see h er wea vin g a spell a n d in secon ds Beglu g cu r led u p and went back to sleep. The gully dwarves wandered around the area, so only Ripple, H a lm a r a in , a n d t h e t r a veler s h ea r d h ow t h e im a gin a r y Trapspringer met his fate in a ball of fire. "A good t a le, t h a t ," Tolem con gr a t u la t ed t h e ken der . "Th e worst heat of the day has passed, so we'll be on our way." As t h e dwa r ves r ose a n d bega n t o loa d t h eir pon ies, H a lm a r a in a n d t h e ken der discover ed t h a t Beglu g wa s m issin g. Th e ca lm in g spell h a d wor n a wa y. Th ey fou n d h im u pst r ea m , pokin g a st ick in t o t h e h ole of a n u n offen din g mole. "My ca lm in g spells don 't seem t o be st r on g en ou gh ," H a lm a r a in sa id a s t h ey r et u r n ed t o t h e st r ea m t o sa ddle their own mounts. "I'll need to work on a stronger one." By t h e t im e t h ey r et u r n ed, t h e dwa r ves h a d con t in u ed t h eir jou r n ey. Th ey h a d t a ken H a lm a r a in 's pon y a n d h a d left a raw-boned, sickly looking animal in its place.

Th e lit t le wiza r d gla r ed a t t h e dispir it ed a n im a l a n d ou t t owa r d t h e r oa d. "I sh ou ld h a ve let you a n d Ripple st ea l them blind," she said. "Stop saying that! We don't steal," Trap objected. "How many t im es do I h a ve t o sa y it ? J u st beca u se people a r e ca r eless wit h t h eir belon gin gs, or t h ey r ea ch for t h eir own pou ch es and we happened to be next to them and they put their-" "I don't want to hear it," Halmarain snapped. Chapter 16 Th e a ft er n oon cooled a n d H a lm a r a in wa s im pa t ien t t o con t in u e t h eir jou r n ey. Sin ce t h e ken der h a d t ot a lly explor ed t h e sm a ll copse t h ey h a d n o object ion s a n d qu ickly sa ddled their pon ies. Th e old pon y, left t h em by t h e dwa r ves, seem ed relieved to be carrying a lighter load. Th e gu lly dwa r ves st ill h a d n ot lea r n ed t o con t r ol t h eir own m ou n t s, bu t t h ey h a d a t a len t for m a kin g u sefu l it em s ou t of a n y m a t er ia l a t h a n d. Um pt h h a d fou n d a len gt h of r ope h e insisted had been left behind by the dwarves. He fashioned it in t o a ser ies of t h r ee loops a n d a t t a ch ed it t o t h e left st ir r u p of H a lm a r a in 's sa ddle. Wit h a pr a ct ica lit y belied by t h eir ot h er wise ch ildish beh a vior , h e h a d even t ied a sh or t len gt h of r ope t o t h e bot t om loop. Th e lit t le wiza r d u sed t h e loops t o clim b in t o t h e sa ddle. Wh en sh e m ou n t ed sh e cou ld pu ll h er m a kesh ift la dder u p beh in d h er a n d keep it fr om sn a ggin g on weeds and bushes on the trail. "I gu ess Agh a r h a ve t h eir u ses a ft er a ll," sh e a dm it t ed a ft er she tested her new method of mounting her pony.

Tr a p wa s r ea dy t o lea d t h e wa y a n d H a lm a r a in kept t h e leads of Beglug's mount and the pack animal tied to the back of h er sa ddle. Ripple br ou gh t u p t h e r ea r lea din g Gr od's and Um pt h 's m ou n t s. Th e Agh a r 's wa gon wh eel, a ga in set in it 's travois-like frame, rolled along behind Umpth. Th e r oa d t h a t r a n n or t h bet ween t h e villa ge of Deepdel a n d t h e for t r ess of Ir on r ock cu r ved t o skir t t h e foot h ills. Th e st a n d of woods wh er e t h ey h a d t a ken sh elt er fr om t h e m idda y su n ga ve wa y t o gen t le br u sh -cover ed slopes t h a t rose to meet the mountain range beyond. Befor e t h ey bega n t h eir jou r n ey Tr a p, Ripple, a n d H a lm a r a in sa t t h eir m ou n t s in a r ow, t a kin g a n ot h er look a t one of Trap's maps. "You 'd t h in k wit h a ll t h e pa in s t h e ca r t ogr a ph er t ook wit h t h a t pict u r e, h e wou ld h a ve a dded som e pr a ct ica l det a il," t h e wiza r d sa id wit h a sn or t . "H e didn 't even sh ow Deepdel or the road to Ironrock." "St ill, it 's a bea u t ifu l m a p," Tr a p sa id, defen din g h is illgotten possession. He carefully rolled it, tucked it back into a pou ch , a n d wa s ju st u r gin g h is pon y for wa r d wh en Um pt h gave a hoot. "Dwarves come back," the gully dwarf announced. Tr a p looked ba ck over h is sh ou lder t o see t h e dwa r ves ga llopin g u p t h e r oa d. Th e ken der st ood u p in h is sa ddle. H e wa s a bou t t o wa ve wh en H a lm a r a in r ea ch ed over a n d slapped his hand down. "Wh a t did you t a ke fr om t h em ?" sh e a sked, h er eyes bla zin g in anger.

"Not h in g!" Tr a p r et or t ed. "You kn ow t h a t ! You pu t a spell on us until we promised we wouldn't." "Not soon enough, apparently," she spat out the words as she looked ba ck a t t h e r oa d. "Th ey'r e r idin g like t h ey'r e ch a sin g som eon e or bein g ch a sed, a n d t h er e's n o on e beh in d t h em . Get u s ou t of h er e befor e t h ey fin d u s." "Wiza r d fu ss a ga in ," Umpth muttered. "Not r ea lly fu ssin g, sh e's ju st t ir ed," Tr a p sa id, givin g H a lm a r a in t h e ben efit of t h e dou bt . "Sh e'll a pologize wh en sh e's in a bet t er m ood, bu t I kn ow wh a t you m ea n , sh e does get-" "Enough of that," Halmarain practically growled. "Let's go." "Th ey've pr oba bly discover ed t h ey t ook t h e wr on g pon y a n d they're bringing it back," Ripple suggested. "Tell a n ot h er on e," H a lm a r a in sa id. Sh e picked u p h er own r ein s, t u r n ed, a n d r a ced ba ck in t o t h e sm a ll wood. Beh in d h er , Beglu g's m ou n t a n d t h e pa ck a n im a l followed on t h eir leads. "Tr a p t ell on e," Gr od sa id a s Ripple followed t h e wiza r d. "Him tell good tales." Th e ken der didn 't a n swer t h e dwa r ves. Ripple's a t t en t ion wa s on h er r ou t e, n ot beca u se of t h e pon ies, bu t t o pr ot ect the wa gon wh eel t h a t bou n ced a lon g beh in d Um pt h . Sin ce Halmarain had taken the lead, Trap rode beside his sister. "I didn 't get n ea r t h eir pa cks," h e t old Ripple wit h a sigh . "I would have enjoyed seeing what was in them, but I didn't get a chance."

"Neither did I," she replied. "They couldn't be after us. I wish she wouldn't be so suspicious." Ripple threw an angry look at the departing Halmarain. "They probably want to return the pony," Trap said, agreeing with the suggestion Ripple had made earlier. "Th ey ca n 't t r a de it for t h eir a n im a l if H a lm a r a in keeps running away," Ripple said. "And if we don't hurry, we'll lose her." Tr a p wa s for ced t o a gr ee. Th e su n , st ill h ot on t h eir ba cks sin ce H a lm a r a in wa s lea din g t h em ea st in t o t h e h ills, wa s dippin g t owa r d t h e h or izon . In m in u t es t h e r oa d wa s left beh in d a n d t h ey wer e wor kin g t h eir wa y bet ween t h e foot h ills. H a lm a r a in h a d been r idin g fu r iou sly, a n xiou s t o lose t h e dwa r ves. Th e ken der ga lloped a ft er h er , keepin g h er in sigh t u n t il sh e su dden ly ch a n ged cou r se, t r a velin g sou t h . "Hurry, she's gone behind that hill," Ripple said. "Sh e cou ld wa it for u s," Tr a p com pla in ed. H e h a d n ot seen t h e dwa r ves t u r n off in t o t h e copse. Th ey m igh t h a ve been h u r r yin g u p t h e r oa d for som e r ea son t h a t h a d n ot h in g t o do wit h t h e ken der a n d t h eir pa r t y. Tolem 's gr ou p cou ld h a ve lost som et h in g on t h eir wa y sou t h a n d t h ey cou ld be r et u r n in g t o fin d it . As fa r a s t h e ken der kn ew, t h ey h a d n ot left anything behind in the copse except a length of rope. The ken der h a d been bor ed a n d t h ey h a d been lookin g for a n y diversion. They would have noticed. Trap fell back as Ripple followed the wizard. He was sure the dwa r ves wer e n ot a ft er t h em . As h is sist er led t h e m ou n t s of t h e gu lly dwa r ves a r ou n d t h e ba se of t h e h ill beh in d wh ich Halmarain h a d disa ppea r ed, Tr a p decided t o pu t t h e wizard's doubts to rest. He dismounted, tied his pony to some

high brush to keep it out of the sight, then walked back up to the top of the nearest knoll. He stood watching, fully expecting to see the dwarves race by t h e woods a n d on u p t h e r oa d, bu t t h ey h a d disa ppea r ed. In m in u t es h e sa w t h em a ga in . Th ey ca m e ou t of t h e woods, t r a velin g ea st . Th ey m oved m or e slowly, wa t ch in g t h e gr ou n d a s t h ey followed t h e t r a il left by Tr a p a n d h is companions. On e of t h e dwa r ves looked a h ea d, spot t ed t h e ken der on t h e hillside, and shouted. The rest gave up their inspection of the trail and galloped toward Trap. "H ello a ga in ," h e ca lled a s t h ey r ode u p. "I t h ou gh t you wer e on the way to Deepdel. Did you come back to return our pony and get yours?" "Th ievin g ken der !" t h e lea der sh ou t ed. "I'll h a ve you r h ea d off your shoulders quick enough." "Bu t wh y? I don 't kn ow wh y you 'r e so a n gr y, beca u se you were the one that left your pony. We didn't keep your animal on pu r pose a n d you t ook on e of ou r s," Tr a p sa id, t r yin g t o be pa t ien t a n d u n der st a n din g. H e wa s get t in g t ir ed of t h e a ccu sa t ion s m a de a ga in st h im , bu t h e wa s willin g t o be reasonable. "An d we don 't h a ve a n y of you r belon gin gs. H er e, I'll sh ow you if you like," Tr a p sa id, open in g t h e fir st of h is pou ch es a n d r ea ch in g in side. H e wa s n ot a dver se t o displa yin g h is belon gin gs. Th ey wer e fu n t o look a t a n d h e wou ld en joy t ellin g a n y t a les t h a t a ccom pa n ied t h em . P er h a ps h e cou ld even trade for something new and more interesting.

As h e r ea ch ed in t o t h e pou ch , h e felt a n object h e cou ld n ot iden t ify a n d pu lled it ou t . H e st ood a m om en t ga zin g down on a gold r in g h e cou ld n ot iden t ify, u n t il h e r em em ber ed it h a d com e fr om t h e wiza r d's ch est ben ea t h Or a n der 's bed. H e h a d in t en ded t o pu t it ba ck, bu t in t h eir h u r r y t o lea ve h e h a d for got t en it . To keep it fr om get t in g lost , h e slipped it on his finger and held up his hand for the dwarves to see. "Th is isn 't you r s, it belon gs t o a -" J u st in t im e h e remembered not to say wizard. "To a friend of mine," he said, t a kin g a st ep for wa r d, in t en din g t o sh ow t h e dwa r ves t h e ring. Th e st ep sh ou ld h a ve m oved h im for wa r d a ppr oxim a t ely t wo feet . H e h ea r d t h e win d sin gin g in h is ea r s a n d h e fou n d h im self st a n din g fift y feet fa r t h er down t h e h illside. H e gazed around him, wondering what had happened. He heard dwarven oaths behind him and turned around. The dwa r ves wer e st ill sit t in g on t h eir pon ies, su r r ou n din g a n empty space. "Wow, that was interesting," he said. Th e n ea r est dwa r f h ea r d t h e ken der , t wist ed in h is sa ddle, and stared at the Trap, who smiled back. "Wonder how I did that?" "Th er e h e is!" t h e dwa r f sh ou t ed. "H e's u sin g som e filt h y wizard's spell." "I did n ot !" Tr a p object ed, a n d t h en ch a n ged h is m in d, though he decided not to mention it to the dwarves.

The nearest dwarf turned his mount and galloped toward the ken der . Tr a p wa s st ill willin g t o t u r n ou t h is pou ch es a n d pr ove h e h a d n ot h in g of t h eir s, bu t t h in kin g t h e dwa r f m igh t r u n h im down in h is h a st e, Tr a p t ook a st ep t o t h e side. H e found himself another fifty feet away, this time to the north. "A person should wear a hat when he uses this ring," he said, more to himself than the dwarves. The wind, whistling in his ears, was enough to give him an earache. Th e fir st dwa r f wa s st ill ga llopin g t owa r d wh er e t h e ken der h a d been befor e h e t ook h is la st st ep. A secon d ch a r ged Trap's new position. "Wh a t a won der fu l ga m e," h e sa id a n d t ook a n ot h er t wo st eps, com plet ely bypa ssin g t h e fou r st ill on t h e slope. H e st opped t wen t y feet a wa y. Tolem , t h e lea der , st a r t ed t owa r d him. "Ca n 't ca t ch m e," Tr a p ca r oled a s h e lea ped in t o t h e a ir , spin n in g a r ou n d. Defin it ely a m ist a ke, h e decided. H e con t in u ed t o spin fou r feet a bove t h e gr ou n d a s h e wh ipped t h r ou gh t h e br u sh . H e seem ed t o be flu n g in sever a l directions at once. Th e dwa r ves ch a r ged in a ll dir ect ion s, t r yin g t o ca t ch h im . H e sa w t h eir fa ces, r ed wit h r a ge, a n d t h eir gla r in g eyes a s he sailed by them. F or a m om en t Tr a p seem ed t o h a n g in t h e a ir r igh t a bove Tolem wh o r ea ch ed u p t o gr a b h im . Th en by som e per ver sit y of t h e r in g, h e wh ipped a r ou n d a n d dr opped t o sit on t h e croup of Tolem's pony, facing backward. Th e st a r t led a n im a l r ea r ed. Tolem lost t h e r ein s a s h e gr a bbed a t t h e sa ddle t o keep fr om fa llin g. Tr a p slid off t h e

cr ou p, st u m bled t wice, a n d fou n d h im self m or e t h a n a hundred feet away, standing at the bottom of the hill. H e lost h is ba la n ce a n d sa t on t h e gr ou n d, h is h ea d st ill spin n in g. Th e dwa r ves h a d n ot spot t ed h im , so h e st a yed wh er e h e wa s, let t in g h is equ ilibr iu m set t le wh ile t h ey r a ced a r ou n d lookin g for h im . F ou r of t h e six h a d pu lled ou t t h eir axes and were shouting threats and imprecations. "Find that thief!" Tolem shouted to the other dwarves. "Th er e t h ey go a ga in , ca llin g m e a t h ief," Tr a p m u t t er ed. H e was growing irritated with all the distrust. "I kn ow! I'll sh ow t h em !" h e a n n ou n ced, spea kin g a t la r ge t o the nearest bushes. Ten magic steps took him around the hill a n d t o h is t et h er ed pon y. H e r et r ieved h is h oopa k. Th en , ca r efu l t o m ea su r e h is st eps, h e ca m e t o a st op in t h e exa ct middle of the group of angry dwarves. H e a ppea r ed so su dden ly t h a t t h e dwa r ves' su r pr ise slowed t h eir r ea ct ion s, bu t Tr a p wa s r ea dy. Usin g t h e poin t ed st eel en d of h is h oopa k h e poked on e r ider in t h e r ea r . Th e dwa r f gave a yell, jumped up in the saddle, and fell off his mount. The rest waved their axes and charged him. Confident he could elude his pursuers, he took two long steps and moved six feet. "Oops," h e m u t t er ed a n d du cked beh in d a bu sh a s t h e dwa r ves ch a r ged, so in t en t on h im t h ey n ea r ly st r u ck ea ch other with their weapons.

"E xcu se m e!" h e sa id, du ckin g down in t o t h e u n der -brush. Keepin g h is h ea d down , h e sca m per ed fr om bu sh t o bu sh , n a r r owly esca pin g t h e dwa r ves. H e da sh ed in t o a t h ick, h igh clu m p of bu sh es. Mom en t a r ily ou t of sigh t , h e picked u p a st on e. Usin g t h e slin g of h is h oopa k, h e sen t it skit t er in g along the ground to the north. The dwarves charged the sound of clattering rock. Trap crept sou t h a n d t h en ba ck t owa r d t h e sm a ll copse of woods, t h e direction the dwarves would not expect him to go. St ill, t h ey m igh t t h in k of it , a n d it wou ld be best for t h em t o t h in k h e wa s seekin g t h e sa fet y of t h e t r ees. H e fou n d a spr in g wit h a m u ddy ba n k a n d wa s ca r efu l t o lea ve foot pr in t s h ea din g west u n t il h e wa s on fir m gr ou n d a ga in . Then he turned south and hid under a large, thick bush. Sa fe for t h e m om en t , h e ga zed down a t t h e r in g, t ook it off and inspected it closely. He shook it and held it up to his ear. Th en h e decided m a gic wou ldn 't slosh like wa t er in a ju g. H e pu t t h e r in g ba ck on h is fin ger a n d t ook a n ot h er ca u t iou s st ep. No m a gic widen ed h is ken der pa ce. Disa ppoin t ed, h e took the ring off and slipped it back into his pouch. He hated to think he had used up all the magic. Taking giant st eps h a d been fu n . E ven spin n in g a r ou n d in t h e a ir h a d been in t er est in g. An d h e h a d a ccom plish ed som e-thing im por t a n t . H e h a d kept t h e dwa r ves, n ow m illin g a bou t trying to find him, from following Ripple and Halmarain. Bu t t h e su n wa s down , it wou ld soon be da r k, a n d h ow wa s he to find his sister and the little wizard? Trap sat on the ground inside a clump of bushes and thought a bou t t h e dwa r ves a s well a s h is fr ien ds. Th e dwa r ves wer e st ill bea t in g t h e bu sh es wh en on e fou n d t h e foot pr in t s by t h e spring.

Aft er a sh or t con fer en ce t h ey da sh ed off t owa r d t h e woods. Th e lit t le wiza r d, Ripple, a n d t h e a n im a ls t h ey led h a d been ou t of sigh t wh en t h e dwa r ves a ppea r ed. Tr a p h a d h idden h is m ou n t , t h e dwa r ves seem ed t o t h in k t h a t t h eir qu a r r y had returned to the copse and the road. Th e ken der wor ked h is wa y t h r ou gh t h e u n der br u sh u n t il h e r ea ch ed h is m ou n t a n d set ou t in sea r ch of t h e r est of h is party. "Th e wa y t h ey br a n dish ed t h ose a xes, t h ey cer t a in ly wer en 't fr ien dly a n ym or e," Tr a p t old h is pon y. "An d I'm t ir ed of bein g ca lled a t h ief. I didn 't t a ke a n yt h in g fr om t h em . Not on e even ca m e close en ou gh t o m e t o dr op a n yt h in g in m y pouches." To m a ke cer t a in , h e open ed t h em on e a t a t im e, fin ger in g a n d iden t ifyin g va r iou s it em s. E xcept for a pr et t y lit t le st on e h e h a d fou n d in t h e cr eek, h e cou ld n ot fin d a sin gle it em h e had not possessed before he met the dwarves. H e pu lled it ou t a n d h eld it close t o h is fa ce sin ce t h e su n h a d set a n d h e cou ld ba r ely see it . H e con sider ed it a s t h e pon y picked it s wa y t h r ou gh t h e br u sh . It wa s on ly a r ock, sm oot h ed by t h e st r ea m . H e h a d picked it u p befor e t h e dwa r ves a r r ived. In pu t t in g it ba ck in t o h is pou ch h e fou n d a n ot h er on e. H e pu lled it ou t t oo. By t h a t t im e t h e t wiligh t h a d deepen ed u n t il h e cou ld n ot see t h e secon d st on e, bu t by t ou ch h e r em em ber ed it . It wa s n ot st on e a t a ll, bu t t h e lit t le gray-gr een disk of gla ss h e h a d fou n d on t h e floor of t h e wiza r d Or a n der 's wor kr oom a ft er t h e a t t a ck of t h e merchesti. "An d I h a d t h is on e lon g befor e I m et t h e dwa r ves," h e sa id as he put it back in his pouch. Since he could not see the trail

in fr on t of t h e pon y, h e dism ou n t ed a n d led t h e a n im a l a s h e went in search of his sister and his friends. H e wa n der ed for h ou r s t r yin g t o fin d t h e ot h er s. Un a ble t o see t h eir t r a il, h e h a d decided t o st op for t h e n igh t a n d continue h is sea r ch a t da wn . H e wa s lookin g for a likely pla ce t o st op for t h e n igh t wh en h e st u m bled on t h eir ca m p. He startled them as he walked out of the darkness. "Trap!" Ripple cried out and jumped up from the fire. "H im dea d, m a ke a good t a le...." Gr od sa id. At t h e a ppr oa ch of the pony he had jumped up and waved his dead squirrel in a n a t t em pt t o wa r d off a n yt h in g u n fr ien dly. Um pt h st ood holding the wagon wheel. "I'm n ot so dea d!" Tr a p r eplied wit h h ea t a s h e led h is pon y in t o t h e sh a llow ca ve wh ich wa s h a r dly m or e t h a n a depression in the stony hillside. Ripple filled h er cu p wit h h ot t ea a n d cu t h im a gen er ou s slice of ham. She tucked it into a bun of day old bread and he wa s m u n ch in g a wa y wh en H a lm a r a in looked u p fr om t h e study of her spellbooks. "You wer e a ble t o keep t h e dwa r ves fr om followin g u s," sh e sa id. Sh e m a de a st a t em en t a s if sh e expect ed n o less fr om the kender. "Of course I did!" He accepted the credit as if he had planned the outcome of his adventure "They were certainly mad and I don 't u n der st a n d it a t a ll," Tr a p sa id. "Th ey kept ca llin g m e a thief, but you know we don't have anything of theirs." "Of course I do," Halmarain mocked Traps tone.

"Th en you m igh t r ewa r d h im by doin g som e n ice m a gic," Ripple said, a martial light in her eye. "Then Trap tell story," Grod said with a grin. Chapter 17 So no part of history would be lost, Astinus recorded ... Dr a a ddis Vu lt er ga ve ou t wit h a st r in g of cu r ses t h a t t u r n ed t wo con fu sed m ice in t o ca t s. Th ey da sh ed in t o a st r a n ge or a n ge clou d t h a t su dden ly filled t h e cen t er of h is wor k room. On ce t h e ken der t u cked t h e r u n e-t r im m ed viewin g disk in t o h is pou ch , Dr a a ddis a n d Ta kh isis wer e blin d t o t h eir wh er ea bou t s. Dr a a ddis decided t h e lit t le t h ief h a d even for got t en h e ca r r ied it . St ill, t h e bla ck-robed wiza r d t h ou gh t it for t u n a t e t h a t t h e ken der h a d it wit h h im . Soon er or la t er h is desir e t o h a n dle a n d in spect h is possession s wou ld lea d h im t o pu ll it ou t of h is pou ch . If it h a d been left on t h e floor of Or a n der 's la bor a t or y, t h ey wou ld h a ve n o wa y of ever telling where the kender might wander. It was just bad luck that when the little thief finally pulled it ou t , da r kn ess h a d pr even t ed t h e wiza r d fr om get t in g a clea r idea of the location of the kender. H e st ood won der in g wh a t h e sh ou ld do. Did h e da r e t ell h is queen he had finally seen the kender again but could tell her n ot h in g a bou t t h em ? H e wou ld n ot . H e cou ld n ot . Despit e kn owin g Ta kh isis cou ld on ly t or m en t h im t h r ou gh h is own m in d, h e st ill lived in t er r or of t h e illu sion s sh e cou ld pla n t in his head.

"Th er e wa s m or e t o see t h a n you su pposed," Ta kh isis spoke from the orb. Th e wiza r d wh ir led a r ou n d, dizzy a s fea r dr a in ed t h e blood fr om h is h ea d. H e sa w t h e h u m or ou s glit t er in t h e eye of t h e goddess a s sh e wa t ch ed fr om t h e bla ck or b. Obviou sly she kn ew h e h a d been con sider in g wh et h er or n ot t o t ell h er h e h a d seen t h e ken der a ga in . Sin ce sh e did n ot m en t ion h is omission, he would not be the one to bring it up. "It is m y good for t u n e t h a t you , m y qu een , h a ve bet t er eyes than mine," the wizard replied. "Th e ken der wa s t r a velin g ea st , t owa r d t h e m ou n t a in s," t h e Qu een of Da r kn ess in for m ed h im . "Th ey a r e n ot fa r n or t h of wh er e t h ey cr ossed a t t h e sou t h er n en d of t h e Vin ga a r d Mountains when they were traveling west." "F ir st t h ey go west , a cr oss t h e h igh la n ds, t h en n or t h for a sh or t dist a n ce, n ow ea st , ba ck in t o t h e m ou n t a in s a ga in ?" Dr a a ddis pu lled a t h is ea r wh ile h e con sider ed t h e con fu sin g route of the kender. He shrugged away the inconsistency. "At lea st we ca n pu t Ka ldr e on t h eir t r a il a ga in ," h e t old h is mistress. "Yes, send your messenger," Takhisis smiled in anticipation. "We m u st h a ve t h a t st on e if we a r e t o br in g t h e m er ch est i into this world," Draaddis agreed. "It will com e, a n d m or e," Ta kh isis sm iled wickedly. "On ce we h a ve bot h st on es we will open t h e por t a l wider a n d br in g m or e of it s kin d. Th ey will r a m pa ge a cr oss t h e la n ds a n d t h e

wor ld of An sa lon will be in a t u r m oil a s gr ea t a s t h e t im e of the Cataclysm." Ta kh isis dr ew ba ck fr om t h e or b, h er en t ir e fa ce beca m e visible a n d glowed wit h a n u n h oly ligh t a s sh e seem ed t o sa vor t h e idea of wh a t wa s t o com e. Th en h er bea u t ifu l features sharpened. "Bu t you r dea t h kn igh t m u st get t h e ga t e st on e fr om t h e kender." "He will, my queen, he has been given life to serve you. He is ambitious and you have offered to make his dreams a reality" "Bu t t h ey will on ly be a r ea lit y if h e h u r r ies," Ta kh isis sn a r led. Th e vision of t h e bea u t ifu l wom a n sh im m er ed a n d h er t r u e self-t h e five h ea ded dr a gon -wr it h ed in t h e globe. Th e eyes, fla t a n d m er ciless, gla r ed a t t h e t r em blin g wiza r d. Then, just as quickly, the image of a human female appeared again. "H a ve I n ot t old you , Dr a a ddis, t h a t t h e in fa n t will gr ow? Th e r a t e of it s in cr ea se is st ill slow, bu t a n y da y n ow it cou ld r ea ch t h e st a ge wh en it s developm en t is r a pid a n d it will t u r n r a ven ou s, ch ewin g u p ever yt h in g wit h in sigh t . In t h eir vor a ciou s a ppet it es wh en t h ey gr ow t h ey h a ve even been kn own t o devou r t h eir pa r en t s. It looks t o t h e ken der ! Wh en t h a t h u n ger begin s, t h e ken der will be it s fir st t a r get s. If t h e lit t le fem a le t h ief st ill h a s t h e ga t e st on e it will be endangered." "How-h ow lon g will it be befor e t h e st a ge of r a pid gr owt h begins?"

"I don't know. Not even the gods know much about the Plane of Va sm a r g, a n d t h e cr ea t u r e a s been r em oved fr om it s own wor ld, wh ich m ea n s it cou ld develop m or e slowly or even more rapidly." "I will urge speed upon Jaerume Kaldre," Draaddis replied. "See t h a t you do. Tim e does n ot fa vor u s in a n y wa y, Dr a a ddis. Da ily t h e la n ds of Kr yn n becom e m or e pea cefu l. Th e dist r u st a ft er t h e wa r s followin g t h e Ca t a clysm is wa n in g. I do n ot wa n t t o fa ce a u n ified wor ld wh en I r et u r n to your plane." Ta kh isis wor e a sligh t ly dissa t isfied expr ession a s h er fa ce retreated from the globe and reverted to the shape of the five headed dragon. Th e la st t h e wiza r d sa w of h er wa s on e h ea d, t h e n ost r ils sm okin g, a n d t h ose fla t , im pla ca ble, m er ciless eyes gla r in g at him before the orb clouded. At lea st sh e h a d n ot t or t u r ed h im , h e t h ou gh t , t h a n kfu l for sm a ll blessin gs. St ill, h e wou ld n ot esca pe h er wr a t h for lon g if Jaerume Kaldre did not succeed. Chapter 18 The next morning my Uncle Trapspringer was glad his sister asked a question that was on his mind as well.... "So n ow wh er e?" Ripple h a d a sked H a lm a r a in . Th ey wer e sa ddlin g t h e pon ies. Th e lit t le wiza r d wa s t r yin g t o pu ll h er pon y's h ea d down t o pu t t h e br idle on it . Th e a n im a l wa s restive and kept raising its head.

"Wh y do you keep t r yin g?" Ripple a sked, for get t in g h er earlier question. "I'm n ot h elpless, ju st . . . ver t ica lly ch a llen ged," t h e lit t le wizard snapped as she tried to reach the pony's head again. Wh en t h ey fin ish ed sa ddlin g t h eir m ou n t s t h ey wou ld be r ea dy t o con t in u e t h eir jou r n ey. Th ey h a d m a de t h eir ca m p t h e pr eviou s even in g in t h e h igh foot h ills. As t h ey bega n t h e day's ride, Ripple asked her question again. "We sh ou ld t r y t o r ea ch t h e r oa d a ga in ," H a lm a r a in sa id a n d t h en sh ook h er h ea d. "No n ot t h e r oa d, we'll r ide n or t h through the foothills. We must reach Palanthus." Ripple sigh ed a n d h er br ot h er u n der st ood. Th ey wou ldn 't h a ve a n y oppor t u n it y t o m a ke a n y n ew fr ien ds. Ripple's deject ed expr ession soon ga ve wa y t o lim it less ken der optimism. "Bu t m a ybe we'll see som e n ew cr ea t u r es," sh e sa id. "Tr a p, r em em ber St u dder Ra n gewide's st or ies a bou t ogr es, n a ga s, griffons and-" "-An d sa t yr s, h u lder folk a n d ba ka li," Tr a p a dded t o t h e list , skippin g a bou t wit h excit em en t . "If we st a y close en ou gh t o t h e m ou n t a in s, m a ybe we'll m eet som e r ea lly in t er est in g people!" "You 'r e sca r in g m e t o dea t h !" H a lm a r a in sh u dder ed. "An d you'll pr oba bly set ou t t o fin d m on st er s t h e m in u t e m y ba ck is turned. I'd say let's use the road, but we're being chased by dwa r ves, a n d r em em ber , t h er e is st ill t h e cloa ked m a n on you r t r a il. H e's a ft er you , even t h ou gh you won 't a dm it it . If Or a n der is st ill a live, ever y da y we lose lessen s h is ch a n ces of r et u r n in g t o An sa lon . E ver y da y in cr ea ses t h e da n ger of

Beglu g's pa r en t br ea kin g t h r ou gh t o Kr yn n ." Sh e gla n ced a r ou n d a t t h e you n g fien d wh o cr ou ch ed a n d poked a st ick in t o a gr ou n d squ ir r el's h ole. "An d h e's becom in g m ea n er every day." Tr a p sigh ed. H a lm a r a in in sist ed on dist r u st in g t h e lit t le m er ch est i. As if t o pr ove h is pr owess, t h e lit t le fien d fr oze, h is eyes on som et h in g in t h e u n der gr owt h . H e slowly dr ew ba ck t h e st ick h e h a d been u sin g t o t or m en t t h e gr ou n d squ ir r els. Wit h a flick of h is wr ist h e sen t t h e st ou t lit t le st a ff sa ilin g a n d it t h u n ked down on t h e h ea d of a n u n wa r y rabbit. Ch u cklin g evilly, h e scu t t led a cr oss t h e ca m p a n d ca m e ba ck holding the small stunned animal by one of its hind legs. Tr a p h a d picked u p Um pt h 's sa ddle wh en h e h ea r d t h e scr ea m of t h e r a bbit a n d looked ba ck t o see Beglu g t or m en t in g it . Th e m er ch est i t u gged a t t h e r a bbit 's for elegs, as if he intended to tear them off while the rabbit still lived. "St op t h a t !" Tr a p gr a bbed h is h oopa k a n d da sh ed a cr oss t h e ca m p. A sou n d cr a ck on t h e lit t le fien d's a r m con vin ced Beglu g t o dr op h is ca pt ive. Th e r a bbit da sh ed a wa y in t o t h e u n der br u sh , it s fr on t legs ga ve wa y a n d it r olled a s m u ch a s it r a n . Beglu g ba r ed h is t eet h a t Tr a p a n d sn a r led, bu t t h e kender refused to be intimidated. "You ca n kill t o ea t , bu t you don 't h u r t t h in gs for fu n ," t h e kender told the little merchesti. "You'll never teach him mercy or kindness," Halmarain said. Beglu g r u bbed h is a r m a n d wh in ed, ga zin g u p a t Tr a p a n d the little wizard with a pathetic expression.

"An d don 't let t h a t sa d look fool you ," H a lm a r a in wa r n ed. "He's an evil fiend and will never be anything else." "H e'll lea r n n ot t o h u r t t h in gs for fu n ," Tr a p sa id, determined to civilize the little merchesti. Tr a p didn 't like h er dist r u st of t h e lit t le m er ch est i, bu t even wor se, sh e wa s sca r in g Gr od. Th e sm a ller gu lly dwa r f's eyes widen ed ever y t im e sh e m en t ion ed evil, a n d h e wa s beginning to watch Beglug as if he expected the little fiend to bite the arm off one of his friends. Wh en t h ey bega n t h eir da y's jou r n ey, Tr a p led. H e a n gled n or t h t h r ou gh t h e foot h ills. At da wn t h e su n h a d r isen , promising a bright day, but the clouds began rolling in before they had been traveling for an hour. H a lf a n h ou r la t er , a bolt of ligh t n in g st r u ck t h e side of t h e mountain. Beglug roared in delight and waved his arms. The lit t le wiza r d ga ve a st a r t led scr ea m t h a t set t h e pon ies t o sidling. "We sh ou ld fin d a sh elt er befor e t h e pon ies bolt ," H a lm a r a in suggested. Tr a p a gr eed. H e wou ldn 't m in d wa lkin g t h r ou gh t h e m ou n t a in s, bu t like a ll ken der h e loved r idin g a n d wou ld h a t e t o lose h is m ou n t . H e h u r r ied a h ea d sea r ch in g for a n y t ype of over h a n g t h a t wou ld pr ot ect t h em fr om t h e approaching storm. H e didn 't go fa r . Tr a velin g a lon g t h e ea siest pa t h , h e discover ed a sh a llow ca ve wit h a low, n a r r ow en t r a n ce. Th e r est of t h e pa r t y r ea ch ed sh elt er ju st m in u t es befor e t h e storm broke.

Th e en t r a n ce wa s so low t h ey h a d t o dism ou n t a n d pu ll t h e heads of their mounts down as they entered. "An ot h er dela y," H a lm a r a in m u t t er ed a s sh e followed h er mount into the dimness. Further back in the cave, Grod gave Beglug a few sticks for a sn a ck wh ile Um pt h fr eed t h e wa gon wh eel fr om it s makeshift travois. "Ma n y feet com e," Um pt h ca lled ou t , t u ggin g h is da r k bea r d in distress. Th e t wo ken der a n d t h e lit t le wiza r d t u r n ed t o see h im standing with his ear against the metal rim of the wheel. "Th a t gu lly dwa r f-" H a lm a r a in st a r t ed t o com pla in bu t Tr a p interrupted. "Don 't pick on h im . H e wa s r igh t t h e la st t im e," t h e ken der reminded the little wizard. H a lm a r a in 's eyes flicker ed a n d sh e n odded. "I su ppose t h a t loose r im cou ld pick u p a n d m a gn ify vibr a t ion s," sh e sa id, pr ovidin g a logica l expla n a t ion for wh a t t h e Agh a r con sider ed m a gic. "We sh ou ld ca m ou fla ge t h e en t r a n ce if we can." H a lm a r a in t r ot t ed t o t h e en t r a n ce of t h e ca ve a n d peer ed ou t . "I don 't see a n yon e yet ," sh e sa id t o Tr a p. "Ca n you cu t t h a t la r ge bu sh a n d pr op it u p in fr on t of t h e en t r a n ce? I'll keep the ponies quiet." Tr a p da sh ed ou t in t o t h e down pou r a n d r ea ch ed for h is knife, but it was not in his sheath.

"Bea n s! I lost it ," h e m u t t er ed. H e r a m m ed h is h a n d in h is pouch, seeking the other knife, the one similar to Orander's. H is fin ger en cou n t er ed a r in g a n d it wa s on h is fin ger befor e h e r ea lized it . St ill h e h a d fou n d t h e kn ife. To h is su r pr ise t h e kn ife cu t t h e bu sh a s ea sily a s if t h e wood wa s wa r m ch eese. H e t u r n ed a n d st a r t ed ba ck for t h e m ou t h of t h e ca ve. H e t ook on e st ep a n d bou n ced off t h e fa ce of t h e low cliff that had been thirty feet away. Th e r in g h a d m a gic a ga in ! Un for t u n a t ely it wou ld give h im problems returning to the cave. H e r elu ct a n t ly slipped t h e r in g off h is fin ger a n d dr opped it ba ck in t o h is pou ch . F ou r h u r r ied st eps t ook h im ba ck t o t h e cave entrance where he rammed the pointed end of the brush in t o t h e r a in -soft en ed gr ou n d. H a lm a r a in h a d been wa t ch in g from the shelter, and she gazed at him with speculation. "What did you do out there?" "I cut a bush." He thought she had been watching. Sh e open ed h er m ou t h t o object wh en a bolt of ligh t n in g st r u ck n ea r by. Th ey h ea r d t h e pa n icked scr ea m of a h or se a n d sever a l fr igh t en ed voices. Sh e pu t a fin ger t o h er lips for silence. The tiny human and the kender peered between the leaves of t h e bu sh a s a m ou n t ed r ider in a cloa k wit h a cowled h ood r ode by. H e lea d a la r ge gr ou p of kobolds. A wa sh of evil menace hung in the air with the rider's passing.

Th ey con t in u ed t o wa t ch , bu t n on e of t h e t r a veler s ga ve t h e br u sh a secon d look a s t h ey pa ssed. Min u t es la t er a n ot her bolt of ligh t n in g fla sh ed a n d dist a n ce m u t ed t h e fr igh t en ed screams of the kobolds. H a lm a r a in t u r n ed a wa y fr om t h e en t r a n ce, fea r a n d a n ger fighting for dominance in her expression. "Som eon e wea r in g a bla ck cloa k wen t t o Deepdel lookin g for kender," sh e wh isper ed. "Th a t r ider fit t ed t h e descr ipt ion , and he's on Our trail. He has to be after you." "No! I t old you ! H e cou ldn 't be lookin g for u s," Tr a p sa id. "I don't even know who he is." "I've n ever seen h im , a n d h e's n ot som eon e we'd for get ," Ripple a dded wit h a sh iver . "Th er e wa s su ch a n evil feelin g about him." "Tr u e," t h e lit t le wiza r d n odded. "You wou ldn 't for get h im , and his isn't a purse you'd be likely to rifle." "We don 't -" Tr a p st a r t ed a n a n gr y den ia l, bu t H a lm a r a in interrupted him. "I wa n t t o kn ow h ow you t ook t h a t en or m ou s st ep," sh e demanded. "Wit h t h is r in g," h e sa id, for get t in g h is a n ger . H e open ed h is pou ch a n d sea r ch ed in it wit h h is fin ger s u n t il h e fou n d t h e lit t le golden object . H e wa s willin g, even a n xiou s t o sh ow it to the wizard's apprentice and get her opinion. "I guess it fell into my pouch when we looked through a chest u n der Or a n der 's bed," h e sa id. H e t old h er a bou t t h eir

explor a t ion wh ile sh e h a d been st u dyin g t h e wiza r d's books. H e a lso r ela t ed h is fir st exper ien ce wit h it , wh en h e h a d ju m ped a r ou n d a n d con fu sed t h e dwa r ves t h a t h a d ca lled him a thief. "Won der fu l! I wish I cou ld h a ve seen you wh izzin g a bou t . I don 't bla m e you for t r ickin g t h em ," Ripple sa id. "It wa sn 't n ice of t h em t o ca ll you n a m es. E ven H a lm a r a in kn ows we cou ld n ot h a ve t a ken a n yt h in g fr om t h em . Sh e h a d pin n ed ou r a r m s t o ou r sides wit h a spell, t h ou gh I m u st sa y I don 't t h in k t h a t wa s a good t h in g t o do a t a ll. An d a n ywa y, we pr om ised we wou ldn 't , a n d even t h en sh e kept u s a wa y fr om them." "Apparently I didn't take precautions soon enough," the little wizard muttered. "You did. We didn 't t ou ch a n yt h in g of t h eir s. Now, I wa n t t o kn ow a bou t t h e r in g," Tr a p in sist ed, u n willin g t o be sidetracked. "Or a n der m a de t h e r in g," H a lm a r a in r eplied. "Bu t h e pu t a n ext r a spell on it ." Sh e ga ve t h em a r a r e sm ile. "I h a ve t o a dm it n ot a ll t h e t h ieves in t h is wor ld a r e ken der . Yea r s a go h e h a d a n a ppr en t ice wit h st icky fin ger s, so h e pr ot ect ed h is belongings by limiting their powers." "You m ea n it wor ks for a wh ile a n d t h en qu it s?" Ripple a sked. "In t er est in g. Not t oo m u ch fu n , t h ou gh , if it qu it s in t h e m iddle of a st ep. A per son cou ld fa ll in a cr eek, or on h is face or something." Tr a p h a d been fin ger in g ot h er it em s in h is pou ch . If h e r em em ber ed cor r ect ly... a n d h e did. H e pu lled ou t a secon d ring.

"I h a ve t h is on e, t oo," h e sa id,h oldin g it ou t . "I h a ven 't t r ied it yet, so I don't know what it does, except it could be the one t h a t m a kes t h e big st eps, bu t if it is, t h en I don 't kn ow wh a t t h a t on e does," h e sa id. H e slipped t h e secon d r in g on h is fin ger . Not h in g seem ed t o h a ppen so h e pu lled it off, h a n ded it t o H a lm a r a in a n d t ook t h e fir st on e ba ck. Wh en h e slipped it on h is fin ger , H a lm a r a in ju m ped in su r pr ise. Ripple gasped and whirled around. "Trap!" she shouted. "I'm right here," the male kender said. He pointed to himself, but he couldn't see the finger that should have been aimed in h is dir ect ion . "At lea st I t h in k I'm h er e. Wh a t h a ppen ed t o ... Wow! Gr ea t ! Big jiggies! I'm in visible!" H e slipped off t h e ring a n d beca m e visible a ga in . H e in spect ed it . "Does it h a ve a limiter too?" he asked. "P r oba bly," H a lm a r a in sa id. "It will con t in u e t o wor k if you kn ow t h e wor d t h a t n ega t es t h e lim it in g spell. I don 't kn ow it. Many of Orander's belongings have limiters." "I won der if t h is is on e of Or a n der 's r in gs," Ripple sa id, r ea ch in g in h er pou ch . Sh e pu lled ou t on e t h a t exa ct ly r esem bled t h e t wo Tr a p wa s h oldin g. "I don 't kn ow h ow I ca m e t o h a ve it bu t it looks like t h ose." Sh e h a n ded it t o H a lm a r a in a n d lea n ed over t o look a t t h e on es h er br ot h er h eld. "I t r ied it on , bu t it didn 't do a n yt h in g, so m a ybe it came from somewhere else." "No, it h a s Or a n der 's m a r k, so it does som et h in g," t h e lit t le wiza r d sa id a s sh e ga ve it ba ck. "I'll let you keep t h em for now, but take care of them. I think you'd better turn out your pouches and show me what else you took."

"F in e! I'll sh ow you . An d a r e you goin g t o sh ow u s wh a t 's in you r ba g?" Ripple a sked, h er eyes fla sh in g wit h a n ger over the insult. Th e lit t le wiza r d fr own ed, t h ou gh t bet t er of it a n d n odded. "P er h a ps I'd bet t er . Th en , if you fin d on e of m y possession s, you'll know it belongs to me and give it back." "You fir st ," Ripple sa id. Sh e h a d less pa t ien ce wit h Halmarain's accusations than her brother. "Ver y well. I'll sh ow you wh a t 's in m y ba g a n d I wa r n you , n on e of m y possession s sh ou ld ever -" Sh e sh ook h er fin ger in the faces of the two kender. "-ever fall into your pouches." Th e r a gged lit t le ba g H a lm a r a in h a bit u a lly wor e over h er sh ou lder wa s decept ive. Sh e ca r efu lly pu lled ou t a st a ck of t en spellbooks, ea ch on e a s la r ge a s t h e ba g. A sm a ll pu r se, t wo ou t fit s of clot h in g, a n ext r a pa ir of boot s, a n d a cloa k followed. "H ow do you get a ll t h a t in a ba g t h a t 's so sm a ll?" Tr a p asked. "Wiza r d's h a ve t h eir secr et s, even a ppr en t ices," sh e sa id a s sh e con t in u ed t o dig, h er br ows r ose in su r pr ise a n d dipped in a frown. Sh e u pen ded t h e ba g a n d ou t ca m e a la r ge pile of st eel pieces, a wicked lookin g kn ife, a n d a pa ir of fin ely st it ch ed gloves t h a t wer e t oo la r ge for h er h a n ds. Th e la st it em t o fa ll ou t a ppea r ed t o be a n eckla ce m a de of t h ir t y over la ppin g silver disks, ea ch a n in ch a n d a h a lf wide, fa st en ed t oget h er wit h silver lin ks. E a ch disk h a d been delica t ely en gr a ved with pictures and dwarf runes.

Sh e h u r r iedly pu lled h er clot h in g, boot s, a n d spell-books a wa y fr om t h e la st it em s t o fa ll fr om h er ba g, a s if t h ey might be contaminated by contact. "These things aren't mine!" she insisted. Chapter 19 H a lm a r a in con t in u ed t o den y a n y kn owledge of t h e it em s, wa vin g a h a n d t o in dica t e t h e loose st eel pieces, t h e kn ife, t h e gloves, a n d t h e n eckla ce. Sh e gla r ed a ccu sin gly a t t h e ken der . Th ey seem ed so deligh t ed wit h t h e gloves a n d t h e n eckla ce t h a t it soon beca m e pla in t h a t t h ey wer e seein g t h e items for the first time. "You didn't put these things in my bag?" "I'm su r e I didn 't ," Ripple sa id. "You u su a lly keep su ch a t igh t h old on it I don 't t h in k I cou ld, a n d I've n ever seen these things. These gloves are beautiful. If they won't fit you, I'd really like to have them, if you gave them to me, that is." "Of cou r se, on e st eel piece looks like a n y ot h er ," Tr a p a dded, "Bu t I'm su r e I wou ld r em em ber t h is n eckla ce. It 's interesting-a ll t h ese dr a win gs on t h e disks." H e picked it u p befor e H a lm a r a in cou ld st op h im . "Won der if t h ese r u n es and drawings are just ornamental or if they mean something special?" Ripple scoot ed a cr oss t h e dir t floor t o join h er br ot h er a n d t h ey bot h in spect ed t h e fin ely wor ked dr a win gs. Th e lit t le wizard worried over how it came into her possession.

"I didn 't t a ke t h a t n eckla ce," sh e in sist ed. "I don 't kn ow h ow it got in t o m y ba g! By t h e Book of Gilea n , I sou n d ju st like a kender!" "Som eon e dr opped it in t o you r pu r se by m ist a ke. We keep telling you that people are so careless with their belongings," Ripple a n swer ed a bsen t ly, m ost of h er a t t en t ion st ill on t h e silver disks. "Th ey'r e a lwa ys for get t in g wh er e t h ey lea ve t h eir st u ff," Trap agreed. "Wh en did it get in t o m y ba g?" H a lm a r a in 's m in d wa s off on a n ot h er t r a ck. "It wa sn 't t h er e wh en we left Deep-del. I r epa cked ever yt h in g." H er eyes widen ed. "Th e on ly people we've been n ea r sin ce we left ou r r oom s wer e t h e in n keeper a n d t h e dwa r ves. It wou ldn 't h a ve belon ged t o t h e m a n in Deepdel. It looks a s if it cou ld h a ve been dwa r f m a de-that's why the dwarves are chasing us." Th e ken der wer e m or e in t er est ed in t h e st r in g of disks t h a n in the wizard's ruminations. "We n eed m or e Halmarain's staff.

ligh t ."

Tr a p

looked

su ggest ively

at

"No," t h e wiza r d a n swer ed, sh a kin g h er h ea d a n d gla n cin g t owa r d t h e ca ve's en t r a n ce. "I don 't kn ow wh a t I felt fr om t h a t r ider in t h e bla ck cloa k, bu t t h er e wa s som et h in g st r a n ge. I don 't wa n t t o u se a n y m a gic r igh t n ow. H e m igh t sense it and come back." "Th en I'll get u s a ligh t ," Tr a p sa id, a ccept in g h er object ion s a s r ea son a ble. H e ju m ped u p a n d sea r ch ed for t h e dwa r f spa r ker t h a t h a d fou n d it 's wa y in t o h is pou ch wh ile h e wa s in Deepdel.

A spa r ker wa s n o good wit h ou t wood t o bu r n , so h e ga ve t h e ca ve a qu ick sca n . H e wa s h a m per ed by a n u m ber of r oot s h a n gin g down fr om t h e ceilin g. H e t ou ch ed on e. It wa s dr y a n d wou ld m a ke a good t or ch . A on e h a n ded t u g wa s n ot su fficien t t o pu ll it fr ee, so h e t u cked t h e spa r ker ba ck in t o h is pou ch a n d u sed bot h h a n ds. Th e r oot wa s st u bbor n so h e jumped, grabbed it, and swung back and forth. "I'll h elp," Ripple sa id. Sh e ga ve a sh or t lea p a n d a dded h er weigh t wh ich wa s en ou gh t o dislodge t h e r oot , t h ou gh n ot t o pull free. Th e r oot dr opped t h r ee in ch es, br in gin g down a foot of ea r t h from the ceiling. "Oops!" "Wh a t h a ve you don e?" H a lm a r a in cr ied a s sh e ju m ped t o her feet. "I wa s ju st t r yin g t o get t h a t r oot t o u se a s a t or ch ," Tr a p bega n a n expla n a t ion . H e wa s in t er r u pt ed a s m u d gu sh ed fr om t h e h ollow wh er e pa r t of t h e dr y ea r t h ceilin g h a d been a moment before. He skipped to the side. "It su r e is wet u p t h er e," h e a n n ou n ced. "I gu ess t h er e m u st be a stream close by-" A wa il in t er r u pt ed t h e ken der . Th ey t u r n ed t o see t h e you n g m er ch est i scr a m blin g t o h is feet wh ile h e wiped a glob of m u d fr om h is fa ce. Befor e eit h er of t h e ken der or H a lm a r a in could m ove, t h e ken der 's su r m ise wa s pr oven cor r ect . A st ea dy st r ea m of wa t er , well la den wit h m u d, pou r ed down from the ceiling.

"Ca ve fa ll in ," Um pt h a n n ou n ced a s h e st ood lookin g u p. A face full of mud was the reward for his wisdom. "Th e pon ies!" Ripple squ ea led a n d da sh ed for t h e ba ck of t h e ca ve. H a lm a r a in gr a bbed Beglu g's a r m a n d led t h e lit t le fiend out onto the trail, pushing aside the camouflaging bush a s sh e wen t . Th e ken der t u gged a t t h e r ein s of t h e pon ies, lea din g t h em t owa r d t h e exit wh ile t h e t wo gu lly dwa r ves t r ot t ed a lon g beh in d t h em . A h u ge h u n k of wet soil fell a n d kn ocked Gr od off h is feet . In secon ds h e wa s h a lf bu r ied in mud. "Gr od!" Um pt h cr ied, a ler t in g t h e ken der , wh o dr opped t h e reins of the animals and hurried back. "Mu d fa ll," Gr od ga sped, h is br igh t blu e eyes wide wit h fr igh t . Um pt h sen t t h e wa gon wh eel sa ilin g ou t t h e en t r a n ce t o t h e ca ve. Th en h e t u r n ed a n d pu lled on on e of Gr od's a r m s. Tr a p a n d Ripple h u r r ied ba ck a n d t u gged a t t h e gu lly dwarf's other arm. Mor e of t h e ceilin g ca m e down . It oozed a r ou n d t h e legs of the kender and Umpth, completely covering Grod. Th e ken der a n d t h e gu lly dwa r f st ood kn ee deep in m u d a s they tugged at Grod. With a heave they brought his head out of t h e wet soil. As qu ickly a s t h ey cou ld m ove, lift in g on e leg a t a t im e-t h ey cou ldn 't wa de t h r ou gh t h e t h ick slu dge-they m oved t owa r d t h e en t r a n ce. Th ey con t in u ed t o pu ll a t t h e smaller gully dwarf until he was free. "Lon g a r m s n ow," Gr od m oa n ed a s t h ey h a u led h im ou t in t o t h e open . Beh in d t h em t h e ca ve fell in com plet ely a n d t h e m u d r olled ou t on t o t h e m ou n t a in t r a il com plet ely blockin g their intended path.

Um pt h r et r ieved h is a r t ifa ct wh ile t h e r est st ood in t h e pelt in g r a in t h a t qu ickly wa sh ed a wa y t h e m u d, bu t t h e storm frightened the already skittish ponies. "Kobolds in fr on t of u s, dwa r ves beh in d u s a n d ca ves t h a t turn into mud pits," Halmarain muttered as she led her pony ba ck down t h e t r a il u n t il t h ey cou ld st a r t a cr oss cou n t r y a ga in . "We'll n eed a lot of lu ck if we'r e t o get t h r ou gh t h ese mountain s." H er wet cu r ls h u n g down in h er fa ce, a n d sh e blew at them before reaching up to push them back. At first they could only see a few feet through the deluge, but in half an hour the storm passed, leaving as quickly as it had a r r ived. Th e su n peeked br iefly t h r ou gh t h e low clou ds, givin g t h e slopes a dewy spa r kle. Tr a p wa lked a s h e led t h e way and Ripple joined him. They led their mounts. "We'll ju st keep goin g n or t h ," Tr a p sa id wit h a sigh . "I su r e h ope we st op off a t Ir on r ock, beca u se it m igh t be a n ice pla ce t o see, even if it does t a ke u s a lit t le ou t of t h e wa y ... bu t if we'r e goin g t o be t r a velin g for weeks a n ywa y, t h en wh a t differ en ce wou ld it m a ke if we t ook a lit t le lon ger ? I m ea n , between the gorges we came through and the circling around we've don e t r yin g t o get a wa y fr om t h e dwa r ves a n d t h a t per son in t h e bla ck cloa k, we'r e ju st goin g a r ou n d in cir cles anyway. I bet we've really confused everyone." "Wh y sh ou ldn 't t h ey be con fu sed?" Ripple a sked. "We a r e, a n d if t h ey'r e followin g u s, t h ey sh ou ld be t oo. An d you 'r e right about going in circles." Her brother nodded. Gr od a n d Um pt h st ill h a d n ot lea r n ed t o con t r ol t h eir m ou n t s wh en t h ey r ode, bu t t h ey cou ld lea d t h e a n im a ls if

given t h e r ein s. H a lm a r a in wa lked beh in d t h em , lea din g h er own a n im a l, t h e pa ck pon y, a n d Beglu g's. Ripple a n d Tr a p took turns walking well ahead to find the easiest course. F or t h e fir st t wo h ou r s a ft er lea vin g t h e ca ve t h ey t r a veled slowly. Th e h ooves of t h e pon ies sa n k t o t h e h ocks in t h e m u d. E ver y st ep wa s a ccom pa n ied by su ckin g n oises a s t h e a n im a ls lift ed t h eir feet . As t h ey con t in u ed n or t h -wa r d t h ey left t h e m u d beh in d. Tr a p h a d r em oved t h e you n g fien d's boot s a n d Beglu g sca m per ed a bou t , a st ick in h is h a n d a s h e chased every wild creature unwary enough to show itself. Befor e lon g, Tr a p fou n d a u se for t h e you n g m er ch est i's exu ber a n ce. Usin g t h e slin g of h is h oopa k, h e br ou gh t down t wo r a bbit s t h e lit t le fien d flu sh ed ou t of h idin g. Soon h e killed a third, which he allowed Beglug to eat. Th ey ca m e t o a sm a ll cr eek, m er ely a t r ickle in a bed of m u d and stones. Trap spotted the tracks of boots and ponies. "Gee! P eople! We'r e n ot t h e on ly on es t r a velin g t h r ou gh t h e h ills," h e t old h is sist er a s h e pa u sed t o st u dy t h e pr in t s. H e fr own ed a t on e. Gr od ca m e u p t o st a n d beside him. The gully dwarf pointed at the indentation in the firmer mud. "Wizard's pony," he said. "Maybe pony magic. It find her." "Big jigger s, it is H a lm a r a in 's fir st pon y," Ripple sa id wit h su r pr ise. Sh e poin t ed t o t h e ir r egu la r it y in t h e h oof pr in t t h a t t h e gu lly dwa r f h a d n ot iced. "Th e on e t h e dwa r ves t ook by mistake." "Is," Um pt h sa id a s h e dr u dged a cr oss t h e st r ea m ca r r yin g t h e wh eel. Th e m a gic a r t ifa ct of t h e Aglest cla n wa s u n soiled bu t t h e gu lly dwa r f h a d m a n a ged t o get m u d on h is h a n ds, face, beard, and helmet.

"I t h ou gh t t h e Neida r wer e followin g u s," Ripple sa id wit h a puzzled frown. "It 's st r a n ge," Tr a p sa id t h ou gh t fu lly. "Th e st r a n ger a n d t h e kobolds a r e followin g u s, bu t t h ey'r e u p a h ea d, a n d t h e dwa r ves a r e su pposed t o be t r a ilin g u s bu t t h ey've pa ssed u s too." "Maybe following is different here," Ripple said. "H ow differ en t ?" Um pt h a sked, h is da r k wr in kles deepen in g as he tried to work out the solution. "In H ylo, wh en you follow som eon e, you st a y beh in d t h em ," Trap explained. "But here, we're behind everyone who's after u s. I'm gla d t h ey'r e n ot ch a sin g u s, we m igh t n ever ca t ch up." Chapter 20 Astinus of Palanthus described the scene.... J a er u m e Ka ldr e st illed t h e h or se t h a t fidget ed u n der h im . H e wa it ed on t h e r idge of t h e m ou n t a in spu r , h idden fr om t h e t r a il below by a clu m p of bu sh es a n d t h e lim bs of a sm a ll tree. Below him, the string of seven ponies led by the kender, t h e gu lly dwa r ves, a n d t h e dwa r f, wou n d t h eir wa y u p t h e m ou n t a in t r a il, slowed in t h eir a scen t by t h e m u d of t he recent rain. Lu ck a n d t h e blessin g of Ta kh isis h a d fin a lly fa vor ed h im . Wh en t h e su dden r a in cea sed, h e soon r ea lized h e h a d somehow missed the kender and the little fiend. He had been on t h eir t r a il, h a d even seen t h eir t r a cks. Du r in g t h e r a in

a n y pr in t s left by h is qu a r r y wou ld h a ve been wa sh ed a wa y, bu t wh en t h e r a in st opped Ka ldr e kn ew t h e en su in g m u d wou ld sh ow t h e pa r t y's t r a il. Soon a ft er h e fou n d h im self lea din g t h e kobolds a lon g a m u ddy t r a ck fr ee of a n y pr in t s. Th e ken der a n d t h eir com pa n ion s wer e beh in d h im . H e for ced t h e pr ot est in g kobolds u p t h e st eep sides of t h e m ou n t a in u n t il h e spot t ed t h e pa r t y t r a velin g a r ou n d t h e hills just west of the mountains. H is pla n for t h e a m bu sh wa s h a st y, bu t h is m ot ley gr ou p of humanoids were in place. All he had to do was wait. Beside t h e dea t h kn igh t , Ma lewik, t h e kobold lea der , fidget ed t oo. H is expr essed r ea son for h is im pa t ien ce wa s t o join t h e ba n d of kobolds t h a t wer e wa it in g t o a m bu sh t h e t r a veler s. Ka ldr e kn ew t h e h u m a n oid's desir e t o be on h is way st em m ed fr om h is wish t o pa r t com pa n y wit h h is u n dea d com m a n der . F a r fr om r esen t in g t h e kobold's nervousness and fear of him, Kaldre enjoyed it. His ability to instill fear was a heady power. "Keep you r gr ou p h idden in t h e bu sh es a n d beh in d bou lder s until t h e t r a veler s a r e even wit h you ," t h e dea t h kn igh t ca u t ion ed. "Th en ca pt u r e t h e t wo ken der a n d t h e lit t le fien d. They are not to be injured." "Kill t h e ot h er s," Ma lewik n odded, wr in kled h is n ose, a n d opened his mouth in a silent laugh. "Kill t h em or lea ve t h em , I don 't ca r e," Ka ldr e sa id. H e wa s n ot in t er est ed in t h r ee dwa r ves. Gu lly dwa r ves wer e of n o u se t o h im , a n d h e h a d n ever u n der st ood t h e pu r pose of t h e sm a ll on e t h a t wa s t r a velin g wit h t h em . H is or der s wer e t o get a st on e t h e gir l ken der h a d in a pocket or pou ch a n d t o secu r e t h e lit t le fien d. Th e m a le ken der h a d a m a gic viewin g disk belon gin g t o Dr a a ddis Vu lt er , a n d t h e wiza r d wa n t ed it back, but the death knight's priorities were plain.

"Kill t h e ken der if you h a ve t o, bu t br in g t h em t o m e t o sea r ch ," h e or der ed Ma lewik. "Do n ot h a r m t h e lit t le fien d or I'll skin you a live." Wit h t h ose la st in st r u ct ion s h e sen t t h e kobold leader down the hill to join the others. Kaldre knew he would have to watch the thieving humanoid. Ma lewik's eyes h a d br igh t en ed wh en t h e dea t h kn igh t h a d or der ed h im t o br in g t h e ken der t o h im t o be sea r ch ed. Kobolds wer e a ler t t o a n yt h in g t h a t sm a cked of va lu e a n d could be stolen. "Rem em ber , we'r e t a kin g wh a t t h e ken der ca r r y a n d t h e fien d t o t h e wiza r d," Ka ldr e r em in ded Ma lewik. "You don 't want to fail Draaddis Vulter, do you?" "Kobolds is n ot m a kin g wiza r d m a d," Ma lewik sa id a n d for once he did not laugh. Ka ldr e wa n t ed t o r ide down t h e m ou n t a in side h im self, bu t the fear that he engendered in the kobolds radiated from him like a clou d a n d m igh t a ler t t h e ken der befor e t h ey r ea ch ed the ambush. There were drawbacks to his renewed existence, h e decided. St ill, on ce t h e kobolds spr u n g t h e t r a p, h e cou ld be on them before they had time to search the kender. F ea r of J a er u m e Ka ldr e wou ld m a ke t h em ca pt u r e t h e ken der a n d t h e lit t le fien d, bu t t h ey sh ou ld t h en be t oo in t er est ed in killin g t h e dwa r ves t o do m or e t h a n disa r m t h e pr ison er s a n d h old t h em u n t il t h e bloody wor k of dest r u ct ion was over. Below h im h e cou ld see Ma lewik wor kin g h is wa y down t o h is people. Th ey wer e cr ou ch ed beh in d bu sh es a n d bou lder s on both sides of the trail where a gentle slope gave them easy access to their prey.

Movement off to Kaldre's left caught his attention. He turned h is h ea d ju st in t im e t o see a goblin slip beh in d a bu sh . Th e dea t h kn igh t r ecogn ized t h e h a r den ed lea t h er h elm et wit h t h e r u st in g m et a l pla t es a t t a ch ed. Th e h u m a n oid wa s t h e leader of the band that had attacked the kobolds in the maze of gullies at the southern tip of the Vingaard Mountains. Th e st u pid h u m a n oids wer e st ill followin g, wa n t in g r even ge for the attack. Ka ldr e h a d lost five of h is follower s t o t h e goblin s befor e h e h a d r ou t ed t h em , m or e wit h fea r t h a n wit h wea pon s. H e h a d killed t h r ee, bu t t h ey h a d n u m ber ed m or e t h a n for t y. Wh ile h e wa t ch ed, fou r a dva n ced t owa r d t h e a m bu sh . Th ey wer e moving cautiously, as if not sure whether to attack or not. Not, he decided. He had routed them once, he could do it again. He turned his h or se a n d m oved slowly over t h e cr est of t h e r idge. H idden by t h e gr owt h a t t h e t op, h e wa s a ble t o r ide ou t of sigh t of t h e t r a il. Cu r sin g t h e ken der , wh o h a d a ler t ed t h e goblin s by sh ou t in g u p a n d down t h e gu llies, h e gr it t ed h is t eet h a n d spurred the horse along the steep slope. Beca u se of t h e ken der h e h a d t o lea ve t h e scen e of t h e a m bu sh t o dr ive off t h e goblin s. Beca u se of t h e ken der t h e kobold m igh t fin d t h e ga t e st on e t h e fem a le ca r r ied a n d da m a ge it in som e wa y befor e t h e dea t h kn igh t cou ld get back to them. A sh ou t m igh t h a ve wa r n ed t h e goblin s off, bu t it m igh t a lso a ler t t h e ken der wh o wer e sa id t o h a ve sh a r p ea r s. Ka ldr e r ode st r a igh t a t t h e goblin s, h opin g t h ey did n ot cr y ou t . Un for t u n a t ely h e h a d n ot seen a ll t h e ba n d. Two h a d cr ept

closer t o h is posit ion t h a n h e h a d r ea lized. H is eye h a d been on t h e lea der a n d h e flu sh ed t wo wh o wer e fu r t h er u p t h e slope a n d n ea r er t o h im , t h ou gh t h ey h a d been well h idden until he rode by the bushes where they had taken cover. Th ey br oke a n d r a n , sh ou t in g a wa r n in g a s t h ey wen t . Neit h er t ook m or e t h a n t en st eps befor e t h e dea t h kn igh t wa s on t h em . H is swin gin g swor d deca pit a t ed on e a n d h a cked t h r ou gh t h e sh ou lder of t h e secon d, lea vin g t h e goblin on t h e gr ou n d, scr ea m in g in m iser y. Th e r est of t h e goblins broke away, all except one, smaller than the rest. A goblin shaman. Un a fr a id of t h e dea t h kn igh t , h e t h r ew a spell, a gr een ish clou d t h a t spr ea d it self a s it n ea r ed Ka ldr e. Not su r e wh a t t h e m a gic of a goblin cou ld do t o h im , t h e dea t h kn igh t h a u led ba ck on t h e r ein s of h is m ou n t . Th e h or se skidded a n d m a n a ged t o t u r n a wa y fr om t h e gr een ish clou d, bu t h e slipped and lost his footing on the muddy mountainside. As Ka ldr e wen t down , h e sa w a n ot h er , blu e wh it e m ist lea ve t h e h a n ds of t h e sh a m a n . H e wa s cr ou ch ed, ju st get t in g t o h is feet a n d kn ew h e cou ld n ot esca pe t h e secon d spell. As it closed over h im wit h a cold deeper t h a n dea t h , h is a r m s a n d legs froze into immobility. H elpless, h eld in pla ce by t h e fr eezin g spell, Ka ldr e expect ed the goblins to attack and hack him to pieces, but they backed a wa y, down t h e m ou n t a in . It wa s t h en h e r ea lized t h a t less than half the goblins had been creeping up the spur. Where were the rest of them? Chapter 21

All ken der love t r a vel, a n d m y Un cle Tr a pspr in ger wa s n o exception.... As t h ey jou r n eyed n or t h , Tr a p felt t h e wa r m t h of t h e su n on h is left ch eek, wh ile h is r igh t wa s cooled by a la t e a ft er n oon br eeze. Soon t h ey sh ou ld begin lookin g for a pla ce t o ca m p for t h e n igh t . H e wa s lookin g a bou t for a st r ea m -t h ey sh ou ld ca m p n ea r wa t er -wh en h e sa w a sn a ke glidin g over t h e gr a ss. Th e r ept ile's in t en ded vict im wa s a br igh t blu e bir d who tugged at a worm. "Oh , n o you don 't ," Tr a p sh ou t ed a n d for got h e wa s lea din g h is pon y. H e r elea sed t h e r ein s a n d sca m per ed u p t h e gen t le in clin e. H e picked u p a r ock, flipped h is h oopa k u p a n d set t h e st on e in t h e pou ch . H is a im wa sn 't a s good a s it sh ou ld have been, but he did startle the snake. "You r pon y!" H a lm a r a in cr ied, poin t in g down t h e slope. Tr a p's m ou n t , fr eed fr om t h e r est r a in t s of t h e r ein s, h a d left t h e t r a il a n d wa n der ed off down t h e slope t owa r d a sm oot h stretch of range grass. "H ey, wh er e a r e you goin g?" Tr a p sh ou t ed a t t h e a n im a l a n d dashed after it. Th e pon y sa w t h e ken der ch a sin g it a n d t r ot t ed a wa y. It st opped ju st lon g en ou gh t o gr a b a bit e of gr a ss a n d ch ewed as it moved off again. "Com e h er e," Tr a p la u gh ed, n ot a t a ll ir r it a t ed wit h t h e a n im a l. It seem ed t o be t ea sin g h im , pla yin g a ga m e, a n d h e was willing to take part in the fun. "Will you st op clown in g a r ou n d a n d ca t ch t h a t pon y?" t h e wiza r d yelled a t h im a s t h e r est of t h e pa r t y a ppr oa ch ed a n area of low bushes and boulders.

Tr a p t u r n ed h is h ea d t o a n swer . Defin it ely n ot a good idea , h e decided. Wh ile h e h a d been lookin g ba ck over h is sh ou lder , h e h a d st epped in t o a sh a llow swa le of loose r ock. H e lost h is foot in g a n d fell spr a wlin g. By t h e t im e h e r ega in ed h is feet h e r ea lized t h e pon y h a d t r ot t ed fa r t h er away. "I won 't be lon g, h e's st opped-" Tr a p for got wh a t h e'd been sa yin g. H e h a d r ea ch ed a clu m p of bu sh es a n d ou t of it ca m e a goblin . Th e ken der st a r ed a t t h e h u m a n oid, wh o seem ed a s su r pr ised a s Tr a p, for a lon g, u n cer t a in m om en t . Tr a p recovered first. "H ello. Wou ld you m in d h elpin g m e ca t ch m y pon y?" h e a sked br igh t ly. "Do you live h er e? Ma ybe you kn ow wh er e the rocks are. The grass hides them you see, and-" "Kill ken der , ea t pon y," t h e goblin in t er r u pt ed wit h a sn a r l and stepped forward with his spiked club raised. "No. I don 't t h in k so. I don 't like t h a t idea a t a ll," Tr a p sa id, da n cin g ba ck ju st a s a secon d goblin a ppea r ed fr om concealment behind a second bush. Then he paused. "E a t pon y? Wow! Th a t wou ld be in t er est in g. Wh a t does pon y t a st e like?" H e wou ld n ot wa n t t o m a ke a m ea l of h is m ou n t , but the question intrigued him. It a lso in t r igu ed t h e goblin s. Th eir ba t t les wer e u su a lly a ga in st t h eir own kin d, kobolds, or h u m a n s, a n d n eit h er of the two had ever found themselves in conversation with their en em ies. Th ey exch a n ged pu zzled looks, a ppa r en t ly n ot knowing whether they should answer, or how.

Th eir con fu sion ga ve Tr a p ju st en ou gh t im e t o slip a h a n d into his pouch and fumble for one of the two rings he carried. Wh en h e h a d slipped on e on h is fin ger , h e looked down a t h im self. H e wa s st ill visible, so h e kn ew h e m u st be wea r in g t h e on e t h a t let h im t a ke gia n t st eps. H e t ook on e st ep backward and nearly fell over the cliff behind him. "Wow! Th a t wa s close. Not su ch a good idea ," h e t old h im self a s h e t eet er ed on t h e edge a n d looked down a t t h e dr op of thirty feet. Bruises were not interesting at all. Th e goblin s st a r ed a t h is su dden r em ova l fr om t h e r ea ch of t h eir wea pon s, bu t a n en em y r u n n in g a wa y wa s som et h in g t h ey u n der st ood. Th ey h owled a n d ch a sed a ft er h im . On e st u m bled on t h e u n even gr ou n d a n d fell on h is fa ce, bu t t h e ot h er skidded a cr oss t h e st on es seem in gly t oo in t en t on h is prey to fall. Trap h ea r d a sh ou t fr om u p t h e m ou n t a in s a n d sa w m or e goblin s. H e h ea r d H a lm a r a in cr y ou t , Beglu g wa iled, a n d t h en ca m e t h e h igh pit ch ed scr ea m of a kobold. H e sa w on e of the small humanoids racing for cover. F or a br ief secon d, Tr a p st ood on t h e edge of t h e precipice, won der in g wh a t wa s h a ppen in g. Kobolds a n d goblin s a ga in . Up the slope he saw a goblin stagger into sight with a kobold spear in his chest. A hundred yards away the goblin who had su ggest ed ea t in g h is pon y wa s ch a sin g t h e ken der 's m ou n t . Th e a n im a l t r ot t ed ba ck t owa r d t h e t r a il. Th e ot h er goblin charged Trap as Ripple screamed his name. Sin ce h e wor e t h e m a gic r in g, Tr a p kn ew h e wa s in n o da n ger a n d h a d pla n n ed t o t ea se t h e goblin , st eppin g ou t of t h e wa y. H e kn ew h e wa s bein g a t t a cked, bu t h e wa s n ot a t a ll a n gr y a bou t it . Wh en Ripple ca lled t o h im , h e lost a ll in t er est in t h e ga m e. H is sist er n eeded h im , a n d h e h a d n o time for his attacker.

H oldin g h is h oopa k in fr on t of h im like a spea r , h e st epped for wa r d, u sin g t h e for ce of h is gia n t st ep t o dr ive t h e sh a r p, metal-t ipped poin t t h r ou gh t h e h u m a n oid's belly. Th e goblin 's spea r h a d been poin t ed a t h im a n d Tr a p h a d t wist ed t o a void t h e poin t , st ill it clipped t h e sh ou lder of h is t u n ic. Wh en t h e goblin fell ba ckwa r d, Tr a p jer ked h is h oopa k fr ee and looked around. H e h a d decided h is fir st cou r se of a ct ion wou ld be t o r escu e h is pon y, bu t if h is sist er wa s in t r ou ble, h e wa n t ed t o get t o h er . Wh a t t o do-wh ich wa y t o go? Wou ld h e r ea ch Ripple faster if he caught his mount? No, he decided, but he was not going to allow the goblin to eat his pony either. H e r ea ch ed in t o h is pou ch , h opin g t o fin d a sh a r p st on e, bu t t h e on ly sh a pes h is fin ger s fou n d wer e r ou n d, sm oot h cr eek st on es. H e pu lled on e ou t a n d wa s set t in g it in t h e slin g of h is h oopa k wh en h e r ea lized h e h a d on e of t h e gla ss fla m e balls from Deepdel. "Gr ea t ! E ven Bet t er ," h e t old h is h oopa k. "Do you r best ," h e murmured as he swung the weapon and let fly with the glass ba ll. H e h a d a im ed for t h e br oa d ba ck of t h e goblin , bu t h e h a d n ot r eckon ed on t h e u n even gr ou n d. In it s a t t em pt t o ca t ch t h e pon y, t h e goblin h a d lea ped u p on t o a pile of bou lder s, a n d t h e fla m e ba ll ca u gh t it on t h e ba ck of it s t h igh s. Th e liqu id a n d powder flew wh en t h e gla ss br oke, spr ea din g t h e fir e down t h e ba ck of it s legs a n d on t o it s buttocks. The humanoid took two steps before it realized it was on fire. It ga ve a h owl a n d a lea p, h it t in g t h e gr ou n d h a r d a s it la n ded in a sit t in g posit ion . As it r olled on t h e gr ou n d, Tr a p dashed past on his way to find Ripple.

On e of h is gia n t st eps t ook h im pa st t h e bu r n in g goblin . Th e secon d br ou gh t h im in t o a collision wit h a h u m a n oid wh o st epped ou t of t h e br u sh a n d dir ect ly in t o h is pa t h . Th e for ce of Tr a p's m a gic st eps kn ocked t h e goblin side-wa ys a n d off it s feet . It s h elm et flew off a n d it s h ea d h it a r ock wit h a sickening crunch. Tr a p fell bet ween t wo bu sh es a n d la n ded so h a r d h e wa s st u n n ed. H e la y on h is side, won der in g wh a t h a d h a ppen ed t o h im . Not h in g felt br oken , bu t h e wa s sever a l m om en t s get t in g h is br ea t h . H e st ood u p, st ill wea k a n d a lit t le dizzy. An in t er est in g feelin g, h e t h ou gh t ; on e of t h ose exper ien ces he would not have missed but one he had no desire to repeat. Som ewh er e a h ea d wa s h is sist er a n d sh e wou ld n ot h a ve sh ou t ed for h im if sh e h a d n ot been in t r ou ble. H e staggered, fou n d h im self bou n cin g a bou t a ll over t h e m ou n t a in side, a n d fell spr a wlin g a ga in befor e h e r em em ber ed h e st ill wor e t h e m a gic r in g. Wh a t h e n eeded, h e decided, wa s t h e ot h er on e so he would be invisible. He sat up, dug in his pouch and found the second ring. When he stood he could not see his own feet. He spotted his hoopak t h a t h e h a d la id on t h e gr ou n d wh ile sea r ch in g for t h e r in g a n d picked it u p. Wh en h e lift ed it off t h e gr ou n d, it t oo beca m e in visible. Wit h t h e wea pon in h is h a n d h e r a ced u p the trail. Th e fir st per son h e sa w wa s Um pt h wh o sa t on t h e gr ou n d, one hand on the wheel and the other on his metal helmet. "Wheel, make hurting stop ... wheel, make hurting stop..." Tr a p r a n pa st t h e gu lly dwa r f, wh o did n ot seem t o be in a n y danger . H e sh ou t ed for Ripple. Th e sou n d of h is voice brought a goblin from behind a bush, his spear arm back and

r ea dy t o st r ike. H is sm a ll eyes sea r ch ed for t h e sou r ce of t h e voice. Tr a p slid t o a st op a n d gr a bbed t h e spea r ou t of t h e st a r t led goblin 's h a n d. Th e h u m a n oid goggled a s it s wea pon disa ppea r ed. H is m ou t h wa s st ill open wh en t h e ken der swu n g t h e h ea vy sh a ft a n d ca u gh t t h e goblin in t h e t h r oa t . Th e goblin wa s ju st colla psin g, t h e st u pid look st ill on it s face when Trap ran by on his way to find Ripple. A few st eps fu r t h er on h e pa ssed a bu sh t h a t wa s h a lf bu r n ed a wa y. Up a h ea d h e sm elled sm oke. H e r ou n ded a curve in the trail, skidded to a stop, and backed up two steps. H a lm a r a in wa s h oldin g h er st a ff in bot h h a n ds, u sin g it like a clu b. Th e en d wa s glowin g a n d wh er e it t ou ch ed a bu sh , fire sprouted. As she swung the staff in his direction a kobold stepped in sight behind her. "Look ou t !" Tr a p ca lled ou t . H e h a d n ot in dica t ed a n y dir ect ion , bu t sh e wh ir led a r ou n d a n d st r u ck t h e sm a ll h u m a n oid on t h e h ea d a n d sh ou lder s wit h h er st a ff. Wh en t h e kobold du cked, t h e t ip of t h e st a ff t ou ch ed it s clot h in g, a n d t h e st a ff set t h e kobold's sleeve on fir e. Th e cr ea t u r e ga ve a squ ea l of fr igh t a n d disa ppea r ed, t h e sm ell of bu r n in g cloth and flesh following it. "Tr a p, wh er e a r e you ?" sh e a sked, keepin g h er voice low a s sh e sea r ch ed t h e a r ea . H er h ea d m oved in lit t le jer ks a s sh e watched nervously for attacking enemies. "H er e I a m , bu t wh er e is Ripple?" Tr a p pu lled off t h e r in g a n d dr opped it in h is pou ch . "I don 't see Gr od a n d Beglu g either."

"I don 't kn ow," H a lm a r a in wh isper ed. "I h a ven 't seen a n yon e since the goblins and kobolds attacked. You can't see ten feet in this brush. The gully dwarves ran away, I think." "Um pt h didn 't ," Tr a p poin t ed ba ck down t h e t r a il. H e cou ld still hear the leader of the Aglest clan moaning. "What's happening?" he demanded. "Who is fighting who and wh y? Lit t le jiggies! I didn 't kn ow we cou ld h a ve so m u ch fu n in the hills." H e h a d ju st fin ish ed spea kin g wh en t h ey h ea r d r u n n in g foot st eps a n d Gr od r ou n ded a ben d in t h e t r a il. H e wa s br ea t h in g h a r d. Th e t ea r s h a d left flesh color ed t r a cks down his dirty cheeks. He wiped his nose on his sleeve. "No ca t ch kobolds," h e sa id; ea ch wor d ca m e ou t a s a ga sp. "Where Umpth?" "H e's ba ck on t h e t r a il," Tr a p sa id. "Did you see Ripple? An d where is Beglug?" "You were chasing the kobolds?" the little wizard showed her disbelief. "Go a ft er kobolds," Gr od sa id. H e wa s bet t er a ble t o get h is br ea t h . "Kobolds ca t ch P r et t y Ken der a n d La va Belly. Goblin s com e. Kobolds r u n a wa y. Ta ke P r et t y Ken der a n d La va Belly." Mor e t ea r s t r ickled down Gr od's dir t y ch eeks. "Don't want them take Pretty Kender." "Th ey t ook Ripple?" Tr a p pu sh ed pa st t h e lit t le h u m a n a n d the gully dwarf and ran up the trail.

"Wh er e a r e you goin g?" H a lm a r a in cr ied, for get t in g t o keep her voice down. "To find my sister!" he shouted back. Tr a p h a d begu n h is qu est a t a spr in t , bu t h e lea r n ed n ot even h is a n ger a t t h e kobolds for t a kin g Ripple cou ld m a in t a in h is fa st pa ce. H e con t in u ed a t a fa st t r ot . On t h e ea st er n side of t h e spu r h e cou ld m a ke bet t er t im e. H e wa s plea sed wit h h is speed. F a st er t h a n h is feet , h is m in d r a n a ll sorts of possibilities for daring rescues. "I'll put on my magic ring of invisibility and...." He had forgotten the magic rings. He should find the one that allowed him giant steps and he'd ca t ch u p wit h t h e kobolds in m in u t es. H e slipped h is h a n d in on e of h is pou ch es, a s u su a l fou n d t h e wr on g r in g a n d h a d t o t r y a ga in . H is fin ger s scr a m bled blin dly in t h e pu r se, t h e ring slipped on his thumb. "Now," h e sa id, r a cin g a lon g wit h fift y foot st eps. Th e t r a il led dir ect ly ea st , r igh t over t h e t op of t h e h ill. H e h a d t a ken n o m or e t h a n t welve gia n t st eps befor e h e r ea lized t h e fa lla cy of h is pla n . H e h a d been m ovin g t oo fa st t o keep a n eye on the kobolds' trail. "Th ey m u st h a ve a n gled off in a n ot h er dir ect ion ," h e sa id t o h im self a n d t ook t wo st eps t owa r d t h e t op of t h e r idge t h a t r a n a lon g t h e spu r of t h e h ill. Th e secon d st ep t ook h im over a precipice. Chapter 22

. . . a n d in t h e gr ea t book, Ast in u s r ecor ded t h e a n ger of t h e Dark Queen. "I'll t ea r h is h ea d fr om h is sh ou lder s!" Ta kh isis r a ged. "I'll boil the flesh from his body!" Th e Da r k Qu een con t in u ed wit h h er t h r ea t s a n d even Draaddis trembled at the horrors. He could only catch part of t h em . Ta kh isis wa s so a n gr y sh e h a d r ever t ed t o h er dr a gon shape and all five heads were raging at one time. The sphere wa s filled, fir st wit h on e fir e br ea t h in g h ea d a n d t h en a n ot h er wou ld t a ke it s pla ce, bu t ou t of sigh t of t h e wiza r d t h e con t in u ed im pr eca t ion s a n d t h r ea t s in t er r u pt ed a n d roared over each other. "Loosin g t h e ken der wa s ba d en ou gh ," t h e Da r k Qu een sh ou t ed. "To lose t h e kobolds a s well? H e will pa y for h is incompetence." Dr a a ddis st ood qu iet ly, n ot da r in g t o in t er r u pt . H e let h er rage herself out. Hours passed before she was calm again. "Wh er e is h e? Wh a t does you r win ged r a t t ell you ?" sh e asked after her tirade was over. "J a er u m e Ka ldr e is st ill in t h e m ou n t a in s, m y qu een . Th e fr eezin g spell t h e goblin u sed wa s power fu l. H e is st ill in t h e foot h ills, fr ozen by t h e spell, bu t h e will soon be on t h e t r a il of t h e kobolds. Ba d lu ck-a s well a s t h e goblin s-h a s been h is a dver sa r y, bu t h e did in st ill in t h e lit t le h u m a n oids t h e n eed to bring the kender and the merchesti to us." "Yes, bu t will t h ey r em em ber t h eir pu r pose?" Ta kh isis demanded.

"My messenger tells me the kobolds are traveling east as fast a s t h eir st r en gt h will a llow. Appa r en t ly Ka ldr e con vin ced t h em t h ey wou ld su ffer n ot on ly m y wr a t h , bu t you r s if t h ey did not succeed." "Th a t is so n ow. Will t h ey con t in u e u n t il t h ey h a ve r ea ch ed Pey?" Takhisis was still not convinced. "Ka ldr e wa r n ed t h em I h a ve a m essen ger wa t ch in g t h em . Sever a l t im es t h e m essen ger h a s r epor t ed t h ey sea r ch t h e sky lookin g for h im . If t h ey believe h e wa t ch es, t h ey will continue." "You sa id t h ey h a ve t h e ken der gir l. Th a t m ea n s t h ey m u st have the gate stone. They did not take the male kender?" "No, m y la dy. On t h a t pa r t I a m u n clea r . Th e m essen ger ga ve m e a pict u r e of t h e m a le ken der da sh in g off t o ch a se a pony just as the others reached the ambush point." "Does h e follow? Will t h e r est of t h e pa r t y ca t ch u p wit h t h e kobolds a n d a t t em pt a r escu e? Is t h er e a n y wa y t o wa r n t h e kobolds?" "I h a ve n o wa y of wa r n in g t h em , m y la dy, bu t wh a t ca n on e ken der a n d a sm a ll dwa r f do? Th e ot h er t wo of t h e pa r t y a r e Agh a r , a n d t h ey will n ot figh t . In t h e m ea n t im e, Ka ldr e is n ow ou t fr om u n der t h e goblin 's spell a n d h e is on t h eir trail." "I wou ld like you r n ews bet t er if you wer e n ot so h esit a n t in you r deliver y," t h e Da r k Qu een r eplied. "Wh a t n ews a r e you withholding?"

"On ly t h e t r ou ble wit h t h e m er ch est i, gr ea t on e. E ver y t im e t h ey a ppr oa ch a st r ea m t h ey h a ve t r ou ble wit h t h e cr ea t u r e. Apparently it does not like water." "The kender had no trouble with it." "No, bu t it wa s r idin g on a pon y a n d did n ot h a ve t o pu t it s feet in t h e st r ea m s. It h a s a lr ea dy killed t wo kobolds a n d in ju r ed t wo ot h er s. I fea r t h a t if Ka ldr e does n ot ca t ch u p soon, the merchesti will destroy our minions." Ta kh isis flew in t o a n ot h er r a ge. Th e five dr a gon h ea ds a ppea r ed a ga in . Wit h in t h e wiza r d's wor kr oom t h e a ir clou ded wit h t h ick, su lfu r ou s fu m es. Dr a a ddis kn ew h e wa s su ffer in g fr om a n illu sion , bu t so st r on g wa s h er power t o make him believe that he felt himself choking. ***** Two h u n dr ed feet a bove, t h e wolf woke fr om a n a p. H e sn eezed a n d ch oked u n t il h e st a gger ed ou t of h is la ir a n d in t o t h e su r r ou n din g woods. Wou ld h e h a ve t o fin d a n ew h om e? H e won der ed a s h is n ost r ils clea r ed a n d h e bega n h is night's hunt. Dinn er t h a t n igh t con sist ed of a wou n ded goblin . Th e wolf a t e a n a r m a n d a leg a n d bu r ied t h e r est of t h e body so it would season. H e r et u r n ed t o h is la ir in t h e r u in s, dr ea din g wh a t h e wou ld sm ell. St ill, t h e sa fe h a ven dr ew h im ba ck. H e a ppr oa ch ed cautiously, bu t picked u p n o h in t of t h e t er r ible odor t h a t had driven him out.

H e cu r led u p on h is bed, dozed, sn iffed, dozed, sn iffed, a n d r epea t ed t h e exer cise sever a l t im es befor e h e decided it wa s safe to sleep again. ***** Tr a p st epped over t h e pr ecipice, bu t h e h a d n ot fa llen fa r befor e a clu m p of bu sh es br oke h is fa ll a n d h e r olled down a steep slope. A few scr a t ch es fr om t h e bu sh es a n d a few br u ises fr om r ollin g down t h e h ill m a de h im u n com for t a ble, bu t h e wa s n ot in ju r ed. Sin ce h e st ill wor e t h e r in g, h e con fiden t ly ben t h is kn ees a n d ju m ped. H is feet r ose a foot off t h e gr ou n d. H e tried again, using all his strength, and jumped two feet. "I m u st r em em ber t o t a lk t o Or a n der a bou t t h is r in g," h e m u t t er ed. "H a ve I sa id t h a t befor e?" H e decided h e h a d probably used those very words. Un a ble t o ju m p ou t of t h e gor ge, h e pu t t h e r in g ba ck in h is pou ch a n d t r ied clim bin g. In t h e gr owin g da r kn ess h e cou ld n ot see h is wa y a n d lost h is foot in g. Aft er slidin g down t h e st eep slope t h r ee t im es h e ga ve u p a n d fou n d a dr y pla ce t o sleep. He'd be able to see to climb out in the morning. "Ma ybe Or a n der m a de a lot of lit t le m a gic ja r s, filled t h em wit h power a n d pu t t h em a ll in t h e r in g a n d I ca n on ly u se on e ja r fu l a t a t im e," h e m u t t er ed sleepily befor e h e dozed off. Th e n ext m or n in g h e st ood u p, t wist ed t o ea se h is sor e m u scles, fou n d t h e r in g a ga in , a n d ju m ped. Th e m a gic wor ked! H e sa iled t o t h e t op of t h e gor ge, la n ded on a r ock that tilted with him and he went sprawling again.

"So m u ch for you ," h e t old t h e r in g, t a kin g it off a ga in . "You can wait until I get out of these mountains." H e st ill h a d t h e pr oblem of fin din g t h e kobolds' t r a il, so h e trotted along the mountainside, his face to the sun. They had been traveling east when he had lost their tracks. Aft er t r a ver sin g a r ocky slope h e ca m e t o a n ot h er a r ea of t h ickly clu st er ed h igh br u sh . H e wa s t r ot t in g t h r ou gh it when he heard a shout. "Wheel! Come back!" "Um pt h ? Oom ph !" Tr a p's secon d cr y sou n ded like a n ech o, a com bin a t ion of bein g st a r t led a n d h a vin g t h e win d kn ocked ou t of h im . Th e wa gon wh eel h a d h u r t led ou t of t h e bu sh es, ca u gh t t h e ken der 's r igh t a r m a n d flipped h im h ea d over h eels. H e h it t h e gr ou n d wit h a t h u d, on e a r m a n d on e leg t h r ou gh t h e spokes of t h e wh eel. In secon ds Um pt h a n d t h en Grod appeared from behind a large clump of brush. "J iggy biggies! Wh eel fin d ken der !" Um pt h t r iu m ph a n t ly shouted. "I don 't believe it !" H a lm a r a in 's voice, sa t u r a t ed wit h ir r it a t ion , r ea ch ed Tr a p a s h e st r u ggled t o ext r ica t e h im self from his strange captor. Before he was on his feet the little wizard arrived on the trail of t h e gu lly dwa r ves. H er fa ce wa s r ed wit h exer t ion a n d h er eyes sn a pped wit h a n ger . Sh e h a u led on t h e r ein s of h er pony. Behind her the entire string of animals appeared. Trap saw Ripple's whippik tied to a bundle on the pack pony.

"I don 't believe it !" sh e sn a pped a s t h e t wo gu lly dwa r ves grinned at her. Sh e gla r ed a t t h em a n d t u r n ed on Tr a p. "You didn 't get ver y fa r ," sh e sa id. H er a t t em pt a t a sm u g I-told-you-so wa s heavily tinged with relief. "I'm goin g t o t a lk t o Or a n der a bou t t h a t r in g," Tr a p t old h er . "H e n eeds t o pu t a secon d spell on it , so it doesn 't ca r r y a person over a cliff." He gave them an account of his bad luck. "I'm r ea lly gla d we fou n d you ," t h e wiza r d a dm it t ed, frowning a t t h e gu lly dwa r ves. "I ca n 't get t h ese idiot s on their ponies." "Need r ide pon ies," Gr od sa id, pu llin g a t h is r ed-blon d bea r d in h is im pa t ien ce. "Kobolds r u n fa st . Goblin r u n fa st . P on ies run fast. Wizard run slow." "As m u ch a s I h a t e t o a dm it it , Gr od's r igh t ," t h e sm a ll human female agreed. "Bea n s! I wa n t t o go! I'll h elp t h em on t o t h eir pon ies, bu t I'm goin g on a h ea d," Tr a p sa id obst in a t ely. "I'll com e ba ck for you when I've found Ripple and Beglug." "You can go faster on a pony than on foot," Halmarain said. "Then I'll take mine-" "No you won 't . I bou gh t t h em , t h ey'r e a ll m in e a n d t h ey'll a ll st a y t oget h er . To r ide, you 'll h a ve t o st a y wit h u s." "I cou ld use the magic ring-"

"F or h ow lon g befor e t h e lim it er t a kes over or you go off another cliff?" Trap frowned at the wizard. He didn't have an answer. "An d you n eed u s t o h elp you r escu e t h e m er ch est i a n d Ripple," H a lm a r a in a dded. "I kn ow you wa n t t o fin d you r sist er , bu t n o m or e t h a n I wa n t t o r escu e t h a t lit t le fien d. If we ca n 't sen d h im ba ck, h is pa r en t m a y com e t o Kr yn n looking for him." "Waste time," Grod said. "No more talk." "Ride pony now." Umpth nodded at his brother. Tr a p st opped a r gu in g a n d h elped t h e gu lly dwa r ves m ou n t . H a lm a r a in volu n t eer ed t o lea d a ll t h e bea st s wit h t h e exception of Trap's pony on one string while Trap rode ahead to search for the easiest path through the mountains. He was not to go too far ahead, she warned him. "Bu t wh a t a bou t fin din g t h e t r a il of t h e kobolds?" Tr a p demanded. "We ca n fin d it on t h e ot h er side of t h e m ou n t a in s," t h e lit t le wiza r d sa id. "Th ey'r e t r a velin g ea st . Dir ect ly ea st , even t h ou gh t h ey a r e t a kin g t h e r ou gh est pa t h s. Th ey won 't be hard to locate on the plain." "Found trail once," Umpth said. "Did-did you find any sign. . . ." Trap stopped, not wanting to voice his niggling fears over Ripple.

"Yes, a n d we kn ow t h ey wer e bot h a live t h is m or n in g." Th e lit t le wiza r d n odded. "Wh er e t h ey cr ossed a st r ea m , we cou ld see t h e m a r ks wh er e Beglu g st r u ggled t o keep fr om st eppin g in t o t h e wa t er . Off t o t h e side wer e foot pr in t s Gr od in sist ed wer e Ripple's. Th is wa s looped over t h e br a n ch of a bu sh ." She held out a blue feather with two green beads sewn to the quill. Around it was a thin blue leather thong. "It 's Ripple's," Tr a p cr owed wit h deligh t . Occa sion a lly sh e wove fea t h er s in t o h er t opkn ot , a n d h e h a d oft en seen h er wear that particular decoration. "If Beglu g ca n figh t a n d sh e ca n lea ve sign s for u s, t h ey a r e bot h a live a n d u n in ju r ed," H a lm a r a in sa id. "Th ey a r e bein g taken east." "Then let's hurry," Trap said, leading the way again. "And on the way we'll make a plan." Tr a p fou n d a low sa ddle bet ween t h e m ou n t a in s. Sin ce t h ey wer e n ot seekin g a t r a il, Tr a p pa ced H a lm a r a in . H e wa s busy with his plans to rescue the captives. "H er e's wh a t I t h in k we sh ou ld do," h e sa id. "Wh en we ca t ch up with the kobolds, you, Grod, and Umpth will climb up in a tree where a limb juts out over-" "H ow do you kn ow t h er e will be a t r ee?" t h e lit t le wiza r d a sked. "An d if t h e gu lly dwa r ves ca n 't m ou n t a pon y wit h ou t h elp, how can you get them up a tree?" Trap frowned. "Then we'll do this: we'll take a wagon-" "Where are we going to get the wagon?" Halmarain asked.

"Th or n s! Th ist les! You don 't like a n yt h in g. Do you wa n t t o help rescue Ripple and Beglug or not?" Trap demanded. "Yes!" t h e wiza r d spa t ou t t h e wor d. "Bu t you ca n 't m a ke a plan until we find them." "Lava Belly eat kobolds, maybe," Grod suggested. "H e wou ldn 't do t h a t ," Tr a p object ed, con ven ien t ly for get t in g the innkeeper's dog in Deepdel. "Oh , you n ever kn ow, a n d it wou ld be a fit t in g r even ge," H a lm a r a in sm iled. "Th ey m a y wish t h ey h a d n ever t a ken him." "Wh y t a ke Beglu g?" Gr od a sked. "Ken der pr et t y, bu t Beglu g mean." "Beca u se .. . ?" Tr a p's expla n a t ion beca m e a n ech o of Gr od's question. "I don 't kn ow, a n d I don 't like it ." H a lm a r a in 's eyes, a lr ea dy dark with worry, seemed to deepen. "I cer t a in ly don 't ," Tr a p a n n ou n ced pu gn a ciou sly, a s if h e r esen t ed a n yon e else's cr it icism of t h e ca pt u r e. Ripple wa s his sister, and he was the most concerned. "There's m or e t h a n kobold m ea n n ess beh in d Halmarain said. "That's why we should be careful." "Man in black cloak," Grod said, nodding.

t h is,"

"Oh . Yes. I'd for got t en a bou t h im ," Tr a p sa id. "Wa s h e wit h the kobolds?" "I didn 't see h im ," t h e lit t le wiza r d sa id. Sh e a n d Tr a p t u r n ed in qu ir in g ga zes on t h e gu lly dwa r ves wh o sh r u gged their shoulders. "He was with the kobolds on the mountains," Halmarain said t h ou gh t fu lly. "An d befor e t h a t in t h e m a ze?" Tr a p n odded in r espon se t o h er qu est ion in g fr own . "An d t h ey fou gh t wit h goblin s wh o cou ld h a ve followed t h em ," sh e con t in u ed. "I t h in k we ca n expect t o fin d h im wit h t h e kobolds wh en we catch them." "Wh o is h e?" Tr a p a sked. "H ow do you kn ow wh er e t h ey a r e heading? Do you know him and where he lives?" "Lives? I dou bt h e lives; bu t yes, beca u se of h im I t h in k I kn ow wh er e t h e kobolds a r e goin g." Tr a p wa it ed, bu t wh en t h e lit t le wiza r d didn 't expla in , h is n a t u r a l im pa t ien ce overrode his usual good temper. "Well, are you going to tell us?" "No. I'm n ot su r e I'm r igh t , a n d if I a m you don 't wa n t t o kn ow," sh e sa id, spu r r in g h er pon y t o gr ea t er speed. Sh e kept t h e pon ies a t a ga llop for a few m in u t es, bu t wh en h er mount faltered she pulled him up. "We've been r idin g t h ese a n im a ls t oo h a r d," sh e sa id. "We sh ou ld wa lk t h em a n d let t h em r est a ft er we cr oss t h a t stream." She pointed a hundred yards ahead.

"H er e's Ripple's pr in t a n d Beglu g's," Tr a p sa id wh en h e r ea ch ed t h e ba n k of t h e st r ea m . "An d t h e dwa r ves a r e a h ea d of us again." "The same ones?" Halmarain asked. "It m u st be, beca u se h er e is you r pon y's pr in t . Th ey cr ossed a ft er t h e kobolds," Tr a p t old h er a s h e st u died t h e gr ou n d intently. "Gee, look at this, a snail is crossing too." "How far ahead?" The little wizard asked. "You 'll pa ss h im by t h e t im e you get t o t h e wa t er if you don 't step on him." "Oh , for get it ," t h e wiza r d sn a pped. Sh e for ded t h e sm a ll st r ea m a n d descen ded fr om t h e sa ddle. Th e gu lly dwa r ves dism ou n t ed a n d wa lked on a h ea d, r ollin g t h e wh eel. Th ey had not traveled far when Grod came running back. "Wh eel t ell goblin s com e," h e ga sped. "Oh n ow it 's t ellin g t h e future," Halmarain snapped. "No t ell, fa ll down !" t h e blon d gu lly dwa r f in sist ed. "Um pt h stop to pick up. Look back and see. They come." Grod pointed back toward the top of the pass between the mountains. "Th a t doesn 't m ea n t h e wh eel fou n d t h em ," H a lm a r a in argued. "Sh e n o like wh eel," Gr od m u t t er ed, gla r in g a t t h e lit t le wizard, his blue eyes sparkling with anger.

"Sh e r ea lly didn 't m ea n it ," Tr a p soot h ed t h e feelin gs of t h e gu lly dwa r f. "Rem em ber , sh e ca n do m a gic, bu t sh e ca n 't t ell if people are coming like the wheel can." "Oh , I r ea lly n eeded t h a t !" H a lm a r a in sn a pped. "St ill, if they're coming we'd better hide." Trap was ready to argue, but she forestalled him. "If we let t h em pa ss u s by we ca n be on ou r wa y t h a t m u ch faster." "I know!" Trap pointed to the left where deep shadows lurked ben ea t h a sm a ll, den se for est . Th e ot h er s n odded. It seem ed the best of a few unsatisfactory choices. Th e en t ir e pa r t y m oved t h r ou gh t h e h igh , den se br u sh , bu t n on e of t h em dou bt ed t h e goblin s cou ld follow t h eir t r a il. Tr a p ben t occa sion a lly t o pick u p st on es for t h e slin g of h is hoopak as he led the way toward the trees. By common and unspoken consent, they moved quietly. They t r ied n ot t o fr igh t en t h e wildlife a n d a n y bir ds t h a t m igh t fly u p a n d give a wa y t h eir posit ion . Th e fa llen lea ves of t h e t h ick br u sh n ea r t h e ea ves of t h e wood m u ffled t h e pon ies' st eps. F ift y ya r ds in side t h e wood t h ey en t er ed a sm a ll, m u ddy st r ea m . Th ey wa lked t h eir m ou n t s a h u n dr ed ya r ds ea st befor e t u r n in g ba ck on t h eir t r a il a ga in . If t h e goblin s did follow their trail, they would fall into an ambush. Sin ce t h e m or n in g h a d pa ssed a n d t h e su n h a d r ea ch ed it s zen it h , Tr a p r a ided t h e pon ies' sa ddle ba gs a n d h a n ded a r ou n d a sm a ll m idda y m ea l. Th ey h a d a ll fou n d h idin g pla ces wh en t h ey h ea r d t h e fir st voices, som e dist a n ce a wa y, raised in argument.

Tr a p wa s a m om en t r ea lizin g t h a t t h e sou n ds ca m e n ot fr om t h e sou t h west fr om wh er e t h e goblin s a ppr oa ch ed, bu t fr om deeper in t h e woods. To h is r igh t , H a lm a r a in peer ed fr om behind her bushy shelter and mouthed the word, "Dwarves." Tr a p slipped ou t of h is h idin g pla ce a n d h u r r ied t h r ou gh t h e for est , slippin g fr om t r ee t o t r ee. Befor e lon g h e cou ld see in t o a sm a ll clea r in g wh er e a gr ou p of st u r dy h ill pon ies gr a zed. H e r ecogn ized t h e six dwa r ves wh o h a d been ch a sin g t h em . Th ey a ppea r ed t o be in cou n cil, a n d in st r on g disagreement. Th e ken der slipped a wa y a n d r et u r n ed t o h is defen sive posit ion . Wh en H a lm a r a in r a ised h er br ows in silen t com m u n ica t ion h e u sed h is h a n ds, r u n n in g h is fin ger s fr om h is n eck in a cir cle on h is ch est t o in dica t e t h e st olen n eckla ce. Sh e sigh ed a s sh e r ea lized h e'd iden t ified t h e dwarves. Th en h e dr ew ba ck in t o h is own bu sh y sh elt er ju st a s t h e goblin s st epped ou t of t h e h igh br u sh , h ea din g for t h e ea ves of t h e for est . To h is su r pr ise, t h ey wer e n ot followin g t h e t r a il of t h e ken der , wiza r d, a n d gu lly dwa r ves, bu t st r olled along more than sixty yards west of the trail left by the small party. As t h ey a ppr oa ch ed t h e for est t h ey seldom looked a t t h e gr ou n d. Th ey wer en 't followin g a n yon e. If t h ey con t in u ed on t h eir cou r se t h ey wou ld pa ss t h e a dven t u r er s, bu t t h ey wou ld t r a vel t h r ou gh t h e clea r in g. Th e n oise of t h e dwa r ves' a r gu m en t wou ld cover t h e a ppr oa ch of t h e sa vage humanoids. Th e dwa r ves a n d t h e goblin s wou ld h a ve a gr a n d figh t , a n d Tr a p wa n t ed t o see it . H e t h ou gh t of Ripple som ewh er e t o t h e ea st a n d kn ew h e cou ld n ot lon g dela y, bu t H a lm a r a in h a d kept t h em m ovin g a n d a wa y fr om ever yon e a n d h e wa s

bored. Even though he was worried about his sister, he knew t h ey h a d t o h ide u n t il t h e goblin s pa ssed. Sin ce t h ey cou ld n ot con t in u e on t h e t r a il of t h e kobold for a wh ile, h e wou ld just see a little of this battle. H e r ea ch ed in t o h is pocket a n d pu lled ou t t h e t wo r in gs. H e slipped t h e fir st on e on h is fin ger a n d looked a t h im self. H e wa s st ill visible. Ca r efu l n ot t o m ove h is feet , h e pu lled off that ring and slipped it into his left pouch. Wh en t h e ot h er wa s on h is fin ger h e cou ld n ot see h im self. Good en ou gh . H e h u r r ied t h r ou gh t h e for est u n t il h e h a d a perfect view of the clearing. Th r ee of t h e dwa r ves wer e st ill sit t in g on t h e gr ou n d. Two wer e st om pin g u p a n d down , a r gu in g wit h ea ch ot h er . Th e sixt h wa s lea n in g a ga in st a t r ee, pu llin g off h is r igh t boot . H e h a d h is ba ck t o h is com pa n ion s. H is ba ck wa s t o Tr a p a s well. Th e dwa r f t u r n ed t h e boot u pside down , sh ook it a s if r em ovin g a st on e a n d r ea ch ed on e h a n d in side, ch eckin g it . Th en , ca r efu lly ba la n cin g on on e foot , h e r a ised t h e ot h er , dou blin g h is body a s h e h eld t h e boot , r ea dy t o slide h is foot into it. Wit h h is ba ck t o Tr a p, h is post er ior pr esen t ed a wide soft t a r get n o ken der wit h a h oopa k a n d a pou ch of st on es cou ld r esist ; pa r t icu la r ly n ot a ken der wh o wor e a n in visible r in g. In a fla sh , Tr a p h a d a st on e fr om h is pou ch a n d h a d sen t it zin gin g a cr oss t h e fift y feet t h a t sepa r a t ed h im fr om t h e dwarf. Th e st on e st r u ck t h e dwa r f on t h e soft pa r t of h is r igh t bu t t ock. St a r t led, h e ga ve a cr y a n d spu n a s h e fell. H e lost h is h old on h is boot a n d it wen t flyin g ou t in t h e t a ll gr a ss. While his companions stared at him, he scrambled to his feet wit h a r oa r . Wh en h e t u r n ed a r ou n d, Tr a p r ea lized h e h a d hit the dwarf leader, Tolem.

Tr a p cla pped h is h a n d over h is m ou t h t o st ifle h is la u gh t er . If on e st on e wa s t h a t m u ch fu n , t h en m or e m igh t be even better, he decided. H is fir st m issile for cibly ca u gh t t h e a t t en t ion of t h e lea der . Th e secon d, h it t in g a n ot h er dwa r f on t h e kn ee br ou gh t a ll the dwarves to their feet. The kender choked back a gurgle of la u gh t er a s h e wa t ch ed t h e st olid dem i-h u m a n s r u n n in g about in a circle. Ma gic r in gs cou ld be fu n ! Wh o wou ld be h is n ext t a r get ? h e won der ed, a n d decided on a st ou t fellow wit h fa ded bla ck clot h in g a n d a da r k, du st y bea r d. H e flu n g h is t h ir d st on e, bu t t h e dwa r f m oved ou t of t h e wa y. Th e sm a ll r ock st r u ck t h e lea der a ga in , h it t in g h im on t h e t oe of h is r igh t foot . Sin ce h e h a d n ot pu t on h is boot , t h e r ock h u r t a n d h e hopped around in a circle. The others scurried for cover. Tr a p's fin ger s wer e scr a bblin g in h is pou ch for a n ot h er st on e wh en t h e la st dwa r f disa ppea r ed beh in d t h e t r u n k of a t r ee. H e sigh ed for t h e lost oppor t u n it y. Befor e h e cou ld give fu ll r ein t o h is disa ppoin t m en t , h e h ea r d br ea kin g t wigs a n d t h e rustle of bushes that alerted him to the arrival of the goblins. Th ey st r ode in t o t h e clea r in g, a ll u n a wa r e t h a t six a n gr y dwa r ves wer e h idin g beh in d t h e boles of t h e n ea r est t r ees a n d u n der gr owt h . Th in kin g t h e goblin s wer e t h e ca u se of t h eir r ecen t discom for t , t h e dwa r ves a t t a cked wit h sh ou t s and war cries. Tolem, wea r in g bot h boot s, da sh ed ou t swin gin g h is wa r a xe befor e h e wa s close en ou gh for a killin g blow. H e clipped t h e point of the nearest goblin's spear.

Th e h u m a n oids wer e ca u gh t by su r pr ise, bu t a lwa ys a ler t wh en t r a velin g, t h ey r ecover ed qu ickly. On e t h r u st a spea r t h a t t h e la r gest dwa r f blocked, bu t t h e big goblin h a d pu t a ll h is for ce beh in d t h e a t t a ck a n d t h e poin t pen et r a t ed t h e m et a l sh ield. Th e dwa r f a n d t h e h u m a n oid da n ced a r ou n d ea ch ot h er , t r yin g t o sepa r a t e t h eir defen sive a n d offen sive weapons. Th e ot h er dwa r ves wer e wa din g in wit h t h eir a xes. Th e ba t t le wa s fa st a n d fu r iou s wh en Tr a p h ea r d m or e br ea kin g twigs behind him. "Wheel find kender." Tr a p t u r n ed t o see Um pt h a n d Gr od a ppr oa ch in g, lookin g a r ou n d t h em a s t h ey wa lked. Appa r en t ly t h ey h a d n ot con n ect ed t h e sou n d of t h e ba t t le wit h a n y per son a l da n ger . Neit h er gu lly dwa r f wa s a r m ed, n ot t h a t t h ey cou ld h a ve made effective use of their weapons if they had been carrying them. Tr a p sigh ed, t u r n ed a wa y fr om t h e ba t t le a n d h u r r ied t owa r d t h e Agh a r . As soon a s h e wa s ou t of sigh t of t h e clearing, he removed his ring. "I gu ess we h a d bet t er lea ve," h e t old t h em r egr et fu lly a n d led them back to Halmarain. "Ma ybe t h ey'll kill ea ch ot h er off a n d we'll be fr ee of t h em ," t h e lit t le wiza r d sa id, t h ou gh on ly a ft er sh e h a d a r gu ed wit h Trap over his little escapade. H e wa s sh ocked by h er a t t it u de. "Th a t 's n ot n ice! In fa ct it 's m ea n . I don 't bla m e t h em for followin g u s," h e sa id. "Th ey wa n t t h eir n eckla ce a n d I don 't see wh y you won 't give it

ba ck. I ca n 't believe you wa n t a n yt h in g ba d t o h a ppen t o them." "No," t h e lit t le wiza r d a dm it t ed. "An d I r ea lly don 't wa n t t o see t h em killed, eit h er , I ju st wa n t t o get a wa y fr om t h em . I'll r et u r n t h e n eckla ce if I ca n , on ly I don 't t h in k I'll be a ble t o, a n d I ca n 't even expla in it t o you r igh t n ow, beca u se I'm n ot su r e wh a t I su spect is t r u e . . . No, don 't a sk m e, I'll t ell you when I've thought it over." "It wa s a gr ea t figh t ," Tr a p sa id soft ly, wish in g h e cou ld go back and watch. Chapter 23 Th e ken der , t h e t wo gu lly dwa r ves, a n d t h e wiza r d r ode for several hours after leaving the woods where the dwarves and goblin s fou gh t . Th e n igh t pa ssed wit h ou t in ciden t , bu t a dven t u r e over t ook t h e gr ou p t h e n ext m or n in g befor e t h ey had been on the trail for an hour. A wide bu t sh a llow st r ea m r a n a cr oss t h eir t r a il. Sin ce t h ey h a d n ot seen a n y sign of t h e kobolds for sever a l h ou r s t h e even in g befor e, a n d h a d n ot fou n d a n y m a r ks t h a t m or n in g, Trap and Halmarain split up, each taking a gully dwarf with t h em a s t h ey r ode u p a n d down t h e ba n ks. Tr a p h a d on ly been r idin g down st r ea m for t en m in u t es wh en h e fou n d con fu sed t r a cks. H e ga ve a sh r ill wh ist le t o ca ll H a lm a r a in back. "Th ey cr ossed h er e," Tr a p poin t ed ou t t h e m a r ks t o Gr od. "See, t h er e's Ripple's pr in t . Sh e wa s st a n din g off t o t h e side for som e r ea son . Beglu g ga ve t h em a h a r d t im e. See h ow h e fought crossing? You can see where he dug in his hooves, and h er e's blood t oo, h e m u st h a ve bit t en on e of t h e kobolds, a n d I h ope h e did," t h e ken der sa id a s h e su r veyed t h e m u ddy bank.

"Lava Belly no like water," Grod said. "No, n ot cold wa t er ," Tr a p a m en ded. H e r em in ded t h e Agh a r of t h e fu n t h e m er ch est i h a d in t h e wa r m ba t h in Or a n der 's kit ch en . Sin ce Beglu g ca m e fr om a m u ch h ot t er wor ld, nothing cold pleased him. H a lm a r a in ca m e t r ot t in g u p, a n d t h ey ga t h er ed a t t h e spot where the kobold had crossed. "Wh eel get wet ," Um pt h com pla in ed. H e h a d m a de t h e sa m e objection at every stream. "Wheel no like water." "Magic wash away," Grod added. "Don 't be r idicu lou s," H a lm a r a in sn a pped. Sh e h a d been r ea dy t o cr oss, bu t sh e pu lled u p h er m ou n t a n d fr own ed a t the stream. Tr a p t u r n ed a wa y t o h ide h is gr in . Th e lit t le wiza r d wou ld r a t h er die t h a n a dm it sh e ga ve Agh a r m a gic a n y cr eden ce, but the hesitation of the gully dwarves had affected her. "I'll just find out," Trap said. While the others waited on the western bank, he dismounted a n d r em oved h is boot s. Dir ect ly in fr on t of h im t h e bot t om of t h e st r ea m wa s r ocky. A wide sla b of r ock st r et ch ed h a lfwa y a cr oss, a n d t h e r est of t h e wa y t h e sm a ller r ocks h a d been smoothed by the running water. "It's fine," he called back.

Um pt h dism ou n t ed a n d wa lked beh in d h is pon y. H e picked u p t h e wh eel, st ill a t t a ch ed t o t h e t r a vois, a n d spla sh ed through the stream after his mount. H a lm a r a in wa it ed u n t il t h e ot h er s h a d sa fely cr ossed befor e sh e u r ged h er pon y for wa r d. Th eir t r ou ble ca m e fr om h er h esit a t ion . Th e pa ck pon y edged u p t o t h e st r ea m t o get a dr in k. It wa s ju st lower in g it s h ea d wh en a h u ge bu llfr og ga ve a cr oa k a n d ju m ped bet ween t h e pon y's r ea r h ooves. St a r t led, t h e bea st wit h t h e pa cks plu n ged t o t h e left , ju st u pst r ea m fr om t h e r ocky for d. Th e pon y t ook on e lea p a n d landed up to its shoulders in mud. "Qu icksa n d!" H a lm a r a in floundering animal.

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Trap had been sitting on the ground, putting on his boots. He ju m ped u p, on e foot sh od, t h e ot h er boot in h is h a n d. H e t h r ew t h e boot a side a n d da sh ed ba ck in t o t h e st r ea m . Th e two gully dwarves ran after him. Tr a p gr a bbed t h e lea d fr om t h e scr ea m in g lit t le wiza r d a n d pulled, bu t h e on ly su cceeded in pu llin g off t h e pon y's br idle. Umpth and Grod, less finicky, plunged into the mud, tugging a t t h e h ea vy st r a ps t h a t h eld t h e pa cks in pla ce. Th e dwa r ves ga ve a cou ple of t u gs, lost t h eir foot in g a t t h e edge of the quicksand pit, and sunk to their shoulders. "Deep m u d," Um pt h sa id, lookin g over h is sh ou lder a t t h e kender. "Deep m u d!" Gr od ga sped ju st befor e h is h ea d disa ppea r ed. One grubby hand appeared out of the goo, just far enough for Tr a p t o get a gr ip. Wit h H a lm a r a in 's h elp h e h a u led t h e smaller gully dwarf out of the quicksand.

"Qu ick! No h old u p pon y lon g," Um pt h bu r bled. H e h a d m a n a ged t o spla y h is body on t h e su r fa ce a n d wa s n ot sinking so rapidly. "Can you use these?" Halmarain splashed through the water, ca r r yin g t h e lea ds fr om t h e pon ies a s well a s t h e r ein s fr om her own mount. "Gr ea t ! Th ey'll wor k if we cou ld get t h em u n der t h e ch in straps," Trap said. "Umpth, can you?" "Good, n eed pu ller ," Um pt h a n n ou n ced wit h a spu t t er . H is fa ce h a d dipped in t o t h e m ir e a n d h e h a d r a ised h is ch in . H e waved one hand behind him, reaching for the leather straps. "H er e," H a lm a r a in t h r ew t h e lon g, h ea vy lea t h er lea ds t o h im . Th e en ds fell ju st beyon d h im , t h e t r a ilin g lin es a cr oss his back. Um pt h fu m bled for a m om en t , m u t t er ed som et h in g t h a t wa s lost u n der t h e squ ea ls of t h e t er r ified pon y. Th e gu lly dwa r f kept m a kin g u n in t elligible r em a r ks a s h e fu m bled a ga in . H e cr a wled h a lfwa y a cr oss t h e pon y's ba ck, ca u sin g t h e bea st t o sin k deeper in t h e m ir e. Tr a p, keepin g a t igh t h old on t h e Agh a r 's legs, wa s pu lled ou t on t o t h e m u d u n t il h e t oo wa s sinking in the mire. "Me got you ," Gr od a ssu r ed Tr a p wh o felt t h e dwa r f's h a n ds take a grip on his legs. "Wow! Big jiggies! Th is is in t er est in g," h e sa id, keepin g h is fa ce u p ou t of t h e m a r l. "I don 't feel like I'm sin kin g, bu t I t h in k I a m . I won der wh a t 's a t t h e bot t om of a ll t h is m u d? I bet lot s of in t er est in g t h in gs h a ve disa ppea r ed h er e, a n d if we could find them-"

"You don 't h a ve t im e t o explor e," H a lm a r a in sn a pped. "If we don't get Umpth and the pony out they'll drown in that mess. Tr a p sigh ed. H e wou ld n ever a ga in t r a vel wit h a wiza r d; sh e wa n t ed t o t a ke a ll t h e fu n ou t of ever yt h in g. St ill t h e gu lly dwa r f a n d t h e pon y didn 't a ppea r t o wa n t t o explor e t h e bot t om of t h e m a r l pit , so h e su pposed h e sh ou ld r escu e them. Um pt h h a d a lm ost disa ppea r ed befor e h e r a ised a h a n d a n d waved it, signaling he had finished fastening the leads to the pony's girth. "H a lm a r a in , pu ll t h e pon y ou t ," Tr a p sa id, t a kin g a fir m er gr ip of t h e gu lly dwa r f's legs. H e wa s bein g pu lled ba ck slowly wh en h e h ea r d a squ ea k fr om H a lm a r a in a n d a splash. Gr od r elea sed h is h old on Tr a p lon g en ou gh t o h a u l t h e lit t le wiza r d ba ck t o fir m gr ou n d. Th en h e st a r t ed t u ggin g a t t h e kender's legs again. "Give me those leads," the wizard commanded. The little wizard had been splashing about behind them. She had caught and brought her mount up close behind them and h a d t h r own t h e left st ir r u p over t h e sa ddle, r ea dy t o t ie t h e lea ds t o t h e lea t h er sa ddle gir t h . By n ow, t h ey cou ld on ly see t h e sin kin g pon y's n ose a bove t h e su r fa ce. In m om en t s H a lm a r a in h a d t a ken a st r a in on t h e lea ds a n d t h e st r a in on t h e ot h er s lessen ed a s t h e wiza r d wa lked h er m ou n t slowly downstream, away from the quicksand. Tr a p, fir m ly gr a spin g Um pt h 's legs, wa s a pa r t of t h e ch a in t h a t in clu ded Um pt h a n d t h e pon y. H e felt a s if h e wer e bein g pu lled a pa r t , bu t h e kept h is gr ip. Soon h e felt h is feet

dr a ggin g on t h e st on es of t h e for d, a n d m om en t s la t er h is kn ees bu m ped a cr oss t h e r ocks. H e dr ew t h em u p u n der h im while Gr od r elea sed h im a n d m oved for wa r d t o h elp h im t u g on Umpth. The kender and Grod found it easier to pull Umpth out of the m a r l. H e st ill h a d n ot r elea sed h is h old on t h e pon y, bu t H a lm a r a in 's m ou n t slowly pu lled t h e fou n der ed a n im a l u p and toward solid ground. In less t h a n a m in u t e t h e fr igh t en ed a n im a l r ea ch ed fir m foot in g a n d scr a m bled ou t of t h e m ir e. Th e ken der a n d t h e gully dwarves scuttled out of the way of its thrashing feet. While the pony stood trembling, Umpth, for once, washed his fa ce in t h e st r ea m wit h ou t bein g in st r u ct ed. H e r a ised h is fa ce, looked a r ou n d a s h e blin ked t h e wa t er ou t of h is eyes. His gaze locked on the wizard and he grinned. "Wizard become Aghar, " he said. "Join Aglest clan?" "Kender too, " Grod said. "Ca r efu l, " H a lm a r a in sn a pped a s sh e wor ked t o wa sh a wa y the clinging mud of the marl pit. "And you can get yourselves cleaned up too. " "Kn ew sh e sa y t h a t , " Gr od sa id, bu t even h e wr in kled h is nose at the mud. "An d we sh ou ld wa sh t h e pon y a n d pr oba bly ever yt h in g in t h e pa cks.... " H a lm a r a in sa id, t h en pa u sed. "Wh er e a r e t h e packs?"

"In m u d, " Um pt h sa id a s h e t ook a ca su a l swipe a t h is sleeve. "No pull pony and packs out. " "He lost our packs?" Halmarain stared in disbelief. "Gee! Th ey'r e gon e... ever yt h in g.... St ill, Um pt h is r igh t , we cou ldn 't h a ve pu lled ou t t h e pon y a n d t h e pa cks t oo, " Tr a p sa id. "Ma ybe I ca n go ba ck a n d get t h em , " h e su ggest ed hopefully. "You could tie a lead on me and-" "No, you won't, " Halmarain paled at the idea. "No! Now n o wa sh pa cks a n d clot h es, " Gr od sa id, a s if t h e loss h a d becom e a bon u s. "Lost m a gic, " h e sa id, feelin g h is clothing. "Dead squirrel stink too. " Tr a p a n d H a lm a r a in con sider ed Gr od's loss a bon u s, bu t t h e cookin g pot s h a d been lost a lon g wit h t h e pa cks. Tr a p u sed Grod's h elm et t o pou r wa t er over t h e pon y's h ide a n d scr u b t h e a n im a l down wh ile t h e ot h er s clea n ed a wa y t h e m u d fr om t h em selves a n d t h eir clot h in g. Th ey wor ked for a n hour. "At lea st it 's su n n y a n d h ot , " Tr a p sa id a s h e pu lled on h is boot s. "Ou r clot h es will dr y in n o t im e, a n d a t lea st we didn 't have to wash Beglug. " H a lm a r a in clim bed in t o h er sa ddle. "We'll n eed t o bu y m or e su pplies wh en we get t o Th elga a r d. I h ope Or a n -der 's m a gic purse is still full. " "Th elga a r d, " Tr a p sm iled. "Ma ybe it will be a n in t er est in g place." Chapter 24

Tr a p wa s disa ppoin t ed wit h Th elga a r d. Th e cit y wa lls a n d m ost of t h e bu ildin gs wer e con st r u ct ed of gr a y st on e. No ca r vin g r elieved t h e squ a r e bu ildin gs. Occa sion a lly sh u t t er s fla n ked t h e win dows, bu t t h ey wer e wea t h er ed gr a y wood. The kender peered hopefully down every street, but the plain gray buildings were all the same and quickly became boring. Th ey h a d left t h e pon ies in t h e fir st boa r din g st a ble t h ey fou n d. Beca u se t h e m or n in g wa s h ot , H a lm a r a in a n d t h e gu lly dwa r ves h a d left t h eir a r m or , wea pon s, a n d h elm et s behind with their mounts. Sin ce t h e cit y offer ed lit t le of in t er est , Tr a p didn 't object t o H a lm a r a in 's h a st e. Sh e wa s sh oppin g in a h u r r ied fr en zy, a n d Tr a p a gr eed t h a t t h ey sh ou ld n ot wa st e t im e. Th ey should get back on the trail of the kobolds again- particularly wh en t h er e seem ed t o be n ot h in g of in t er est in t h e cit y a n d the people seemed taciturn. "Th elga a r d sh u t s it s bea u t y beh in d it s wa lls, " H a lm a r a in t old t h em . "Th e officia l bu ildin gs a n d t h e wea lt h ier homes a r e decor a t ed wit h gr ea t sla bs of m a r ble bou gh t fr om t h e dwarves of Garnet. " "I h a ven 't seen a n y m a r ble, " Tr a p sa id, won der in g if h e could slip away from the little wizard and explore. "An d you won 't , " H a lm a r a in sn a pped. "We'r e on ly h er e t o buy supplies. We can't afford to attract attention. " "Left wheel, still no please wizard, " Umpth muttered. "Her still mad, " Grod agreed with a sigh.

Th e gu lly dwa r ves wer en 't t oo h a ppy. Befor e en t er in g t h e cit y H a lm a r a in h a d m a de t h em wa sh a ga in a n d h a d cleaned their clothing so they looked like Neidar. In addition she had m a de t h em lea ve t h e wh eel in t h e st a ble wh er e t h ey boa r ded the ponies. "Sh e's n ot m a d a t you , " Tr a p sa id t o t h e Agh a r wh o wa lked behind him and the wizard. "She's just-" "Sh e's ju st m a d, " H a lm a r a in in t er r u pt ed. "Do you r ea lize we've been t r a velin g for da ys a n d da ys a n d we'r e on ly twenty-five m iles fr om wh er e we st a r t ed? An d we'r e wor se off t h a n wh en we left Lyt bu r g. We've lost t h e lit t le fien d a n d the gate stone. " "Gr od a n d Um pt h n o do, " Gr od sa id, pu llin g h is blon d bea r d in confusion. "No, a n d wiza r d n o do eit h er , " H a lm a r a in sigh ed, for on ce slipping into the patios of the Aghar. "That's why I'm mad. " "Did you ever live in Th elga a r d?" Tr a p a sked, h opin g for a story. "No, bu t Or a n der gr ew u p h er e. H e t old m e wh a t lit t le I know. " Tr a p sigh ed a n d followed t h e wiza r d a s t h ey m oved fr om sh op t o sh op. H e fou n d a n u m ber of fa scin a t in g t h in gs, bu t wh en h e r ea ch ed ou t t o pick u p a belt kn ife wit h a n or n a t ely ca r ved h a n dle, t h e lit t le wiza r d gr a bbed h is a r m a n d kept him from touching it.

"You ca n h a n dle t h a t , " sh e sa id, poin t in g t o a ba g of flou r . "Also Gr od ca n t a ke a few of t h ose a pples, t h is sa lt , t ea , these blankets... " Tr a p's a r m s wer e soon t oo fu ll of m u n da n e su pplies t o a llow h im t o fin ger a n yt h in g. H e su ffer ed t h e in cr ea sin g loa d for a n h ou r befor e com pla in in g a n d even t h en H a lm a r a in wa s st ill loa din g bot h t h e ken der 's a n d t h e Agh a r 's a r m s wit h purchases. "We've ju st a bou t fin ish ed, " t h e lit t le h u m a n sa id a s t h ey left one of the shops. "We just have to buy pots and-" Th ey wer e st a n din g ou t side on t h e st r eet wh en t wo h u m a n you n gst er s, a bou t eigh t yea r s old, ca m e r u n n in g a lon g t h e street and bumped into Halmarain, sending her spinning. "Look ou t , " sh e sn a pped a s sh e r ega in ed h er foot in g. H er voice wa s h igh a s a ch ild's, bu t h er t on e wa s t h a t of a n irritated adult. Th e you n gst er s spu n a r ou n d a n d st a r ed a t h er . Seein g a figu r e t h e size of a ch ild wit h t h e fa ce of a n a du lt , t h ey pa u sed a m om en t . Th en t h e sm a ller of t h e t wo, wh o wa s m u ch la r ger t h a n t h e lit t le wiza r d, m a r ch ed u p a n d gla r ed down at her. "What are you?" he demanded with definite menace. "Som e sor t of fr ea k, " t h e ot h er sa id, r ea ch in g down t o pick u p a r ock. H e wa s dr a win g ba ck h is a r m , get t in g r ea dy t o throw the stone when Trap stepped forward. "You 'r e n ot ver y n ice, " h e sh ou t ed. Am on g t h e pu r ch a ses h e ca r r ied wa s a sm a ll ba g of sa lt , wh ich wa s h ea vy for it s size.

Sin ce h is h oopa k wa s st r a pped t o h is ba ck, h e slu n g t h e ba g of sa lt in st ea d, con n ect in g wit h t h e a r m of t h e boy wh o wa s ready to throw the rock. As the boy backed away, Grod ran forward and picked up the ba g of sa lt . In gu lly dwa r f fa sh ion h e wa s n ot a bou t t o a llow anything useful to get away. "Look ou t , it s a dwa r f!" t h e boy wh o h a d been m en a cin g t he lit t le wiza r d cr ied ou t a n d r a n off down t h e st r eet . Th e ot h er followed. "I'll t ell m y fa t h er , h e'll t a ke ca r e of you , " t h e t a ller boy called as the two boys disappeared around a building. "We need to get off the street in case he does bring his father ba ck, " sh e sa id a n d looked a r ou n d for a n in n . Two door s down , a fa ded sign boa r d wit h t h e likely n a m e of t h e Tr a veler 's H a ven pr om ised food a n d dr in k a s well a s accommodations. "We'll eat if you three stay out of trouble, " the wizard said as she led the way through the door. Like t h e r est of t h e "Ga t e Qu a r t er , " t h e sect ion of Th elga a r d t h a t specia lized in goods for t r a n sien t s, t h e in n ca t er ed t o t r a veler s wit h lea n er pu r ses. Sever a l t a bles a n d st ools h a d n ew wood r u n gs a n d legs, sh owin g t h ey h a d been r ecen t ly m en ded, dou bt less a ft er a br a wl. St ill, t h e sca r r ed t a blet ops had been scrubbed clean. Th r ee m en wh o looked t o be la bor er s wer e dr in kin g a t a t a ble a t t h e fa r en d of t h e r oom . Th ey wer e a bsor bed in t h eir conversation and paid no attention to the three who entered.

H a lm a r a in led t h e wa y t o a t a ble in t h e fa r t h est cor n er . Wh en a st ou t you n g wom a n a r r ived wit h fou r m u gs of a le, t h e wiza r d or der ed en ou gh m ea t r olls t o sa t isfy even t h e Aghars' appetite. "Why were those boys so mean?" Trap asked when the server left the table to get the meat rolls. "Ch ildr en ca n be cr u el, " H a lm a r a in sa id, sh r u ggin g off t h e in ciden t . "Ma n y people believe t h e gods u se defor m it ies t o pu n ish t h e evil, a n d t h a t t h ey sh ou ld do so t oo-a m a n wit h a twisted leg, someone who's blind or who can't speak, the dimwitted or those who don't grow.... " "But that's not right, " Trap said, frowning. "No, but that's why it's best for me to appear to be a dwarf on t h is jou r n ey, " H a lm a r a in sa id sa dly. "J u st be gla d you 'r e normal for your race. " Th e ser ver r et u r n ed wit h t h eir m ea t r olls a n d t h ey con cen t r a t ed on t h e food. Tr a p h a d fin ish ed ea t in g a n d wa s wor kin g h is wa y t h r ou gh h is secon d m u g of a le wh en t h e door opened and a group of five travelers entered. Th ey wer e well a r m ed wit h swor ds, bows, a n d sever a l ca r r ied a xes of st r a n ge, wicked st yles. Sever a l wor e odd pieces of a r m or a n d a ll of t h em ca r r ied pa cks a n d bedr olls. They were all humans. Wit h h a r d eyes t h ey t ook in t h e r oom befor e t a kin g a t a ble n ot fa r fr om wh er e Gr od pla cidly m u n ch ed on t h e la st of t h e food a n d H a lm a r a in sh ift ed u n ea sily. Tr a p peer ed a t t h em fr om over t h e t op of h is r a ised m u g. H e pu t it down h a st ily a n d sm iled a t t h e n ewcom er s. Th ey m u st h a ve som e lively

t a les, h e t h ou gh t , lookin g a t t h e sca r r ed a r m or a n d t he weapons that showed use. "Hello, " he said when one of the adventurers looked his way. Th e h u m a n 's eyes n a r r owed a s h e st a r ed a t Tr a p. H e n odded a n d lea n ed for wa r d, spea kin g t o h is com pa n ion s in a low voice. All t h e t h r ee a t t h e t a ble in t h e cor n er cou ld h ea r wa s t h e wor d "ken der . " Th en a ll five of t h e h ea vily a r m ed m en t u r n ed t o st a r e a t Tr a p a n d t h e on e h e h a d gr eet ed ga ve h im a crooked smile. Th e deligh t ed ken der wr iggled on h is st ool, t h in kin g h e h a d at last met some friendly people. "You keep you r h a n ds t o you r self, " H a lm a r a in wh isper ed t o him. "A fa ir da y t o you , " t h e a dven t u r er sa id t o H a lm a r a in sin ce sh e h a d been spea kin g a n d wa s eyein g t h e n ew-com er s wit h concern. "Are you travelers?" He nodded to their bundles. "Yes, on our way to Palanthus, " Halmarain replied. "We've a far distance to go, so we're leaving quite soon. " She nudged the kender suggestively, but he ignored the hint. His mind was on what she had said, and he didn't like it. "But what about Ripple and-" H e pa u sed in m id-sen t en ce a n d gla r ed a t h er wh en sh e kicked him.

"We'll m eet h er on t h e wa y, " t h e lit t le wiza r d sa id, fr own in g a t h im . H e st ill wa n t ed t o a sk wh a t sh e m ea n t bu t t h e traveler who had first greeted him had questions of his own. "Th en you 'll dou bt less wa n t t o t r a vel in pea ce, " t h e m a n sa id. H e wa s la r ge for a h u m a n , bu t you n ger t h a n t h e r est , a s a t t est ed t o by h is n ea r ly bea r dless fa ce. "We a r e h er e t o make sure you can do so. " "You escor t t r a veler s?" Aga in H a lm a r a in spoke befor e t h e ken der cou ld get in a wor d. Sh e kept h er voice even , bu t Trap knew she would not like to be accompanied on the road. H e wr iggled in a n t icipa t ion , won der in g h ow sh e wou ld a void unwelcome company. On e of t h e ot h er a dven t u r er s, a m a n wit h wide sh ou lder s, shook his head, a head that looked too small for his frame. "No, ou r t a sk is t o r id t h e r oa ds of ba n dit s, " h e sa id. "We seek n ews of a ba n d of cu t t h r oa t s m a de u p of h u m a n s, h a lfbr eed goblin s a n d on e ken der . Th e on ly n a m e we kn ow is H a r der k, t h e lea der . " H e eyed Tr a p. "On e of h is ba n d is a kender. " "H im dea d, " Gr od spoke u p su dden ly. "Ma ke a good t a le, that. " "I knew that was coming, " Halmarain said with resignation. "If h e is, t h er e's on e bou n t y gon e, " a n ot h er of t h e adventurers muttered. "Wh a t h a ppen ed t o h im ?" Th e fir st a sked. Th ey looked a t Gr od for t h e a n swer , bu t h e t u r n ed t o Tr a p. Th e ken der sighed for the tales he would not hear, still, telling a tale was

nearly as good as listening. He searched his mind for a story, Th e m a in pa r t of h is t h ou gh t s wa s st ill t a ken u p wit h h is ir r it a t ion a t H a lm a r a in a n d h er a ssu m pt ion t h a t h e wa s a thief. "H e died beca u se a wiza r d r efu sed t o t r u st h im , " Tr a p sa id and then wondered how he could continue the story. "I wou ldn 't t r u st a wiza r d, " t h e you n g a dven t u r er la u gh ed. "But go on, tell us what happened to him. " Tr a p's h ea d spu n wit h t h e t a les h e h a d a lr ea dy t old. H e didn't want to repeat himself, and cast his memory back over the dangers they had faced on their journey. "H is t r ou ble bega n wh en h e wa s sepa r a t ed fr om t h e r est of h is ba n d a n d wa s ju st cr ossin g a st r ea m , " h e sa id, sh ift in g on his stool. He gave Halmarain a sour look. "He should have kn own h e wa s in t r ou ble wh en , com in g fr om t h e ot h er direction across the ford, was a wizard wearing red robes. " H is t a le in clu ded t h e bog wh er e t h ey h a d n ea r ly lost t h e pon y. Th e lost bu n dles beca m e t h e wiza r d's ba g wit h h is spellbooks a n d t h e con st a n t a ccu sa t ion s t h a t H a lm a r a in heaped on his head. In t h e t a le, t h e fict it iou s Tr a pspr in ger wa s for givin g of t h e wiza r d a n d h a d su n k in t o t h e bog t o t r y a n d r escu e t h e m a ge's spellbooks. H e died in t h e a t t em pt . By t h e t im e Tr a p finished his story, tears trickled down his cheeks. Th e a dven t u r er s sigh ed in u n ison . Th e you n gest seem ed t o be gen u in ely m oved. Tr a p h a d t old su ch a m ovin g t a le that n o on e even t h ou gh t t o qu est ion t h e fa ct t h a t a t h ief a n d a n outlaw had died to prove he was trust-worthy. Those who did

n ot sh ed t ea r s wer e a ffect ed by t h e loss of a pa r t of t h eir reward. "So t h er e's on e less ou t la w t o give u s t r ou ble. " H a lm a r a in sa id, r isin g fr om h er sea t . "We sh ou ld be goin g wh ile t h er e's daylight to see our trail, " Grod, who had been wandering around the room drinking ale fr om a n y m u g t h a t wa s u n a t t en ded, ca m e ba ck t o t h e t a ble a n d sh e loa ded h im wit h bu n dles. Sh e h u st led t h e kender and the gully dwarf out of the inn, and down the street to the st a bles. Th ey h u r r ied t h r ou gh t h e cit y ga t es befor e t h ey could become entangled with anyone else. Th e r ide fr om t h e foot h ills t o Th elga a r d h a d t a ken pa r t of t h e da y a n d t h e r est wa s u sed in sh oppin g, t h eir t im e in t h e in n a n d loa din g t h e a n im a ls, so su n set wa s n ot fa r a wa y wh en t h ey r ode ou t of t h e cit y. Th ey t r a veled on ly t wo m iles befor e t h ey fou n d a likely pla ce t o ca m p. By t h e t im e t h e gu lly dwa r ves ga t h er ed fir ewood a n d t h e ken der u n saddled and tethered the ponies to graze, darkness had caught them. "Th elga a r d h a s som e fr ien dly people, even if t h e bu ildin gs a r e bor in g, " Tr a p sa id a s h e looked wist fu lly over h is sh ou lder . In t h e dist a n ce h e cou ld see t or ch es on t h e wa lls of t h e cit y, fa r en ou gh a wa y so t h e fla m es cou ld h a ve been twinkling stars. "We en t er ed in pea ce, we did ou r sh oppin g wit h ou t t r ou ble and we didn't have to fight to get out of the city, " Halmarain sa id qu iet ly. "I will a lwa ys r em em ber it a s a sign a l occa sion . An d sin ce we h a d Or a n der 's m a gic pu r se, we didn 't h a ve t o wor r y t h a t we'd r u n ou t of st eel pieces, " H a lm a r a in answered.

Tr a p pu lled ou t t h e pu r se a n d peer ed in side. Th ey h a d n ea r ly em pt ied it , con fiden t it wou ld fill u p a ga in , bu t it wa s only half full. "Only it 's n ot wor kin g like it did befor e, " h e sa id a s h e showed it to Halmarain. "Ma ybe t h e m a gic is wea r in g ou t , " H a lm a r a in sa id a s sh e t oo peer ed in side t h e sm a ll lea t h er ba g. "All good t h in gs come to an end, " the wizard sighed. "I had hoped it would fill up again in case we tumbled into another mess. " "H a n ds t oo fu ll, " Gr od sa id. H e wa s sit t in g ju st in side t h e cir cle of ligh t t h r own by t h e fir e wh ile h e in spect ed h is n ew clothing. "What do you mean-hands too full?" Trap asked. "No get m or e st eel pieces. H a n ds t oo fu ll of bu n dles, " t h e gu lly dwa r f a n swer ed. H e t u r n ed over h is n ew sh ir t t o look at the back, decided he was sitting on a rock, and shifted, his feet on his new pants. "St op gr in din g you r clot h es in t o t h e dir t , " t h e wiza r d sa id in a h ollow voice. Clea r ly h er m in d wa s elsewh er e. "You m ea n you 've been .... " H a lm a r a in st a r ed a t t h e gu lly dwa r f, h er eyes wide wit h disbelief. "You 've been ... a n d you pu t you r illgotten gains in Orander's purse?" "Got n o pocket s, n o pou ch es, n o wiza r d's ba g, " Gr od sa id a s h e st ood. H e picked u p t h e a lr ea dy soiled n ew sh ir t a n d pants. "Wizard say no find dumps. " "H e's been st ea lin g fr om ever yon e we've m et !" H a lm a r a in t old Tr a p in a n a wed voice. "An d h e's been pu t t in g t h e st eel

pieces in Or a n der 's pu r se! You a n d Ripple fou n d ext r a coin s in you r pou ch es a n d I fou n d som e in m y ba g. I a ccu sed you , but he's been doing it!" "That's what he said, " Trap agreed, wondering why the little wizard had to tell him what Grod had said. After all, his ears were as good as any human's. "No h u n t in du m ps, n o fin d t h in gs, " sa id Um pt h wh o wa s busy giving himself a good scratch from his head to his feet. "Agh a r fin d t h in gs. Is wh a t Agh a r do, " Gr od sa id a s if t h ey sh ou ld u n der st a n d. H e wa n der ed off t owa r d t h e gr a zin g ponies. "An d if h e cou ldn 't sea r ch du m ps a n ym or e, h e sea r ch ed wh er e h e cou ld, wh ich h a ppen ed t o be in t h e pu r ses of t h e people a r ou n d h im , " Tr a p su m m a r ized, m or e for h im self than for the wizard. H a lm a r a in t r ot t ed a ft er Gr od. Not t o be left ou t of t h e m ost entertain in g con ver sa t ion of t h eir jou r n ey, t h e ken -der followed. "Bid you t a ke t h e n eckla ce fr om demanded.

t h e dwa r ves?" sh e

"Think Pretty Kender like it, but no could open pouch, " Grod r eplied, n oddin g u n t il h is r ed-blon d bea r d bou n ced en er get ica lly. "Go fin d m or e m a gic, " h e sa id. "Need dea d squirrel-or r a t -or sn a ke. Dea d sn a ke good m a gic. F in d on e, maybe. " He wandered off.

H a lm a r a in st opped a n d st ood st a r in g a ft er t h e gu lly dwa r f, too concerned with what he had done to give any notice of his intentions. "I pu t a sh u t t in g spell on you r pou ch es t o m a ke su r e you cou ldn 't t a ke a n yt h in g t h a t belon ged t o t h e dwa r ves, " sh e said. "Well! I like t h a t ! We t old you befor e we wou ldn 't t a ke a n yt h in g fr om t h em , " Tr a p sa id, la u gh t er m a kin g h im br ea t h less. "All t h is t im e you 've been wa t ch in g u s, Gr od h a s been h a n dlin g ever yt h in g in sigh t . " Tr a p wa s gr owin g in cr ea sin gly a n gr y a t t h e lit t le wiza r d for h er dist r u st , a n d he made the most of it. "Wiza r d, liza r d, ch icken gizza r d, ca n 't t ell wh o's t h e t h ief, " h e sa id. "Da sh a bou t like a t in y lou t , a n d br in gs h er self t o grief. " "You st op t h a t !" H a lm a r a in sh ou t ed a t h im . Sh e bou n ced on t h e ba lls of h er feet , h er t in y h a n ds clen ch ed in fist s. "Sa y a n ot h er wor d a n d I'll t u r n you in t o a ... a ... " Ber eft of wor ds sh e r a ised h er r igh t h a n d a n d poin t ed h er fin ger a t t h e kender. "H a lm a r a in , sh e ca n com pla in , a n d fin ds st u ff in h er sa ck, " Tr a p sin g-son ged a s h e skipped a wa y. Sh e t u r n ed t o gla r e a t h im . "F u ss a n d sh ou t a n d ju m p a bou t , bu t sh e st ill won 't give it back. " Trap laughed until he was weak in the knees. "A wiza r d's dist r u st , " Tr a p sa id, givin g H a lm a r a in a kn owin g look a s h e wiped a wa y t h e t ea r s of h is m ir t h . Th ey both knew he was referring to his story in the inn.

"Very well, I owe you both an apology, " the little wizard said a s sh e a lso ca lm ed down . "Bu t t h e n ext t im e we en t er a t own , t h e n ext t im e we get n ea r a n yon e, keep a n eye on t h a t gully dwarf. " "He must really be skilled with his hands, " Trap said. "I had n o idea h e wa s slippin g st eel pieces in t o t h a t pu r se, a n d it was in my pouch. " "An d t h e over loa d in t o you r s a n d Ripple's pou ch es a n d m y bag, " the little wizard said. "Did he bring back anything this t im e? Oh Gilea n , I h ope n ot . " Sh e pu lled h er wor n ba g off her shoulder. "Trap, check your pouches. I don't want anyone else chasing us. " Tr a p sea r ch ed a ll h is pou ch es a n d pocket s. H e fou n d n ot h in g h e cou ld n ot r em em ber h a vin g befor e t h ey r ea ch ed Th elga a r d. H a lm a r a in h a d t a ken ca r e t o keep h is a r m s so fu ll h e h a d n ot been a ble t o h a n dle a n yt h in g. Sh e fou n d a sm a ll jeweled cu p, a m ir r or , a com b, a n d a ca r vin g of a bea r with runes on its back. "I won der wh o will be ch a sin g u s for t h ese t h in gs, " sh e muttered as she showed them to the kender. Chapter 25 Wh ile in Th elga a r d, Tr a p h a d su ggest ed t h ey bu y gr ou n d maize a n d ever yon e wa s lookin g for wa r d t o a ken der pu ddin g, wh ich h e cou ld m a ke a lm ost a s well a s h is sist er . Ma kin g it wou ld h elp h im feel closer t o h er . H e m issed h is sist er , a n d wa s a lso becom in g a s wor r ied a s h is ken der nature would allow. Th e fir st da y a ft er Beglu g a n d Ripple h a d been ca pt u r ed by t h e kobolds, t h ey h a d fou n d t r a cks, bu t a ft er lea vin g t h e

m ou n t a in s t h ey h a d n ot been a ble t o discover a n y sign a t a ll. Bu t t h ey wou ld fin d t h em t h e n ext da y, Tr a p decided, a n d was cheered by the decision. "I'll get ou t t h e m a ize a n d you ca n dig ou t t h e pot s, " h e t old t h e lit t le wiza r d wh en t h ey m a de ca m p a ft er t h eir t r ip t o t h e city. "P ot s!" H a lm a r a in excla im ed, sla ppin g t h e side of h er own head. "I bought everything I could think of, but I forgot pots!" "No pot s? Big jigger s, I ca n 't boil pu ddin g in m y h a n ds. " Trap complained. "Obviou sly!" H a lm a r a in sn a pped. "I ca n 't boil wa t er for t ea either. " Lu ckily t h ey h a d bou gh t som e dr ied m ea t a n d t r a veler 's br ea d in Th elga a r d. It sa t ed t h eir h u n ger , bu t t h ey wer e disgr u n t led over t h eir cold m ea l. Aft er h er t r ou ble wit h t h e t wo boys, H a lm a r a in r efu sed t o r et u r n t o Th elga a r d, sa yin g t h ey cou ld pick u p pot s in Sola n t h u s or per h a ps t h ey'd fin d a village on their way east. Th e n ext a ft er n oon Tr a p killed a cou ple of r a bbit s t h a t t h ey r oa st ed over t h e ca m pfir e, bu t for t h e n ext t wo da ys t h ey br oke ca m p wit h ou t a wa r m in g cu p of t ea . H a lm a r a in wa s in a foul mood. Th ey bega n t h eir t h ir d m or n in g's jou r n ey a t da wn a n d by ea r ly a ft er n oon t h ey wer e a ppr oa ch in g Sola n t h u s. Halmar a in ca lled a h a lt a n d t h ey sa t on a h illt op a s t h ey looked a cr oss t h e h ills a t t h e cit y. In t h e dist a n ce t h ey cou ld see t h e st r on g ou t er wa lls, r ooft ops bla n ket in g t h e h ills, a n d in the center a tall fortress.

"We ca n 't a ll en t er t h e cit y, " sh e sa id. "I don 't wa n t t o t a ke Gr od in . Th er e a r e t oo m a n y people on ou r t r a il n ow. " Sh e looked over her shoulder giving Grod an accusing glare. "Grod no go, no get more steel pieces, " Umpth reminded her. "Th a t 's exa ct ly wh y h e won 't go, " H a lm a r a in a n n ou n ced. "We don't need more trouble. " "H e didn 't ca u se t h e st r a n ger wit h t h e kobolds t o follow u s, " Trap reminded the wizard. "Wh et h er h e did or n ot , we've t oo m a n y people on ou r t r a il, " H a lm a r a in sa id. "I'll r ide in t o bu y som e pot s. At lea st we can have a hot meal tonight. " "I'll go for the pots, " Trap volunteered. "Oh n o, " H a lm a r a in sa id. "I'm n ot h a vin g a n y m or e t r ou ble wit h ... " Sh e pa u sed a s Tr a p's expr ession da r ken ed wit h anger. "Um pt h a n d I will go, " Tr a p a n n ou n ced. H is voice t u r n ed hard and raspy, anger just under the surface. F or on ce, n eit h er H a lm a r a in 's gla r e n or h er sh a r p t on gu e m oved t h e ken der . H is gr a n dfa t h er h a d t r a veled t o Sola n t h u s a n d h a d t a lked a bou t t h e cit y. At t h a t t im e t h e da m a ge fr om t h e ea r t h qu a kes t h a t h a d com e wit h t h e Cataclysm wa s st ill visible. Th eir gr a n dfa t h er h a d been fa scin a t ed by t h e r a idin g, t h e spor a dic figh t in g, a n d t h e attempts to rebuild. Wit h in t h e h ou r t h e t r a veler s fou n d a dr y gor ge t h a t wou ld give t h em sh elt er a n d h ide t h em fr om ot h er t r a veler s.

H a lm a r a in a n d Gr od m a de ca m p, t h ou gh sh e wa s im peded by h is wa n der in g off, lookin g for a n ot h er dea d a n im a l t o replace his squirrel. Tr a p a n d Um pt h left m ost of t h eir gea r beh in d a n d r ode in t o Sola n t h u s, u sin g t h e sou t h ga t e. Sin ce it open ed t owa r d t h e m ou n t a in s, t h ey wer e in t h e qu a r t er of t h e cit y wh er e m ost of the dwarven population lived. "Dwa r ves m a ke good pot s, " Tr a p sa id soft ly a s if h e begr u dged t h e a dm ission . H e wa n t ed t o see som e of Sola n t h u s. H e kn ew h e sh ou ldn 't spen d m u ch t im e in t h e city. "We really should visit more than one shop and try to get the best pr ice, " h e su ggest ed. "Aft er a ll, we kn ow Or a n der 's purse doesn't make steel pieces, and we didn't bring Grod. " "Look dumps? Find pots?" Umpth suggested. Trap ignored the suggestion. Wh en t h ey h a d seen t h e cit y fr om a dist a n ce, t h ey h a d seen t h e t ower s of t h e cen t r a l for t r ess. Sola n t h u s h a d spr ea d in t o t h e h ills t o t h e sou t h a n d som e of t h e st r eet s clim bed st eeply t o t h e h illt ops wh ile ot h er s wou n d a r ou n d t h e lower r egion s. The tower was not visible from their location. Like most cities on Krynn, several inns were located near the ga t es. Beyon d t h em wer e t h e sh ops u su a lly fr equ en t ed by t r a veler s wh o wa n t ed su pplies for t h eir jou r n eys. Aft er h a vin g visit ed Lyt bu r g a n d Th elga a r d, Tr a p expect ed t o fin d st a blin g for t h eir m ou n t s close t o t h e ga t e. Dwa r ves seldom r ode pon ies u n less t h ey wer e t r a velin g lon g dist a n ces so t h e st a bles t h a t ser ved t h a t qu a r t er of Sola n t h u s wer e on a h ill close by.

Tr a p a n d Um pt h r ode in t o t h e fir st st a ble. Th e dwa r f h ost ler glar ed a t t h e ken der a n d t h e gu lly dwa r f a n d dem a n ded t h e price of a day's keep in advance. "H im n ot like ken der , " Um pt h sa id a s t h ey left t h e st a ble a n d wa n der ed u p t h e h ill. Neit h er expect ed t o fin d a t in ker 's sh op on t h e h eigh t s; t h ey wa n t ed t o look over t h e sou t h er n quarter of the city. "Look for good du m ps, " Um pt h sa id. "Ma ybe fin d a good This Place. " Th ey t u r n ed a cor n er a n d h a d wa lked t wo blocks u p a st eep street when they heard a shout behind them. "Thieves!" The shout rang up and down the street. Tr a p a n d Um pt h pa u sed a n d t u r n ed t o look beh in d t h em . They saw two dwarves running up the hill. Four others came around the corner of the street the kender had passed. "Is mad dwarf?" Umpth asked. "Big J iggies! It cer t a in ly is, " Tr a p r ecogn ized t h e dwarves fr om wh om Gr od h a d t a ken t h e n eckla ce. "Ma ybe we ca n expla in ... t h en , m a ybe n ot . Th ey don 't look like t h ey wa n t t o talk. " "Th ey st ill m a d. We go n ow, " Um pt h sa id h opefu lly. H e t u r n ed h is ba ck on t h e dwa r ves wh o wer e fa st a ppr oa ch in g. "Wa n t t o see cit y. Wa n t t o see du m ps. Wa n t t o fin d n ew Th is Place. Not want to see dwarf. " He suited action to words and sprinted up the hill.

At first Trap followed, but just before they came to a curve in t h e st r eet , h e pa u sed t o look ba ck. Th e dwa r ves wer e st ill coming, but they had little chance of catching the fleet-footed kender. Wh en Tr a p t u r n ed t o follow Um pt h , t h e gu lly dwa r f h a d disappeared. "Beans! Now where did he go?" the kender asked of no one in pa r t icu la r , sin ce t h e st r eet wa s deser t ed except for h is pu r su er s. Wh a t a ppea r ed t o be a n a lley open ed on h is r igh t a n d h e da sh ed a lon g it u n t il h e discover ed h is m ist a ke. Th e pa ssa ge t h a t a n gled off bet ween t h e t wo ba r n -like bu ildin gs ga ve in t o a st a ble ya r d wit h h igh r et a in in g wa lls on t wo sides. Th e t h ir d a n d for t h sides wer e win dowless bu ildin g wa lls wit h on ly t h e a lley widt h open in g. Um pt h h a d n ot come that way. Tr a p t u r n ed t o r ever se h is cou r se, bu t h e wa s t oo la t e. Th e dwa r ves h a d seen h im r u n down t h e a lley a n d t h ey wer e advancing, blocking the entrance. "H ello, h ow a r e you ? Nice da y. We cou ld t a lk a bou t t h is, " Tr a p su ggest ed t o t h e a n gr y dwa r ves. "I don 't kn ow wh y you a r e so a n xiou s for ou r com pa n y, bu t if you wa n t m e t o t ell another tale-" He was interrupted by the dwarf leader who stepped forward a n d swu n g h is a xe. Th e ken der br ou gh t h is h oopa k u p a n d st r u ck t h e side of t h e wea pon , deflect in g it . H e skipped backward up the alley. "I kn ow wh y you 'r e a n gr y, bu t we didn 't kn ow we h a d you r necklace until a few days ago, " he said. "We'd be glad to give it back-"

"Kender thief, you'll pay for your stealing, " Tolem said. Trap kept backing away until he was in the storage yard and found himself up against the stone wall. "Th a t wa sn 't n ice, " h e sa id. "You sh ou ldn 't in t er r u pt a r ea son a ble con ver sa t ion by swin gin g wea pon s, you cou ld get som eon e h u r t , a n d t h en you 'd be sor r y. " H e skipped a wa y fr om Tolem , on ly t o fa ce a n ot h er dwa r f wit h a n a xe ju st a s large. He feinted with his hoopak, ducked to avoid the hacking axe, a n d lu n ged by t h e dwa r f. F ou r h a d been con cen t r a t in g on h im a n d h e wa s beh in d t h em , bu t t wo ot h er s blocked t h e entrance to the alley. F r om a bove ca m e t h e sou n d of cr ea kin g wa gon wh eels. Th e dwa r ves wer e t oo in t en t on t h e ken der t o n ot ice. Th e sou n d h a d n ot m ea n t a n yt h in g t o Tr a p u n t il h e h ea r d Um pt h 's voice. "You no go back!" The gully dwarf cried out. Tr a p didn 't u n der st a n d wh a t Um pt h m ea n t . Tr a p cer t a in ly wanted the dwarves to go back to wherever they came from. Tr a p skipped a bou t , fu r t h er a n ger in g t h e dwa r ves wh o wer e unaccustomed to such nimble quarry. Then the kender found a n open in g a n d da sh ed for t h e wa ll. In h is effor t s t o gu a r a n t ee t h a t n o on e cou ld get beh in d h im , Tr a p fa iled t o t h in k t h in gs a ll t h e wa y t h r ou gh . Su dden ly h e r ea lized t h a t h e wa s t r a pped. Th e t wo dwa r ves wh o h a d been gu a r din g t h e a lley t o pr even t h is esca pe, join ed t h e ot h er s. All six dwarves, their axes ready to swing, advanced on Trap.

"Th is isn 't fa ir , " h e t old t h em . "You a lm ost m a ke m e sor r y I sa ved you r lives. You cou ld t h a n k m e in st ea d of bein g so mean. " Tolem st opped in su r pr ise. H e st a r ed a t t h e ken der for a moment and then took another step forward. "You? Save our lives? Bah!" "I did, " t h e ken der in sist ed. "Wh o t h r ew r ocks a t you a n d made you stop arguing in the forest? Who made you hide and list en for t h e goblin s t h a t wou ld h a ve su r pr ised you ? Th ey could have killed you, you know. You should be thanking me, not threatening me. " "I don't believe it, " one of the other dwarves said, continuing to advance on Trap. F r om dir ect ly a bove Tr a p's h ea d ca m e t h e cr a sh of wood st r ikin g h ea vily on t h e t op of t h e st on e wa ll. A delu ge of m a n u r e pou r ed down on t h e dwa r ves wh o st ood dir ect ly in fr on t of h im . In t h e blin k of a n eye t h ey wer e a lm ost bu r ied in cow a n d h or se du n g. A few pieces st r u ck Tr a p, bu t h e wa s pa r t ly sh elt er ed by t h e wa gon t h a t sa t r ockin g on t h e t op of the wall. "Grab cart wheel! Climb!" Umpth called down to him. Not on e t o h a n g a bou t wh en it wa s t im e t o lea ve, Tr a p gr a bbed a r ea r wh eel a n d scr a m bled u p. H is weigh t ca u sed t h e veh icle t o t ilt a n d m or e m a n u r e pou r ed down on t h e h a pless dwa r ves wh o wer e st r u gglin g t o esca pe t h eir m a lodor ou s con fin em en t . J u st a s Um pt h r ea ch ed down t o give Tr a p a h a n d, a dwa r f, wh o h a d been a ble t o dodge m ost of t h e m a n u r e, gr a bbed t h e opposit e r ea r wh eel a n d st a r t ed

u p. H is weigh t wa s en ou gh t o t opple t h e wa gon a n d it slid over the wall. Tr a p h a d ju st gr a sped a ca pst on e wh en t h e wa gon st a r t ed t o slide. H e h eld on , h is wh ole body da n glin g u n t il Um pt h ca u gh t h im by t h e a r m s a n d pu lled h im u p. In fr on t of t h e wa gon , t wo st u r dy pon ies wer e figh t in g a loosin g ba t t le t o keep t h e weigh t of t h e wa gon fr om pu llin g t h em in t o t h e lower cou r t ya r d. Tr a p wh ipped ou t h is kn ife a n d cu t t h eir h a r n esses. Beh in d a n d fr om below ca m e t h e cr a sh of t h e wagon and the shouts of the dwarves. "P on ies ba ck a wa y fr om a xe, wa gon fa ll over edge, " Um pt h said as he picked up his weapon. Tr a p decided h e wou ld a sk t h e gu lly dwa r f t o expla in la t er , bu t a t t h a t m om en t h e kn ew t h ey h a d t o get a wa y, bu y t h eir pot s, a n d lea ve t h e explor a t ion of Sola n t h u s for a n ot h er t im e. St oppin g t o bu y som e pot s wa s on e t h in g, m essin g a r ou n d wit h t h e dwa r ves wh en h e n eeded t o r escu e Ripple was another. "Wiza r d m a ke ken der wa sh , " Um pt h sa id wit h a sn iff a s t h ey t r ot t ed a r ou n d t h e u pper pa r t of t h e bu ildin g a n d ba ck out on t o t h e r oa d. Tr a p ben t for wa r d t o br u sh a wa y t h e muck, but soon gave it up. Twen t y m in u t es la t er t h ey h a d m a de t h eir h u r r ied pu r ch a ses a n d h a d left Sola n t h u s beh in d. Th ey r ode down t h e t r a il u n t il t h ey fou n d t h e gor ge, bu t t h e ot h er s wer e nowhere in sight. "Where go?" Umpth asked. "I don't know, but we'll find them, " Trap said, angry because Halmarain had demanded that he stay with her, but now she

h a d left t h em . At lea st h e h a d fou n d t h e t r a cks of t h e five ponies that she had kept with her. "Just wa it , " h e gr ou sed a t Um pt h a s t h ey followed H a lm a r a in 's t r a il. "Wh en I fin d h er I a m goin g t o t ell h er ... wh y is sh e goin g sou t h ? Sh e sa id t h e kobolds wer e goin g east. " Tr a p a n d Um pt h r ode t h r ou gh t h e sh a llow va lleys bet ween t h e foot h ills, wa t ch in g for t h e t r a cks of t h e pon ies. Th e ken der h a d been keepin g h is eyes on t h e gr ou n d u n t il m ovem en t a h ea d a t t r a ct ed h is a t t en t ion . H e looked u p t o see Halmarain just coming around a hill. She was riding in their dir ect ion . Wh en sh e sa w h im sh e spu r r ed u p h er m ou n t . Beh in d h er , Gr od, t h e pa ck pon y, a n d t h e t wo ext r a pon ies picked up speed. "No need tracks now, " Umpth said, pointing ahead. "I ca n see t h a t , " Tr a p a n swer ed h im . "J u st wa it u n t il sh e get s h er e. I'm goin g t o t ell h er wh a t I t h in k of h er lea vin g u s like that. " Wh en H a lm a r a in a ppr oa ch ed wit h in spea kin g dist a n ce h e opened his mouth to have his say, but she forestalled him. "I'm gla d you ca m e a ft er m e, " sh e sa id wit h n o a pology for lea vin g t h e m eet in g pla ce. "Now we ca n m a ke a pla n . I've found them. " "Found who?" Trap forgot his anger. Finding things or people was always more interesting than arguing. "Th e kobolds wh o t ook Ripple a n d Beglu g!" Th e lit t le wiza r d shook her head as if she couldn't believe the question.

"Good! Gr ea t ! Big jigger s! Did you see Ripple a n d t h e merchesti? Where are they?" Trap asked. Halmarain pointed west. "They're coming-" "I kn ew t h er e wa s som et h in g st r a n ge a bou t followin g on Kr yn n , " Tr a p sa id. "P eople wh o follow a lwa ys get a h ea d. Tolem and his friends are in Solanthus. " "F or get t h em , " H a lm a r a in sa id, bu t befor e sh e cou ld sa y more, Trap took offense. "I will n ot for get m y sist er , " h e sa id, r ever t in g su dden ly t o t h e or igin a l su bject u n der discu ssion . H a lm a r a in 's fa ce r edden ed a n d sh e wa s pu ffin g h er self u p for a n explosion when she suddenly took control of her emotions. "No, we won 't , " sh e a gr eed. "You 'r e r igh t a bou t t h e followin g. Wh a t we didn 't con sider is t h a t we wer e r idin g, so we were going faster. Somehow we passed them. " "Then why did you ride south?" Trap asked. "Beca u se I h a dn 't t h ou gh t we wer e a h ea d of t h em . I wa s lookin g for t h eir t r a cks. I wa s su r e t h ey wou ld h a ve t o cr oss t h e foot h ills sou t h of t h e cit y. Wh en I didn 't fin d a n y sign of t h em , I r ode t o t h e t op of a h ill t o look for you a n d I sa w them in the distance. They're coming this way. "Now, you wa n t ed t o m a ke a pla n , so let 's m a ke on e. Th ey'r e st a yin g in t h e va lleys a n d don 't wa n t t o be seen fr om t h e cit y. We h a ve t o h u r r y. Th ey'r e n ot m or e t h a n t wo m iles away. "

"I st ill t h in k we cou ld a ll clim b u p in a t r ee-"Tr a p voiced h is fir st pla n , wh ich wa s st ill h is fa vor it e, bu t H a lm a r a in interrupted. "Look a r ou n d you , " sh e sa id. "Th er e a r e ver y few t r ees, a n d t h ose a r e u p on t h e h illsides. Th e kobolds won 't pa ss anywhere near them. " "We cou ld t a ke som e la r ge h or ses a n d pu ll down a da m a n d let the water of a river wash down the valley-" "Don 't be r idicu lou s! Th er e's n o la r ge r iver or da m n ea r by a n d even if t h er e wa s, we'd wa sh a wa y Ripple a n d t h e m er ch est i.... " Sh e st opped, t h in kin g, t h en br igh t en ed su dden ly. "A st r ea m ! By t h e m a r ks we sa w, Beglu g a lwa ys puts up a struggle when they want him to cross a stream. " "Beglug no like water, " Grod said. "Here's what we'll do... " Halmarain laid out the plan. Trap was disappointed that she used mainly her own ideas, but he had thought of water, and she had given him the best part of the action. They rode east searching for a watercourse that flowed out of t h e n or t h er n en d of t h e Ga r n et Mou n t a in r a n ge. H a lf a m ile a ft er t h ey cr ossed t h e t r a ck lea din g fr om t h e sou t h ga t e of Sola n t h u s t owa r d t h e m ou n t a in s, t h ey fou n d wh a t t h ey wer e lookin g for . A wide, sh a llow st r ea m wit h a m u ddy ba n k crossed the path of the kobolds. Lea vin g t h e gu lly dwa r ves t o h old t h e pon ies, Tr a p a n d H a lm a r a in clim bed a h ill t h ey t h ou gh t t h e kobolds wou ld pa ss a n d wa it ed. Wh en t h ey wer e su r e of t h e h u m a n oids'

cou r se t h ey scu r r ied a n d slid ba ck down t h e slope t o join t h e gu lly dwa r ves. Wh en t h ey h a d t et h er ed t h e pon ies ou t of sigh t , t h ey cu t fou r bu sh es a n d ca r r ied t h em ba ck t o t h eir chosen spot , fir m ly a n ch or in g t h em a lon g t h e pa t h t h e kobolds wou ld be t a kin g. Lu ck wa s wit h t h em . Th e t r a il wou ld lea d t h e t r a veler s a r ou n d a r ocky ou t cr op a n d t h ey wou ld n ot see t h e st r ea m u n t il t h ey wer e wit h in fift y feet of it. "Now you r em em ber wh a t you a r e t o do?" H a lm a r a in a sked Gr od a s Tr a p pu sh ed t h e sh a r p en d of a bu sh in t o t h e soft earth. "Run, " he answered, his eyes big with worry. "Run, run, run. " H e cr ou ch ed down beh in d t h e bu sh , kn ockin g it over a s h e tried to hide in its foliage. "I wish I wa s su r e of t h e dir ect ion you in t en d t o t a ke, " t h e little wizard said as Trap pushed the end of the bush into the gr ou n d a ga in . In m in u t es t h ey wer e cr ou ch in g beh in d t h eir camouflage. The kender and Grod were hidden on one side of the trail while Umpth and Halmarain were on the other side. Tr a p kn elt on t h e gr ou n d a n d wa it ed. F or t h e fir st t wo m in u t es h e wa s fu ll of a n t icipa t ion , bu t t h en h e st a r t ed get t in g bor ed. H e for ced h im self t o st a y ph ysica lly st ill, bu t h is m in d wa s a ct ive, goin g over t h e pla n of a t t a ck. H is a gile t h ou gh t s skipped t h r ou gh t h e pla n a n d devised sever a l n ew ideas. "H a lm a r a in , " h e wh isper ed, lookin g ou t fr om beh in d h is bush. "Stay down, " she hissed back. "Oh, okay, I forgot. Look... I just thought of how-"

"Wheel think, " Umpth said softly. "Think kobold come. " "Now?" Trap whispered. "Now. " In m om en t s t h ey h ea r d a t wig br ea k, a r ock cla t t er ed, a n d a cu r se in t h e kobold la n gu a ge ca m e fr om close by. Tr a p peeked t h r ou gh t h e folia ge. Th e fir st t wo kobolds wer e in sight. One was limping, raising his left foot to rub his ankle. Th e ot h er spot t ed t h e st r ea m , poin t ed, a n d t h ey bot h gr owled a n gr ily. Tr a p st a r t ed t o r ise, bu t Gr od, wh o h a d list en ed wit h r a pt a t t en t ion t o H a lm a r a in a n d h a d obediently repeated everything she had said, put out a hand. "Wait. Beglug must reach water, " Grod cautioned. Tr a p dr opped ba ck t o sit on t h e gr ou n d. H e fiddled wit h t h e t wo r in gs h e h eld, on e in ea ch h a n d, a n d bega n t o ju ggle them. "Beglu g com e, n ow t im e for r in g, " Gr od sa id, h oldin g ou t h is hand. "You know what to do?" Trap asked the gully dwarf. "Me t ell t wo t im es, " Gr od sa id im pa t ien t ly. Act u a lly h e h a d repeated his instructions ten times. "Run, run, run. " Tr a p slipped a r in g on t h e gu lly dwa r f's fin ger a n d h e disappeared.

"Wa it , t h a t 's n ot r igh t , I'm su pposed t o be in visible, " Tr a p wh isper ed, r ea ch in g ou t , t r yin g t o fin d t h e gu lly dwa r f's h a n d. Th e ken der wa s u n a ble t o loca t e t h e gu lly dwa r f, so with a shrug he put the other ring on his own finger. H e h opped t o h is feet , for got h ow fa r a st ep cou ld t a ke h im and suddenly found himself on the other side of the trail, just beyond Halmarain and Umpth. "Get down !" t h e lit t le wiza r d h issed, bu t sh e cou ld h a ve sh ou t ed a n d t h e kobolds wou ld n ot h a ve n ot iced. Th e lea d gr ou p of t en wer e ga t h er ed a r ou n d Beglu g. Th ey h a d t h r ee r opes t ied t o h is wa ist a n d t wo h u m a n oids kept a t igh t h old on each rope. The rest of the band had not come into sight. Beglu g h a d seen t h e st r ea m a n d in st a n t ly h owled h is displea su r e. H e jer ked fr om side t o side, t h en du g in h is h ooves, figh t in g t o keep fr om a ppr oa ch in g t h e wa t er . Wh en t h e m er ch est i st a r t ed t o st r u ggle t h e ot h er s a lso gr a bbed t h e r opes. All t h e kobolds wer e st r u gglin g wit h t h e lit t le fien d and they had no time to notice the kender. "Wait until Ripple comes in sight and then we'll-" Ripple h a d a ppea r ed a r ou n d t h e r ocky ou t cr op a n d Tr a p stood up. "Ripple! We'r e h er e t o r escu e you !" Tr a p sh ou t ed, t a kin g a giant step in her direction. Wh ile t h e kobolds pr efer r ed t o spea k t h eir own la n gu a ge, they understood at least a smattering of the national tongues of t h e la n ds in wh ich t h ey lived. Th e six kobolds t h a t gu a r ded t h e ken der gir l st opped in t h eir t r a cks. Th e t en

st r u gglin g wit h Beglu g fa lt er ed a s t h ey h ea r d t h e ken der 's shout. "Oh , for Gilea n 's sa ke!" H a lm a r a in st ood u p a n d gla r ed a t ever yon e in gen er a l. Sh e spoke a wor d of com m a n d a n d t h e top of her staff glowed. With her right hand she swung it like a clu b a n d sla pped it in t o h er left h a n d. A ba ll of fir e flew fr om it a n d la n ded n ea r t wo of t h e kobolds t h a t were struggling with Beglug. "Tr a p, wa it u n t il you h ea r m y st or y, " Ripple sh ou t ed ba ck. She tried to take a step forward, but her hands were tied and sh e t oo wa s bein g led wit h a r ope a r ou n d h er wa ist . Sh e struggled. Tr a p t ook a st ep in h er dir ect ion , wh ich br ou gh t h im in t o a violen t collision wit h t h e kobold wh o h eld h er r ope. Th e h u m a n oid wen t flyin g, Tr a p st u m bled, a n d a s h e t r ied t o ba la n ce h im self h e st epped ba ck, t a kin g a secon d kobold wit h h im . Th e ken der 's gia n t st ep ca r r ied h im , a lon g wit h t h e kobold, a ll t h e wa y t o t h e st r ea m wh er e t h ey sla m m ed into two of Beglug's captors. Th e for ce of Tr a p's m a gica lly en h a n ced st eps t h r ew h im , t h e t h r ee kobolds, a n d Beglu g in t o t h e st r ea m . Th e m er ch est i, a n ger ed by h a vin g sim ply t o cr oss t h e st r ea m wen t m a d in t h e cold wa t er t h a t flowed fr om t h e m ou n t a in s. H e r ose, gr a bbed t wo of t h e kobolds, a n d sla m m ed t h em t oget h er , knocking them senseless. The third, caught in the coils of the r ope, t r ied t o get a wa y, bu t Beglu g gr a bbed h im a n d bit h is a r m . Th e kobold scr ea m ed a n d kicked. Th e lit t le fien d dr opped h im a n d t h e kobold spla sh ed t h r ou gh t h e st r ea m , holding the bloody stump of its arm. Th e in ju r ed h u m a n oid's scr ea m s wer e a lm ost h idden u n der Ripple's cr ow of t r iu m ph a n d t h e cr ies of t h e kobolds wh o had been guarding her.

Tr a p sa w a la r ge st on e su dden ly a ppea r in m id a ir a s Gr od, wea r in g t h e r in g of in visibilit y, t h r ew it a n d kn ocked a kobold off it s feet . A secon d a t t em pt ed t o r u n a wa y a n d cr a sh ed in t o som e in visible ba r r ica de. Ripple, t h ou gh h er h a n ds wer e st ill bou n d, wa s kickin g on e of t h e sm a ller humanoids. Tr a p h a d a cciden t a lly t a ken a sm a ll st ep in t h e dir ect ion of t h e ot h er kobolds a n d h e la n ded in t h e m iddle of t h e r em a in in g seven wh o h a d been gu a r din g t h e m er ch est i. By t h a t t im e t h ey h a d t h eir spea r s a n d clu bs r ea dy, bu t t h ey h a d n ot expect ed t h e ken der , wh o st ood in t h e m iddle of t h e st r ea m , t o su dden ly sa il in t o t h eir m idst . Tr a p bu m ped in t o t wo, kn ockin g t h em sidewa ys. Th e sh a r p, m et a l t ipped poin t of h is h oopa k st a bbed a t h ir d in t h e sh ou lder befor e h e swung it to knock another down. Th e ot h er fou r ch a r ged h im a n d Tr a p decided it wa s t h e bet t er pa r t of va lor t o r et r ea t a st ep. H is ba ckwa r d st ep t ook h im com plet ely a cr oss t h e st r ea m . H e wa s r ea dy t o cr oss t h e cr eek a ga in wh en H a lm a r a in sh ou t ed t o h im t o st a y wh er e h e wa s. Sh e u sed h er st a ff t o t h r ow a n ot h er fla sh of fir e a n d it landed in the midst of the quartet of angry kobolds. Th e fla m es spla sh ed a ga in st t h e legs of t wo a n d u p a n d down befor e t h r owin g t h em selves in t h e ot h er t wo fou n d t h em selves fa cin g Beglu g wh o off t h e excess wa t er a n d wa s r ea dy t o a t t a ck sight.

t h ey da n ced st r ea m . Th e h a d sh a ken a n yt h in g in

Th e t wo r em a in in g kobolds wer e n ot willin g t o fa ce t h e lit t le fien d wit h ou t t h eir fellows. Th ey sh ou t ed t o t h eir com pa n ion s a n d da sh ed a cr oss t h e st r ea m . Th e kobold wh o had been guarding Ripple broke and ran, dashing up the side of the hill.

"Kobolds go!" the still invisible Grod shouted. "Tr a p!" Ripple ca lled, r u n n in g t owa r d h im . Tr a p t ook t wo st eps in h er dir ect ion a n d pa ssed h er by t h ir t y feet . H e t ook off the ring and went running back. "Wa it t ill I t ell you wh a t h a ppen ed t o u s, " h e sa id, skippin g up to join her. "Sa ve you r st or ies u n t il we get a wa y fr om h er e, " H a lm a r a in sa id a s sh e t r ot t ed down t h e h ill. "I sen t Um pt h t o st a y wit h t h e pon ies. We h a d bet t er h u r r y, som e of t h e kobolds wen t that way. " Tr a p h a d for got t en Beglu g, bu t t h e you n g m er ch est i ca m e t r ot t in g u p t o join t h e ot h er s. H e gr owled low in h is t h r oa t , more a greeting than a threat. "Wa n t t o r ide you r pon y?" Ripple a sked h im . "Ride?" Sh e r a ised h er h a n ds a s if h oldin g t h e r ein s a n d r ocked ba ck a n d forth as if she were on a pony. "You won 't be a ble t o sn a ck on a n y m or e kobolds, " Ripple said, "But we'll find you something to eat. " "Lava Belly eat kobolds?" Grod asked. The two kender and the little wizard looked around, but they cou ld n ot see Gr od. Th e lit t le fien d wh ir led, t u r n in g a complete circle before he whined his confusion. "Give me back the ring, " Trap instructed Grod.

Wit h H a lm a r a in u r gin g t h em t h ey h u r r ied a r ou n d t h e h ill t o where Umpth was keeping the ponies calm. They were in the saddles and on their way in minutes. "Oh, just in time, " Halmarain pointed across the hills. In the dist a n ce t h ey sa w t h e bla ck-cloa ked r ider ga llopin g t owa r d a gr ou p of five kobolds. Th e h u m a n oids wer e sh ou t in g a n d pointing before he brought his horse to a halt. Th e six r eu n it ed t r a veler s h u r r ied down t h e side of t h e h ill ju st in t im e t o keep t h e bla ck-cloa ked figu r e on t h e bla ck horse from seeing them. Chapter 26 "I don 't kn ow wh y t h ey ca pt u r ed u s, " Ripple wa s sa yin g t o H a lm a r a in . "Th ey wer e r ea lly st r a n ge. Wh en on e of t h e kobolds t r ied t o t a ke on e of m y pou ch es, t h e lea der bea t h im . Th ey wer en 't a llowed t o t ou ch u s for som e r ea son , a n d t h ey seem ed in a t er r ible h u r r y. I a sked t h em wh er e we wer e going, but they wouldn't tell me. They weren't very nice. " Ripple's voice, t h ou gh sh e spoke soft ly, ca r r ied a lit t le wa y u p t h e h ill wh er e Tr a p a n d Gr od la y on t h eir st om a ch s beh in d som e low br u sh . Th ey wer e wa t ch in g for t h e m a n in the cloak. Th e fir st qu est ion H a lm a r a in h a d a sked of Ripple wh en t h e ba t t le wa s over wa s if sh e st ill h a d t h e ga t e st on e. Th e lit t le wiza r d t u r n ed pa le a s t h e ken der gir l seem ed n ot t o kn ow, bu t a bit of sea r ch in g in h er pou ch pr odu ced t h e sm a ll, white, slippery rock. "Me see, " Grod pointed north and Trap looked just in time to see t h e da r k r ider a ppea r in g a t t h e t op of a n ot h er h ill m or e than a mile away. A few kobolds were strung out behind him

in a st r a gglin g lin e, ju st a s t h ey h a d been wh en Tr a p fir st glim psed t h e r ider . Wh ile t h e ken der a n d t h e gu lly dwa r f watched, another two small humanoids joined the group. The black-r obed m a n a n d t h e h u m a n oids wa t ch ed for a cou ple of m in u t es a n d t h en t u r n ed n or t h , t owa r d t h e cit y. Wh en t h ey were out of sight, Trap and Grod hurried down the hill. "Th ey'r e goin g t owa r d t h e cit y, " Tr a p t old h is sist er a n d t h e lit t le wiza r d. "H e's ga t h er in g u p t h e kobolds, a n d t h ey seemed to be following a trail. " "Ma ybe h e's followin g you r t r a cks in t o t h e cit y, " H a lm a r a in sa id. "Th a t 's t h e m ost likely pla ce for u s t o seek sh elt er . E ven if t h e m a n in t h e cloa k cou ld go in a ft er u s, t h e gu a r ds would never allow the kobolds to enter Solanthus. " "Let's go, " Ripple said. "I'd like to see the city. " "Bu t if we did, t h ey'd be wa t ch in g t h e ga t es wh en we ca m e ou t a n d t h ey'd a t t a ck befor e we wer e a m ile a wa y, " H a lm a r a in object ed. "We n eed t o lea ve t h is a r ea n ow, wh ile they're still searching. " "Ar e we goin g west a ga in , a r ou n d t h e en d of t h e Vin -gaard m ou n t a in s?" Tr a p a sked. "If we a r e I h ope we st op a t Deepdel a ga in a n d t h ey h a ve a n ot h er pa r t y, t h ou gh I don 't t h in k we sh ou ld a llow Beglu g t o ea t ... h a s a n yon e n ot iced? Beglu g is get t in g bigger . St ill, h e sh ou ldn 't ea t a n y m or e dogs. " "No, " Halmarain said slowly. "No, we'll go east. " "I t h ou gh t you sa id t h e wiza r d t h a t wa s a fr ien d of you r master's lived in Palanthus. "

"Th ey'll be expect in g u s t o t r a vel t owa r d P a la n t h u s, " Halmarain said. "We'll never escape them. No, we'll go where they least expect, in the direction they were traveling. " "Gr ea t ! We've been west . Let 's go som epla ce n ew. Bu t wh a t about a wizard to help open the portal?" Trap asked. Ripple wa s n ot complained.

sa t isfied. "I don 't

u n der st a n d, " sh e

H a lm a r a in sigh ed. "I'm n ot su r e I do eit h er . Th er e wa s som et h in g st r a n ge a bou t you r ca pt u r e. Kobolds don 't t a ke pr ison er s, t r ea t t h em r ea son a bly well, a n d t r a n spor t t h em lon g dist a n ces u n less t h ey a r e or der ed t o do so- or der ed by someone they have reason to fear. " "Gee! Wow! You m ea n som eon e wa n t ed u s t o visit t h em ?" Ripple a sked. "Wh y didn 't t h ey ju st in vit e u s, we like meeting people. Why, I can't think of anything I like better. " "If I'm r igh t , you wou ld n ot h a ve wa n t ed t o m eet you r h ost , " H a lm a r a in sa id soft ly. "Th e em a n a t ion s fr om t h e bla ck cloa ked m a n su ggest h e's undead-a dea t h kn igh t - a n d t h a t m ea n s h e wa s br ou gh t ba ck fr om t h e dea d by a bla ck-robed wiza r d; t h eir or der st u dies n ecr om a n cy. I t h in k som eon e knows you have the gate stone. " "Un dea d! Big jigger s!" Tr a p's eyes widen ed wit h in t er est . "He's died and come back to life. I'd sure like to talk to him. " "Make good tale, that. " Grod nodded. "Gee! It wou ld!" Tr a p sa id, t h in kin g of h is st or ies of Un cle Trapspringer.

H a lm a r a in gla r ed, a ppea r ed t o r eflect , t h en sigh ed. "Wh o wou ld be m or e in t er est in g, a dea t h kn igh t or a wiza r d? Death knights can do magic, but he won't make illusions just to please you. " "Wh y ca n 't we ju st t a lk t o h im a n d t h en see t h e wiza r d?" Tr a p a sked, won der in g wh y t h e lit t le h u m a n wa s a lwa ys trying to take the fun out of everything. "Beca u se if you t a lk t o t h e dea t h kn igh t fir st , h e will probably kill you and you'll never get to see Orander. " "Oh , " Tr a p wa s du biou s, bu t h e h a d n ot liked t h e a u r a of evil t h a t em a n a t ed fr om t h e da r k r ider . "You 'r e su r e we'll be a ble t o t a lk t o a wiza r d? I m ea n , we cou ld t a lk t o t h e dea t h kn igh t a n d h e wou ld be so in t er est in g, a n d we'r e n ot . It wou ldn 't be fa ir if we didn 't get t o m eet a wiza r d a ft er we give u p t h e oppor t u n it y t o t a lk t o som eon e r ea lly in t er est in g. " "I t h in k I kn ow wh o r a ised t h e dea t h kn igh t . " H a lm a r a in said. "If I'm right we need the help of someone more powerful t h a n t h e wiza r d in P a la n t h u s. Th e t r ou ble is, I kn ow I cou ld cou n t on h elp if we go n or t h , a n d I'm n ot su r e of-t h e on e t o the east, though he has the most power. " "Wh o a r e t h ese wiza r ds?" Ripple a sked. "Wh y won 't you t ell us about them?" H a lm a r a in ga zed a t t h e expect a n t fa ces of t h e ken der a n d sigh ed. "I su ppose I'll h a ve t o. If I don 't I'll n ever get a n y pea ce. I'll t ell you wh a t I su spect a n d wh y. P er h a ps it will h elp you t o u n der st a n d t h e da n ger . Wh en we fir st sa w t h e dea t h kn igh t , h e wa s lea din g t h e kobolds. Wh en t h ey ca pt u r ed you t h ey h u r r ied ea st , wh ich m a kes m e t h in k h e wa s lea din g t h em , bu t t h eir or der s ca m e fr om som eon e m or e powerful than the undead warrior. "

"Who?" Trap asked. "Master Orander often spoke of a black-robed wizard of great power , Dr a a ddis Vu lt er , wh o lives ea st of h er e a n d t h e wizards who serve Takhisis are skilled in necromancy, an art white and red-robed wizards seldom use. " "And they were taking us east, " Ripple said. "If I am right, the death knight is seeking you on orders from Draaddis Vulter. He has great power. We must find a wizard a s power fu l a s Vu lt er t o h elp u s. Th e on ly on e I kn ow of is Ma st er Ch a lm is Rost er ig. H e lives fu r t h er ea st t h a n Vu lt er . Understand, I can only seek the help of the wizards I learned a bou t fr om m y own m a st er . Ma st er Or a n der u sed t o sa y Ch a lm is Rost er ig wou ld pr oba bly lea d t h e wiza r d's cou n cil on e da y. H e's widely kn own a s on e of t h e m ost power fu l wizards on Krynn, but then so is Draaddis Vulter. " "This Chalmis Rosterig that lives east of here; can he do a lot more magic?" Ripple asked, her eyes sparkling. "Then let's go east. " Th eir dir ect ion decided, t h ey r ode t h r ou gh t h e va lleys between the higher foothills at the northern tip of the Garnet m ou n t a in s. Th ey fou n d a n over h a n g t h a t wa s sh elt er ed fr om prying eyes and made camp for the night. Th e n ext m or n in g t h ey a wa ken ed t o r a in a n d a cold win d. Sh or t ly a ft er da wn t h e r a in st opped bu t t h e win d wh ist lin g through t h e va lleys wa s st ill u n sea son a bly ch illy. Th ey hunched in their saddles, nearly as dour as the weather. "I r em em ber gr a n dfa t h er 's st or ies a bou t Sola n t h u s, " Ripple said. "I wish we could go back so I could see the city. "

"We cou ld, " Tr a p r eplied. "H a lm a r a in cou ld pu t Beglu g u n der a spell a n d m a ke h im beh a ve u n t il sh e r ea ch ed t h is wiza r d. Sh e r ea lly doesn 't n eed u s. " H e gla n ced ba ck over his shoulder, throwing a dissatisfied look at the little wizard. As u su a l, sh e led Beglu g's pon y a n d t h e pa ck a n im a l on lon g leads while Ripple led the gully dwarves' mounts. Beca u se of t h e r a in , t h ey wer e a ll h u ddled in t h eir bla n ket s, wor n over t h eir h ea ds a n d sh ou lder s like cloa ks. At fir st Tr a p, a ft er h is ca su a l gla n ce, t h ou gh t t h e lit t le wiza r d a n d h is sist er h a d som eh ow con fu sed t h e m ou n t s t h ey led. Th en h e r ea lized h e h a d m ist a ken t h e h u ddled figu r e t h a t wa s Beglug for one of the dwarves. The merchesti was growing. An d Ripple h a d t old h im t h e m er ch est i wa s get t in g m ea n er ever y da y. Neit h er sh e n or Tr a p cou ld bla m e h im for a t t a ckin g t h e kobolds wh en t h ey bea t h im , t r yin g t o m a ke h im wa lk t h r ou gh t h e st r ea m s of cold wa t er . St ill, a ccor din g t o Ripple, on ce t h e lit t le fien d h a d discover ed h e cou ld kill t h e kobolds, h e h a d a t t a cked sever a l wit h n o pr ovoca t ion . Th a t wa s wh y t h ey h a d t ied sever a l r opes t o h im , t o pr even t him from wreaking more havoc. "An d h e wa s sly a bou t it , " Ripple sa id. "It seem ed a s if h e wa s en joyin g it . " Bot h ken der sh ook t h eir h ea ds over t h e idea. "No, we ca n 't lea ve H a lm a r a in , " Tr a p sa id wit h a sigh . "E ven if sh e ca n con t r ol Beglu g, sh e st ill ca n 't sa ddle a pon y. If you wa n t t o, you cou ld go ba ck t o Sola n t h u s. I'll r et u r n a s soon as I can. " "If you 'r e st a yin g wit h t h e wiza r d, so will I, " sh e sigh ed. "We'll go ba ck t oget h er la t er . " Sh e ga ve h im a sm a ll sm ile. "Du m pin g m a n u r e on m or e dwa r ves wou ld be fu n , bu t n ot without you. "

Tr a p sm iled ba ck. H e u n der st ood h is sist er 's feelin gs. Th ey h a d gr own u p t oget h er a n d h a d sh a r ed m ost of t h eir a dven t u r es. Th ey h a d spen t m ost of la st even in g t ellin g ea ch ot h er t a les of wh a t t h ey h a d don e wh ile t h ey h a d been sepa r a t ed. A ch a n ce r em a r k in t h eir con ver sa t ion r em in ded Trap that the kobolds weren't the only ones on their trail. "I'll clim b t h a t h ill a n d see if t h e dwa r ves a r e followin g, " h e told his sister. Wh ile sh e led t h e st r in g of pon ies ea st t h r ou gh t h e va lleys bet ween t h e h ills, Tr a p r ode u p a st eep slope a n d dism ou n t ed n ea r t h e t op. H e clim bed t o t h e su m m it wh er e h e cou ld ch eck t h eir ba ck t r a il. In t h e dist a n ce h e cou ld see t h e r oa d t h a t led sou t h fr om t h e ga t e of Sola n t h u s in t o t h e m ou n t a in s. It wa s h a r dly m or e t h a n a t r a ck, u sed on ly by hunters and dwarves, but it was not empty. Six small, stocky figu r es sa t on t h eir pon ies a n d a ppea r ed t o be in a n a r gu m en t . Th ey wer e wa vin g t h eir a r m s, poin t in g in sever a l dir ect ion s. Wh ile h e wa t ch ed, t h r ee of t h em st a r t ed r idin g sou t h , t wo seem ed in clin ed t o h ea d ea st , a n d on e wa n t ed t o go west , bu t a ft er som e h esit a t ion t h ey followed t h e fir st three. F r om Tr a p's posit ion on t h e h eigh t s h e h a d a good view t o t h e ea st . Th e m or n in g r a in h a d left t h e a ir cr yst a l clea r . H e wa s st a n din g on t h e la st st eep slope. Two m iles fu r t h er on t h e h ills ga ve wa y t o r ollin g cou n t r y. F or fift een m iles, m ost of t h e a r ea a h ea d a ppea r ed t o be r a n ge la n d. F u r t h er on , they would enter a dark forest if they continued directly east. "We sh ou ld t r a vel a s fa st a s we ca n , " H a lm a r a in sa id wh en Tr a p br ou gh t h er t h e n ews a bou t t h e dwa r ves a n d t h e t er r a in t o t h e ea st . "Th e dwa r ves will lea r n t h eir m ist a ke quickly enough. Then they'll be on our trail again. "

"Wh y don 't we ju st give t h em t h eir n eckla ce?" Ripple a sked again. "It isn't right to keep other people's property. " "That from a kender, " Halmarain sighed. She reached in her ba g a n d pu lled ou t t h e st r in g of disks. Ripple ca lled it a n eckla ce, bu t t h e lit t le wiza r d didn 't t h in k it h a d been cr ea t ed t o be a piece of jewelr y u n less it wa s m ea n t t o be a n emblem of rank. "Ca n I look a t it ?" Tr a p h a d t u r n ed in t h e sa ddle a n d eyed the disks wistfully. "J u st don 't pu t it in you r pou ch by m ist a ke, " t h e lit t le wizard said as she handed it to him. Tr a p fin ger ed t h e disks, en joyin g t h e feel of t h e m et a l in h is h a n ds. Th e dr a win gs wer e in t r ica t e, a n d on m a n y disks h e could not tell which were sketches and which were runes. He looked at each disk, flipping it over to see a different drawing on ea ch side. H e wa s so in t en t on h is in spect ion h e h a d n ot r ea lized H a lm a r a in h a d r idden on a h ea d lea din g Beglu g's mount and the pack pony. Even Ripple had passed him. "Grod see. " "Gee! Su r e! Wh y didn 't we t h in k of you . Yes, you look a t it a n d see wh a t you ca n m a ke of it , " Tr a p sa id. "You 'r e a dwarf, maybe you can make sense of it. " "P r et t y, " Gr od sa id a n d r em oved h is h elm et . H e wa s a t t em pt in g t o pu t t h e st r in g of disks a r ou n d h is n eck wh en the kender stopped him. "No. St op. It 's n ot for wea r in g. Look a t it a n d t ell m e wh a t the drawings mean. "

Gr od fr own ed, r epla ced h is h elm et a n d bega n in spect in g t h e disks. H e wor ked a t t h e t a sk for t en m in u t es a n d r em oved his helmet again. "St op t h a t . I t old you . I sa id you cou ldn 't wea r it , " Tr a p sn a pped, im pa t ien t wit h t h e dwa r f. "We n eed t o lea r n a bou t the drawings. " "On ly kn ow on e, " Gr od sa id, h a n din g t h e st r in g of disks back to Trap. "You kn ow on e? Sh ow m e. " Th e ken der ga ve t h e n eckla ce ba ck t o t h e gu lly dwa r f. H e didn 't r ea lly believe Gr od cou ld u n der st a n d wh a t h e cou ld n ot , bu t even Agh a r s wer e dwarves of a sort. Gr od list lessly flipped t h r ou gh t h e disks. "On ly see h igh place like ball, " he said, pointing to one of the disks. "High place like ball.... " Trap took a grip on the disk that the gu lly dwa r f sh owed h im . H e squ in t ed a t it a n d gr in n ed. "You 'r e r igh t ! It 's on e of t h e m ou n t a in s we sa w n ea r t h e sou t h er n t ip of t h e Vin ga a r d Ra n ge, " h e sa id. "Wh y wou ld they put that picture on a disk?" H e flipped t h e disk over a n d in spect ed t h e ba ck. An ot h er t in y dr a win g wa s of a cliff t h ey h a d pa ssed wh en t h ey h a d r ou n ded a spu r of t h a t ver y m ou n t a in . H e r em em ber ed t h e st r ia t ion s on t h e r ock, a n d on t h e disk som e wer e da r ker , a s if outlining a door. Th ey h a d pa ssed close t o t h e en t r a n ce of a dwa r f m in e a n d h a d n ot even kn own it ! Tr a p u r ged h is pon y t o a t r ot a n d rode up to pace Halmarain.

"I kn ow wh a t on e disk m ea n s, " h e t old h er a n d sh owed h er the drawing of the mountain on one side and the hidden door on t h e ot h er . H on est y dem a n ded h e give Gr od t h e cr edit for discovering the secret. "Of cou r se I wou ld h a ve r ecogn ized it r igh t a wa y, bu t I wa s wor kin g m y wa y t h r ou gh t h e dr a win gs a n d I h a dn 't com e t o that one. " "I t h in k t h e r est of t h e disks a r e t h e sa m e, wit h m ou n t a in pea ks on on e side a n d en t r a n ce det a ils on t h e ot h er , " Tr a p sa id. On ce h e u n der st ood t h e pu r pose of t h e disks t h ey wer e not too difficult to read. "That's not good news, " the wizard said. "Wh a t ? Wh y? I t h in k it 's won der fu l. We cou ld visit lot s of mines and caverns and-" "Th a t 's wh y it s n ot good n ews. Dwa r ves a r e jea lou s of t h eir secr et s. We ca n 't even give t h e disks ba ck. Th ose Neida r wou ld believe we h a d m em or ized or copied a ll t h e in for m a t ion a n d cou ld r a id t h eir m in es if we wa n t ed t o. Return in g t h e n eckla ce wou ld n ot sa ve u s. Th ey'll kill u s if they can. " Wh ile sh e wa s spea kin g t h ey followed a lit t le va lley ou t of t h e h ills. Beyon d la y t h e r ollin g gr a ssla n d. H a lm a r a in u r ged her pony to a trot. "You sa id t h er e wa s a for est a h ea d. We m u st r ea ch it befor e t h e dwa r ves fin d ou r t r a il. Ou r lives a n d t h e r est of Kr yn n may depend on it. "

"Gee, riding at full gallop would be fun, " Trap said. "No, I'm wr on g, " sh e sa id, sh a kin g h er h ea d decisively a s sh e r ein ed in h er m ou n t . "We sh ou ldn 't t r a vel a cr oss t h a t open cou n t r y in da yligh t . Th er e a r e t oo m a n y people on ou r t r a il. "Let 's fin d a pla ce t o ca m p, r est u n t il su n set , a n d cr oss the plain tonight. " "But-" "Don 't a r gu e wit h m e, " t h e lit t le wiza r d sn a pped. "Som ewh er e a h ea d is da n ger gr ea t er t h a n you ca n im a gin e. If I'm r igh t a n d Dr a a ddis Vu lt er is beh in d ou r t r ou bles, h e will have spies everywhere. " Chapter 27 Tr a p fou n d a n ot h er sh elt er ed va lley a n d t h e gr ou p slept t h r ou gh t h e da y. Twiligh t fou n d t h em t h r ea din g t h eir wa y t h r ou gh t h e h ills a n d t h ey r ea ch ed open cou n t r y ju st befor e dark. "A lot of t h in gs ca n see in t h e da r k, " Ripple h a d t old Tr a p wh ile t h ey wer e sa ddlin g t h e pon ies. H e h a d gr in n ed a t h er a n d sa id n ot h in g, beca u se H a lm a r a in h a d a r r ived wit h h er bedroll. Bu t by t h e m iddle of t h e n igh t Tr a p decided t r a velin g a t n igh t wa s even m or e bor in g t h a n ploddin g a lon g du r in g t h e da y. As fa r a s h e cou ld t ell, t h e gr a ssy pla in t h a t st r et ch ed ea st fr om Sola n t h u s t o t h e bor der of Lem ish wa s com plet ely empty. F r om t im e t o t im e, ju st t o r elieve h is bor edom , Tr a p r ea ch ed ou t t o plu ck a lea f fr om a bu sh a s h e pa ssed it . H e t wir led

t h e st em s in h is fin ger s, r a ised t h em a lm ost t o h is n ose t o get a better look and threw them away when he lost interest. As h e pa ssed a pa r t icu la r ly la r ge clu m p of sh a dows, h e reached down to pluck another leaf. "Oops, " h e sa id a s h e felt som et h in g t h a t wa s defin it ely n ot foliage. He had plucked a feather. "Aawk!" Th e "bu sh " ca m e t o life a n d st ood u p. Beside h im st ood a fr igh t en ed 'wa r i. Th e h u ge fligh t less bir d st ood six feet t a ll, t h r ee feet of wh ich wa s t a ken u p by st u r dy legs a n d t h ick, cla wed feet . Th e h ea vy body sa t like a fla t t en ed, fea t h er ed ba ll on legs a n d a bove it st r et ch ed a lon g n eck a n d a sm a ll h ea d wit h a wicked-lookin g bea k. Tr a p r a ised h is h ea d a n d found himself looking into a whirling, gold and black eye. "What is it?" Ripple called out. Th e bir d's a la r m h a d n ot been n ea r ly a s lou d a s Ripple's shout. She, as usual, was bringing up the last of the line. She kn ew Tr a p h a d dist u r bed som et h in g. H er sh ou t br ou gh t t h e clumps on the hillside into action. Mor e t h a n a h u n dr ed 'wa r is lea pt t o t h eir feet , squ a wkin g and running in circles. "Wh a t h a ve you don e?" H a lm a r a in squ ea led over t h e r a cket . "Get u s ou t of h er e!" Sh e kicked h er pon y in t o a ga llop a n d went charging by Trap. "Th ey'r e 'wa r is, " Tr a p sa id, u n dist u r bed by t h e pa n icked bir ds. 'Wa r is wer e h u ge a n d wild, essen t ia lly st u pid a n d

ea sily st a r t led. Th ey cou ld be pesky, bu t t h ey wer en 't r ea lly dangerous. "We woke t h em u p, bu t if you 'll st op sh ou t in g a n d r a cin g a r ou n d t h ey'll go ba ck t o sleep a ga in . " H e u r ged h is pon y for wa r d t o keep u p wit h t h e lit t le wiza r d. Beh in d t h em h e could see Ripple urging her mount to a gallop, trying to catch u p wit h t h e ot h er s. H e im m edia t ely loca t ed h er by t h e lon g blon d cu r l t h a t bou n ced u p beh in d h er . Gr od a n d Um pt h wer e bou n cin g in t h eir sa ddles. Beh in d H a lm a r a in , Beglu g, wh o h a d been sleepin g in t h e sa ddle, woke u p, n ot iced t h e excit em en t a n d st a r t ed swin gin g h is n ewest t r ee br a n ch , trying to hit everything in sight. "We ca n get killed in a 'wa r i st a m pede, " H a lm a r a in sh ou t ed ba ck a n d u r ged h er pon y t o a fu ll ga llop, pu llin g Beglu g's mount and the pack pony along with her. In t h e da r kn ess, t h e h u ge fligh t less bir ds seem ed u n a ble t o dist in gu ish on e of t h eir own fr om t h e sh a dowy for m s of t h e m ou n t ed gr ou p. Mor e t h a n a dozen 'wa r is st opped t h eir aimless panicked circling and followed the little wizard. "H ey, h ow did you get t h em t o do t h a t ?" Tr a p join ed t h e ch a se, kickin g h is pon y in t o a ga llop. H e h a d n ot t r a veled a hundred ya r ds befor e h e t oo h a d a n escor t of t h e h u ge bir ds. So m a n y cr owded a r ou n d h im , h e cou ld on ly clin g t o t h e sa ddle a n d h ope h is m ou n t kept t o it s feet . Th e t h u ddin g of the birds' big, horny feet over-rode the sound of the galloping hooves. Smaller birds flew up out of the grass and bushes and circled over h ea d a s t h e st a m pede of 'wa r is, ca r r yin g t h e gr ou p a lon g with them, charged across the plain. Trap kept a tight grip on the saddle as he allowed his pony to fin d it s own wa y in t h e st a m pede. H e st ood u p in t h e sa ddle

t o look a r ou n d, t h in kin g t h is r ide wa s t h e m ost fu n h e'd h a d on t h e en t ir e t r ip. Risin g a bove a fa st m ovin g m a ss of 'wa r i bodies, t h e slen der n ecks of t h e 'wa r is m oved ba ck a n d for t h , each bird setting it's own special rhythm. H e t wist ed t o see a m or e solid sh a pe a m on g t h e bir ds beh in d h im . H e wa ved a n d Ripple wa ved ba ck. Sh e wa s a lso st a n din g u p, lookin g a r ou n d. Ah ea d h e cou ld n ot see H a lm a r a in . Beh in d h er t h e bir ds occa sion a lly pa r t ed a s t h ey avoided the swing of Beglug's tree branch. Trap's pon y spla sh ed t h r ou gh t wo sm a ll st r ea m s t h e ken der could not see. In the distance he could see the shadowy eaves of t h e for est of Lem ish . Th e da r k lin e of t h e for est beca m e blacker as they approached it. H a lm a r a in , a t t h e fr on t of t h e st a m pede, ga ve a scr ea m . Tr a p, wh o h a d n ea r ly lost h is ba la n ce a t t h e la st st r ea m a n d wa s sit t in g in h is sa ddle, st ood u p in t h e st ir r u ps a ga in . H e cou ld ba r ely m a ke ou t t h e lit t le wiza r d. P a cin g h er , a n d n ot t wen t y feet a wa y, wa s a cr ea t u r e h e cou ld n ot qu it e iden t ify. Clea r ly it wa s a t a ll h u m a n oid, bu t it cou ld n ot be on e of t h e la r ger goblin kin beca u se it wa s keepin g pa ce wit h -even outrunning-the 'waris. "Sh e wou ld h a ve t o be in fr on t , " h e gr ou sed t o h im self a n d his surrounding companions. Tr a p st r et ch ed t o see wh a t sor t of cr ea t u r e wa s ou t r u n n in g t h e la r ge bir ds, bu t h e cou ld on ly m a ke ou t in dist in ct sh a pes in t h e da r kn ess. Th ey wer e bea r in g off t o t h e r igh t , t r yin g t o get a wa y fr om t h e bir ds, h e decided, bu t t h e 'wa r is wer e h a vin g n on e of it . Th ey followed t h e st r a n ge cr ea t u r es. H a lm a r a in , lea din g t h e pa ck pon y a n d Beglu g's m ou n t , wa s bein g ca r r ied a lon g wit h t h em . Th e st a m pede t opped a r ise, a n d a t t h e bot t om of t h e low h ill, t h e ken der cou ld see t h e glow of a campfire.

"Mor e people, " h e t old h is ga llopin g m ou n t . "Ma ybe t h is t r ip will t u r n ou t t o be fu n a ft er a ll. " H e cou ld see n ot h in g bu t indistinct shapes as the campers scuttled around their fire. "An d if we don 't st op t h er e, it sh ou ld st ill be fu n , r idin g through the forest with all these birds, " he told his mount. Th e h u ge fligh t less bir ds ch a r ged st r a igh t down t h e slope t owa r d t h e ca m p. Th ey ga wped a n d squ a wked a s t h ey beca m e a wa r e of t h e fir e a n d Tr a p expect ed t h e en t ir e st a m pede t o veer n or t h or sou t h . Wild a n im a ls a n d bir ds usually fled any flame. The 'wa r is wer e clea r ly a wa r e of t h e fir e. Th e on es in t h e cen t er of t h e st a m pede wer e veer in g t o t h e r igh t a n d left . In their fear and stupidity, the birds on the outside of the group were pressing in, seeking comfort from their companions. H a lm a r a in a n d h er escor t of st r a n ge h u m a n oids wer e left t o ga llop dir ect ly for t h e ca m psit e. A few secon ds la t er , Tr a p, st ill in t h e cen t er of t h e st a m pede, wa s swept down t h e h ill a n d n ea r ly in t o t h e ca m p. Th e 'wa r is a r ou n d h im followed the others, splitting to the right and left. J u st beyon d t h e fir e wer e t h e ea ves of t h e for est . Th e la r ge birds, creatures of the plains and open fields, wanted nothing t o do wit h t h e sh a dowy wood. Th ey ch a r ged a r ou n d t h e ca m p, r u n n in g in bot h dir ect ion s. Th e ken der wa s n ea r ly kn ocked ou t of t h e sa ddle a s fou r bir ds on h is r igh t jost led t o move to his left. Th e 'wa r is cir cled t h e fir e in bot h dir ect ion s, st ill t oo pa n icked t o st op r u n n in g, bu t a lso a fr a id of t h e fir e. Tr a p h ea r d sh ou t s a n d sa w t h e h ea ds of a ba n d of m or e t h a n a dozen goblin s a ppea r in t h e t a ll gr a ss. Th e h u m a n oids

ju m ped t o t h eir feet a n d r a ced for t h e du biou s sa fet y of t h e campsite. As Trap galloped closer to the edge of the camp, he heard the cla n g of wea pon s, H a lm a r a in 's scr ea m s, a n d a n gr y sh r ieks fr om Beglu g. Th e st r a n ge sh a pes t h a t h a d pa ced H a lm a r a in a lso r a n in t o t h e ligh t of t h e fir e. F r om t h e t a les h e h a d h ea r d sin ce ch ildh ood, Tr a p r ecogn ized a gr ou p of wem ics, centaur-like cr ea t u r es wh o h a d h u m a n oid t or sos join ed t o lion-type bodies. The six wemics seemed to have joined forces with the goblins wh o h a d da sh ed in t o t h e ca m p fr om t h e ot h er side. Mea n wh ile sever a l kobolds a n d goblin s wer e figh t in g t h e wem ics, t h e kobolds a n d wem ics wer e figh t in g t h e goblin s, and off to the side, two goblins were fighting each other. "Golly! H ow do t h ey kn ow wh en t o swit ch sides?" Tr a p a sked his pony as he tried to figure out who he should attack. J u st wit h in t h e cir cle of ligh t , a n d t r yin g t o a void t h e panicked 'waris, a seventh adult wemic was circling with two you n g on es a t h er side. Closer t o t h e fir e a n d st ill m ou n t ed, H a lm a r a in h a d pu lled h er a xe, wh ich sh e st ill wor e a s pa r t of her disguise. She used the flat side of the blade to slap at a h a pless kobold wh o ca m e wit h in h er r a n ge a s h e t r ied t o esca pe t h e spea r of a wem ic. Beglu g, fr igh t en ed a n d a n gr y, h owled a n d swu n g h is t r ee br a n ch a t ever yt h in g wit h in reach. Beglu g, st r ikin g wildly a t a wem ic, t a n gled t h e sm a ll br a n ch es of h is wea pon in t h e flowin g m a n e of t h e lion h u m a n oid a n d jer ked t o fr ee h is wea pon . Wh en h e ya n ked it ba ck, h e st r u ck h is own m ou n t on t h e r u m p a n d t h e pon y sidled a n d bu cked. Th e lit t le m er ch est i kept h is sea t , bu t h is wildly swin gin g lim b st r u ck a goblin . Th e h u m a n oid r a ised his spear to retaliate.

Tr a p h a d set a st on e in t h e pou ch of h is h oopa k a n d wa s swin gin g it over h is h ea d a s h e wa t ch ed for a n opt im u m t a r get . H e let t h e st on e fly a n d ca u gh t t h e goblin on t h e side of it s fla t n ose. Th e h u m a n oid r oa r ed a n d spu n like a t op, it s spear knocking down one of its companions. "Wh a t 's h a ppen in g?" Ripple, wh o h a d r ea ch ed t h e scen e of t h e figh t sh ou t ed over t h e din of t h e st a m pedin g 'wa r is a n d t h e sh ou t s, r oa r s, a n d scr ea m s of t h e figh t in g m a ss. Sh e st ood u p in h er sa ddle, h er wh ippik in h er h a n d, a sh or t kender arrow fitted to the loop. "This looks like fun! Which side are we on?" she called as she sought a target. "E ver yon e's figh t in g ever ybody. " Tr a p sa id, en joyin g t h e excitement. "Why don't you throw something at Halmarain?" H e pu lled ou t a n ot h er st on e a s h e wa t ch ed t h e ba t t le. On e goblin wa s t r a din g spea r t h r u st s wit h a wem ic, wh ile t h e ot h er s wer e ba t t lin g t h e kobolds. H a lm a r a in , st ill lea din g t h e pa ck pon y a n d Beglu g's m ou n t , h a d been sh u n t ed t o t h e ot h er side of t h e ca m pfir e. Sh e h a d lost h er a xe a n d gr ipped t h e sa ddle wit h h er left h a n d. Sh e u sed t h e bu t t en d of h er wiza r d's st a ff t o bea t off a kobold. Beglu g h owled wit h glee a n d swu n g h is t r ee lim b. Th e lea ves h a d lon g sin ce fa llen off a n d t wo kobolds ba cked a wa y fr om t h e st ill flexible br a n ch es that stung like willow switches. Beh in d Ripple, on e of t h e con fu sed a n d st ill cir clin g 'wa r is collided wit h Um pt h 's m ou n t . Th e pon y lea ped for wa r d, a lm ost in t o t h e fir e. As t h e a n im a l t r ied t o pu ll a wa y fr om the confines of his lead, he dashed across the path of Ripple's a n d Tr a p's m ou n t s. Th e wa gon wh eel, st ill in it s t r a vois, knocked a kobold into two of its fellows.

A gr ou p of kobolds decided t h e gu lly dwa r ves wou ld be ea sy pr ey. Un u sed t o figh t in g, Um pt h a n d Gr od ign or ed t h e a xes in t h eir sa ddle sca bba r ds a n d pu lled off t h eir h elm et s. H oldin g t h eir h ea dgea r by t h e st r a ps, t h ey deflect ed weapons and struck their attackers with a rain of blows. Acr oss t h e ca m pfir e, a wem ic seem ed in t en t on h a ckin g t h e lit t le wiza r d wit h h er own a xe. Ripple sen t a n a r r ow in t o h is r u m p ju st a s Tr a p st r u ck h im on t h e ja w wit h a st on e slu n g fr om h is h oopa k. Th e wem ic r oa r ed a n d ba cked a wa y fr om the wizard. Th e r oa r seem ed t o ech o a cr oss t h e pla in a n d t h e ken der r ea lized t h a t t h e 'wa r is h a d fin a lly sor t ed t h em selves ou t and were charging off to the north. A ligh t er r oa r ca m e fr om Tr a p's left a n d h e felt t h e sm a ll cla ws of a you n g wem ic. It h a d r ea r ed a n d cla wed a t h is left leg. H e r a ised h is h oopa k, in t en din g t o spea r h is a t t a cker wit h t h e sh a r p, st eel-sh od poin t a n d r ea lized h e h a d been struck by a child. "Stop! Behave! That's not nice, " he warned, but seeing it was ready to claw him again, he had to drive it off. He flipped the hoopak and struck it sharply on the nose with the forked end of h is wea pon . It h owled a n d ba cked a wa y t o be gr a bbed by t h e fem a le wh o wa s t r yin g t o keep t h e you n g on es ou t of da n ger . Sh e pu lled t h e ch ild a wa y a n d wa s gr owlin g a t t h e kender when she raised her eyes and gave a wail of distress. Tr a p looked in t h e dir ect ion of h er st a r in g eyes a n d sa w wh a t h a d fr igh t en ed h er . A da r k figu r e in a bla ck cloa k wa s wa din g t h r ou gh t h e goblin s, h a ckin g wit h a swor d. Th e kobolds and the wemics were giving way in front of him.

H e wor e a h ea vy, bla ck, cowled cloa k. Wh en t h e r obed figu r e t u r n ed h is h ea d t owa r d t h e ken der , Tr a p cou ld see a r ed glow from his eyes. Chapter 28 Tr a p sh iver ed a t t h e a u r a of evil em a n a t in g fr om t h e t a ll r obed figu r e, bu t h e n ever con sider ed ba ckin g a wa y. H is fin ger s wer e a lr ea dy diggin g a r ou n d in h is pou ch , seekin g a n ot h er st on e for h is h oopa k. H e wa s su fficien t ly a wed so t h a t h is ga ze wa s t r a n sfixed. Alm ost a u t om a t ica lly h e fit t ed the projectile into the leather pouch of his hoopak and swung the weapon over his head. Ben ea t h t h e cowl, h e sa w t h e a lm ost skelet a l fa ce t wist in t o a n evil gr in a s if a st on e slu n g by t h e ken der wa s n ot h in g t o fea r . H e m a de n o effor t t o du ck t h e st on e t h a t wh ipped fr om Tr a p's h oopa k, a n d wh en it st r u ck h im on t h e side of h is h ea d h e ign or ed it . In on e ligh t n in g-swift m ove h e st epped a r ou n d t h e ca m pfir e, r ea ch ed pa st Um pt h , n ea r ly kn ockin g h im ou t of t h e sa ddle, a n d gr a bbed Ripple by t h e a r m . Wit h super strength he dragged the kender girl from the saddle. Th e cowled figu r e h a d m oved so r a pidly Tr a p a n d t h e gu lly dwa r ves wer e ca u gh t com plet ely off gu a r d. Um pt h ga ve a r oa r a n d st r u ck ou t a t t h e st r a n ger wit h h is h elm et , bu t t h e gu lly dwa r f ba r ely t ou ch ed t h e dea t h kn igh t . Th e u n dea d wa r r ior h a d t u r n ed h is ba ck a n d st r ode a wa y, dr a ggin g Ripple with him. H is n ext object seem ed t o be Beglu g. In a n ot h er swift m ovem en t h e st r ode t owa r d t h e m er ch est i. Beglu g ga ve a howl of t er r or a n d st r u ck a t t h e t a ll figu r e wit h h is t r ee branch. Tr a p u r ged h is pon y for wa r d, bu t h is m ou n t wa s a ffect ed by t h e a u r a of evil a n d fea r . It bu cked a n d t h e ken der left t h e

sa ddle a t t h e a r c of t h e pon y's lea p. H e flew t h r ou gh t h e a ir a n d a t t em pt ed t o la n d on Ripple's em pt y sa ddle, bu t h is foot slipped a n d h e fell on t h e opposit e side of t h e fr igh t en ed animal. Blocked by t h r ee pa n icked pon ies, h e ga ve u p t r yin g t o scr a m ble bet ween t h em a n d r ea ch ed for a n ot h er st on e, t h e only thing he could think of at the moment. Tr a p spu n t h e h oopa k over h is h ea d a n d sen t t h e m issile flyin g. H e kn ew im m edia t ely t h a t h is a im h a d been off. H e h a d a im ed for t h e ba ck of t h e m a n 's n eck bu t t h e evil in flu en ce h a d deflect ed h is a im . Th e st on e dipped low, n a r r owly m issed a scu t t lin g kobold a n d st r u ck t h e dea t h knight in the middle of the back. Bu t Tr a p h a d n ot t h r own a st on e a s h e in t en ded. H e h a d a cciden t a lly gr a bbed on e of t h e fla m e ba lls h e h a d picked u p in Deepdel. Th e im pa ct , wh en t h e gla ss st r u ck, wa s st r on g enou gh t o br ea k t h e t h in gla ss globe a n d fir e r a ced u p a n d down the back of the black robe. Th e ga r m en t , in cr edibly old a n d dr y, ign it ed in a fla sh . Th e dea t h kn igh t fr eed Ripple a n d sh e t u m bled on t h e gr ou n d a s h e fu m bled wit h t h e t ies t h a t h eld t h e ga r m en t in pla ce. H e t u r n ed, st a r in g a t Tr a p a s if h e cou ld n ot believe wh a t h a d h a ppen ed. Ben ea t h h is h ood t h e dea t h kn igh t 's r ed, glowin g eyes widen ed in fea r a s h e st r u ggled u n su ccessfu lly t o r id himself of the burning garment. In less than two seconds, his ent ir e body wa s a fla m e. H e st a gger ed a bou t , a pilla r of fir e, a n d fr om h im ca m e a wa il t h a t seem ed t o or igin a t e fr om som e in cr edible a n d t er r ifyin g dist a n ce. H e bu m ped in t o a goblin wh ose lea t h er vest spr ou t ed fla m es. Th e goblin screamed and rolled on the ground. Mor e fea r fu l t h a n t h e da n ger of bein g bu r n ed wa s t h e evil em a n a t in g fr om t h e dyin g figu r e. Goblin s, kobolds, a n d

wem ics a ll cr ied ou t in fea r a n d da sh ed in a ll dir ect ion s. H a lm a r a in 's pon y r ea r ed a n d ch a r ged off in t o t h e da r kn ess, t a kin g t h e lit t le wiza r d, Beglu g, a n d t h e pa ck pon y t owa r d the dark forest of Lemish. "We'd bet t er follow h er , " Ripple wa r n ed a s sh e r a n for h er mount and jumped into the saddle. By t h e t im e Tr a p r ea ch ed h is pon y a n d va u lt ed in t o t h e sa ddle sh e wa s r igh t beh in d h im , lea din g t h e t wo gu lly dwa r ves. Ah ea d, t h ey cou ld h ea r Beglu g st ill com pla in in g. Th ey pa ssed t h e r u n n in g kobolds, t h en t h e st u m blin g goblin s, a n d fin a lly ca u gh t u p wit h H a lm a r a in . Th ey h a d ou t r u n t h e ot h er s wh o wer e fleein g t h e a bor t ed ba t t le a t t h e campsite, but Trap took the lead. Th eir m ou n t s st u m bled. Tr a p's pon y n ea r ly fell a s t h e animals stepped on tree roots in the darkness, so the ken-der wa s for ced t o slow t h eir pa ce. Th ey t r a veled for a n h ou r befor e t h ey st opped. At t h e lit t le wiza r d's in sist en ce, t h ey unloaded the tired animals in silence. The kender quickly grew bored. "If we don 't ligh t a fir e t h ey won 't fin d u s, " Ripple t old H a lm a r a in . "Th e kobolds a n d t h e goblin s, if t h ey ca m e t h is way, have passed us by now. " "E ver yt h in g t h a t 's su pposed t o be ch a sin g u s a lwa ys goes on ahead, " Trap grumbled. "I h ope you 'r e r igh t , " H a lm a r a in sa id. Sh e clea r ed h er t h r oa t . "I m u st give you cr edit , Tr a p. Killin g t h e dea t h kn igh t wa s a ver y br a ve a ct , on e wor t h y of a n y fa m ou s wa r r ior . Not even you r Un cle Tr a pspr in ger cou ld h a ve accomplished such a deed. "

"I-uh-I did, didn 't I?" Tr a p didn 't wa n t t o a dm it h e h a d thrown the flame ball by accident. "You removed a terrible danger to Beglug, and to the world. I cou ld h a ve don e it -if I h a d n ot been t oo sca r ed t o t h in k about it , " sh e fa ir ly a dm it t ed. "If a n yt h in g wer e t o h a ppen t o Beglu g, we'd n ever get Or a n der ba ck or pr even t h is m ot h er from entering our world to search for him. " "Was good to fight kobolds?" Umpth asked. "Golly, yes, they were fighting us, " Trap replied. "Good. Ga ve good h it s wit h h elm et , " Gr od sa id wit h a sigh . He sounded relieved, as if he needed approval for his actions. H e spr ea d h is bedr oll a n d plopped it down . H e spr a wled h a lf on , h a lf off it , h is r igh t kn ee scr u bbin g t h e dir t a s h e wor ked his way into a comfortable position. "Wh eel kn ock kobold down , " Um pt h a dded h is bit . "Agh a r magic good. " "Here we go with the wheel again, " Halmarain groused. "Me n eed m a gic t oo, " Gr od m u t t er ed. "Lose dea d squ ir r eln ot fin d a n ot h er . " H e sa t u p a n d looked a t H a lm a r a in hopefully. "You make dead frog, maybe?" "No, I will n ot !" Th e lit t le wiza r d gla r ed a t h im befor e t u r n in g ba ck t o t h e ken der . "Wh a t st a r t ed t h e 'wa r i stampede?"

"That was an accident, " Trap replied. "I wanted to pull a leaf to see what sort of bushes we were passing. " "On ly it wa sn 't a bu sh , " Ripple, a s qu ick wit t ed a s h er brother, gave a chuckle. "You pu lled ou t a 'wa r i's fea t h er ?" t h e lit t le wiza r d demanded. "You started that stampede?" "Gee! I didn't know it was a bird, " Trap explained. "I didn 't eit h er , I t h ou gh t t h e clu m ps wer e bu sh es, " Ripple defen ded Tr a p. "An d t h ey didn 't st a r t st a m pedin g u n t il you a n d I st a r t ed sh ou t in g a n d you wh ipped you r pon y in t o a gallop. " "I don 't kn ow m u ch a bou t 'wa r is, bu t I've h ea r d n oise frigh t en s t h em , " Tr a p a dded, pa r t ly in defen se of h is own actions and partly because it was a fact he could impart. "Well, it 's don e n ow, " H a lm a r a in sa id gr u dgin gly, wh ich m ea n t sh e didn 't like bein g pa r t ly r espon sible. "Bu t t h a t fight-what was that about?" "I don 't kn ow, " Tr a p sa id a ft er a m om en t 's t h ou gh t . "I t h in k t h er e wou ld h a ve been on e a n ywa y. Th ose goblin s wer e so close t o t h e ca m p, I bet t h ey wer e sn ea kin g u p on t h e kobolds. " "Th e wem ics wer e pr oba bly ca m pin g on t h e pla in , " Ripple sa id. "We m igh t h a ve m et t h em if t h e 'wa r is h a d n ot st a m peded. I'm a lm ost sor r y t h ey did n ow, I wou ld h a ve liked t o t a lk t o a wem ic-if t h ey t a lk, bu t t h e st a m pede wa s fun. "

"Th a t wa s fu n ?" Th e lit t le wiza r d sou n ded a s if sh e cou ld n ot believe her ears. "Ken der fu n n o Agh a r fu n , " Um pt h m u t t er ed. H e h a d decided to take Halmarain's advice and lie down. "Kender got no smarts, " Grod added his mite. "Well, on e t h in g is cer t a in , " H a lm a r a in sigh ed. "Th a t cr ea t u r e in t h e bla ck cloa k won 't be followin g u s a ga in . You did get r id of h im , wh oever h e wa s, a n d pr oba bly h is kobolds too. " "Was he the one following us?" Ripple asked. "I r ecogn ized t h a t feelin g of evil, " Tr a p sa id. "Now I wish I h a dn 't been so qu ick t o t h r ow t h e fla m e ba ll. I wou ld h a ve liked to know why he was after us. " "I don 't t h in k you wa n t t o kn ow, " H a lm a r a in sa id a s sh e wrapped herself in her blanket. "Th or n s a n d t h ist les. We didn 't get t o t a lk t o h im , a n d we didn 't get t o r ea lly m eet t h e wem ics, " Ripple com pla in ed a s sh e fou n d h er own bedr oll. "I'm begin n in g t o t h in k we'll never get to do anything that's fun. " "We did enjoy the stampede, " Trap said. "Ma ybe we ca n go ba ck a n d fin d t h e 'wa r is a ga in , " Ripple suggested. "You lie down a n d go t o sleep or I'll pu t a spell on you , " t h e little wizard warned them.

"Th e 'wa r is a r e pr oba bly t oo t ir ed t o r u n a n ym or e t o-night a n ywa y, " Tr a p sa id ph ilosoph ica lly. H e h a d spr ea d ou t h is bedr oll a n d h a d st r et ch ed ou t on it befor e h e t h ou gh t of a question he had wanted to ask. He sat up again. "H a lm a r a in , you wer e h it t in g t h a t kobold wit h t h e bu t t of you r st a ff. I t h ou gh t m a gic wa s su pposed t o com e ou t of t h e top end. " "And why didn't you use any of your spells?" Ripple asked. "Ma gic sh ou ld be kept for wh en it 's n eeded, " sh e a n swer ed in a superior tone. "I like t h a t , " Ripple m u t t er ed. "H e h a d m e by t h e a r m a n d had pulled me off my pony. I thought it was needed. " A long silence followed Ripple's complaint. "If you m u st kn ow, I wa s t oo sca r ed t o r em em ber a n y of m y spells, " H a lm a r a in a dm it t ed. "I h a d m em or ized m y m a gic m issile spell a n d cou ld h a ve t h r own a fla m e ba ll. I cou ld h a ve set t h a t cr ea t u r e a ligh t t oo. " Sh e ga ve a lon g, gu st y sigh . "I wa s ju st t oo sca r ed t o t h in k a bou t it , so it 's a good thing Trap used one of the flame balls. " Tr a p sm iled in t h e da r kn ess a n d la y ba ck on h is bedr oll again. He had not even thought of using a flame ball. He had plu cked it ou t of h is pou ch t h in kin g h e h eld a st on e. No on e h a d a sked h im if h e m ea n t t o set t h e evil h u m a n on fir e. If t h e lit t le wiza r d wa n t ed t o t h in k h e did it on pu r pose, h e would let her.

Su dden ly H a lm a r a in ju m ped u p. "Th is is n ot m y bedr oll!" sh e sh ou t ed, u n m in dfu l of h er ea r lier ca u t ion . "By t h e sm ell it belongs to one of the gully dwarves. " "Th en m a ke t h em t r a de wit h you , " Ripple sa id in a sleepy voice. "Um pt h ? Gr od?" t h e lit t le wiza r d ca lled, bu t t h e Agh a r wer e asleep, and when they slept it wasn't easy to wake them up. Tr a p gr in n ed a n d dr ift ed off t o sleep, lea vin g H a lm a r a in t o solve h er own pr oblem . H e kn ew sh e'd n ever wa ke t h e gu lly dwarves, bu t h er fr u st r a t ion m igh t m a ke t h e r est of t h e n igh t m or e excit in g. Wh en h e wen t t o sleep sh e wa s st ill complaining. Chapter 29 ... a n d in t h e m u st y libr a r y in P a la n t h u s, t h e wor ds flowed from the pen of Astinus... "Im possible!" Ta kh isis gla r ed t h r ou gh t h e or b a t Dr a a ddis Vu lt er . Th e wa lls of h is u n der gr ou n d la bor a t or y seem ed t o wr it h e wit h t h e a n ger of t h e Da r k Qu een . Th e bla ck-robed wizard bowed, hoping to deflect the anger of his god. "If you wa n t t o qu est ion t h e m essen ger you r self, I'll br in g it t o t h e globe, " h e sa id. "Wh en it r et u r n ed it s m em or y wa s of a confused fight and the death by fire of Jaerume Kaldre. If I h a ve som eh ow er r ed in cr ea t in g t h e m essen ger , I a m n ot a ble t o discover h ow, bu t wit h you r wisdom a n d power , you could show me how I went astray. " "You r fla t t er y does n ot im pr ess m e, " Ta kh isis sn a r led. "Bring the messenger to the orb. "

Dr a a ddis pla ced a h igh st ool a foot fr om t h e bla ck globe a n d crossed the room. The winged rat, busy with a crust of bread, wa s n ot a wa r e of t h e wiza r d u n t il Dr a a ddis picked it u p by t h e t a il. H e ca r r ied it , squ ea kin g a n d st r u gglin g, ba ck t o t h e stool. Th e wr et ch ed cr ea t u r e sh r a n k fr om t h e gla r e of t h e evil god, sh r iekin g in t er r or a s sh e pr obed it s m em or y. F r eed a ft er five m in u t es of h er pr obin g, it la u n ch ed it self off t h e st ool a n d flew t o t h e fa r cor n er of t h e ch a m ber wh er e it h u ddled behind a large earthen pot, gibbering in terror. "Im possible!" Ta kh isis r epea t ed. "H ow cou ld a ken der dest r oy Ka ldr e? H ow wou ld h e kn ow Ka ldr e's on ly vulnerability was fire?" "P er h a ps h e did n ot kn ow, m y la dy qu een . Ken der a r e st r a n ge cr ea t u r es. Th ey'r e seldom logica l by ou r st a n da r ds. " Dr a a ddis sou gh t a wa y t o soot h e h er a n ger , wh ich cou ld r a pidly t u r n on h im . "You feel t h e m essen ger 's n ews is t h e truth?" "Th e cr ea t u r e is on ly a r a t wit h win gs. It wou ld n ot h a ve t h e a bilit y t o lie. It m u st spea k t h e t r u t h a bou t wh a t it sees unless you put a falsehood in it's mind.... " Dr a a ddis sh r a n k a wa y fr om t h e globe, t h ou gh h e kn ew n o distance would protect him. "Cea se you r fea r , even you kn ow you wou ld n ot ben efit fr om bringing me such ill news. " "No, m y qu een , n or wou ld I ever wa n t less t h a n t h e su ccess of all your aims. "

"You will in su r e t h a t su ccess, " Ta kh isis r eplied. "You will get t h e ken der , t h e ga t e st on e, a n d t h e m er ch est i you r self, a n d wh en wa ves of m er ch est i r oa m Kr yn n , you will h a ve your reward. " "Wa ves of-" Dr a a ddis wa s su r pr ised in t o blu r t in g ou t h is ign or a n ce. On ce h e h a d sh own h is qu een h is con fu sion , h e decided h e m igh t a s well expla in it . "I kn ew we pla n n ed on trying to bring the parent of the infant fiend to Krynn-" "Not on ly t h a t pa r t icu la r fien d, bu t a s m a n y a s ca n com e t h r ou gh , " Ta kh isis h issed. Th e on e per fect eye seen t h r ou gh t h e bla ck cr yst a l globe pa r a lyzed h im . "Th e la n ds a n d r a ces of An sa lon a r e st ill divided. Th e dist r u st a ft er t h e Ca t a clysm is st ill r a m pa n t , bu t ever y da y t h ey figh t less, t h ey dr a w closer t oget h er . I m u st en t er Kr yn n wh ile t h ey a r e st ill a t odds. Half a score of merchesti could create just the diversion I need. " "How-" Draaddis bit back his question. Takhisis was clipping her words, a sign she was impatient to get on with her plans. He did not want to irritate her further. Bu t t h e Qu een of Dr a gon s a n d Da r kn ess u n der st ood h is m in d. Sh e ga ve a n ot h er h iss t h a t br oke a n ot h er bot t le, a n d then forcibly calmed her emotions. "We will be able to use the kender's gate stone in conjunction wit h t h e on e on t h e ot h er pla n e. If we su cceed in t h e fir st effor t , t h en wh a t is t o pr even t t wo people fr om st a n din g fa r en ou gh a pa r t t o cr ea t e a n open in g la r ge en ou gh t o br in g in more merchesti?" "You r m in d, m y qu een , is bot h wise a n d su bt le. I st a n d in awe of it. "

"You h a ve n o t im e t o st a n d, in a we or ot h er wise, " sh e replied. "I felt the power of the stones. I felt the tremor of the fa br ic bet ween pla n es a n d a ft er som e t h ou gh t , I u n der st a n d h ow t h ey wor k. It is possible for even t h e lit t le a ppr en t ice t o h a ve open ed t h e por t a l, t h ou gh sh e m igh t h a ve been su cked through as well. Fortunately they left her in Lytburg. " "Yes, fortunately, " Draaddis agreed. "We'll st ill get t h e lit t le t h ieves a n d t h a t fien d. Th en we ca n open t h e por t a l. On ce we h a ve t h e a du lt m er ch est i on t h is side, you a n d t h ose you com m a n d will lea d it on a ch a se t o find its young one. " The Dark Queen's face lit with a terrible smile. "In it s t r a il will be a wa ke of dest r u ct ion su ch a s Kr yn n h a s never known. " "An d t h en you ca n en t er t h is wor ld, " Dr a a ddis wh isper ed, trembling in anticipation and dread. "At which time you and I will travel about the world, opening m or e por t a ls in t o Va sm a r g, br in gin g in m or e m er ch est i. Wh ile t h ey a r e a bou t t h eir bu sin ess of dest r u ct ion in h opes of fin din g t h eir wa y h om e a ga in , we will be bu ildin g ou r a r m ies. " "Ost en sibly t o figh t t h e m er ch est i?" Dr a a ddis asked. Takhisis laughed again, this time with delight. "A br illia n t a n d su bt le idea , Dr a a ddis. You a r e gr owin g in wisdom . We will dr a w ou r a r m ies fr om t h e ver y people wh o wou ld figh t a ga in st u s, a n d by t h e t im e t h ey discover t h eir

t r u e lea der , t h ey will be m in e!" Ta kh isis' sm ile of t r iu m ph died. "Draaddis, there is something else I want. " "Yes, my queen?" "I wa n t t h ose ken der a live. You will keep t h em pr ison er s in you r u n der gr ou n d ch a m ber s. Wh en I r et u r n t o Kr yn n , t h ey will deserve my special attention. " "I will do a s you a sk, m y qu een , " Dr a a ddis r eplied wit h a sh u dder . H e h a d seen t h e m a lice in t h e goddess's eyes a n d wh ile h e u su a lly felt n o sym pa t h y for a n y cr ea t u r e bu t himself, he knew the kender would face a horror even he had never known. ***** Sla dge Gr a fon t , bu gbea r lea der of a m ot ley ba n d of eigh t bu gbea r s a n d fou r h obgoblin s, scr a t ch ed h is st om a ch a n d gr in n ed. H e st ood on a st eep h illside, st a r in g down a t t h e sm a ll ca m pfir e in t h e n a r r ow va lley. H e h a d been sea r ch in g for da ys, bu t n ow h e h a d fin a lly fou n d h is qu a r r y. Too canny t o ch a r ge in u n t il h e wa s su r e of h is cou r se, h e wou ld wa t ch the six around the campfire for a few minutes more. In t h e t wo yea r s h e h a d been lea din g t h e ba n d, t h ey h a d n ot lost a sin gle ba t t le, bu t n on e h a d been a s im por t a n t a s t h is one. Death would be his reward if he failed in his mission. "Be fin din g t r a veler s?" Br u dge, h is secon d-in-command asked Sladge.

"Think so, think so, " Sladge answered. "Wizard say travelers be six, and six strangers be camping. " Sla dge did n ot like t o t h in k a bou t t h e wiza r d t h a t h a d su dden ly a ppea r ed in h is ca m p t h r ee or fou r -m a ybe even five-da ys befor e. Sla dge h a d t r ou ble keepin g da ys st r a igh t . Dr a a ddis Vu lt er h a d pr om ised a r ewa r d of good, dwa r f-made wea pon s if t h ey fou n d t h e st r a n ger s h e wa s seekin g, bu t h e threatened punishment if they didn't do as he asked. Sh iver in g a t t h e m em or y, Sla dge r em in ded h im self h ow t h e h u m a n m a ge h a d m a de a da r k sh a pe a ppea r . Th e bla ck cr ea t u r e, like a dism em ber ed pa r t of a m oon less n igh t , h a d n ot h a d a h ea d or feet , or a n y wea pon t h a t t h e h u m a n oids cou ld see, bu t it t ook Mish a g. It ju st en veloped h im a n d h e wa s gon e. Th e wiza r d h a d t h en or der ed Sla dge t o loca t e a n d ambush a group traveling east. If he didn't capture them, the black thing would come for him and the rest of his band. Sla dge scr a t ch ed a ga in a s h e st ood st a r in g down a t t h e ca m p. H ow t o a t t a ck wa s h is pr oblem . H e kn ew h ow t o a t t a ck if h e ca m e u pon a gr ou p u n expect edly. H e'd ju st kill ever yon e a n d t a ke a n yt h in g of va lu e... bu t t h is ba t t le wou ld be different. Th e wiza r d h a d t old h im h e cou ld dest r oy a n d r ob t h e t h r ee dwa r ves, on e a Neida r a n d t h e ot h er t wo Agh a r . Th e t wo ken der a n d t h e st r a n ge lit t le cr ea t u r e t h a t t r a veled wit h them were to be taken alive. H e m u st a lso keep h is ba n d fr om sea r ch in g a n d r obbin g t h e ken der , t h ou gh h ow h e wa s t o do t h a t , h e wa s u n su r e. Th ey h a d seen t h e wiza r d, t h ey h a d h ea r d h is t h r ea t s, bu t wou ld t h ey r em em ber wh en t h eir blood wa s h ot for killin g a n d pilla gin g? H e did n ot wa n t t o be fed t o t h e bla ck t h in g beca u se som e of h is people for got t h ey m u st follow t h e wizard's rules. "Be going now?" Brudge asked.

"Wa n t t o be m ovin g t oo qu ick, n o t h in k, " t h e lea der ch ided his companion. "Ca n be u sin g a t l-a t l, " Br u dge su ggest ed, br a n dish in g h is short spear and the throwing stick. "Br a in s be lea kin g ou t , " Sla dge gr u m bled. Br u dge wa s a lwa ys t oo im pa t ien t . Sla dge a lso won der ed if h e wa s a lit t le bit of a cowa r d. H is secon d-in-com m a n d a lwa ys wa n t ed t o a t t a ck fr om a dist a n ce. H e didn 't ca r e for h a n d-to-hand fighting. "Wiza r d sa y ca n kill a ll bu t ken der a n d t h in g wit h h oofs. H ow t ell fr om h er e wh ich be h oof-feet ed?" Sla dge a sked. H is wisest cou r se wa s t o do exa ct ly a s t h e wiza r d a sked, wh ich m ea n t keepin g a ll h is people u n der st r ict con t r ol. F or t h a t , he needed a careful plan. Br u dge scr a t ch ed h is own belly, h is h ea d, a n d h is poin t ed left ear. He looked around, seeking an answer. "Ca n kill dwa r ves, " h e gr owled, low in h is t h r oa t , h is bloodlu st a lr ea dy r isin g. H e wa s st ill fin ger in g h is t h r owin g wea pon . Br u dge wa s t oo sm a r t t o en da n ger h im self unnecessarily. That was why he was second-in-command. "Bu t do som et h in g, else sleep en ds pla n s, " Br u dge sa id, pointing to the rest of the band. They were sitting on the side of t h e h ill, slu m ped a ga in st t h e boles of t h e t r ees wh ile t h eir lea der s m a de t h eir pla n s. "Ta ke ea r t h sh a ke t o be wa kin g them. " Sla dge kn ew h is com pa n ion wa s r igh t . Th ey h a d been sea r ch in g for t h e t r a veler s for da ys wit h ver y lit t le r est . At t h e m om en t t h ey wer e r u n n in g on pu sh t im e, h e ca lled it ,

u n der st a n din g bu t n ot kn owin g a n y ot h er wa y t o describe t h e n er vou s en er gy t h a t ca m e fr om pu sh in g t h e body pa st ordinary limits. Still, he knew they had to use that energy or lose it to fatigue. "Cr eep qu iet down h ill, " Sla dge in st r u ct ed. "Be close, m u st see wh ich is h oof-feet ed befor e kill t h e r est . " H e wa it ed for Br u dge t o pa ss t h e wor d t o t h e ot h er s a n d t h en led t h e wa y. H is sn ea k a t t a ck m igh t h a ve su cceeded if h is own fa t igu e h a d n ot ca u sed h im t o st ep on a lose r ock. H e slid t wen t y feet , sn a ppin g t wigs off bu sh es a n d ca u sin g a sm a ll r ock slide. Chapter 30 My Un cle Tr a pspr in ger did a dm it t h a t h is jou r n ey wit h t h e lit t le wiza r d, t h e gu lly dwa r ves, a n d t h e m er ch est i wa s interesting.... "Wheel say somebody comes!" Th e gu lly dwa r f's wa r n in g br ou gh t Tr a p ou t of a deep sleep st r a igh t t o h is feet . Ripple wa s ju st a s qu ick, h er wh ippik in her hand. Um pt h slept wit h h is ea r a ga in st t h e r u st y r im of t h e wh eel, and as usual, he was the first to give the alarm. "What-wh a t is it ?" H a lm a r a in a sked, lookin g a r ou n d. Sh e had been on guard for the last few hours of the night, but she sat in a huddle, her head nodding as she napped. "Wheel say somebody comes, " Umpth repeated.

H a lm a r a in gla r ed a t t h e gu lly dwa r f a n d r ose, lookin g around. "Who is it?" she asked. "And where is Trap?" "H e pu t on Or a n der 's r in g of in visibilit y, " Ripple sa id, scr ou n gin g in h er pou ch wit h h er left h a n d wh ile sh e h eld her whippik in the other. Mea n wh ile Tr a p, u n seen by t h e ot h er s, h a d wa lked a wa y fr om t h e fir e. At fir st h e h ea r d n ot h in g, t h en fr om h igh on t h e h illside t o t h e n or t h , h e ca u gh t t h e h iss of a wh isper ed sibila n t . H e slipped a wa y fr om ca m p a n d u p t h e h ill. In t h e da r kn ess h e pa ssed t h e h u m a n oids, a n d wou ld h a ve m issed t h em com plet ely, bu t t h e bu gbea r br in gin g u p t h e en d of t h e lin e st u bbed h is t oe on a r ock a n d st a gger ed in t o a t r ee, snapping a branch. "Oh-h o!" Tr a p m u r m u r ed. "Sn ea k u p on u s, will you ?" H e h u r r ied down t h e slope u n t il h e wa s pa cin g t h e la st h u m a n oid. H e t ook a gr ip on t h e m et a l-sh od en d of h is h oopa k a n d t h r u st t h e for ked en d bet ween t h e kn ees of t h e bugbea r . Th e h u m a n oid ga ve a h owl a n d t u m bled down t h e h ill, bowlin g over fou r h obgoblin s a n d t h r ee m or e bu gbea r s. In a n effor t t o st op t h em selves fr om fa llin g, t h ey gr a bbed a t each other. Th e wou ld-be a m bu sh er s r olled down t h e h ill t a kin g t h e steepest path, which was a dry watercourse. They rolled over r ocks a n d bou lder s a s t h ey wen t . As t h e wa t er cou r se a n gled, t h ey t u m bled down t h e sou t h er n side of t h e sm a ll h ill's spu r , downstream from the camp. Tr a p da sh ed a ft er t h em , fa scin a t ed by t h e com bin a t ion of legs, a r m s, a n d wea pon s st ickin g ou t of t h e ba ll of t a n gled bu gbea r s a n d h obgoblin s. H e discover ed h e wa s t oo in t er est ed wh en h e t r ipped over a t r ee r oot a n d wen t flyin g over a st eep in clin e. H e la n ded on t h e h u ddle of t a n gled bodies.

Th e r ea ch in g h a n d of a bu gbea r gr a bbed t h e ba ck of h is vest a n d t h e ken der fou n d h im self r ollin g wit h t h e r est . Most of h is a t t en t ion wa s t a ken u p wit h h is own pr ogr ess, bu t h e did h ea r t h e cla n g of a m et a l h elm et . It sou n ded a s if som e h ea d had struck a rock. Bein g pa r t of a ba ll wa s a n ew exper ien ce, bu t wh en t h e t a n gle r olled over , h e fou n d h im self on t h e bot t om . Th e ba n gs, br u ises, a n d t h e weigh t of t h e la r ge h u m a n oids wer e u n com for t a ble a n d n ot fu n a t a ll. Lu ckily wh en t h e t u m ble r ea ch ed t h e bot t om of t h e in clin e, t h e ken der wa s n ea r t h e t op. Th e bu gbea r r elea sed h is h old on t h e ken -der 's vest a n d h e qu ickly r olled a wa y. Ot h er s wer e st r u gglin g t o t h eir feet , t h ou gh on e bu gbea r a n d t wo h obgoblin s la y wh er e t h ey h a d st opped. On e of t h e la r ger h u m a n oids h a d a ba dly den t ed helmet. The others were half stunned and staggered about. They had r ea ch ed t h e bot t om of t h e in clin e, on ly t h r ee pa ces fr om t h e cr eek, bu t a r ou n d a ben d in t h e st r ea m a n d wer e ou t of sigh t of t h e ca m p. St u n n ed a n d seem in gly u n a wa r e of wh er e t h ey wer e, t h ey wer e n o im m edia t e t h r ea t t o t h e a dven t u r er s. Tr a p, br u ised a n d ba t t er ed bu t n ot r ea lly in ju r ed, sh ook himself and staggered toward the four bugbears who had not been ca u gh t in t h e fa ll. Th ey t oo wer e off cou r se, sea r ch in g for their stray companions. Th e r in g's spell of in visibilit y st ill h eld, so h e h a d n o fea r of get t in g close t o t h em . F ir st h e wa lked in t h e foot st eps of t h e last in line, then stepped up between the last two. They were whispering to each other, talking right over his head. Tr a p decided it wa s fu n , bein g a ble t o sn ea k u p on people wit h ou t t h eir kn owin g h e wa s t h er e. It wou ld be m or e fu n if h e u n der st ood t h eir speech , bu t even if h e cou ldn 't h e liked bein g wh er e h e wa s. H e wa s lookin g u p a t t h e h u ge cr ea t u r e beside h im wh en h e slid on a st on e a n d n ea r ly lost h is

ba la n ce. H is r igh t a r m sh ot ou t a s h e fla iled t o keep fr om fa llin g a n d t h e sh a r p, st eel t ipped poin t of h is h oopa k ja bbed one of the first two in the back. Th e big h u m a n oid t u r n ed a n d sn a r led a t t h e bu gbea r wh o followed h im . H e wa s a n swer ed in a t on e of su r pr ise a n d den ia l. Tr a p gr in n ed, wa lked qu iet ly for a few st eps, a n d poked t h e bu gbea r in t h e bu t t ocks. Th e big goblin -kin sn a r led a ga in , bu t h e didn 't t u r n a r ou n d. Th e t h ir d t im e, Tr a p ja bbed h a r der a n d t h en skipped ou t of t h e wa y a s h is victim turned on his companion. Th e en r a ged bu gbea r h owled in r a ge a n d kn ocked h is com pa n ion down . Th e su r pr ised follower ba r ked ou t a st r in g of oa t h s a n d kicked a t t h e fir st . Th eir a n gr y sh ou t s ech oed t h r ou gh t h e h ills. Th e t wo ot h er s, a n gr y t h a t t h eir su r pr ise a t t a ck h a d fa iled, t u r n ed on t h e t wo figh t er s a n d clou t ed them with the butts of their spears. Th e ken der skipped on a h ea d a n d r ea ch ed t h e ca m p. Ripple h a d been bu sy. Sh e a n d Gr od h a d t h r own t h e sa ddles on t h e pon ies. Sh e h a d t igh t en ed t h e sa ddle gir t h s on t h r ee wh ile Halmarain and Umpth kept watch. "I've slowed t h em , bu t t h ey'r e com in g, " Tr a p wh isper ed t o Ripple, wh o ju m ped a n d skit t er ed a wa y fr om t h e disem bodied voice. St ill, sh e wa s n ot on e t o squ ea k a n d squeal. "You 'r e wea r in g on e of Or a n der 's r in gs, " sh e sa id. "I wish I knew what to do with mine. " "P u t it on a n d see wh a t h a ppen s, " h e su ggest ed a s h e t ook a qu ick look over h is sh ou lder . Sin ce t h e a t t a cker s wer en 't yet in sigh t , h e t igh t en ed t wo of t h e cin ch es wh ile Ripple fin ish ed wit h t h e sixt h . Tr a p looked a r ou n d for t h e lit t le

fien d. If t h ey cou ld get h im in t o h is sa ddle, t h ey m igh t h a ve a chance to flee the humanoids. "I don't see Beglug, " he said, peering into the shadows. "Where is he?" Halmarain demanded. The little fiend had disappeared. ***** "Beglu g gon e?" Um pt h a sked, lookin g a r ou n d, h is dir t y fa ce twisted with concern. "Ma ybe t h e wh eel ca n fin d h im , " H a lm a r a in sn a pped. Th en her voice softened. "It's my fault. I couldn't saddle the ponies; I should have been watching him. " "You wer e wa t ch in g for a n a t t a ck, " Ripple sa id, a lwa ys ready with sympathy and understanding. "No on e ca n do ever yt h in g, " Tr a p sa id. "We'll ju st h a ve t o fin d h im , bu t in t h e m ea n t im e, we'll h a ve t o st a y h er e. Maybe he'll come back. " "Go fin d Beglu g n ow, " Um pt h sa id, h is ea r t o t h e m et a l r im of the wheel. "Big feet come. " "The bugbears, " Trap said, taking a good grip on his hoopak. H e r ea ch ed in h is pou ch wh er e h e kept h is slin gin g st on es. H e wa n t ed on e of t h e fla m e ba lls h e h a d picked u p in Deepdel. Th ey sh ou ld h a ve been ea sy t o fin d, h e r ea son ed, sin ce h e h a d wr a pped t h em in h is ext r a sh ir t , bu t t h e r ou n d st on es fr om t h e r iver h a d wor ked t h eir wa y t o t h e bot t om of

t h e pou ch a n d in t h e da r kn ess h e cou ld n ot t ell on e fr om t h e other. Since t h ey cou ld n ot r u n a wa y a n d lea ve t h e lit t le m er ch est i beh in d, t h ey led t h e pon ies u p t h e west er n side of t h e h ill beh in d t h em a n d st ood t h eir gr ou n d on t h e for est ed slope ju st a bove t h e ca m pfir e. Th r ee la r ge t r ees sepa r a t ed t h em fr om t h e clea r a r ea a r ou n d t h e ca m psit e. No on e m a de a decision or gave an order, it just seemed the thing to do. On t h e opposit e slope t h ey h ea r d sn a r ls a n d m u t t er ed or der s as the group of humanoids regrouped for their attack. A howl and a growled order suggested the leader was having trouble with his troops. Gr od a n n ou n ced h is in t en t ion t o fin d Beglu g a n d disa ppea r ed u p t h e h illside. Um pt h , h is expr ession fu ll of fea r , da sh ed ba ck a n d for t h fr om t h e ca m psit e t o t h e pon ies, br in gin g t h e pa cks a n d t h e beddin g t h ey h a d n ot h a d t im e t o loa d on t o t h e pa ck pon y. No on e wa r n ed h im t h a t in h is desir e t o ga t h er u p t h eir possession s, h e wa s poin t in g t h e wa y t o wh er e t h e ot h er s h id. By t h e t im e h e fin ish ed h is t r ot t in g, t h e pon ies wer e loa ded. If t h ey cou ld loca t e t h e other gully dwarf and the little fiend, they could escape. "Go fin d Beglu g?" Um pt h su ggest ed in a fr igh t en ed voice. H e threw a timid glance over his shoulder. "All go find Beglug. " "We ca n 't be r u n n in g a r ou n d in t h e woods in t h e da r k, " H a lm a r a in sa id. "Ou r on ly ch a n ce is t o st a y t oget h er , t h ou gh I ca n 't t h in k wh a t we ca n do a ga in st bu gbea r s. " H er voice trembled, but she stood ready. "See if you ca n r em em ber a spell, " Ripple su ggest ed t o H a lm a r a in . "Ma ybe if you decide on on e befor e t h ey a t t a ck, you can use your magic. "

"I'm trying, " the little wizard whispered and muttered under h er br ea t h . Sh e squ ea ked sligh t ly a s t h ey sa w m ovem en t u n der t h e t r ees on t h e ot h er side of t h e st r ea m . Th e dozen la r ge h u m a n oids st epped ou t in t o t h e m oon ligh t a cr oss t h e st r ea m fr om t h e ca m pfir e. Th ey h a d n ot seen t h e fou r t r a veler s ben ea t h t h e sh a dows of t h e t r ees on t h e h illside, nor the ponies tethered further up the slope. "Now it wea r s ou t , " Tr a p m u t t er ed in disgu st a s h e discover ed h e wa s visible a ga in . "If we ever see Or a n der a ga in , I'm goin g t o spea k t o h im a bou t h is m a gic. " H e t ook off t h e r in g a n d st or ed it ba ck in h is pou ch , feelin g for t h e second one. "I wish t h is r in g h a d som e m a gic, " Ripple sa id, h oldin g u p h er h a n d for h im t o see sh e wa s wea r in g t h e r in g sh e h a d t a ken fr om Or a n der 's ch est . "I wish it wou ld m a ke m e t wice as large as a bugbear and then they'd see something-oops!" Br a n ch es sn a pped a s Ripple sh ot u p t o n ea r ly fift een feet in height. "Wow! Big jiggies! H ow did you do t h a t ?" h er br ot h er a sked, st eppin g qu ickly a wa y fr om t h e en la r gin g feet of h is sist er . "Can you make me big too?" "I don 't kn ow h ow I did it , " sh e sa id a s sh e st epped a wa y fr om t h e con fin in g t r ee lim bs. As sh e pu sh ed on e a side, t h ey h ea r d a squ a ll of fea r . Ripple looked u p, r ea ch ed ou t a n d plucked Beglu g ou t of t h e t r ee. Wh en sh e lower ed h im t o t h e gr ou n d, h e looked a r ou n d wit h sleepy eyes a n d ya wn ed widely. "If Gr od wer e h er e we cou ld.... " Tr a p h a d in t en ded t o sa y "lea ve, " bu t t h er e wa s n o poin t . Th eir t a lk, t h e n oise of

Ripple's gr owt h , a n d Beglu g's h owl of fr igh t h a d dr a wn t h e bu gbea r s. Th ey h a d n ot seen Ripple, sin ce sh e wa s st ill hidden from them by the leaves of the tall trees. Th e la r gest of t h e bu gbea r s ch a r ged t owa r d t h e t r ees, bu t a ft er t h r ee st eps h e st opped, r oa r ed a t t h e ot h er s, a n d let t h em pa ss h im by. H e followed close beh in d, wh a ckin g t wo bu gbea r s wh ose pa ce h a d slowed. Th ey spla sh ed t h r ou gh t h e stream, passed the dying campfire, and started up the slope. Ripple pu sh ed pa st t h e con cea lin g t r ees a n d st epped in t o t h e open t o m eet t h e fir st t wo a t t a cker s. Th e h u m a n -oids skidded t o a st op a n d st a r ed u p a t h er . Bot h wer e bu gbea r s, seven feet t a ll a n d u sed t o t h in kin g of t h em selves a s t h e la r gest a n d m ost fier ce cr ea t u r es in t h e wor ld. Th ey st ood st a r in g, t h eir low for eh ea ds wr in kled in con fu sion , t h eir t a ll, pointed ears twitching. "H ello, " Ripple sa id a s sh e r ea ch ed ou t a n d gr a bbed t h e nearest by the arm and slung him back on his companions. "I'm gla d you ca m e t o visit , " sh e ca u gh t t h e secon d's spea r wh ich h e poin t ed a t h er a s h e t r ied t o ba ck a wa y. H is own grip on his weapon jerked him forward. "Let's play a game. " Sh e ca u gh t h im u p by t h e sh ou lder a n d sla m m ed h im in t o three others, knocking all four back into the stream. Tr a p h a d fou n d t h e secon d of t h e t wo r in gs h e h a d t a ken fr om Or a n der 's t r ea su r e ch est . H e slipped it on h is fin ger , dr ew a st on e fr om h is pou ch a n d fit t ed it in t o t h e slin g of h is h oopa k. H e ca u gh t sigh t of t h e la r gest bu gbea r wh o h a d slipped ou t fr om beh in d t h e r est of t h e r et r ea t in g gr ou p. Th e

h u m a n oid u sed t h e n igh t sh a dows t o slip a r ou n d beh in d Ripple. "Th is sh ou ld st op you , " h e m u r m u r ed a s h e wh ir led h is h oopa k. Un for t u n a t ely, wh ile h is a t t en t ion wa s on t h e slin g a n d t wir lin g it over h is h ea d, h e for got a bou t t h e r in g. H e t ook a st ep for wa r d t o pu t m or e for ce beh in d h is t h r ow. H is u n lu cky st ep ca r r ied h im well a wa y fr om t h e t r ees a n d h e sla m m ed u p a ga in st a bu gbea r wh o wa s ju st com in g ou t of the shadows on the far side of the stream. The stone went wild and struck Ripple on the back of her left ca lf. Sh e jer ked h er leg ba ck a n d kicked t h e bu g-bea r wh o wa s sn ea kin g u p on h er fr om beh in d. H e ga ve a h owl a s h e sa iled t h r ou gh t h e a ir , sla m m ed in t o t h e t r u n k of a t r ee, a n d slid to the ground. Tr a p, sligh t ly st u n n ed by h is collision wit h t h e bu gbea r , sh ook h is h ea d, gla n ced a t t h e r in g on h is fin ger , a n d cr owed with delight. "That was fun!" H e st a r ed a t on e of t h e bu gbea r s wh o h a d r ega in ed h is feet a ft er bein g bowled over by Ripple. Th e m a le ken der t ook a st ep in t h e bu gbea r 's dir ect ion a n d sla m m ed in t o h im . The big humanoid went flying back into the stream. "On e m or e t im e, " Tr a p sa id, h is ea r s r in gin g fr om t h e im pa ct . H e t ook a st ep t owa r d a n ot h er bu gbea r , bu t h is a im wa s sligh t ly off a n d t h e bu gbea r , su dden ly n ot icin g Ripple wa s t u r n in g h er a t t en t ion t owa r d h im , ba cked a wa y. Tr a p fou n d h im self on t h e h illside, ben ea t h t h e sh a dows of t h e t r ees, a n d h e h a d fou n d a t a r get . H e h a d collided wit h Gr od. Lu ckily, t h e gu lly dwa r f h a d been n ea r t h e en d of t h e gia n t step.

Gr od picked h im self u p. "No fin d Beglu g, " h e sa id. "Wa s com in g ba ck. " Th e la st sou n ded a s if it cou ld be a n a ccu sa t ion , a s if Tr a p h a d n ot n eeded t o be so a br u pt in approaching him. "We found Beglug and Umpth's looking after him, " Trap told Grod. "You go help him. " Th e ken der t u r n ed, r ea dy for a n ot h er gia n t st ep, bu t m ost of t h e bu gbea r s a n d h obgoblin s-t h ose st ill a ble t o st a n d-were r et r ea t in g a cr oss t h e cr eek. Ripple wa s scou r gin g t h em wit h h er wh ippik, wh ich , sin ce sh e h a d been h oldin g it wh en sh e made her wish, had grown with her. Th e st u n n ed lea der h a d r ega in ed con sciou sn ess a ga in . H e h a d fou n d h is sh or t spea r a n d h is spea r -t h r owin g st ick, which the humanoids called an atl-atl. He was taking aim on Ripple's r et r ea t in g ba ck wh en Tr a p wh ipped ou t a st on e a n d sen t it flyin g t owa r d t h e bu gbea r . Th is t im e h e h a d fou n d a n explodin g fir e globe, a n d it cr a sh ed in t o t h e ba ck of t h e h u m a n oid lea der . Th e bu gbea r felt t h e fir e t h r ou gh h is leather vest and ran howling toward the stream. Most of t h e bu gbea r s a n d h obgoblin s h a d lost t h eir la r ger wea pon s. Som e h a d been dr opped in t h e t u m ble down t h e h ill. Ot h er s h a d been kn ocked fr om t h eir h a n ds wh en Ripple h a d t h r own on e a t t a cker in t o a gr ou p of t h e ot h er s. Two h a d a xes, a n d on e a sh or t spea r , bu t t h eir r ea ch cou ld n ot m a t ch t h a t of t h e gia n t ken der gir l. Sh e deliver ed a r a in of st in gin g blows with the leather loop of the huge whippik. Down st r ea m fr om Ripple, t h e lea der of t h e a t t a cker s spla sh ed ou t of t h e wa t er , t h e ba ck of h is vest st ill st ea m in g. He skulked into the woods.

Th e lea der less h u m a n oids h owled in pa in a n d sn a r led t h r ea t s a s t h ey scu t t led a cr oss t h e sm a ll clea r in g a n d in t o t h e t r ees. Ripple wa s r ea dy t o follow wh en H a lm a r a in shouted for her to come back. Tr a p t ook a gia n t st ep t h r ou gh t h e t r ees t o join t h e ot h er s a s Ripple ea sily over st epped t h e st r ea m a n d ca m e ba ck in t o t h e trees, pushing limbs aside as if they were tall weeds. "We've got ever yon e t oget h er , let 's lea ve befor e you r spell wears off, " the little wizard said. "Until it does, Ripple can't ride, " Trap reminded Halmarain. "But I can wish myself-" "No!" H a lm a r a in in t er r u pt ed. "I don 't kn ow h ow m a n y wish es you ca n expect fr om t h e r in g, bu t it won 't be m a n y. Don't waste them. " Ripple lift ed Beglu g in t o h is sa ddle wit h on e h a n d wh ile t h e ot h er s m ou n t ed. Tr a p led h is sist er 's pon y a s well a s t h ose of t h e gu lly dwa r ves. H a lm a r a in followed h im wit h Beglu g's m ou n t a n d t h e pa ck pon y a s u su a l. Ripple wa lked beh in d them, watching their back trail for any sign of the bugbears. J u st befor e t h ey r ea ch ed t h e edge of t h e for est , Ripple shrank suddenly to her original size. "I'm gla d, " H a lm a r a in sa id. "We don 't n eed a gia n t followin g us on the open plain. You would have been seen for miles. " On ce t h ey wer e ou t of t h e for est , Tr a p a n gled sou t h ea st wh er e a swa le pr even t ed t h em fr om bein g seen fr om a dist a n ce. Th ey con t in u ed wit h in it s pr ot ect ion u n t il a ft er

da wn . Th en t h ey a n gled n or t h ea st t o bypa ss a n ot h er spu r of mountains. Late that afternoon they stopped, again choosing low ground. H a lm a r a in lit a fir e a n d Ripple cooked t wo r a bbit s Tr a p h a d killed wit h st on es fr om h is h oopa k. Wh ile t h e t ir ed pon ies gr a zed a n d H a lm a r a in wa t ch ed t h e fir e, Tr a p a n d Ripple walked up the slope to find a good place to keep watch. "Stay low, " Halmarain called to them. "As if we didn 't r ide over t h is r idge less t h a n a n h ou r a go, " Trap complained. Th ey st a yed low wh en t h ey r ea ch ed t h e t op of t h e slope, lookin g a r ou n d wit h ou t m u ch in t er est . Th ey h a d seen enough grassland to last them for a while. "Wh a t 's t h a t ?" Ripple cr ou ch ed a s sh e poin t ed ou t m ovem en t to the northeast. "It looks like the dwarves who have been following us, " Trap said. "And would you believe it, they are ahead of us again!" Chapter 31 "What sort of creatures live in ruins?" Trap asked. He turned in t h e sa ddle, lookin g ba ck over h is sh ou lder a t H a lm a r a in , and waited for an answer. "Th in gs you don 't wa n t t o kn ow a n yt h in g a bou t ," sh e sa id, bu t t h e in t er est ed glea m in t h e ken der 's eye ca u sed h er t o a m en d h er a n swer . "Th in gs I don 't wa n t t o kn ow a n yt h in g about. Things that might endanger Beglug."

"Som et h in g else we don 't get t o see," Tr a p m u m bled, t u r n in g ba ck t o wa t ch t h e t r a il a h ea d of t h em . H e t u r n ed in t h e sa ddle a ga in , h is eyebr ows down , h is voice h a r sh in t h e wa y of angry kender. "We h a ven 't h a d m u ch fu n on t h is wh ole t r ip," h e sa id. "When we fin d t h is n ew wiza r d, I wa n t t o see som e m a gic, a n d if I don 't . . . ." H e let t h e t h r ea t lie, n ot su r e wh a t h e would do. "And so will Ripple," he warned. Tr a p felt u sed a n d a bu sed. Th ey wer e ju st pa ssin g t h e r u in s of Pey in the distance and he wanted to explore. Th e lit t le wiza r d h a d h ea r d of P ey, kn ew it 's loca t ion a n d kn ew t h a t t h ey wer e close. Sin ce t h ey h a d seen t h e dwa r ves on t h e h or izon , sh e h a d in sist ed t h ey t r a vel by n igh t except t h r ou gh t h e a r ea n ea r t h e r u in s. F or som e r ea son sh e refused to explain to the kender, she seemed to be terrified of getting close to Pey. They were riding through the night again. Tr a p cou ld see on ly on e a dva n t a ge t o n igh t t r a vel; Beglu g slept in t h e sa ddle a n d didn 't t or m en t t h e pa ck pon y. Th e lit t le m er ch est i wa s becom in g m ea n er ever y da y. J u st befor e t h ey br oke ca m p h e h a d u sed h is n ewest t r ee lim b t o swa t Umpth, chasing the gully dwarf around the camp. Th e t wo ken der a n d Gr od ca u gh t t h e in fa n t fien d a n d t ook h is swit ch a wa y, bu t t h e m er ch est i's squ ea ls a n d squ a lls of frustration were so loud he could be heard for miles.

"Give it ba ck t o h im ," H a lm a r a in h a d sa id wit h a sigh . Sh e h a d u sed a ll h er ca lm in g spells on h im , bu t h er m a gic h a d less a n d less effect on h im a s h e gr ew. Sh e wa s st u dyin g t o r elea r n t h e spells. Befor e lon g t h ey'd on ly give t h em a br ief respite from his caterwauling. "Wh y don 't you ju st t u r n h im in t o a fr og or som et h in g u n t il we r ea ch t h e wiza r d?" Ripple a sked. "We cou ld pu t h im in a sa ck a n d h e'd be ea sier t o m a n a ge." Sin ce t h e ken der gir l loved t h e pon ies, a n d Beglu g t or m en t ed t h em a t ever y oppor t u n it y, sh e h a d developed a n a ct ive dislike of t h e merchesti. "Beca u se I don 't kn ow h ow," H a lm a r a in m u t t er ed. "If I did, we would have had a lot less trouble on the journey." "No can make frog?" Grod demanded. Tr a p st a r ed a t t h e lit t le wiza r d for a m om en t a n d t h en st a r t ed t o la u gh . H e la u gh ed u n t il h e cou ldn 't st a n d u p a n d so h e sa t on t h e gr ou n d. Ripple st a r ed a t h im in con fu sion , but she soon started to giggle, infected by his mood. "Wh a t 's t h e m a t t er wit h you t wo?" H a lm a r a in dem a n ded. "Along comes a wizard and sits on a log," Trap gasped. Ripple instantly caught on. "And threatens to turn us all into frogs," she added. Grod laughed and started to clap. "I don't need any of that," Halmarain shouted. "She huffs and she puffs and fills us with fear," Trap giggled.

"Bu t h er spells a n d h er t h r ea t s n ever a ppea r , Ripple ca pped him, with a sly look at the tiny wizard. "Gr od m a ke on e!" t h e gu lly dwa r f sh ou t ed a t t h e ken -der, ju m pin g u p a n d down wit h excit em en t . Wh en h e h a d t h eir a t t en t ion , h e pu ffed h im self u p wit h a h u ge in -dr a wn br ea t h and clasped his hands behind his back. "No more have to wash!" he said and waited expectantly. "By golly and gosh," Trap obligingly did the capping. "Ar e you fin ish ed?" H a lm a r a in a sked qu iet ly. Sh e h a d ju st lost her major weapon against the dirt on the gully dwarves. Since he still did not know their destination, Trap had begun t h e n ext leg of t h eir jou r n ey on a n a n gle t h a t wou ld t a ke t h em pa st t h e la st m ou n t a in s in t h e n ext ch a in , approximately twenty five miles to the east. "No, we sh ou ld go dir ect ly ea st fr om P ey," t h e lit t le wiza r d t old h im wh en sh e r ea lized t h ey wer e on a n or t h -easterly cou r se. We wa n t t o r ea ch t h e m ou n t a in s a bou t t en m iles sou t h of Ca st le Ku r st . Th en t h e dwa r f n eckla ce will com e in handy." "You m ea n we'r e n ea r ly t h er e?" Tr a p cou ld h a r dly believe it . "We'll find this new wizard and see some magic?" The kender referred to the magic-user at the end of the trail as the "new" one since finding him was their newest goal. "I don 't pr om ise you a n yt h in g," H a lm a r a in sa id qu iet ly. "Remember, I don't know Chalmis Rosterig. All I'm sure of is that he is a wizard of great power."

"H ey! Gr ea t ! Now we kn ow h is n a m e a n d we'll soon be there." H a vin g a n a m e seem ed t o m a ke t h e wiza r d m or e r ea l. Tr a p u r ged h is pon y for wa r d, a n xiou s t o r ea ch t h eir dest in a t ion . Th e wiza r d's ch a m ber s wou ld be fu ll of a ll sor t s of t h in gs t o see and touch, and he might be able to talk Chalmis Rosterig into showing them some fun magic. Th ey r ode t h r ou gh t h e n igh t a n d da wn fou n d t h em in t h e m iddle of t h e h ill cou n t r y bet ween t h e r u in s of P ey a n d t h e west er n m ost spu r of t h e Kh a lkist Mou n t a in s. Th ey m a de ca m p a n d slept t h r ou gh m ost of t h e da y, bu t du r in g t h e la t e a ft er n oon t h ey wer e a wa ken ed by t h e scr ea m of on e of t h e pon ies. As u su a l, Tr a p woke r isin g, h is h oopa k in h is h a n d. H is fir st t h ou gh t wa s t h a t t h e dwa r ves or t h e kobolds m igh t be a t t a ckin g. H e wa s st u n n ed a n d disgu st ed t o see Beglu g squ a t t in g on t h e gr ou n d, ju st ou t of r ea ch of H a lm a r a in 's m ou n t . It wa s on t h e gr ou n d, it s legs t h r a sh in g. E ven a s t h e ken der st a r ed, t h e kicks wea ken ed a n d t h e a n im a l died. Th e little merchesti had bitten out its throat. "Oh ! No! No, n o." Ripple r u sh ed for wa r d, st opped a few feet a wa y a n d sobbed. Th e ken der gir l loved t h e pon ies a n d begr u dged n o wor k in r u bbin g t h em down , com bin g t h eir manes and tails and brushing their hides. "Beglu g! Ba d! Ba d!" Tr a p yelled a t t h e lit t le cr ea t u r e, st ill too shocked to say more. H a lm a r a in r u sh ed over , m u t t er ed a spell, a n d t h e evil glow in t h e m er ch est i's eyes died ou t . H e h u m m ed h is ca lm lit t le sou n ds a n d st ood. Wh en H a lm a r a in t old h im t o, h e wandered back to the fire to curl up and sleep again.

"I t old you t h a t m on st er wa s evil," t h e lit t le wiza r d sa id, staring at her dead pony. "No good m a ke La va Belly sleep," Um pt h sa id, st a r in g a t t h e dead animal. "Him eat pony now, no bad two days maybe." "H e will n ot ea t t h a t a n im a l!" H a lm a r a in sn a pped. "Th e la st thing we need is for him to develop a taste for our mounts." "No m a ke good m a gic," Gr od sa id a s h e t oo st a r ed a t t h e carcass. "Too heavy. No can carry." They cooked a quick meal, loaded the surviving animals, and br oke ca m p. H a lm a r a in r ode t h e pa ck a n im a l a n d t h ey divided t h e su pplies bet ween t h em , loa din g a few on t h e ba cks of h er m ou n t , a n d t h ose r idden by t h e Agh a r a n d t h e kender. At da wn of t h e secon d da y, t h ey fou n d a deep gu lly wh er e they would not be seen and made camp. Not two miles ahead was the foot of the first mountain in the range. "Wh en we fin ish ea t in g ca n we go visit t h e wiza r d?" Ripple a sked. Sh e wa s a s h a ppy a s h er br ot h er t o h a ve t h e bor in g trip behind them. "Th a t wou ld be n ice," t h e lit t le wiza r d a gr eed wit h a despondent sigh. "Gee! You sou n d sa d. I t h ou gh t you 'd be h a ppy t o be h er e," Trap said, surprised that she seemed disappointed. "We st ill h a ve t o sea r ch m iles of m ou n t a in s for a h idden en t r a n ce t o a n a ba n don ed dwa r f cit y-on e a ba n don ed a

t h ou sa n d yea r s a go," H a lm a r a in sa id. "Th a t will be t h e hardest part of our journey." "H a r d? No, it 'll be fu n . I like lookin g for t h in gs," Ripple sa id. "How do we recognize it when we find it?" "I don't know." Th e ken der st a r ed a t H a lm a r a in . E ven t h e gu lly dwa r ves paused, forgetting to eat as they gazed at the wizard. "Wizard no smart," Umpth said. "Done said that," Grod agreed. "J u st sh u t u p!" H a lm a r a in ju m ped u p a n d st om ped a wa y fr om t h e ca m psit e, h er t in y feet m a kin g poofs of du st in t h e dry bed of the gully. "Sh e's t ir ed," Ripple sa id. "Wh en a per son is ver y t ir ed, ever yt h in g seem s h a r der t h a n it r ea lly is. Bu t I don 't see t h e difficulty. We won't have any trouble finding the entrance." "How do that?" Umpth asked. "You 'r e dwa r ves-n ot H yla r , Neida r , Da ewa r , a n d cer t a in ly n ot Da er ga r , bu t dwa r ves. You sh ou ld be a ble t o fin d t h e entrance to this dwarf city." "Th e Agh a r don 't live u n der gr ou n d," Tr a p r em in ded h er . "They don't know anything about mines and caverns."

"Aglest Cla n u se wh eel," Um pt h a n n ou n ced. "Wh eel kn ow everything." "Kn ow m or e t h a n h u m a n wiza r d," Gr od sa id, t u r n in g so it was apparent he was speaking to Umpth. "Ca n fin d villa ge," Um pt h a gr eed. H e scu t t led a r ou n d t o sit fa cin g Gr od a n d h eld u p on e fin ger , t h en a secon d. "Wh eel kn ow som eon e com es, t wo t im es." H e h eld u p t wo m or e fin ger s, beca m e con fu sed. H e st a r ed a t t h e t h r ee fin ger s, con fu sed beca u se on e lim it in g t r a it of t h eir r a ce wa s t h eir in a bilit y t o cou n t a bove t wo. H e solved h is pr oblem by tucking one finger under his grubby thumb. "Wheel find Trap," Grod said, holding up a finger. H a lm a r a in 's fit of t em per h a d n ot t a ken h er fa r fr om ca m p and as she returned she heard the last of the conversation. "Th a t 's en ou gh !" H a lm a r a in sh ou t ed a t t h e dwa r ves, r em em ber ed lou d n oises cou ld a t t r a ct u n wa n t ed a t t en t ion , then spoke more softly. "If that wheel is so powerful, I'll let it find the entrance to the dwarf caverns." "Does this place have a name?" Trap asked. "Digon da m a a r , it m ea n s 't h e golden h a lls' in t h e Neida r tongue." "Neidar?" Trap looked up. "Rea lly? Th a t 's in t er est in g. Tell u s a bou t it ," Ripple su ggest ed. "P er h a ps kn owin g m or e cou ld h elp u s loca t e t h e entrance."

"Th is cit y isn 't H yla r . Th e Neida r st a r t ed t h e m in es a n d t h e cit y m or e t h a n a t h ou sa n d yea r s a go. F or som e r ea son t h ey a ba n don ed it ," H a lm a r a in sa id, t h en pa u sed t o sigh befor e con t in u in g. "H ow m u ch t h ey bu ilt , h ow deep t h ey delved, a n d wh y t h ey left a r e secr et s kn own on ly t o t h e dwa r ves. Ch a lm is Rost er ig lives in t h e u n der gr ou n d ch a m ber s n ea r on e of t h e en t r a n ces-t h e west en t r a n ce, a ccor din g t o r u m or . That's all I know." "Th a t 's r ea lly n ot m u ch ," Tr a p sa id wit h a h in t of cen su r e. "An d you didn 't m a ke m u ch a t a le of it . St ill, it 's a st a r t . You stay in camp with Beglug and rest. We'll go searching for the en t r a n ce. If t wo ken der a n d t wo gu lly dwa r ves ca n 't fin d t h e entrance, it isn't there." H a lm a r a in a ppea r ed u n decided. Sh e gla n ced a r ou n d t h e ca m p, wh ich wa s well h idden in t h e gu lly, a n d t h en a t t h e little fiend, who had curled up in the early morning sunshine and was asleep. "I know. I'll get you some water from the stream and you can h a ve som e m or e t ea ," Ripple sa id qu ickly. "You ca n sit a n d relax and let us explor-search." "Ta ke ca r e, you don 't kn ow wh a t sor t of cr ea t u r es you m igh t find in those mountains," Halmarain said. Tr a p con sider ed t h e wiza r d's wa r n in g a n d ch ecked h is pou ch es t o see if h e h a d a n y m or e st on es for h is h oopa k pou ch . H is explor in g fin ger s discover ed som et h in g h e cou ld not identify by feel and he drew it out. "I h a d for got t en a bou t t h is," h e sa id, in spect in g t h e sm a ll, gray-gr een gla ss disk. H e m oved it t o a n ot h er pou ch t o m a ke sure he didn't make a mistake and use it as a slinging stone.

***** Ast in u s of P a la n t h u s is r u m or ed t o ser ve t h e god Zivit yn or per h a ps Gilea n , t h e god of kn owledge. No on e h a s ever kn own t h e t r u t h . Never t h eless, h e sh ook h is h ea d a s h e described the satisfaction in the Dark Queen's voice.... "At la st !" Ta kh isis sa id, h er wor ds a sigh of r elief. Th en sh e ga ve a sn or t of disgu st . "Th ey'r e in som e gu lly, a n d I ca n 't see the surrounding area. "Look a t t h ose st r ia t ion s of r ed a n d gr a y," Dr a a ddis Vu lt er poin t ed. "Th er e's on ly on e pla ce on Kr yn n wh er e t h a t geologica l a n om a ly occu r s. Th ey'r e ea st of h er e... in t h e h ill country. They passed right by us!" "At least that stupid kender hasn't lost the viewing disk." As t h ey wa t ch ed, t h e ken der slipped t h e viewin g disk ba ck in t o h is pou ch a n d a sm a ll da r k clou d h over ed over it s m a t e that lay on the mirror in Draaddis' laboratory. "I will h a ve t h em , Dr a a ddis." Th e Da r k Qu een 's voice wa s fu ll of m en a ce. "You will n ot em ploy a n y m or e fools. No dea t h kn igh t s, n o goblin s, n o bu gbea r s, n o kobolds... a n d if you value your life, no more mistakes." Th e ch a m ber seem ed t o fill wit h a n evil va por a ga in . F r om it ca m e t h e gr a spin g a r m s on wh ich lon g-fin ger ed h a n ds reached out with even longer claws. Draaddis felt the ripping of h is skin , t h e flesh bein g t or n fr om h is fa ce a n d lim bs. No m a t t er t h a t t h e wiza r d kn ew h is t or t u r e wa s illu sion , t h e pa in in h is m in d wa s r ea l. H e scr ea m ed a n d fell, beggin g h is senses for the oblivion of unconsciousness or death. Since the wounds were mere illusions, he received neither.

Dim ly, bet ween h is own scr ea m s, h e cou ld h ea r t h e lit t le winged rat shrieking. It staggered out from behind a stack of books a n d fla pped it 's win gs pa t h et ica lly, a s if it h a d lost t h e ability to fly. Wh en t h e illu sion fa ded, a n d t h e pa in wit h it , t h e r a t con t in u ed t o wh im per . Dr a a ddis wa s m in u t es get t in g h is breath, calming his senses, and regaining his feet. "Do you u n der st a n d, Vu lt er ? I will h a ve t h e ken der ; I will have that stone." "I sh a ll begin m y sea r ch a t on ce," Dr a a ddis bowed t o h is qu een . H e did n ot t ell h er t h a t t h e h ills bet ween P ey a n d t h e west er n m ost r a n ge of t h e Kh a lkist Mou n t a in s wer e r iddled with deep gullies, all looking just alike. ***** Two h u n dr ed feet a bove t h e la bor a t or y t h e old wolf h a d leaped from his bed of leaves and streaked out into the night. H e kept h is left h in d leg r a ised, beca u se som e cr ea t u r e wit h claws had reached from a cloud and had torn his flesh. H e r a ced a r ou n d t h e r u in s a n d a s h e t u r n ed t h e cor n er , h e pa ssed t wo squ ir r els wh o wer e squ a bblin g over a pla ce t o bu r y som e ea r ly r ipen in g n u t s. Bowled over , t h e squ ir r els rolled in the high grass as the wolf went by. H e r a n for h a lf a m ile befor e h e r ea lized h e h a d begu n t o u se t h e in ju r ed leg. H e slowed t o a t r ot a n d t h en a wa lk a n d stopped. Th e pla ce seem ed sa fe a n d h e wa n t ed t o clea n t h e wou n d befor e it bega n t o h u r t a ga in . H e in spect ed h is fu r and found no mark. What was happening to him?

Chapter 32 My Un cle Tr a pspr in ger on ce t old m e t h a t som et im es t h e h a r dest pa r t t o u n lockin g a lock or spr in gin g a t r a p wa s in loca t in g it . H e a lso t old m e h e lea r n ed t h a t pa r t icu la r lesson on his first journey.... "F in din g Neida r m in e h a r d," Um pt h sa id. "Tir ed." H e plopped down on the ground, sending the dust flying. "Bu gs a n d wor m s! You 'r e a s ba d a s H a lm a r a in . We won 't h a ve a n y t r ou ble," Tr a p sa id. "We ju st h a ve t o fin d t h e r igh t place." Th ey h a d left H a lm a r a in in ca m p a n d been sea r ch in g for n ea r ly t h e en t ir e da y. Th e dwa r ves wer e t ir ed a n d so wer e t h e ken der , bu t t h e la t t er wer e t h or ou gh ly en joyin g t heir escape from the little wizard's fears and gripes. "H ey! Big jigger s! I for got ! I kn ow wh a t we sh ou ld do," Tr a p sa id a s h e pu lled t h e dwa r f n eckla ce fr om h is pou ch . H e h a d pu r loin ed it fr om H a lm a r a in 's ba g. It wa s t h e fir st t im e h e h a d deliber a t ely t a ken a n yt h in g fr om h er , bu t h e t h ou gh t t h ey m igh t n eed it . J u st befor e t h ey left ca m p h e r em em ber ed t h er e h a d been t in y dr a win gs a r ou n d t h e r im of t h e disks a n d m a n y of t h em wer e of m ou n t a in s. If t h ey r epr esen t ed t h e t er r a in a bove t h e dwa r f m in es h e m igh t find a m a t ch . Th a t h a d been h is in t en t ion wh en h e t ook t h e necklace. Shortly after leaving camp he had become absorbed in t h e su r r ou n din gs a n d h a d for got t en a ll a bou t t h e disks and his need for them. Wh ile Um pt h sa t on t h e du st y gr ou n d, Gr od h a d a n n ou n ced h is in t en t ion t o sea r ch for a n ot h er dea d a n im a l t o u se for Agh a r m a gic a n d wa lked u p t h e m ou n t a in side a sh or t

dist a n ce. H e occa sion a lly spla sh ed in a t in y br ook befor e h e dropped to sit under a tree. "Cool here," he called to his brother. Th e ken der kn ew t h e gu lly dwa r ves wou ld n ot be t r a velin g fu r t h er u n t il t h ey r est ed, so br ot h er a n d sist er fou n d a bou lder a n d sa t close t oget h er . Tr a p t ook on e side of t h e n eckla ce a n d Ripple t h e ot h er , lookin g for sket ch es of m ou n t a in t ops a n d com pa r in g t h em wit h t h e scen e in fr on t of t h em . Th ey wer e wor kin g t h eir wa y st ea dily a r ou n d t h e st r in g of disks wh en Tr a p looked u p, ba ck a t t h e disk h e held, and crowed. "Look! See t h e dou ble pea k?" H e poin t ed fir st t o t h e m ou n t a in a n d t h en t o t h e disk. "An d r igh t beyon d it is t h a t tall rock formation." "Yes. Th a t 's t h e r igh t disk," Ripple sa id, bu t I don 't see t h e m ou n t a in s in fr on t of it ." Th ey st ood a n d looked a r ou n d, t r yin g t o decide fr om wh ich a n gle t h e t in y sket ch h a d been drawn. Gr od h a d a ppa r en t ly h a d en ou gh r est ; wh en t h e ken der st a r t ed wa lkin g a bou t , h e ca m e down t h e h ill t o join t h em . E a ch t im e t h ey h a d in spect ed t h e st r in g of ca r ved disks t h e sm a ller gu lly dwa r f h a d expr essed a n u n -Agh a r in t er est , bu t t h is t im e h e ign or ed it . H e wa lked over t o h is br ot h er wh o still sat in the dust. "Tired, tired, hungry," he said. "Go camp. Sleep." "E a t , t h en sleep," Um pt h sa id, get t in g t h e pr ior it ies in t h e correct order. He scrambled to his feet.

"No! Not yet , we st ill h a ve som e da yligh t left ," Ripple object ed, bu t t h is t im e t h e gu lly dwa r ves wer e n ot a m en a ble to persuasion. "Go now," Umpth said, and kept walking east. "St op! Wa it ! We've fou n d t h e disk. . . ." Tr a p h a d st a r t ed t o object a n d ga ve u p. H e u n der st ood h ow t h ey felt . Th ey h a d r idden a ll n igh t a n d h a d spen t t h e da y wa n der in g in t h e mountains. He was tired too, but he resented the defection of the dwarves, but even he was too tired to argue very much. "Thorns and thistles. A plague on gully dwarves. We can't let t h em go a lon e," Ripple sa id. "Th ey'll get lost in a ll t h ose gullies." Th e su n wa s dippin g below t h e m ou n t a in s t o t h e west wh en t h ey r ea ch ed t h e ca m p in t h e a r r oyo. Th ey fou n d H a lm a r a in qu a r r elin g a bou t ca r r yin g wa t er for t h e st ew on ly t o h a ve Beglu g pou r it ou t on t h e gr ou n d wh er e h e wa s bu sily pla yin g wit h t h e soft en ed cla y. H e h a d pla st er ed h im self with the quickly hardening mixture. "At lea st h e didn 't t r y t o ea t a n y m or e pon ies," t h e lit t le wizard said with a sigh. "Or t h e st ew," Ripple sa id a ppr ecia t ively. Du r in g t h eir r ide t h e n igh t befor e, Tr a p h a d been lu cky en ou gh t o kill t h r ee r a bbit s. On e h a d sa t isfied Beglu g's gr owin g a ppet it e for meat. The other two were simmering in a savory stew. Th e gu lly dwa r ves wer e t r yin g t o h elp t h em selves wh en H a lm a r a in sla pped Um pt h 's h a n ds wit h h er wooden spoon . She hurriedly dished out two large helpings before the Aghar reached in the pot with their dirty hands.

Sh e filled bowls for t h e ken der a n d t h ey a ll sa t in a cir cle a s t h ey a t e. Aft er a good sleep, t h e lit t le wiza r d wa s m or e h opefu l a n d m or e ch eer fu l t h a n sh e h a d been t h a t m or n in g. She said nothing when the two kender told her about finding a m ou n t a in pea k t h a t cor r espon ded wit h t h e dr a win g on on e of the disks, but her eyes brightened. E ven t h e ken der wer e t oo h u n gr y t o t a lk m u ch du r in g t h eir m ea l. Th e gu lly dwa r ves gobbled down t h eir fir st h elpin g a n d fin ish ed off a n ot h er wh ile t h e ken der wer e st ill on t h eir first bowl. "Sleep n ow," Um pt h a n n ou n ced in a t on e t h a t br ooked n o a r gu m en t . H e picked u p h is bedr oll a n d st u m ped over t o a level area. "Sleep good," Gr od a gr eed, followin g h is br ot h er . "Door n o go 'way. Dwarves no go 'way too." "Wh a t ? Wh a t door ? Wh a t dwa r ves?" Tr a p pu t h is h a lf filled bowl a side a n d ju m ped t o h is feet , followin g Gr od. "Wh a t dwarves? Where were they?" "H ey, don 't gla r e a t m e. I didn 't see a n y dwa r ves," Ripple said when Halmarain turned a questioning eye on her. "See fr om h ill," Gr od sa id a s h e cu r led u p in h is bla n ket a n d closed his eyes. "From what hill?" Halmarain demanded, but the gully dwarf, wit h t h e sin gle-m in ded pr a gm a t ism of h is r a ce wa s a lr ea dy dr ift in g off t o sleep. Wh ile t h e t wo ken der a n d t h e t in y human traded looks, his greasy long mustache fluttered with his first snore.

"Wr et ch ed cr ea t u r es," H a lm a r a in gla r ed a t h im befor e wa lkin g ba ck t o t h e ca m pfir e. "Do you t h in k h e did see the dwarves?" "Yes," Trap said slowly. "Umpth and Grod don't lie." "No," t h e lit t le wiza r d r eplied. "Th ey don 't h a ve t h e imagination for it." Trap didn't agree. He thought the gully dwarves showed a lot of im a gin a t ion a n d a good dea l of sh r ewd-n ess, bu t t o sa y so t o H a lm a r a in wou ld on ly ca u se a n a r gu m en t , a n d h e h a d other concerns. If Grod said he had seen the dwarves, he had seen them. "You t h in k t h e dwa r ves a r e t h e on es wh o wer e followin g u s," h e sa id, ga zin g a t t h e a ppr en t ice wiza r d. "Ma ybe t h ey'r e n ot." "Of course they are," Halmarain snapped. "They have to be." "Wh y?" Ripple dem a n ded. Like h er br ot h er sh e fa iled t o see the little wizard's reasoning. "We took the necklace-" "We didn't take it," Trap objected. "Gr od t ook it , bu t t h ey don 't kn ow t h a t ," H a lm a r a in sou n ded exa sper a t ed. "To t h em t h a t st r in g of disks, wh ich a ppea r s t o be a m a p of t h e en t r a n ces a n d t r a ps in t h eir m in es is a pr iceless t h in g. Th ey'd n ever believe t h e gu lly dwa r f ju st wanted it to give it to Ripple as an ornament." "So t h ey followed u s t o get it ba ck, bu t t h a t st ill doesn 't explain why they're waiting at our destination," Ripple said.

"Yes, it does," the little wizard insisted. "As soon as we got it, we started east as if we made the decision on our destination a ccor din g t o wh a t we fou n d on t h e n eckla ce. Th ey pr oba bly kn ew n ot h in g a bou t t h e ca pt u r e of you a n d Beglu g. Th eir m in es a r e a lwa ys in t h e m ou n t a in s, pa r t icu la r ly in t h e Ga r n et Ra n ge. Wh en we left Sola n t h u s, t h ey wen t sou t h towards the Garnet Mountains." "Oh , I see! Th ey t h ou gh t we wer e h ea din g for on e of t h e h idden m in es in t h a t r a n ge," Ripple sa id wit h a gu r gle of deligh t ed la u gh t er a s sh e su dden ly u n der st ood H a lm a r a in 's reasoning. "But since we continued east instead...." "Th ey decided we wer e h ea din g for Digon da m a ar," H a lm a r a in con t in u ed. "It 's pr oba bly t h e on ly a ba n don ed dwa r f delvin g on ou r r ou t e, or a t lea st t h e n ea r est on e." Sh e ga ve a sm ile of wicked deligh t . "An d sin ce t h ey'r e wa it in g for us, they've pointed out the entrance, only how do we get past them?" Tr a p ya wn ed, su dden ly feelin g h is fa t igu e. Ripple fou n d t h e unplanned suggestion irresistible, and she too yawned. "You m u st be exh a u st ed," t h e lit t le wiza r d sa id, for on ce sym pa t h et ic. "Get a few h ou r s' sleep. We'll m ove in t o t h e mountains just before dawn. Then we can think of a plan." Nigh t sh a dowed t h e h ills a n d gu llies wh en Gr od a woke. H e sa t u p, st r et ch ed, ga ve h im self a good scr a t ch a n d ya wn ed until his jaws and ears popped. How long had he been asleep, h e won der ed, a n d wh y h a d h e a wa ken ed wh ile it wa s st ill dark? Th en h e kn ew. H e h a d been sleepin g in fit s a n d st a r t s, wa kin g for da ys. Th e t wo ken der a n d even Gr od's br ot h er ,

t h e wise lea der of t h e Aglest cla n , pa id lit t le a t t en t ion t o t h e wa r n in gs of t h e lit t le wiza r d, bu t Gr od believed h er . Th e merch est i wa s evil. E ven t h ou gh h e wa n t ed t o keep a n eye on La va Belly, h e h a d been a sleep wh en t h e fien d killed on e of t h e pon ies. Gr od wa s det er m in ed t o keep Beglu g fr om killing any more. The smallest of the Aghar cared nothing for the animals, and wou ld a s soon wa lk a s r ide, bu t P r et t y Ken der wou ld cr y again, and he didn't want her to be unhappy. H e looked a r ou n d t h e ca m p, dim ly lit by t h e dyin g ca m pfir e a n d su dden ly h e u n der st ood t h e r ea son h e h a d a wa ken ed so suddenly. The little wizard was supposed to be on watch, but sh e wa s sit t in g wit h h er ba ck t o a bou lder , sleepin g sou n dly. She made little wheezes like whispers when she slept. An d over on t h e ot h er side of t h e ca m p, La va Belly wa s cr eepin g t owa r d P r et t y Ken der . H is eyes wer e sh in in g r ed like they did when he was ready to attack something. "Wiza r d!" Gr od gu lped, so t er r ified on Ripple's beh a lf t h a t his voice was hardly more than a croak. He launched himself in Beglu g's dir ect ion , ch a r gin g a cr oss t h e ca m p, bu t t in g t h e fiend with his head and they both went over in a heap. Beglu g wa s t h e fir st t o ga in h is feet . H e gr owled deeply, soft ly, h is voice low, t h r oa t y, fu ll of m en a ce. H e ext en ded h is cla ws a n d ben t h is kn ees, r ea dy t o pou n ce on t h e st ill r ollin g gully dwarf. Gr od, r ea lizin g h is da n ger , wa s a t t em pt in g t o flee wh en beh in d h im h e h ea r d t h e lit t le wiza r d ch a n t in g. H er spell took effect after the merchesti launched himself at Grod, and even a s h e la n ded by t h e gu lly dwa r f h is eyes h a d lost t h eir bloodlust.

"Beglug, go back to sleep," Halmarain snapped as she trotted over . "Did h e h u r t you ?" sh e a sked Gr od in t h e gen t lest voice she had yet used when addressing the Aghar. "H im n o h u r t m e. Go h u r t P r et t y Ken der ," h e t old t h e wizard. "It 's a good t h in g you woke u p, you sa ved h er life," Halmarain said. "Me t ell m e wa ke. La va Belly evil. Do ba d t h in gs," Gr od in sist ed, glowin g wit h t h e idea t h a t h e h a d sa ved t h e ken der girl's life. "Find big wizard soon. Beglug go his This Place. No h u r t pon ies a n d P r et t y Ken der ," h e su ggest ed, spea kin g m or e a t on e t im e t h a n h e u su a lly did in a week. St ill, it pu zzled h im t h a t t h e wiza r d wa s givin g h im su ch a h a r d, speculating look as if she could see into his brain. "You're a lot smarter than you pretend, aren't you?" she said, m a kin g h er r em a r k a qu est ion t h a t h e did n ot kn ow h ow t o a n swer . Th en a pelt er of r a in dr ops dr ove H a lm a r a in 's question from his mind. "Wa ke t h e ot h er s. We sh ou ld get ou t of t h is gu lly," sh e warned as she scurried around to gather up their belongings. "If the rain is heavy this ditch might flood." Tr a p did n ot n eed Gr od's h elp t o wa ke u p. Th e cold r a in , fa llin g on h is fa ce br ou gh t h im t o fu ll con sciou sn ess. Ripple, Um pt h , a n d Beglu g wer e a lr ea dy st r u gglin g in t h eir blankets. The merchesti whined and shivered. H a lm a r a in r epea t ed h er wa r n in g a bou t fla sh floods a n d in a sh or t t im e t h ey h a d sa ddled t h e pon ies a n d slu n g t h e pa cks a cr oss t h e sa ddles. Beglu g a n d Um pt h com pla in ed a bou t

bein g a wa ken ed in t h e n igh t bu t t h ey followed t h e t wo kender who led their mounts. They crossed the stream at the foot of t h e gu lly a n d t r a veled u p t h e lit t le wa t er cou r se. By t h e t im e t h e wor st of t h e st or m h it t h ey h a d fou n d a n ot h er depr ession t h a t led in t o t h e m ou n t a in s a n d u sed it u n t il it began to fill with water. "Th a t wa y," Ripple sh ou t ed t o h er br ot h er . Sh e h a d remem ber ed a sm a ll, blin d va lley t h ey h a d discover ed t h a t m or n in g. Th ey cou ld n ot su bject t h e pon ies t o t h e fea r of t h e da r kn ess a n d t h e ech oes of a m in e, a n d t h e va lley seem ed the perfect place to leave them. Th e en t r a n ce wa s n a r r ow, a n d cou ld be ea sily blocked wit h cut brush. It was a perfect place to leave the ponies. Near the en t r a n ce, t h e h illside wa s dot t ed wit h la r ge t h or n bu sh es, some of which they cut. It made an excellent fence. "Now, wou ld be t h e best t im e t o a ppr oa ch t h e dwa r f ca m p," H a lm a r a in sa id, ga zin g a t Gr od. "Do you r em em ber t h e way?" "Dark," the dwarf objected. "No see where go." "I ca n ," Tr a p sa id. "I kn ow wh er e h e wa s wh en h e spot t ed the dwarves." "Why go now?" Umpth complained. "Dark, cold, wet." "An d t h e dwa r ves will be h u ddled in t h eir bla n ket s a r ou n d the fire," Halmarain answered him. "They won't be expecting us." "No believe we so du m b," Gr od m u t t er ed a s h e fu m bled wit h his bedroll and pulled out his blanket to use for a cloak. Over

it h e dr a ped t h e wa t er pr oof gr ou n d sh eet . H e followed Tr a p, h u ddled in side h is bla n ket a s h e t r u dged a lon g, dr a ggin g t h e en ds in t h e m u d of t h e h a r d su m m er r a in . Um pt h h a d followed h is br ot h er 's exa m ple, a n d Beglu g h a d wh in ed u n t il he was similarly protected. Umpth had a problem as he tried to hold his blanket and roll the wheel at the same time. "I'm begin n in g t o t h in k t h ey've got m or e sen se t h a n I ga ve t h em cr edit for h a vin g," H a lm a r a in sa id a ft er t h ey h a d been wa lkin g for a n h ou r . Sh e wa s soa ked t o t h e skin a n d shivering. "Wiza r d lea r n ," Gr od sa id in a sm u g voice t h a t a n ger ed t h e lit t le h u m a n . Sh e cla m ped h er ja ws sh u t a n d t r a m ped silently behind the two kender. Tr a p gr in n ed. H a lm a r a in cou ld n ot h a ve u sed h er bla n ket a n d gr ou n d sh eet even if sh e h a d wa n t ed t o. In t h e da r kn ess t h ey h a d over looked h er bedr oll a n d left it in t h e gu lly. Sh e wa sn 't t oo h a ppy a bou t it , bu t believin g t h ey wou ld soon reach the wizard, she had not complained too loudly. Chapter 33 A sin gle ca n dle illu m in a t ed t h e h ist or ica l t om e a s Ast in u s inscribed.... Down in t h e foot h ills, on t h e t en foot pr om on t or y t h a t ju t t ed u p a bove t h e in t er sect ion of t h e gu lly a n d t h e st r ea m , a r a bbit , t a kin g a dva n t a ge of t h e h igh er , dr yer gr ou n d, wa s st a r t led a s a da r k sh a pe su dden ly a ppea r ed wit h in five feet of him. Th e r a bbit da sh ed a wa y, t oo fr igh t en ed t o n ot ice t h e sh a pe wa s on e m a de by a h u m a n in a lon g bla ck r obe a n d cowled h ood. E ven if t h e cr ea t u r e h a d r ecogn ized clot h in g h e wou ld

n ot h a ve u n der st ood t h e r u n es t h a t t r im m ed t h e r obe, or that he was looking at a wizard. Dr a a ddis Vu lt er st a gger ed wit h fa t igu e. H e h a d been searching for the kender and the merchesti without pause for two days. Dr a a ddis h a d m en t a lly t r a ced t h e pa r t y on it s t r a vels. Sin ce t h ey cr ossed t h e sou t h er n Vin ga a r d Mou n t a in s a ft er t u r n in g ea st , t h ey h a d skir t ed a r ou n d t h e n or t h er n en ds of t h e Ga r n et Mou n t a in s a n d a r ou n d t h e n or t h en d of t h e lit t le range that stopped only a few miles from Pey. Wh en h e h a d left h is la bor a t or y Dr a a ddis h a d t ele-ported in t o t h e m ou n t a in s wh er e h e kn ew a n ot h er ba n d of goblin s m a de t h eir h om e. Ta kh isis sa id h e wa s n ot t o depen d on h u m a n oids a ga in a n d h e wou ld n ot , bu t h e n eeded t h em t o sea r ch . Th e foot h ills a n d t h e deep gu llies h id t h e t r a veler s, a n d depen din g on t h eir dir ect ion of t r a vel t h ey cou ld h a ve been a n ywh er e wit h in a n a r ea t h a t cover ed n ea r ly t h r ee hundred square miles. He had sent most of his goblins northwest, beyond the Castle Kurst, thinking the kender and their party would continue to avoid mountain travel if they could. Most of t h e goblin s wer e ou t of r ea ch wh en h e discover ed a set of pon y t r a cks t r a velin g du e ea st fr om P ey. H e followed t h em bu t t o h is disgu st , h e fou n d a gr ou p of six dwa r ves a t t h e en d of t h e t r a il a n d h a d t o st a r t a ga in . J u st befor e t h e r a in st a r t ed h e discover ed a secon d set of t r a cks t h a t h a d disa ppea r ed in t o t h e gu lly a t h is feet . Th e r u n off fr om t h e surrounding hills had half filled the little arroyo. Sever a l ch a r r ed pieces of wood h a d been wa sh ed a ga in st a sm a ll ou t cr op of r ock a n d ga ve eviden ce of a n a ba n don ed ca m psit e. H a d t h ey left it by ch oice or h a d t h e t or r en t of

water, now washing down the gully, carried the campers and their gear away? Dr a a ddis spoke a wor d of com m a n d a n d a t in y ba ll of ligh t a ppea r ed ju st a bove t h e r u sh in g t or r en t . H e sen t it down st r ea m u n t il h e sa w a deeper sh a dow, a n d h u r r ied down t h e ba n k. Th e ligh t bobbed a bove a bla n ket t h a t h a d been caught on a thorn bush at the stream's edge. H is qu a r r y h a d been ca u gh t in a fla sh flood, h e decided, a n d h u r r ied down st r ea m , a lon g t h e ba n k of t h e r u sh in g wa t er . H e won der ed h ow fa r h e wou ld h a ve t o follow t h e wa t er cou r se befor e h e fou n d t h e bodies of t wo ken der a n d the merchesti. ***** My Un cle Tr a pspr in ger h a s a sa yin g: As m u ch a s h e likes m eet in g people, som et im es, som e people ca n m a ke life h a r d. Th is wa s t h e t r ou ble wit h t h ose pesky dwarves-n ot t h a t I have anything against dwarves, you understand.... "If we fin d t h e dwa r ves, we st ill ca n 't dr ive t h em a wa y fr om t h e en t r a n ce," H a lm a r a in sa id. Sh e wa s t ir ed of t h e r a in , of slippin g a n d slidin g on t h e slopin g gr ou n d a t t h e feet of t h e mount a in s, a n d h er ea r lier ch eer fu ln ess h a d wa sh ed a wa y wit h t h e st or m . "We don 't kn ow t h e dwa r ves a r e ca m ped in fr on t of t h e en t r a n ce," sh e con t in u ed. "Ma ybe t h ey ju st picked that place because they were tired too." "Ca n 't , don 't , won 't , beca u se," Tr a p ch a n t ed, ir r it a t ed wit h H a lm a r a in 's n ega t ivit y. "We ca n fin d ou t ," Tr a p sa id. "I ca n use my invisibility ring-" "Orander's invisibility ring," Halmarain reminded him.

"... Or a n der 's in visibilit y r in g t o slip a r ou n d t h em a n d look for t h e en t r a n ce," t h e ken der fin ish ed. "If it 's n ot t h er e we can start a new search." H a lm a r a in n odded. "J u st r em em ber , t h e spell won 't la st t oo long. You don't want them to catch you." Th e la sh in g r a in con t in u ed. Th ey fou n d it slow goin g a s t h ey clim bed t h e side of t h e m ou n t a in t o st a n d u n der t h e t r ee wh er e Gr od h a d been sit t in g. In a spir it of h elpfu l-n ess, h e poin t ed n or t h , t h en sou t h , t h en t o be su r e h e wa s r igh t , ea st and west. In the distance, the others spotted the faint glow of a fire. "H ow do t h ey keep it goin g in t h e r a in ?" Ripple a sked. Th e bla ck clou ds wer e du m pin g a delu ge on t h em , yet t h e dwa r f fire seemed unbothered by it. "Great! Fire that can burn in the rain. I'd like something like t h a t . Is it m a gic? Do dwa r ves h a ve m a gic t oo?" Tr a p a sked, his eyes alight with hope. "Non e t h a t I kn ow of, bu t t h en dwa r ves h a ve n ot been m y study," Halmarain replied. "Except the Aghar, of course," she said after a hard look from Grod. Tr a p t h ou gh t sh e h a d fin a lly a ccept ed t h e idea of t h e gu lly dwa r ves' m a gic wh eel u n t il h e sa w h er dip h er h ea d a n d smile. Wh ile t h e ot h er s wa it ed u n der t h e t r ee, wh ich ga ve t h em a lit t le sh elt er fr om t h e r a in , Tr a p h u r r ied down t h e slope, slippin g a n d slidin g. At t h e bot t om of t h e va lley t h a t sepa r a t ed t h e t wo m ou n t a in s h e fou n d a r u sh in g st r ea m , bu t lu ckily for h im , a la r ge t r ee h a d fa llen a cr oss it , a n d h e u sed the thick bole to cross the worst of the current.

Th e clim b u p t h e ot h er slope wa s m or e difficu lt , beca u se of t h e t or r en t of wa t er wa sh in g down t h e st eep slope, bu t a t la st h e wa s wit h in fift y feet of t h e dwa r ves' ca m p. Th e six Neida r wer e sit t in g ben ea t h a t en t -like st r u ct u r e t h a t wa s nothing more than a canvas roof on hastily erected poles, but it did keep t h e r a in , wh ich wa s fa llin g st r a igh t down , fr om dr own in g t h eir fir e. Th ey a ppea r ed t o be pa r t ia lly dr y a s they sat on the saddles they had removed from their mounts. Not fa r a wa y a n d pa r t ly sh elt er ed by a n over h a n g of t h e cliffs, their ponies stood hobbled and sleeping. Tr a p fr own ed. If t h is h a d been on e of h is t a les, t h e dwa r ves wou ld h a ve been t a lkin g a n d h e wou ld h a ve lea r n ed a ll h e n eeded t o kn ow. In st ea d t h ey st a r ed in t o t h e fir e, a n d h e would have to search out the entrance for himself. Th e ken der pu lled ou t a r in g, slipped it on h is fin ger a n d checked himself. He was still visible. Wrong ring, he decided. H e h eld t h e fir st in h is left h a n d wh ile h e sea r ch ed h is pou ch es wit h h is r igh t . Ah a ! Wit h t h e secon d r in g on h is finger he had disappeared, even from his own sight. Sin ce t h e dwa r ves seem ed u n willin g t o t a lk a bou t a n yt h in g of in t er est , h e cir cled a r ou n d t h e ca m p a n d t ook a close look a t t h e cliff wa ll. Beyon d t h e fir e h e fou n d a st r a n ge for m a t ion . Wh er e t h e ba se of t h e st on e cliff cu r ved, a t h in , a lm ost cr u st -like wa ll ju t t ed ou t fr om t h e cliff like a cu r t a in . A n a r r ow open in g, on e t h a t wou ld n ot be n ot iced u n less t h e sea r ch er pr essed r igh t a ga in st t h e cliff, a llowed a ccess in t o a ch a m ber a bou t t welve feet lon g a n d six feet wide. In spot s t h e ou t er wa ll wa s wa fer t h in , a n d t h e fa in t ligh t fr om t h e dwarves' fire penetrated it. Trap looked around. H e h a d fou n d t h e en t r a n ce t o t h e a ba n don ed cit y of Digon da m a a r , h e decided. H e cou ld see t h e cr a cks wh er e t h e cliff wa ll wa s u n n a t u r a lly sm oot h a n d even . Th ey ou t lin ed a door five feet h igh a n d fou r feet wide. Beh in d h im t h e

ir r egu la r it ies in t h e cu r t a in wa ll wer e m a de by n a t u r e. Th e r est of t h e cliff side wa s r ou gh a s well, except for t h e cu r t a in wall. The big secret was a failure. H e slipped ou t of t h e sm a ll a n t ech a m ber , h u r r ied a lon g t h e ba se of t h e cliff u n t il h e wou ld be lost in t h e da r kn ess, a n d pu lled off t h e r in g. Ba ck u n der t h e t r ee on t h e ot h er side of the valley, he told the others what he had seen. "Then all we have to do is hold off the dwarves while we open t h e door by m ea n s u n kn own t o a n y of u s." H a lm a r a in sa id in a voice t h a t m a de t h e t a sk seem im possible. Th e r a in h a d drowned her enthusiasm. "I've been t h in kin g a bou t t h a t ," Tr a p sa id. "Wh er e is t h a t knife that cuts so well?" He scrounged around in his pouches, bu t it wa s Ripple, diggin g in h er own ba gs, t h a t discover ed it. "You m u st h a ve pu t it in m y pou ch by m ist a ke," sh e sa id, handing it over. "Pretty Kender need pretty knife," Grod said. "You m ea n you 've been st ea lin g fr om t h em t oo?" H a lm a r a in looked u p, su r pr ised. Th e idea of a n yon e t a kin g a ken der 's belongings seemed to astonish her. "H a ve you ? Tr a p eyed t h e gu lly dwa r f wit h a we r a t h er t h a n a n ger . "We'd bet t er ch eck ou r pou ch es a n d sor t ou t ou r belon gin gs a ga in ," Tr a p t old Ripple a s h e t u cked t h e kn ife in his belt. Th ey m a de t h eir pla n s a n d slogged t h eir wa y a cr oss t h e valley. By traveling in the storm and the darkness they could

get qu it e n ea r t o t h e dwa r ves' ca m p wit h ou t bein g seen . Wh en t h ey wer e a s close a s t h ey da r ed go, Tr a p pu t on t h e r in g of in visibilit y a ga in a n d slipped a r ou n d t h e dwa r ves wh o, by t h a t t im e, h a d r olled t h em selves in t h eir bla n ket s a n d wer e sn or in g lou dly. Tr a p cr ept a lon g t h e ba se of t h e cliff u n t il h e r ea ch ed t h eir m ou n t s. Th en wit h Or a n der 's knife he cut the leather straps that kept the ponies hobbled. Wh en t h e la st a n im a l wa s fr ee, h e m a de a n oise like a fr igh t en ed wh in n y a n d sla pped t h e a n im a ls on t h e r u m p. Th ey wen t ch a r gin g a lon g t h e foot of t h e cliff, pa ssin g close to the sleeping dwarves. Th e fir st dwa r f t o h ea r t h em ga ve a sh ou t , br in gin g t h e r est to their feet. All six went chasing after their mounts. As soon as they were away from the fire, Trap ran over to stand in its ligh t , t ook off t h e r in g, a n d sign a led t h e ot h er s t o h u r r y. Wit h in m in u t es t h ey wer e a ll wit h in t h e dr y sh elt er of t h e st on e cu r t a in wa ll. Tr a p pu lled H a lm a r a in over t o t h e outline of the door while Ripple watched for the return of the dwarves. "It 's h er e." H e st ood in fr on t of t h e sm oot h sect ion a n d sket ch ed a door wit h h is ou t -flu n g a r m s, sh owin g H a lm a r a in the outline. "It's strange they would hide the antechamber so well and make the area of the door so obvious," he said. "I'll t r y a n open in g spell," t h e lit t le wiza r d sa id, pu sh in g back her sleeves as if getting ready for a difficult chore. "An d don 't for get you r ot h er spells," Ripple spoke fr om t h e shadowy entrance to the outer chamber. "Two of the dwarves have caught their ponies. They'll soon be coming back." "Qu iet , don 't br ea k m y con cen t r a t ion ," H a lm a r a in sa id. Sh e muttered an incantation that sounded like gibberish.

"Well? Not h in g h a ppen ed," Tr a p sa id, poin t in g ou t t h e obvious. H a lm a r a in fr own ed. "I didn 't t h in k m y spell wou ld be st r on g en ou gh t o open t h e door , bu t t h er e sh ou ld h a ve been a glimmer-the seams around the door should have glowed for a moment-som et h in g sh ou ld h a ve h a ppen ed. I'll t r y a fin din g spell." Th ey wa t ch ed t h e wa ll, bu t t h e lit t le wiza r d's spell br ou gh t no result. "Wh eel t r y door ?" Um pt h a sked. H e st ood st r okin g t h e r u st y and now muddy metal rim expectantly. "Fine, you try," Halmarain sounded exasperated. She put her sm a ll h a n ds on h er h ips a n d gla r ed a t t h e gu lly dwa r f. "Go ahead, see what you can do." "The dwarves are coming back," Ripple warned. "If I had enough light to see, maybe I could find a lock," Trap suggested. "You 'll h a ve t o wa it u n t il da yligh t . Th e dwa r ves will see a ligh t t h r ou gh t h e cu r t a in wa ll," H a lm a r a in sa id. "If we'r e very quiet no one will know we're here." She was wrong. Chapter 34

In his great history, Astinus recorded.... Dr a a ddis Vu lt er 's foot slipped a s h e wh ir led a r ou n d. H e h a d been wa lkin g sou t h , a lon g t h e wet cla y ba n k a bove t h e r u sh in g st r ea m . H e h a d been expect in g t o fin d t h e dr own ed bodies of t h e ken der a n d t h e m er ch est i wh en h e sen sed t h e message that reached him from the northeast. H e wa s su r pr ised, su r pr ised beca u se h e h a d for som e h ou r s entirely for got t en h is m essen ger , t h e win ged r a t . Beca u se h e h a d for got t en it , for got t en t o r ein for ce h is com m a n ds t o it , t h e lit t le cr ea t u r e h a d a llowed t h e win d t o blow it in t o t h e m ou n t a in s. It h a d t a ken sh elt er fr om t h e st or m on t h e leeward side of an outcrop. H e h a d felt bu t ign or ed it s dim m in d a s it wa t ch ed Dr a a ddis's goblin s fa r t h er a wa y. Th e h u m a n oids wer e, like t h e r a t , t r yin g t o sh elt er fr om t h e st or m . Th e win ged r a t , it s t h ou gh t s of t h e ch illy st or m a ir a n d h u n ger , pa ssed a lon g it s r ecogn it ion of t h e goblin s. Th ou gh m ost of it s t h ou gh t s centered on its discomfort. It s pa n ic squ ea led in Dr a a ddis's m in d a s it fla sh ed h im a n im a ge of t wo ken der wh o pa ssed a lon g a t r a il a n d ca m e wit h in t wo feet of t h e r a t 's da r k sh elt er . Th e ken der wer e r a pidly followed by t h e gu lly dwa r ves, t h e m er ch est i, a n d br in gin g u p t h e r ea r wa s t h e sm a llest of t h e dwa r ves. Un t il the rat sent Draaddis the clear image of Halmarain's face, he h a d n ot r ea lized t h a t t h e t in y wiza r d wa s wit h t h e pa r t yprobably leading it. H is m in d ba cked u p, r econ sider in g h is con clu sion . H e h a d t o be wr on g, h e decided. H e h a d seen t h e lit t le a ppr en t ice in Or a n der 's la bor a t or y. H e h a d seen t h e ken der on t h e t r a il, a lon g wit h t h e m er ch est i, t wo gu lly dwa r ves, a n d a n ot h er smaller dwarf, a youngster who had no beard....

Th e a ppr en t ice h a d been t r a velin g in disgu ise. H e h a d seen t h e dwa r f clot h in g a n d dism issed h er wit h ou t a secon d look. H e h a d m a de a ser iou s er r or in n ot r ecogn izin g h er ; t h e dr a gon qu een wou ld n ot be plea sed, t h ou gh sh e h a d n ot seen through the disguise either. Th e a ppr en t ice h a d led t h em t o t h e west er n a r m of t h e Kh a lkist Mou n t a in s, close t o t h e dwa r f m in es. Th ey h a d t r a veled ea st for a r ea son , a n d t h eir dest in a t ion h a d t o be... Chalmis Rosterig! H e wa s open in g h is m ou t h t o u se a t elepor t spell wh en h e r ea lized h e h a d n o m em or y of it . Relea r n in g h is spell a n d t elepor t in g wou ld be fa st er t h a n ph ysica lly wa lkin g t h e distance in the storm. H e pu lled ou t h is book, fou n d a r ock wh ich , t h ou gh wet , wa s n ot cover ed wit h m u d. Dr a a ddis sa t , pu llin g u p a fold of h is cloa k t o pr ot ect t h e spellbook a n d h is lit t le m a gic ligh t fr om the weather. H e m ou t h ed t h e wor ds, dr ivin g t h em in t o h is m em or y. H e h a d t o r ea ch Digon da m a a r befor e t h e a ppr en t ice a n d t h e kender reached the white wizard. ***** As m u ch a s I like t ellin g t h is t a le, it 's been a lon g on e, a n d m y t h r oa t is so ver y, ver y dr y ... t h a n k you , in n keeper , t h a t 's much better, and you do serve excellent ale. Now, where was I? They were just leaving Solanthus ... I told t h a t pa r t ? Did I t ell you a bou t t h e wa r i st a m pede? I liked that. You wouldn't like to hear it again, would you?

Now I r em em ber ... t h ey h a d ch a sed off t h e dwa r ves' pon ies and had reached the secret entrance to Digondamaar.... "Two dwa r ves a r e com in g ba ck," wa r n ed Ripple, wh o h a d been wa t ch in g t h e dwa r ves a s t h ey t r ied t o r eca pt u r e t h eir mounts. "Three have caught their ponies and are chasing the others-" A terrific flash of lightning threw the mountainside into high relief, and for a split second the light penetrated the thinnest sections of the stone curtain wall. "Wh a t 's t h is?" Tr a p h a d been sea r ch in g a lon g t h e cliff wa ll, trying to find a way to open the secret door. In the high relief of t h e ligh t n in g fla sh , h e t h ou gh t h e sa w a r ock h e h a d n ot noticed before. When the light died he tried to find it but was unsuccessful. "Wow! Th a t ligh t n in g st a r t led t h e dwa r f pon ies a n d on e t h r ew h is r ider ," Ripple sa id. "It sca r ed t h e r est a n d t h ey'r e all galloping down the mountain." "Are any of the dwarves looking this way?" Halmarain asked. "No, they're too busy slipping and sliding." Th e lit t le wiza r d r a ised h er st a ff, spoke a wor d of com m a n d, flipped h er st a ff, a n d fr om t h e t op ca m e a lit t le ba ll of ligh t that sailed over to Trap and settled itself over his head. "You br a g a bou t bein g a ble t o fin d t r a ps a n d locks, fin d t h is one," she said, her expression a challenge. "Gee, t h a t 's n ot fa ir ! No on e ca n see in t h e da r k- t h ou gh , Ripple, didn 't Ma kewa y Nor t h go on ce h a ve som e sor t of

m a gic gla ss t h a t ...." Tr a p t u r n ed fr om t h e wa ll, h is qu est ion about a distant relative uppermost in his mind. "Are you going to look for that rock?" Halmarain demanded. "Oh . Su r e! I for got ." Tr a p r esu m ed h is sea r ch . H e h a d ju st begun to look about him when Ripple came running over. "Th ey've ca u gh t t h e pon ies a n d a r e st a r t in g ba ck u p t h e slope," she warned. H a lm a r a in spoke a n ot h er com m a n d wor d a n d t h e lit t le ba ll of light zipped back to disappear into the top of her staff. "We'll h a ve t o wa it u n t il t h e su n r ises," sh e sa id. "E ver yon e be a s qu iet a s possible. Sh e la id a ca lm in g spell on Beglu g, wh o wr a pped h im self in h is bla n ket a n d la y down t o sleep. Th e t wo gu lly dwa r ves sa t . Th ey lea n ed a ga in st t h e cu r t a in wall with every evidence of comfort. Th e wa it wa s h a r der on t h e ken der wh o wer e bor ed in less t h a n a m in u t e. Tr a p h ea r d sou n ds t h a t cou ld h a ve been sligh t scu fflin g a n d r ea lized h is sist er wa s scr ou n gin g in h er pou ch es t o fin d som et h in g t o occu py h er t im e. Th a t seem ed like a good idea , so h e bega n t o fin ger h is own possession s. H e pu lled ou t on e of t h e sm oot h st on es a n d st ood t ossin g it fr om on e h a n d t o t h e ot h er for wh a t seem ed like h ou r s u n t il he heard the dwarves arriving back at their camp. "Som eon e cu t t h e h obbles," on e dwa r f wa s sa yin g. "Th er e a r e goblin s or kobolds a r ou n d som ewh er e." Th e dwa r ves wer e spea kin g in t h eir own t on gu e. H e sa id som et h in g else, bu t wh ile t h e ken der spoke a lit t le dwa r vish , Tr a p cou ld n ot understand the rest.

"I'll m a ke a t or ch a n d t a ke a look," a n ot h er sa id. "Ai-i! Th ose thorns hurt-" Th e dwa r f didn 't fin ish h is sen t en ce beca u se h is cr y of pa in h a d st a r t led Tr a p wh o dr opped wh a t h e h a d t h ou gh t wa s a rock. H e h a d been pla yin g wit h on e of t h e gla ss fla m e ba lls h e h a d picked u p in Deepdel a n d wh en it h it t h e st on e floor of t h e a n t ech a m ber it br oke. It exploded a lm ost bet ween Ripple's feet and she gave a cry as she jumped back. "Of a ll t h e st u pid-" H a lm a r a in bit ba ck h er com pla in t . If t h e dwa r ves h a dn 't h ea r d Ripple, sh e h a d cer t a in ly given a wa y their location. "H e's n ot st u pid! St op fu ssin g a n d r em em ber you r m a gic," Ripple, wh o h a d skipped a wa y fr om t h e dyin g fir e, wa r n ed t h e lit t le wiza r d. In a n in st a n t sh e h a d gr a bbed h er wh ippik and stood ready to drive off the first of the dwarves. Th e gu lly dwa r ves h a d a wa ken ed, r ecogn ized t h e figh t in g st a n ces of t h eir com pa n ion s, a n d ba cked a wa y t o st a n d against the far wall. "H a lm a r a in , don 't for get , you h a ve som e m a gic you m igh t use," Ripple said. "We'd really like to see you do some." "Wh a t a m I su pposed t o do?" H a lm a r a in dem a n ded. "I don 't wa n t t o kill t h em so do I m en d t h eir clot h in g or clea n t h eir dishes?" E ven if t h e dwa r ves h a d n ot seen t h e fla sh of fir e, t h ey h a d cer t a in ly h ea r d Ripple's cr y a n d t h e t a lk t h a t followed. F r om

in side t h e a n t ech a m ber , Tr a p h ea r d t h e r a t t le of wea pon s and saw the moving light that approached the entrance. Sin ce t h e secr et of t h eir a r r iva l h a d been discover ed, H a lm a r a in ca lled t h e lit t le ligh t fr om t h e st a ff a n d sen t it sa ilin g ju st ou t side t h e en t r a n ce, wh er e it illu m in a t ed t h e Neidar but left the defenders in the shadows. Wh en Tolem , t h e fir st dwa r f, a ppr oa ch ed t h e en t r a n ce, Tr a p let fly wit h a r ea l st on e. H e m a de su r e of wh a t h e wa s sh oot in g by pickin g on e u p off t h e floor . H is a im h a d been t h e m iddle of t h e dwa r f's br ea st pla t e a n d t h e for ce of t h e rock sent the Neidar staggering back into his friends. "Sor r y, I didn 't m ea n t o h u r t you ," Tr a p ca lled ou t . "If you 'll ju st ca lm down , we ca n expla in a n d I don 't t h in k you 'll be angry anymore. You notice I didn't try to kill you." "Th a t wa s you r m ist a ke," t h e dwa r f r oa r ed ba ck. H e ca m e ch a r gin g in t o t h e a n t ech a m ber , h is a xe h eld over h is sh ou lder a s if h e wou ld h a ck Tr a p in h a lf a s soon a s h e reached him. "You n eed t o lea r n t o list en ," Tr a p sa id a s h e skipped a side t o a void t h e dwa r f. Tolem , u n a ble t o see t h e r ou gh , r ockst r ewn floor of t h e a n t ech a m ber , st epped on a st on e a n d n ea r ly fell. As h e st a gger ed h e t u r n ed t o t h e left . H e wa s facing Ripple when he regained his balance. "No h u r t P r et t y Ken der !" Um pt h cr ied ou t . H e h a d been cower in g a ga in st t h e fa r wa ll, bu t seein g t h e a xe r ea dy t o descen d on h is fr ien d ga ve h im cou r a ge. H e h a d on e h a n d on t h e r im of t h e wh eel. In a m ove t oo swift for a n t icipa t ion , h e gr a sped t h e r im a n d t h r ew it , sen din g it sa ilin g t owa r d t h e dwarf.

The hub caught on the horn of Tolem's helmet and spun. The weight of the spinning wheel threw the dwarf off balance. He st a gger ed ba ck t owa r d h is com pa n ion s t h a t h a d ch a r ged in t o the chamber behind him. Four went down in a heap. "H im m a ke good wh ir ly-gig," Gr od excitement and fear.

sa id,

da n cin g

in

"Agh a r m a gic m or e big t h a n Neida r ," Um pt h sa id wit h satisfaction. He hurried over to help Trap to his feet. Ripple kn elt on t h e floor . Sh e h a d less pa t ien ce t h a n h er br ot h er a n d h a d given u p a n y idea of expla in in g t h e t h eft t o t h e dwa r ves. Sh e set h er wh ippik in a cr a ck in t h e floor , picked u p a st on e, a n d u sed t h e loop on t h e en d of h er weapon as an improvised sling. The rock pelted one of the dwarves that had scrambled out of t h e pile of a r m s a n d legs. Sh e st r u ck h im a st r on g blow on t h e sh ou lder a n d h e wa s kn ocked in t o t h e la st of h is companions. Th e la st t wo dwa r ves wer e beh a vin g st r a n gely. Th ey h a d ch a r ged in t o t h e sh elt er of t h e a n t ech a m ber bu t t h ey seem ed less in t er est ed in t h e sm a ll gr ou p of a dven t u r er s t h a n something outside. Ripple's wh ippik wa s n ot r ea lly design ed t o slin g r ocks a n d h er secon d on e sa iled over t h e dwa r f's h ea d. It flew ou t in t o the darkness and struck with a thud. The cry of pain and the curse that followed the strike was definitely humanoid. "Th er e's som eon e else ou t t h er e," Tr a p sa id, a lm ost for get t in g t h e dwa r ves a s h e st ood on t ipt oe in a n a t t em pt t o see.

"Goblin s," on e of t h e dwa r ves n ea r est t h e en t r a n ce r eplied. H e seem ed t o h a ve for got t en h is a n ger a t t h e a dven t u r er s in the face of a more dangerous enemy. "H ow m a n y?" Tolem , t h e dwa r f lea der , a sked h is companion. H e h a d fr eed h is h elm et of t h e wa gon wh eel a n d wa s r ea dy t o ch a r ge Tr a p a ga in . H e clea r ly begr u dged h a vin g t o t u r n his attention to a more dangerous enemy. "Looks like a scor e or m or e a n d som e bu gbea r s wit h t h em , I can't tell how many." "Goblins? Bu gbea r s? Golly, we su r e a r e r u n n in g in t o a lot of people a ll of a su dden ," Tr a p da n ced in excit em en t . "Together we should be able to drive off twenty goblins." "There's no together ..." the largest dwarf snarled, but Tolem, interrupted him, proving why he was the leader. "Ou r figh t wit h t h e ken der ca n wa it ," h e sa id. "Let 's h a n dle ou r com m on en em y fir st ." H e gla r ed a t t h e gr ou p a t t h e fa r end of the antechamber. "One of you is a magic-user, can you dir ect t h a t ligh t ou t t h er e a n d fin d ou t h ow m a n y we h a ve t o fight?" H a lm a r a in sigh ed for t h e loss of h er secr et a n d ea sed pa st t h e dwa r ves t o t h e en t r a n ce. Sh e gu ided t h e ligh t a n d t h ey sa w n in e bu gbea r s a s well a s t h e t wen t y goblin s in t h e distance. "You 'll n ever h old t h em off," sh e sa id t o Tolem . "Tell u s h ow to get into Digondamaar. It's our only chance." Th e goblin s wer e sn ea kin g u p t owa r d t h e en t r a n ce, bu t t h e dwa r ves, ea ch wit h a cr ossbow, n ow h a d t a r get s. Tolem

caught one goblin in the throat, one died with a short quarrel in h is eye a n d a n ot h er fled wit h h is com pa n ion s, lim pin g fr om a wou n d in h is r igh t leg. On ce ou t of r a n ge of t h e dwa r ves' m issiles t h ey st opped a n d h u ddled t oget h er , apparently discussing strategy. "You t ook t h e m a p," t h e dwa r f sn a r led a s t h e goblin s retreated. "Or the kender, more likely." "If you m ea n t h a t st r in g of disks," H a lm a r a in sa id, "Th a t wa s on e of t h e Agh a r , a n d h e didn 't kn ow wh a t h e h a d. H e just wanted something pretty to give the kender girl." "And you didn't study and memorize it?" Tolem demanded. "If we h a d, we'd kn ow h ow t o get in side," t h e lit t le wiza r d snapped. "No need necklace," Grod spoke up. "Dwarf lead. Dwarf camp by door of dwarf This Place." "We cou ld h a ve u sed t h e disks," Tr a p sa id, u n willin g t o admit there was any secret he could not ferret out. He dug in h is pou ch a n d h a n ded t h e st r in g of disks t o t h e dwa r f. "Bu t we didn 't h a ve t im e wit h a ll t h e t r a velin g a n d t h e followin g a n d ever yt h in g t h a t h a ppen ed. Now I su ppose you 'll wa n t it back and I'll never get to study all the drawings." H a lm a r a in dr ew t h e lit t le ligh t ba ck in t o t h e sh elt er t o a id the dwarf in his search for the opening. "You know I'll want it back," Tolem snarled. "And we'd better get in side fa st . Th ose bu gbea r s ca n kn ock down t h ese t h in sections of this curtain wall with one blow."

"At lea st it 's get t in g br igh t en ou gh so you ca n see wh a t you're doing," Trap said as he watched the dwarf flip through t h e disks, lookin g for t h e on e t h a t t old t h e secr et of Digondamaar. "Of cou r se, if I h a d ligh t en ou gh , I cou ld pr oba bly h a ve open ed t h e door m yself," h e sn iffed. E ven a s a sm a ll ch ild h e h a d sh owed pr om ise wit h t r a ps; it wa s t h e r ea son h e h a d been given h is n a m e. It seem ed u n ju st t h a t h e h a d so lit t le chance to use his talents on his first adventure. By t h e t im e Tolem h a d fou n d t h e disk h e h a d n o t im e t o st u dy it . Th e goblin s a n d bu gbea r s wer e a dva n cin g u p t h e m ou n t a in side t o t h e foot of t h e cliff. Sin ce t h e en t r a n ce wa s narrow and its configuration too eccentric to allow more than two dwarves to see out at one time, the goblins had little fear of a truly concentrated attack from within. H a lm a r a in dou sed t h e ligh t , t h ou gh t h e h u m a n oids h a d obviou sly seen it glowin g t h r ou gh t h e wa fer -t h in r ock. Th e bu gbea r s h a m m er ed a ga in st t h e cu r t a in wa ll wit h t h eir spea r s, bu t wit h n o ligh t t o in dica t e t h e t h in sect ion s, t h ey missed the more vulnerable areas. Th e dwa r ves u sed t h eir cr ossbows. Two a t a t im e t h ey stepped out of the entrance to shoot and darted back in again to give others with ready bows a chance, the kender stood by, da n cin g wit h im pa t ien ce, wa n t in g t o get in t o t h e figh t . H a lm a r a in h eld t h e a r m of t h e lit t le fien d a n d st a yed a s fa r a wa y fr om t h e en t r a n ce a s possible. Sh e did n ot h a ve t o u r ge the gully dwarves, who would much rather hide than fight. The bugbears continued to hammer against the stone curtain wall. Th e lit t le wiza r d squ ea led a s fr om beh in d h er ca m e t h e sou n d of slidin g st on e a n d a door open ed, n ot wh er e t h e cu t

lin es in dica t ed, bu t a t t h e fa r en d, wh er e t h e r ou gh est of t h e stone seemed to have been left untouched. "Who invades my privacy?" the voice boomed. Th e giga n t ic sou n d ca m e fr om a h u m a n wh o st ood on ly sligh t ly t a ller t h a n t h e dwa r ves. H e wa s su r r ou n ded wit h ligh t wh ich sh owed h im t o h a ve a br igh t pin k com plexion , a t least partially accounted for by the anger that snapped in his br igh t blu e eyes. H is bea r d a n d h a ir wer e sn ow wh it e a n d lon g. H e kept it ou t of h is wa y by dividin g bot h h a ir a n d bea r d on ea ch side of h is h ea d a n d pla it in g it in t wo lon g braids that hung to his knees. He wore a dirty white robe trimmed with runes. H e wa s on ly a m om en t u n der st a n din g t h a t t h e dozen bein gs sh elt er in g in t h e a n t ech a m ber wer e bein g a t t a cked by humanoids on the outside. "In side," h e or der ed. P oin t in g t o t h e door beh in d h im , h e muttered an incantation. Tr a p felt a s if h e wer e bein g wh isked a lon g in a st r on g win d. H e looked down a t h is feet , wh ich wer e m ovin g r a pidly a cr oss t h e floor , bu t t h ey a ct ed a ccor din g t o a will ot h er t h a n his own. In fr on t of h im , H a lm a r a in , t h e gu lly dwa r ves, a n d Beglu g wer e t r a velin g ju st a s r a pidly. Tr a p cou ldn 't st op h im self bu t h e cou ld t u r n h is h ea d a n d look over h is sh ou lder . Ripple, r igh t beh in d h im , a n d t h e dwa r ves fu r t h er ba ck, wer e m ovin g a t t h e sa m e speed. Th e dwa r ves wer e st a r in g down at their feet with eyes wide.

Chapter 35 As Tr a p wa s wh isked t h r ou gh t h e h idden door a n d in t o t h e ou t lyin g pa ssa ge of Digon da m a a r , h e sm iled u p a t t h e wizard. "H ello, m y n a m e is Tr a pspr in ger F a r go," h e h eld ou t h is h a n d bu t h e wa s m ovin g t oo fa st for t h e wiza r d t o t a ke it . "I a ppr ecia t e bein g sa ved fr om t h e goblin s, bu t did you h a ve t o m ove u s so fa st ? I wou ld h a ve liked t o t a ke a look a t t h e secr et door ." H e h a d t o t u r n h is h ea d t o look ba ck a t t h e wiza r d. Beh in d h im t h e la st of t h e dwa r ves r u sh ed t h r ou gh the doorway. The grinding began again as the door closed. Th e in volu n t a r y m ovem en t of h is feet st opped a n d h e n ea r ly fell over . Ah ea d of h im H a lm a r a in a n d t h e gu lly dwa r ves st a gger ed. Beglu g da n ced sidewa ys on h is t in y h oofed feet a n d fell a ga in st t h e wa ll, scr a pin g h is h a n d. H e wh in ed a n d licked at the abrasion. Th e ken der cou ld see t h e ot h er s in t h e ligh t t h a t em a n a t ed from the wizard. He seemed to be enveloped in a glow that lit the entire passage. H e st r ode pa st t h e dwa r ves, wh o wer e a lt er n a t ely lookin g a t t h e wa lls of t h e pa ssa ge a n d givin g wa r y a t t en t ion t o t h eir glowin g a n d m a gica l h ost . Th e wiza r d wa s m or e in t er est in g t h a n t h e wa lls, t h e ken der t h ou gh t . Th e floor , ceilin g a n d walls were as smooth and even as if they had been cut with a kn ife, bu t on e spot looked ju st like a n y ot h er . Th e n a m e of t h e delvin g in t h e dwa r vish t on gu e m ea n t golden h a lls, bu t there was no evidence of gold. Ch a lm is Rost er ig a t t em pt ed t o pa ss Ripple. Sh e st epped in t o his path, and like her brother, she held out her hand.

"I'm Ripple F a r go, a n d I'm plea sed t o m eet you ," sh e t h r u st her hand into his, so he could not ignore her. "Are all wizards so sm a ll?" sh e a sked h im , obliviou s t o t h e fr own h er r em a r k br ou gh t ou t . "If it 's a r equ ir em en t for t h e a r t , m a ybe I cou ld becom e a wiza r d. I'd love t o st u dy books a n d lea r n spells a n d do magic. Can you make fireworks?" "Ken der !" Th e wor d bu r st ou t of Ch a lm is in a n explosion of sound. "That's all I need-kender." "Oh yes, we ca n be r ea lly h elpfu l if you give u s a ch a n ce," Trap agreed, padng the rapid steps of the wizard on the right wh ile Ripple wa lked on h is left . "We t r ied t o h elp Or a n der , bu t h e wen t t h r ou gh a por t a l a n d we wer en 't a ble t o do m u ch , bu t if you 'll br in g h im ba ck- t h ou gh h e m a y n ot wa n t t o r et u r n if h e likes it over t h er e-a n d t h a t wou ld be a sh a m e, beca u se H a lm a r a in sa id h e wou ld do m a gic for u s. Is t h a t pen da n t m a gic? It cer t a in ly is bea u t ifu l. Ca n I t ou ch it ?" H e r ea ch ed t owa r d t h e jewel t h a t h u n g fr om a ch a in a n d la id on the wizard's chest. Chalmis pushed the kender's hand away as he turned to look back over his shoulder. "Come along!" he shouted at the dwarves. "If not you'll be left in t h e da r k. You don 't wa n t t o m eet wh a t cr a wls t h r ou gh these tunnels when the lights are out." Wh ile t h e dwa r ves h u r r ied t o ca t ch u p, H a lm a r a in ca u gh t Beglug's arm and rushed him down the passage just ahead of t h e wh it e wiza r d. Um pt h a n d Gr od, Um pt h st ill r ollin g t h e wh eel, t r ot t ed a lon g ju st beh in d H a lm a r a in a n d t h e lit t le fiend. Beh in d t h em t h ey cou ld h ea r a fa in t t h u ddin g a s t h e h u m a n oids a ppa r en t ly t r ied t o open t h e secr et door . Ah ea d t h ey cou ld see t or ch ligh t . Th e glow t h a t su r r ou n ded t h e

wiza r d died a wa y a s t h ey r ea ch ed a ch a m ber t h a t wa s lit with torches set in wall sconces. "Wow, this is more like it," Trap said as he looked around. In t h e ligh t of t h e t or ch es h e cou ld see wh a t a ppea r ed t o be golden dr a win gs on t h e wa ll. E ven t o h is lim it ed kn owledge of m et a l wor kin g, it wa s a ppa r en t t h a t r efin ed gold h a d been u sed t o fill gr ooves in t h e st on e. Th e dr a win gs wer e h a r dly more than sketches, yet finely detailed. Several colors of gold h a d been u sed, a n d in t h e ligh t of t h e t or ch es, t h e t in t s of green, red and yellow gave a hint of color to the drawings. Th e ch a m ber h a d obviou sly been cr ea t ed a s a din in g h a ll. Mor e t h a n fift y t a bles a n d ben ch es, a lso of st on e, sa t in lon g rows. Several had been broken; the slabs that had been seats and tabletops leaned askew, but most were still intact. Wh en t h ey wer e a ll in t h e r oom , Ch a lm is st opped a n d gla r ed at them, his glance lingering longest on Beglug. "Wh y h a ve you com e h er e, br in gin g t h ose fou l cr ea t u r es in you r wa ke a n d dist u r bin g m y solit u de?" Th e wiza r d t h u n der ed. H e poin t ed h is fin ger ba ck in t h e dir ect ion t h ey h a d com e wh en h e spoke of fou l cr ea t u r es, obviou sly m ea n in g t h e goblin s. Th e gu lly dwa r ves, wh o st ill clu t ch ed t h eir bla n ket s a r ou n d t h eir sh ou lder s, t h ou gh t it sa fest t o t a ke sh elt er beh in d t h e ken der . Beglu g sn a r led a n d swiped at the wizard with a clawed hand. Ch a lm is Rost er ig poin t ed a fin ger a t t h e m er ch est i a n d muttered under his breath. Beglug was frozen on the spot. "Now answer my question!" Chalmis ordered. Th e wiza r d's qu est ion br ou gh t ou t a delu ge of expla n a t ion s a n d excu ses, qu est ion s a n d com m en t s. E ver yon e seem ed t o

be pointing at Trap as Halmarain rattled off a full account of Or a n der 's a t t em pt t o t r a vel bet ween pla n es a n d t h e r esu lt of t h e ken der 's dr a st ic in t er ven t ion . Th e dwa r ves h a d n ot a ccept ed t h e idea t h a t a m er e gu lly dwa r f cou ld h a ve picked t h eir pocket s. Th ey wer e lou dly bla m in g t h e ken der for t h e theft of the Map of Secret Lore, as they called the necklace. Tra p h im self wa s expla in in g t h a t h e n eit h er st ole t h e n eckla ce n or in t en t ion a lly in t er r u pt ed Or a n der 's spell, a n d h e cer t a in ly wa n t ed Or a n der t o r et u r n fr om t h e ot h er wor ld so h e cou ld discu ss wit h h im t h e pr oblem s wit h t h e m a gic r in gs. Ripple wa s r en ewin g h er r equ est t o st u dy m a gic, a n d in t h e m ea n t im e, cou ld Ch a lm is plea se do som e fir ewor ks? Sh e r ea lly wa n t ed t o see som e. Th e gu lly dwa r ves, t h eir fr igh t t em por a r y, wer e discu ssin g a ll t h ese people interrupting each other, which the kender had told them was r ude and inconsiderate. "Enough!" Chalmis boomed. "My, you h a ve a lou d voice," Tr a p sa id. "Ca n you t ea ch m e h ow t o r oa r ? It wou ld be gr ea t . I cou ld sn ea k u p beh in d people ver y qu iet ly-I wou ldn 't wa n t t o r oa r a ll t h e t im e, of course, but-" "I'll t u r n you in t o a fr og, a n d t h a t will st op you r ch a t t er ," Chalmis warned. "Will you r ea lly?" Ripple t a u n t ed, su dden ly a n gr y. "Th a t 's what Halmarain said, but she couldn't do it." "Bu t Ma st er Ch a lm is ca n , so you 'd bet t er wa t ch you r manners," the little wizard warned.

"On e t h in g a t a t im e," Ch a lm is spoke in a lower t on e. "If I'm goin g t o h a ve a n y pea ce, wh o t ook t h e lor e m a p fr om t h e dwarves? Give it back." "They got," Grod said. "Th en you r pr oblem is solved so we don 't n eed t o h ea r a n ym or e a bou t it ," t h e wh it e wiza r d t old t h e dwa r ves. "Now wh a t is t h is a bou t t h e m er ch est i, Or a n der , a n d t h e pla n e of Va sm a r g? An d kn ow, lit t le r ed-r obe, I h a ve n o t r u ck wit h those outside my order." H a lm a r a in a n swer ed wit h a h u m ilit y t h a t su r pr ised t h e kender. "I u n der st a n d, Ma st er Ch a lm is, bu t we a r e in dir e n eed a n d beg you r a ssist a n ce-n ot on ly for ou r selves a n d Or a n der -our entire world could be affected." Sh e wen t t h r ou gh t h e st or y a ga in , t h is t im e pu t t in g less em ph a sis on t h e fa u lt of t h e ken der a n d m or e on t h e da n ger of Beglu g's pa r en t en t er in g t h e wor ld, or of Beglu g gr owin g u p on Kr yn n . Sh e wa s clea r ly ben t on r escu in g Or a n der if h e wer e st ill a live. Sh e r a ised im plor in g eyes t o t h e m a st er wizard. "An d I believe ot h er s kn ow of Beglu g a n d t h e ga t e st on e t h e kender carries." She descr ibed J a er u m e Ka ldr e a n d t old Ma st er Ch a lm is sh e thought he was one of the undead. Ch a lm is Rost er ig list en ed wit h st ea dily lower in g br ows. Th e la st bit of in for m a t ion seem ed t o a ffect t h e wh it e wiza r d more profoundly than the rest.

H a lm a r a in wen t on t o descr ibe t h e kidn a ppin g of Ripple a n d Beglu g. "Sin ce t h e kobolds wer e ca r efu l n ot t o in ju r e t h em , bu t t r a veled a s fa st a s t h ey cou ld in t h is dir ect ion , I su spect t h ey wer e u n der in st r u ct ion s t o t a ke t h em t o P ey." Sh e paused expectantly. "To Dr a a ddis Vu lt er ," Ch a lm is a n n ou n ced on cu e, h is fa ce da r ken in g in a n ger . "H e ca m e t o m in d wh en you m en t ion ed t h e u n dea d. I wish I cou ld believe t h e Da r k Qu een wa s n ot behind this, but that would be too much to hope for." "I didn 't kn ow a n y of t h a t ," Tr a p spoke u p. "You didn 't t ell u s. Th a t wa sn 't fa ir . Th e t r ip wou ld h a ve been m u ch m or e in t er est in g if we h a d kn own t h a t Ta kh isis wa s a ft er u s. Do you think she might come here? I'd love to see a dragon." "Wh y do you t h in k I've been figh t in g t o get t o Ma st er Chalmis?" t h e t in y fem a le r ou n ded on t h e ken der "Did you think I fussed and fought through the entire journey because I enjoyed it?" "Did," Grod nodded decisively. "Did too," Umpth was quick to second his brother. "Oh , sh u t u p!" H a lm a r a in gla r ed a t t h e Agh a r a n d t u r n ed ba ck t o t h e wh it e-r obed wiza r d. "I've br ou gh t Ma st er Or a n der 's books wr it t en by t h e gr ea t Ma st er Alch viem . I ca n open a n d r ea d t h em , bu t I'm n ot power fu l en ou gh t o u se them." "Pretty Kender bring cook pot," Grod added.

"St ill, we h a ve on ly on e ga t e st on e," Ma st er Ch a lm is sa id. "Bu t if Or a n der st ill h a s t h e ot h er we m igh t h a ve a ch a n ce. . . ." H e t u gged a t h is lon g wh it e br a ids. "Let 's t a ke a look. If Ta kh isis h a s h er m in ion s on you r t r a il, we don 't h a ve m u ch time." "Eat now?" Grod asked. Master Ch a lm is fr own ed a t t h e gu lly dwa r f a n d t h en looked over t h e r est of t h e a ssem bled gr ou p. H e poin t ed a cr oss t h e large chamber toward another door. "You 'll fin d t h e scu ller y t h r ou gh t h er e. Ta ke t h e gu lly dwa r ves a n d lea ve u s in pea ce." h e sa id, a n d t h en t u r n ed h is attention back to Halmarain. "Bring the merchesti and books ba ck t o m y la bor a t or y." H e led t h e wa y t h r ou gh a n ot h er door. "P r et t y Ken der m a ke m a ize pu ddin g?" Gr od a sked a s h e followed Ripple. Beh in d t h em t h e six Neida r st u m ped a lon g, but the Aghar's suggestion caught their attention. "I've h ea r d t h a t ken der wom en m a ke t h e best m a ize pu ddin g," on e sa id, begr u dgin g t h e com plim en t , bu t obviously looking forward to the treat. "An d Ripple's is fa m ou s," Tr a p t old t h e la r ge dwa r f. Now t h a t t h e dwa r ves h a d t h eir n eckla ce ba ck, h e didn 't see a n y reason why they couldn't all be friends. In t h e scu ller y t h ey fou n d a pot of wa t er a lr ea dy h ot , a n d wh ile Ripple t est ed it t o be su r e it wa s ju st wa t er a n d n ot som e pot ion , t h e dwa r ves sea r ch ed a n d fou n d som e gr ou n d maize as well as the other ingredients she asked for.

In minutes the maize was in the pot. Wh ile t h e ken der gir l st ir r ed, t h e r est st ood a r ou n d, wa t ch in g t h e ket t le h opefu lly. Befor e lon g t h ey h ea r d a dr on in g fr om t h e ot h er ch a m ber . Th e dwa r ves pr oved they wer e fr om on e of t h e h igh ly m u sica l societ ies by cover in g their ears to block out the noise. "Th ey'r e sin gin g a ga in , a n d if t h er e's on e t h in g a wiza r d ca n n ot do, it s sin g," Tr a p sa id wit h a fr own . "I'd bet t er go a n d t ea ch t h em h ow t o-" H e st a r t ed for t h e door wh en Tolem caught his arm. "You stay right here! If I understood the little wizard aright," h e sa id wit h a fr own , "It wa s you r wa n t in g t o h elp t h em t h a t caused this mess." Two of t h e dwa r ves m oved t o block t h e door t o t h e scu ller y and a third, the largest, joined Tolem. "I'm st ill n ot su r e you didn 't st ea l t h e lor e m a p," h e sa id, glowering at the kender. "You stay where we can keep an eye on you." "I wanted to see some magic," Trap complained. "Best wh a t t h ey do r em a in s u n seen ," Tolem r eplied wit h a da r k gla n ce over h is sh ou lder . "It doesn 't do t o go m essin g with wizards." "I'm n ot su r e you 'r e r igh t ," Ripple sa id a s sh e t a pped t h e la r ge wooden spoon on t h e side of t h e pot t o kn ock off t h e t h ick m ixt u r e. "Th ey a r e r ea lly off key. I don 't see h ow t h ey can do anything-"

Su dden ly t h e st r a n ge off key dr on in g of t h e wiza r ds wa s drowned under a low booming that echoed down the passage. The booms were soon followed by the sound of cracking stone in t h e dist a n ce a n d a lm ost im m edia t ely by t h e sh ou t s a nd roars of goblins. "Th ey br oke in ," Tolem sa id, gr a bbin g h is cr ossbow a n d drawing his axe. "H ow cou ld t h ey wh en t h e wiza r d sea led t h e door ?" on e of the dwarves asked as he followed Tolem from the scullery. Ripple swu n g t h e pot off t h e fir e a n d gr a bbed h er wh ippik that she had laid on a stool. "I didn 't kn ow h e did," sh e sa id. "I n ever get t o see a n y magic." By n ow t h e six dwa r ves, t h e ken der , a n d t h e Agh a r h a d trotted down the passage and were back in the dining cavern where they had parted from the two wizards and Beglug. "If h e r ea lly sea led it t h e goblin s cou ldn 't get in ," Tr a p objected, expressing his opinion as well. "Look ou t !" on e of t h e dwa r ves sh ou t ed a n d fell fla t on t h e floor . Over h is h ea d sa iled a fir eba ll. It h a d com e down t h e passage from the front entrance. "I don 't t h in k it wa s br oken by h u m a n oids," Tolem sa id. "It took another wizard, and he's on the way!" "Now we'll r ea lly see som e m a gic," Ripple sa id, h er eyes sparking.

"And it may be the last thing you see," Tolem replied. Chapter 36 A secon d fir eba ll sa iled ou t of t h e pa ssa ge a n d in t o t h e ch a m ber . Aga in t h e Neida r , Agh a r , a n d ken der du cked behind the tilted stone slabs of the broken tables. "Zow! Th a t wa s a gr ea t sh ot ! Won der h ow h a r d it is t o sen d something down a passage?" Trap asked. He was not seeking a n a n swer fr om t h e dwa r ves. H e picked u p a sm a ll, ja gged r ock, set h is h oopa k a ga in st t h e st on e colu m n t h a t h a d on ce been the leg of a table, and drew back the pouch. The missile wen t sa ilin g a n d disa ppea r ed in t o t h e da r kn ess of t h e passage. Th e r ea ct ion wa s a n en t ir ely h u m a n cu r se, t h e voice fu ll of pain, surprise, and outrage. "You h it t h e wiza r d!" Tolem sa id, givin g Tr a p a look filled wit h r espect . Th e dwa r f fit t ed a qu a r r el t o h is cr oss-bow a n d shot down the dark passage. A goblin screamed. "Th er e m u st be a lot of t h em bu n ch ed t oget h er ," Ripple sa id. "We'll h it som et h in g ever y t im e." Sh e set h er wh ip-pik a n d nocked a small arrow into the loop. Her arrow and five dwarf qu a r r els en t er ed t h e da r k h ole of t h e pa ssa ge a t on ce. Th ey h ea r d cr ies of pa in a n d h owls bu t n o on e wou ld kn ow wh ich h a d fou n d a t a r get . Volley a ft er volley of dwa r f qu a r r els, Ripple's sm a ll a r r ows, a n d Tr a p's st on es wen t sa ilin g down t h e pa ssa ge a n d by t h e sou n d, ea ch on e fou n d som e t a r get , but they did not hear another cry from the wizard. "H e pr oba bly sen t h is m in ion s on a h ea d of h im ," Tolem sa id. Th ey a ll kn ew wiza r ds r elied on t h eir a r t s, n ot on wea pon s.

It wa s r ea son a ble t o a ssu m e t h a t t h e m a gic-u ser wa s eit h er shielded by his arts or his companions. Th e la st volley br ou gh t n o cr ies of pa in . Th ey h ea r d n ot h in g, no footsteps, no shuffling, no rattle of weapons. The complete silence was as eerie as the idea of enemies in the darkness. "Go get wh it e r obe," Um pt h su ggest ed. "H im figh t bla ck wizard." "No," t h e t a llest of t h e dwa r ves, wh o wa s closest t o t h e gu lly dwa r ves, gr a bbed Um pt h 's a r m . "Lea ve h im a lon e r igh t now." "Yes, leave him be," Tolem said. "I don't hold with magic, but t h a t cr ea t u r e wit h you is som e sor t of fien d. If I u n der st ood t h eir t a lk, t h ey'r e t r yin g t o sen d it ba ck t o it s own wor ld?" He was asking the question of Ripple. "That's what they want to do. That and get Orander, the redrobed wizard, back. Halmarain promised us he would give us som e m a gic, bu t I don 't kn ow if h e will. Wiza r ds a ll seem t o be as grumpy as dwarves-oh, I didn't mean .. . well, now that you've got your necklace back...." Tr a p h a d on ly h a lf list en ed t o t h e gu lly dwa r f's su ggest ion a n d pa r t of t h e con ver sa t ion t h a t followed. H e wa s fin din g t h e silen ce a n d t h e in a ct ivit y bor in g in t h e ext r em e. H e h a d been looking forward to a fight. What had happened? Had they killed all the humanoids? He didn't believe it. Even if ever y qu a r r el a n d ea ch on e of Ripple's a r r ows h a d been a fa t a l sh ot -wh ich wa s h igh ly u n likely-t h ey h a d n ot sen t en ou gh m issiles down t h e pa ssa ge t o a ccou n t for a ll t h e h u m a n oids. Sin ce t h e la st volley h a d n ot fou n d t a r get s, eit h er t h e en em y h a d r et r ea t ed or fou n d a wa y t o keep fr om

bein g st r u ck. Wh ile t h e dwa r ves a sked qu est ion s a n d Ripple t r ied t o expla in , h e edged a wa y fr om t h e ot h er s. H e cr ept closer to the dark mouth of the passage. To keep fr om bein g a t a r get , h e dr opped fla t on h is st om a ch a n d cr ept u p t o t h e wa ll t o see if h e cou ld see a n yt h in g of in t er est . Keepin g h is h ea d close t o t h e floor , h e eased for wa r d a n d peer ed a r ou n d t h e cor n er , a n d looked st r a igh t in t o t h e pig eyes of a m et a l-h elm ed goblin . Th e h u m a n oid yipped in a la r m a n d dr ew ba ck. Tr a p jer ked h is h ea d ba ck and in an instant was on his feet, dashing for shelter. "Th ey'r e cr a wlin g down t h e pa ssa ge, t h ey'r e a lr ea dy a t t h e door ," h e ca lled t o t h e ot h er s. H e r a ced for a br oken t a ble wit h a t ilt ed t op, lookin g for sh elt er a n d st on es for h is hoopak. "Let t h em h a ve a low volley," Tolem sh ou t ed t o t h e ot h er dwa r ves. Th ey sen t six m or e qu a r r els down t h e pa ssa ge a n d could be satisfied with the howls that returned. A low-voiced com m a n d fr om fa r t h er down t h e da r k pa ssa ge r ea ch ed t h em a n d su dden ly m or e t h a n t wen t y h u m a n oids rushed into the chamber. Some were still in a half crouch. Ripple a n d t h e six dwa r ves wer e r ea dy wit h t h eir m issiles. Th ey cou ld see t h eir t a r get s a n d fou r bu gbea r s fell dea d befor e t h ey h a d t a ken t h r ee st r ides in t o t h e ligh t ed h a ll. Th e ot h er s lea ped over t h eir dea d com pa n ion s a n d wer e on t h e dwa r ves a n d ken der befor e t h e cr ossbows cou ld be loa ded and cocked again. Tr a p, off t o t h e side, picked u p a la r ge, ja gged piece of r ock a n d fit t ed it in t o t o t h e pou ch of h is h oopa k. H e swu n g t h e wea pon t wice a r ou n d h is h ea d befor e h e let fly, a n d ca u gh t a goblin in t h e ba ck of t h e n eck, cr u sh in g it s spin e. H e kn elt

beh in d t h e br oken t a ble a n d felt for a n ot h er st on e, h is eyes on the battle in front of him. H e fou n d n ot h in g, bu t h e st ill h a d st on es in h is pou ch , h e r em em ber ed. Wh en h e du g in t h e bot t om of t h e ba g a t h is waist, he felt a ring. It slipped onto his finger and he was lost from his own sight again. He paused momentarily. Should he keep it on? Why not? The six dwarves and four companions were still far outnumbered, and they faced a wizard as well. Did h e h a ve a n y m or e fla m e ba lls? H e won der ed. H e r ea ch ed in t o h is pou ch a ga in , bu t h e fa ced t h e sa m e t r ou ble h e h a d befor e. H e cou ld n ot dist in gu ish a fla m e ba ll fr om a sm oot h st on e wit h ou t seein g it . Th e sm a ll m issiles h e wa s ca r r yin g wou ld do n o m or e t h a n ir r it a t e t h e h u ge bu gbea r s, so h e opted to skip around the table and attack with his hoopak. H e picked a likely t a r get , a bu gbea r t h a t seem ed t o be a ft er t h e t wo cower in g gu lly dwa r ves. Th en h e ch a n ged h is m in d. Tolem wa s h oldin g off t wo goblin s wit h m igh t y swin gs of h is h ea vy a xe, bu t beh in d h im a t h ir d h u m a n -oid wa s da n cin g on t h e ba lls of h is feet , wor kin g in posit ion t o a t t a ck fr om beh in d. Th e goblin fou n d h is open in g a n d r u sh ed for wa r d, h is spea r r ea dy. Th e ken der , ou t of posit ion t o deliver a fa t a l blow, thrust his hoopak between the goblin's legs and tripped him up. Th e h u m a n oid's st on e-h ea ded spea r wen t flyin g ou t of h is h a n d ju st a s Tolem st epped a side t o a void a t h r u st fr om t h e goblin in fr on t of h im . Th e goblin t h a t t h e dwa r f fa ced t ook the accidental spear thrust in the center of the chest. Tr a p wa s bu m ped fr om beh in d a n d t u r n ed t o see a goblin st a r in g a t som et h in g h e h a d felt bu t cou ld n ot see. Tr a p

spea r ed h im wit h t h e sh a r p, m et a l-t ipped poin t of h is hoopak. Two ot h er goblin s h a d seen t h eir com pa n ion m yst er iou sly fa ll a n d t h en die by som e u n seen a gen cy. Th ey ba cked a wa y and shouted to the wizard that they were facing magic. Trap ignored them as he looked around for his sister. He was ju st in t im e t o see h er ba ckin g a wa y fr om a bu g-bea r t h a t wa s t wice h er h eigh t . As t h e la r ge cr ea t u r e st a lked h er wit h a r a ised, st on e h ea ded clu b, sh e ca u gh t t h e bu t t of t h e ir on wood wh ippik in h er left h a n d a n d t h e lea t h er loop in h er r igh t . In a ligh t n in g m ove sh e skipped t o t h e side, ju m ped on t o a st on e ben ch , a n d t h en t h e t a ble it fla n ked. Sh e let t h e lea t h er t h on g go a n d fla iled t h e bu g-bea r a cr oss t h e fa ce. H e scr ea m ed a n d dr opped h is clu b a s h e pu t h is h a n ds over h is eyes. Not t o be ou t don e, Tr a p r a ised h is h oopa k a n d wh a cked a n ot h er bu gbea r a cr oss t h e fa ce. H e m issed t h e eyes bu t con n ect ed wit h t h e cr ea t u r e's sn ou t -like n ose, br ea kin g a n d shoving it back into his skull, a fatal blow. "Tr a p?" Ripple a sked. Sh e h a d seen t h e bu gbea r fa ll wit h ou t any visible force. "Are you wearing a ring?" Ripple asked, her gla n ces da r t in g a s sh e looked for h er br ot h er a n d a n y close en em ies a t t h e sa m e t im e. "Isn 't t h is fu n ? I wa s begin n in g t o think we'd never do anything interesting." Sh e du cked a t h r own spea r a n d wh en it bou n ced off t h e wa ll she picked it up. Grabbing the butt end, she swung it around her head let go, sending it whirling into the melee. Th r ee of t h e dwa r ves wer e su r r ou n ded by goblin s, bu t t h ey wer e h oldin g t h eir own a n d even dr ivin g t h e cr ea t u r es ba ck t owa r d t h e pa ssa ge wh en t h e wiza r d st epped in t o view. H e

cocked h is h ea d a s if list en in g t o som et h in g beyon d t h e battle. H is eyes bu r n ed in a n ger a n d h e m u t t er ed a n in ca n t a t ion . Wh en h e fin ish ed, a n icy st or m swept down on t o t h e defen der s a n d a t t a cker s a like. Icy pellet s st r u ck t h e h u m a n oids a n d dem i-h u m a n s a s if t h ey h a d ea ch been sh ot fr om a slin g. Th e for ce of t h e m a gic st or m dr ove t h em ba ck t owa r d t h e fa r door of t h e ch a m ber . Beh in d t h e wa ll of stinging ice the black-robed wizard passed unchallenged. E ven t h ou gh h e wa s st ill in visible, Tr a p ba cked a wa y wit h the others, trying to stay out of range of the stinging hail. Th e gu lly dwa r ves, wh o h a d st a yed a t t h e ba ck of t h e gold t r im m ed h a ll wer e t h e fir st t o r ea ch t h e pa ssa ge, t h e dwa r ves a n d ken der ba ckin g a lon g in t h eir wa ke. Th ey wer e followed by t h e goblin s. Th e la r ger bu gbea r s h a d t o st oop t o pa ss u n der t h e lower ceilin g. A t a cit t r u ce exist ed a s humanoid and demi-human alike tried to escape the storm. Th e pelt in g ice followed t h em down a lon g cor r idor . Th e t or ch es on t h e wa lls wer e ext in gu ish ed on e by on e a s t h e st or m r ea ch ed t h em . Th ey r et r ea t ed in ligh t a n d beh in d them the darkness flowed before the storm. E ver yon e followed t h e cou r se set by t h e Agh a r , so Tr a p wa s n ot su r pr ised wh en h e ba cked t h r ou gh a door wa y a n d fou n d himself in Chalmis Rosterig's laboratory. A brief look showed h im it wa s on ly sligh t ly differ en t fr om Or a n der 's, wit h sh elves of books a n d scr olls, bu bblin g liqu ids a n d st r a n ge objects in glass jars. At t h e fa r en d of t h e ch a m ber , H a lm a r a in st ood h oldin g t h e gate stone in one hand, and Beglug's arm with the other. She wa s sin gin g a n ot e t h a t sou n ded va gu ely fa m ilia r t o Tr a p. Sh e cou ld n ot seem t o get off on e discor da n t n ot e a n d Tr a p

would have liked to help her with her tone. Chalmis stood by h er , in t on in g a spell t h a t seem ed t o a ffect h er voice, sin ce it was deeper and louder than usual. Th e ice st or m h a d st opped ju st in side t h e door , a n d wa s sweepin g a r ou n d, cu r vin g so t h e dwa r ves, ken der , a n d humanoids were all trapped against the left wall. Th e ken der sa w Ch a lm is st a r t a s Dr a a ddis Vu lt er a ppea r ed in t h e door wa y. Ch a lm is ben t over H a lm a r a in . H e m oved h is lips in speech , bu t t h e h owlin g of t h e h u m a n oids, t h e t h r ea t s a n d sh ou t s of t h e dwa r ves, a n d t h e r a t t le of ice on t h e floor kept Tr a p fr om h ea r in g t h e wh it e-r obed wiza r d's voice. Th en Chalmis straightened and muttered, his hand raised. The ice st or m disa ppea r ed, a n d Tr a p discover ed h e wa s n o lon ger invisible. Th e wh it e-r obed wiza r d con t in u ed h is ch a n t in g a n d a glow r ose a r ou n d t h e t in y h u m a n fem a le wh o st ood wit h t h e ga t e st on e in on e h a n d a n d h eld Beglu g's a r m wit h t h e ot h er . Sh e kept up the discordant note. F r eed fr om t h e fea r of t h e ice pellet s, t h e h u m a n oids a t t a cked t h e dwa r ves a n d t h e ken der a ga in . Th e dwa r ves' a xes h a cked a t t h e spea r s a n d clu bs. Tr a p wa s h a r d pr essed t o slip a wa y fr om a goblin t h a t wa s in t en t on pin n in g h im t o the stone wall with a stone-tipped spear. Ripple wa s h oldin g h er own a ga in st a bu gbea r t wice h er h eigh t . Wh ile ba ckin g down t h e pa ssa ge sh e h a d pu lled a sm a ll ba r bed st eel ba ll fr om h er pou ch , r em oved t h e pr ot ect ive cover in g a n d h a d a t t a ch ed it t o h er wh ippik. H er mini-m or n in gst a r cou ld h old off cr ea t u r es m u ch la r ger t h a n herself. In t h e door wa y of Ch a lm is' wor kr oom , Dr a a ddis Vu lt er cu r sed a s h is ice st or m wa s dispelled. H e bega n a n ot h er

ch a n t . Th e ea r -split t in g r epor t s of cr a ckin g st on e filled t h e ch a m ber a n d r ever ber a t ed off t h e wa lls. Dir ect ly in fr on t of t h e bla ck-r obed wiza r d, t h e floor m oved a n d u p h ea ved a st on e cr ea t u r e wit h fou r legs, six a r m s, a n d n o h ea d. Th e st on e golem ign or ed t h e ba t t le bet ween t h e dwa r ves a n d ken der a n d t h e h u m a n oids a n d ch a r ged t h e wh it e-robed wizard. Ch a lm is wa s a lr ea dy ch a n t in g, fr om t h e floor ca m e a n ot h er r oa r of br ea kin g r ock. A ser ies of t en t a cles, a lso of flexible st on e, gr a bbed a t Dr a a ddis's cr a wlin g golem a n d lift ed it off it s feet . Th e fou r -legged cr ea t u r e sla m m ed down t o t h e floor with a force that shook everyone in the chamber. Ripple fell a n d wa s n ea r ly spea r ed by a goblin . Um pt h , equ a lly off ba la n ce, h a d t r ied t o su ppor t h im self wit h t h e wh eel. It slipped ou t of h is h a n ds, bou n ced u p, a n d ca u gh t t h e goblin on t h e side of it s h ea d. Th e h a lf-st u n n ed goblin r ose t o it s feet , gla r ed a t t h e gu lly dwa r ves, a n d sh ook it s head to clear its already slow wits. Seein g t h e h u m a n oid's a t t en t ion t u r n ed t owa r d t h em , Um pt h gr a bbed t h e wh eel a n d st epped ba ck, h oldin g h is a r t ifa ct in fr on t of h im a s if it wer e a sh ield. Gr od, sim ila r ly threatened, seemed to suddenly remember that he carried an a xe a n d pu lled it fr om it 's sh ea t h . H e a t t em pt ed t o r a ise it over h is h ea d, bu t h e lost h is gr ip a n d it st r u ck t h e wa ll beh in d h im . As t h e st eel bla de r icoch et ed off t h e wa ll, it caught the goblin a stunning blow with the handle. Th a t wa s en ou gh ba t t le for t h e gu lly dwa r ves. Um pt h gr a bbed t h e wh eel, Gr od picked u p h is sodden bla n ket , a n d they raced around the stone monsters who were still battling in t h e cen t er of t h e ch a m ber . Th r ee of t h e t en t a cles h a d broken off and disappeared back into the floor. Two of the six a r m s a n d on e leg of t h e fir st m on st er wer e a lso br oken a n d had disappeared.

Tr a p ju m ped t o t h e side ju st a s a bu gbea r r u sh ed h im . Th e h u ge h u m a n oid br ou gh t it s h ea vy, ir on -t ipped clu b down wit h a blow t h a t wou ld h a ve cr u sh ed t h e ken der 's sku ll if it h a d con n ect ed. Th e ken der 's dodge ca u gh t t h e bu gbea r u n pr epa r ed. H is h ea vy wea pon con t in u ed down a n d st r u ck t h e floor wit h a blow t h a t ja r r ed t h e bea st 's en t ir e a r m . Wh ile h e wa s st ill vibr a t in g fr om t h e sh ock, Tr a p flipped h is h oopa k a r ou n d a n d t h r ew h is en t ir e weigh t a ga in st t h e weapon as he drove it into the bug-bear's chest. Th ou gh in t en t on h is own ba t t le, h e wa s va gu ely a wa r e of Beglu g, wh o st ood by H a lm a r a in . Th e lit t le fien d seem ed t o be wa kin g u p, begin n in g t o r ecogn ize t h e figh t goin g on a r ou n d h im . Su dden ly h e ch a r ged t h e t en t a cles of t h e st on e golem cr ea t ed by Ch a lm is a n d bit off a n a r m . Th e remainder of t h e wr it h in g t en t a cle t h r ew h im side-wa ys wh er e h is cla ws r ipped ou t t h e t h r oa t of a goblin wh o wa s ba ckin g away from a dwarf's swinging axe. His eyes glowing with the light of battle, Beglug charged toward Ripple. Tr a p wa s, a t t h e m om en t , ba ckin g a wa y fr om a bu g-bear's long spear while he waited for an opportunity to move in and u sed h is m u ch sh or t er r ea ch . H e n odded in sa t isfa ct ion a s h e sa w t h e m er ch est i h ea din g in h is sist er 's dir ect ion . If Beglu g join ed wit h h er , t h ey cou ld pr ot ect ea ch ot h er a n d in flict con sider a ble da m a ge on t h eir en em ies. At lea st t h a t wa s wh a t h e t h ou gh t . H e r ea lized h is er r or wh en h e h ea r d Ripple's voice. "Beglug, what are you doing?" Beglug was swatting at her, his claws extended. Tr a p h a d n ever r u n a wa y fr om a n en em y, bu t a t t h a t moment he was more interested in what was happening with h is sist er a n d Beglu g t h a n t h e bu gbea r . H e gla n ced a r ou n d, n ot iced h e wa s per ilou sly close t o t h e r em a in in g t en t a cles of

t h e st on e golem a n d du cked u n der on e, fa llin g a n d r ollin g a s h e u sed t h eir t h r ea t t o dodge t h e bu gbea r . Th e h u m a n oid, t oo in t en t on h is in t en ded vict im t o t a ke pr oper pr eca u t ion s, lunged forward and was grabbed by a stone arm. Trap rose to his feet and dodged right between a dwarf and a goblin a s h e t r ied t o r ea ch Ripple. H e wa s pr even t ed fr om goin g t o h er side by a n ew in flu x of t h e en em y t h a t h a d been late arriving in Chalmis Rosterig's laboratory. An ot h er scor e of goblin s a n d bu gbea r s swa r m ed in , ca u sin g Tr a p a n d t h e six dwa r ves t o r et r ea t u n t il t h eir ba cks wer e t o t h e wa ll. Th e gu lly dwa r ves r a ced bet ween t h e ba cks of t h e goblin s a n d st on e golem s, seekin g a sa fe cor n er , bu t en ded u p com in g fa ce-to-fa ce wit h Dr a a ddis Vu lt er . Th e wiza r d raised a threatening hand. Tr a p h a d on ly a m om en t t o see Ripple, on t h e ot h er side of t h e ch a m ber , ba ckin g a wa y fr om t h e m a dden ed m er ch est i. Sh e wa s a t t em pt in g t o h old h im off, bu t t h e lit t le fien d wa s clea r ly t r yin g t o kill t h e ken der gir l. Sh e h a d dr opped h er wh ippik, wh ich wa s u seless in t r yin g t o defen d h er self fr om t h e lit t le fien d. Sh e u sed a fa llen bu g-bea r 's spea r , ca r efu l not to give Beglug the opportunity to bite it. Tr a p cou ld see sh e wa s t r yin g n ot t o h a r m t h e cr ea t u r e, sh e wa s ju st pr ot ect in g h er self fr om it . Wh a t sh e h a d n ot n ot iced wa s t h a t sh e wa s ba ckin g st r a igh t in t o H a lm a r a in , wh o seem ed so deep in t o h er spell-ca st in g t h a t sh e wa s u n a wa r e of anything else. Tr a p, st ill ju st h oldin g h is own a ga in st t wo goblin s cou ld n ot go to her. "Gr od, h elp Ripple!" h e sh ou t ed, bu t t h e gu lly dwa r f, spin n in g t o loca t e t h e ken der in t h e m elee, spot t ed a n ot h er

figu r e. Dr a a ddis Vu lt er wa s r a isin g h is h a n d t o t h r ow another spell at the white-robed wizard. "No like ice!" Gr od sa id a n d slu n g h is bla n ket a t t h e wiza r d. Th e h ea vy, wet cover in g fell over t h e wiza r d's fa ce a n d h ea d a n d ca u sed t h e h u m a n t o st a gger . As Dr a a ddis Vu lt er t r ied t o keep h is ba la n ce h is feet ca r r ied h im ba ckwa r d a few st eps. Wit h t h e bla n ket over h is h ea d h e st a gger ed t oo close to Ripple for the gully dwarves' peace. "Lea ve P r et t y Ken der a lon e!" Um pt h sh ou t ed a n d u sed h is m ost power fu l wea pon . H e t h r ew t h e wh eel. It st r u ck Dr a a ddis in t h e m iddle of h is ba ck a n d st u m bled t owa r d Halmarain. At ju st t h a t m om en t t h e lit t le wiza r d r a ised h er eyes a n d sa w t h e bla n ket -sh r ou ded figu r e h u r t lin g t owa r d h er . Th e tone she had been holding rose in terror. A glow rose from the gate stone and formed half an arc in the a ir . Su dden ly a void for m ed r igh t beside h er . A sea r in g h ot wind blew into the chamber and extinguished all the light. Chapter 37 In t h e da r kn ess Tr a p h ea r d a r oa r h e r ecogn ized. A h u m a n voice cr ied ou t in su r pr ise a n d a la r m . A h ot win d blew t h r ou gh t h e ch a m ber , a n d h e ju m ped ba ck a s h e felt t h e t ou ch of a gia n t cla wed h a n d. It pa ssed h im by a n d a bugbear gave a scream of terror. Two other howls of fear and pain followed as the kender pressed himself against the wall. Beglu g su dden ly ga ve a gu r glin g, deligh t ed cr y. Aft er Beglu g's ou t bu r st , sever a l secon ds of qu iet followed wh en a ll they could hear was the sound of the hot wind blowing in the pa ssa ge. Th en t h e win d st opped. Mom en t s la t er t h e da r k

ch a m ber wa s dim ly illu m in a t ed by t h e ligh t fr om t h r ee wiza r d's st a ves. Th e sm a llest ligh t , H a lm a r a in 's, wa s ba r ely a n in ch off t h e floor . Sh e la y spr a wled on h er st om a ch , hardly daring to raise her head. The second belonged to Chalmis, and the third to a red-robed wiza r d wh o h a d disa ppea r ed weeks befor e. H e looked t h in and tired. Tr a p r ecogn ized Or a n der , n ot iced t h e wiza r d's wea ken ed con dit ion , a n d h u r r ied for wa r d t o pick u p a n over t u r n ed st ool t h a t la y n ext t o a br oken t a ble. H e pla ced t h e st ool so the wizard could rest. "You 'r e Or a n der , a n d we've been sea r ch in g for you . Well, n ot r ea lly for you , bu t for a wiza r d t h a t cou ld h elp get you ba ck beca u se H a lm a r a in sa id you wou ld give u s som e m a gic if we h elped, a n d even if sh e does sa y it wa s m y fa u lt you wen t through the wrong door, I do think-" "Ma st er Or a n der !" H a lm a r a in r ose t o a sit t in g posit ion a n d st a r ed u p a t h er t ea ch er wit h t ea r s st r ea m in g down h er fa ce. "You 'r e a live! I didn 't da r e h ope, " sh e sobbed. "We t r ied t o get to you before-" "Time must not be the same over there, " Chalmis said to the new arrival, ignoring the outbursts of his visitors. "If it h a d been I wou ld n ot h a ve su r vived, " Or a n der sa id wea kly wh en h e lea r n ed h e h a d been a bsen t fr om Kr yn n for weeks. "Sin ce I h a d on e of t h e st on es, I cou ld follow H a lm a r a in 's pr ogr ess, t h ou gh t h e dist a n ce wa sn 't t h e sa m e eit h er , I su ppose. I wa s con st a n t ly followed by t h e m er ch est i. Wh a t it wa n t ed, I do n ot kn ow.... " H e fr own ed a s h e watched his student. "Girl, what's the matter?"

H a lm a r a in h a d been t wist in g a s if t o wor k ou t a cr a m p, a n d massaging her shoulder. "It 's n ot h in g n ow t h a t you 'r e ba ck, " sh e sa id. "In t h e da r kn ess som eon e kn ocked m e down a n d st epped on m e. Dr a a ddis Vu lt er ! H e wa s st a gger in g t owa r d m e wh en t h e portal opened. " "H e wen t t h r ou gh t o Va sm a r g, " Tr a p sa id, a wed. H e looked a r ou n d. Th e bla ck-r obed wiza r d h a d disa ppea r ed a lon g wit h t h e ba t t lin g st on e golem s. Th e su r vivin g h u m a n oids wer e backing away toward the entrance to the wizard's workroom. They fled with the dwarves urging them on. The two gully dwarves eyed the chatting wizards and walked over to Ripple. "E a t n ow?" Gr od a sked a s if t h e ba t t le bet ween t h e dwa r ves, ken der , a n d goblin s, t h e t est of m a gic bet ween wiza r ds, a n d t h e open in g of a por t a l t o a n ot h er pla n e h a d on ly been a n interruption of more important matters. H a lm a r a in t u r n ed t o ga ze a t t h e t wo gu lly dwa r ves a n d t ook a r elu ct a n t lea ve of h er m a st er . Sh e su ggest ed t h ey fin ish pr epa r in g a m ea l, su r e h er m en t or cou ld u se t h e nourishment. By t h e t im e Ripple a n d H a lm a r a in wer e r ea dy t o la dle ou t the pudding, the six Neidar were back, their axes bloody, but t h ey r epor t ed t h ey h a d ch a sed t h e few r em a in in g bu gbea r s down t h e side of t h e m ou n t a in . Non e of t h e sm a ller goblin s had survived. By n oon of t h e n ext da y, t h e wiza r ds wer e deep in con ver sa t ion a ga in , exa m in in g t h e ga t e st on es a n d discu ssin g t h em . Th e dwa r ves h a d set ou t t o explor e t h e

deep ca ver n s of Digon da m a a r . Th e ken der h a d fin ger ed ever yt h in g in sigh t a n d n o on e, n ot even Tr a p a n d Ripple, r ea lized t h eir pou ch es wer e h ea vier t h a n wh en t h ey en t er ed the dwarf caverns. Th ey h a d ju st fin ish ed explor in g a ll t h e ch a m ber s Ch a lm is had lit when the two gully dwarves joined them. "Red wiza r ds 'por t in g ba ck t h eir Th is P la ce, " Gr od in for m ed t h em . E ven if h e didn 't get t h e wor d r igh t h e u n der st ood Orander and Halmarain would be traveling by magic. "We go find good us This Place now? Kender help?" "We did pr om ise t h em , " Ripple r em in ded h er br ot h er . "I'd bet they would like Solanthus, and I didn't get to see it at all. " Bor ed sin ce t h ey h a d fin ger ed ever yt h in g in sigh t , t h e t wo ken der a n d t wo gu lly dwa r ves t ook t h eir lea ve la t e in t h e a ft er n oon a n d st r olled down t h e m ou n t a in side t o fin d t h e ponies. "Ma st er Or a n der a n d Ma st er Ch a lm is a r e n ice wiza r ds, " Ripple sa id, pu llin g ou t t h e r in g sh e h a d t a ken fr om Or a n der 's ch est . Th e r ed-r obed wiza r d h a d been so gr a t efu l for t h e ken der 's h elp t h a t h e h a d given t h em t h e r in gs. Or a n der h a d been t oo wea k t o do m or e t h a n m a ke t h e gift . Chalmis had reinforced the magic in the rings. "Master Chalmis added to the magic in mine too, " Trap said, r ea ch in g in t o h is pou ch t o pu ll t h em ou t . H is eyebr ows r ose in su r pr ise a s ou t ca m e t h e st r in g of disks t h a t m a de u p t h e dwarf lore map. "I thought we gave those back to the Neidar, " Ripple said.

"P r et t y for P r et t y Ken der , " Gr od sa id a s h e st u m ped a lon g. H e r ea ch ed ou t t o t ou ch Ripple's sh in in g blon d cu r l t h a t hung down her back and bounced as she walked. "Gr od, you m u st n 't t a ke ot h er people's t h in gs, " Tr a p ch ided h im . "Bu t h a vin g it is gr ea t ! Th in k of wh a t we ca n do. Big jiggies, we ca n visit a ll sor t s of dwa r ves t h a t n ever com e t o visit u s. Th ey m a ke won der fu l st u ff, t h ou gh som e a r e a s cr oss a s H a lm a r a in , bu t t h ey'd pr oba bly en joy m eet in g someone new after staying underground so long. " ''Th a t wou ld be fu n , " Ripple sm iled a t h er br ot h er . "An d we'll return it the next time we come this way, you know how dwarves are about people taking their things. " "Trapspringer that steal, him dead, " Umpth spoke up. Grod n odded. "Ma ke good t a le, t h a t . Ken der t ell t a le?" H e gla zed a t Tr a p wit h su ch a h opefu l look, Ripple u r ged h er brother to give them a story. "My poor Un cle Tr a pspr in ger , " Tr a p sa id, h is u su a l wa y of st a r t in g a st or y. "I don 't t h in k h e wou ld h a ve fou gh t that strange creature if he had known it was a stone golem... " ***** Ast in u s of P a la n t h u s a llowed h im self a sm a ll sm ile a s h e wrote.... Deep below t h e r u in s of P ey, a bla ck silk clot h , la vish ly decor a t ed in golden r u n es, cover ed t h e bla ck or b. Wit h in h er r ea lm t h e Da r k Qu een r a ged. Sh e wa s a wa r e of Dr a a ddis's pa ssa ge t o t h e P la n e of Va sm a r g. Sh e h a d lost h er ser va n t ,

a n d wit h t h e globe cover ed, sh e h a d n o power t o see in t o t h e world of Krynn. ***** Two h u n dr ed feet a bove t h e or b, t h e wolf woke a n d st r et ch ed. H e h a d slept well. No dr ea m s h a d t or t u r ed h is sleep. H e didn 't kn ow wh a t h a d ca u sed t h ose t er r ible nightmares-it might have been someone he ate. ... and that's the tale of my Uncle Trapspringer.