Party at Castle Grof Read online

  The Aracan Katuvana clapped its hands together twice. A tiny Gremlin appeared out of nowhere and bowed deeply.

  “Bring the miniatures,” the Jar commanded.

  The Gremlin bowed again, spun on the spot and disappeared. Moments later, it was back with a large, gilded Ironwood box, which it presented to the figure. As the Aracan Katuvana opened the box, another pair of Gremlins set up a table in front of the throne.

  The Aracan Katuvana laid the miniatures out on the table. There were thirteen spaces in the velvet-lined box, but only twelve diminutive figures. The Aracan Katuvana examined each one carefully then selected one.

  Rising, he strode over to the window where the scene through the barbarian’s eyes was playing out. The ancient goblin picked the Jar up and followed him.

  The Aracan Katuvana placed the miniature onto a red plinth in front of the window and made a small gesture over it. The miniature blinked.

  “This is most definitely the one, Lord. Thank the Darkness that she has stayed true.”

  The Aracan Katuvana considered the miniature and the barbarian whose picture had appeared in the top left of the window.

  “Would you like to activate this agent, Sire?” the Jar sounded uneasy, as if it were unable to gauge the Aracan’s mood. “She could cause much chaos in Valdez at your command.”

  The Aracan Katuvana shook his head, his hood flaring with the movement. It allowed some of the candlelight to fall upon his eyes, glinting blood red in the shadows.

  Snapping his fingers over the miniature made a picture of the agent’s face appear in the top right of the window. With another gesture, the Aracan Katuvana created a frame around the picture of the barbarian, and with a final snap of the fingers, the frame glowed pink.

  The Jar spoke to the barbarian.

  “I am in love with this person. I will allow her to do anything she wishes.”

  The pink glow deepened as the spell took hold.

  * * *

  Grald stared at the newcomer with deep admiration. She was tall with a shapely figure that seemed more exotic than even the most beautiful of the Southern Islanders he’d ever seen. Her Ebony skin contrasted sharply with her long silver hair, long strands hanging loose around a perfectly chiselled face. A pair of large pale gold eyes seemed to draw him in and before he knew what was happening, he felt a hot flush centring on his loins. “Well, hello…” he breathed.

  She smiled. “Hello yourself, Barbarian. I hear you have a little party going on.”

  “It’s none of your business.” Aranok pushed himself upright, glaring at the newcomer.

  “We’re going to raid a Dungeon of Doom,” Grald replied, feeling more than a little breathless and wondering why his heart was beating so fast.

  “That sounds interesting. May I join you?”

  “Be my guest.” Grald gestured to the stool beside him, “Can I get you a drink?”

  The newcomer nodded.

  “A mug of mead would be pleasant.”

  Grald all but jumped up and ran over to the bar.

  Aranok looked at the newcomer.

  “What are you doing here?”

  “I was in the neighbourhood and I thought I would drop by.”

  “Erendell, I have known you for a little over a hundred years. You never just drop by.”

  “Aww, Aranok, we played together as children before little Ariana was born. Can’t you just be pleased that an old friend wants to see you?”

  “No. Last time you dropped by, Ariana and I ended up on the plains of Reldheim fighting Urakhs We only just got out of there alive! Where were you?” Aranok paused for a long moment, tapping his finger against his lips and looking up into the air between them. “Oh yes, I remember, carousing with the dwarves in Laikholm.”

  “Okay, so I’ve got you into a little bit of trouble over the years…”

  At that point, Grald came back. He placed a mug in front of Erendell and sat back down, slowly becoming aware of the chill to the air.

  “What’s the matter?”

  “Aranok and I are just renewing our friendship,” Erendell told him, as she sipped from her mug.

  Grald felt his chest tighten.

  “You know, Aranok?” His voice seemed harsh even to him.

  “He and I grew up together. We’re old friends.”

  Grald glared at Aranok, suddenly feeling jealous.

  “Old friends, eh?” Aranok held his hand up.

  “Liana, Erendell and I were in the same nursery group when we were children, Grald.”

  “Erendell is a pretty name.” Grald ignored Aranok’s explanation, but it loosened the knot inside him.

  “It’s short for Erendelliana. It means Dark Flower in Viraldian Elvish. My Mother is Viraldian and I’ve inherited her colouring.” She flashed a raised eyebrow at him, daring him to say anything.

  “I think your name suits you,” Grald sighed, gazing at Erendell, his eyelids drooping and a soft smile spreading across his face. “I’ve never worried about colour or race when admiring a

  “Thank you.” The dark elf shot a look of consternation at Aranok, who shrugged and said:

  “I’ve only just met him, but it looks like you have an admirer, Erendell.”

  She rolled her eyes at him and smiled at Grald who leaned towards her and smiled back.

  Aranok stifled a laugh and finished his mead, then waved his mug at the barmaid.

  “Bring another round over please, m’dear.”

  The barmaid beamed at him.

  Ariana returned an hour later with a dwarf wearing hardened leather armour and carrying a mace.

  “Hello Erendell, it’s been a while,” she said as she removed her cloak. “The Archmage told me you’d been seen in the city.”

  “It has been a long while since I saw you last, Ariana.” Erendell shrugged. “I’ve been here and there doing all sorts of things; some of it even legal. Has Aranok managed to capture Liana’s attention yet?”

  Ariana laughed at the expression on her brother’s face

  “Not entirely. What brings you here?” She waved one hand around the common room.

  “I happened to be in Valdez and spotted the two of you coming this way earlier. It took me a while to find you, but I was curious and wanted see what my oldest friends were up to.” The elf smiled at her friend.

  Aranok snorted. “You mean you were stalking us.”

  “I did follow you for a little while, and it was just as well; that fish barrow wouldn’t have exploded by itself and I’m rather hurt that you didn’t recognise my fireball.” The dark elf pouted.

  “I recognised your voice, but we were a little too preoccupied with getting away to look for you,” Ariana replied wryly.

  “That would do it.” Erendell laughed and Grald joined in.

  Ariana blinked and stared at the barbarian, then looked across at her brother, who shook his head.

  “So what did the Guild say and why have you got an underdweller following you around?” Aranok asked.

  The dwarf raised one eyebrow at the epithet, but stayed silent and still behind Ariana.

  “We’ve been asked to cleanse the Dungeon of Doom, Erendell.” Ariana turned to the dwarf. “Arnhammen, this is Aranok, my brother; Grald, a recently freed barbarian warrior; and Erendell, an old friend. This is Arnhammen Towerston. The Guild assigned him to be my Mage Protector.”

  The Dwarf bowed to those assembled around the table.

  “Am I not enough of a Mage Protector for the Guild then?” Aranok asked.

  “It’s not that, brother, I have been ordered to take part in Lord Harnez’s Dungeon Cleansing and the Guild feels you should be able to follow your own path.” Ariana laid one hand on his arm, trying to make him feel better.

  “As if I’d leave my younger sister with two strangers.” Aranok took her hand in his and kissed the back of it. “Where you go, I go. Mother would never forgive me otherwise.”

  “Is yon Drow no part o’t’Party then?” Arnhammen asked, pulling a
stool over from another table and sitting down.

  “I’m interested in helping out if you want me, Ariana.” Erendell waved her mug amicably. “I haven’t got anything to do at the moment and I love a bit of adventure. What about you, Grald?”

  “I’m definitely up for it now.” The barbarian linked eyes with the dark elf and after a moment, she looked away, the colour of her cheeks darkening.

  “Well, that seals it,” Aranok snorted. “If you think I’m going to let two strangers and a troublesome dark elf escort my sister into a Dungeon that has already claimed the lives of one party…”

  Ariana beamed at her brother, relieved that she hadn’t needed to argue him round.

  “We’re to go back to Lord Harnez in the morning to collect our supplies. He’s going to provide everything.”

  “Is this it then? You, me, Grald, Erendell and a dwarf.” He frowned. “Can’t we take a city guard or two with us?”

  “I be worth three o’them,” Arnhammen growled.

  “Where did you train?” Grald asked.

  “As a Dwarfling, I trained with the Laikholm division of the Reldheimian Army.” Arnhammen nodded his thanks to the barmaid who set a mug of foamy ale in front of him. “Ah, thank ye darlin’.” He took a deep draught of ale before continuing. “I took part in the raids on the north end of Lakurakh when I came of age and was seconded to Laikholm’s Guild of Magic Users as a Mage Protector fifty years ago.”

  Grald nodded.

  “That’s a good run. You have any problems with where we’re going?”

  “I go where my assigned Mage goes. I fear nothing with my mace in my hand.” Arnhammen finished his ale and stretched.

  “I’d better get some sleep then. The last time I led a party like this I spent far too much time awake waiting for a Lych to jump out on me…” Aranok ambled off to his room.

  * * *

  The journey out to Castle Grof the next morning was uneventful. Grald spent most of the time alternating between trying to impress Erendell and just staring at her, sighing every so often.

  Halfway through the ride, Ariana abandoned her brother’s side and the tactical discussion going on between Arnhammen and Aranok. She pushed her mare to catch up with Erendell where she was dazzling Grald with her wit.

  “Would you mind lending my brother the benefit of your experience, Grald?” she said with a bright smile.

  “Not at all, Lady.” Grald bowed in his saddle and reined his horse back. “This stretch of the road seems very quiet, but keep an eye open.”

  “We will,” Erendell assured him.

  The two women rode silently for a while.

  Around them, the wind rustled the tall grass that covered this part of Valdier, disturbing the crickets’ song. A small blue, rabbit like creature hopped into the road in front of them, its nose to the ground as it followed a scent across their path into the grass on the opposite side of the road. There was a growl, a rustle and a squeal; the blue animal appeared at the side of the road as they rode past, a small mouse in its jaws, blood dribbling down and staining the creature’s fur purple.

  “Nice to see that the hunting out here is as plentiful as ever,” Erendell remarked flipping a respectful salute at the animal. “Harabbin are almost extinct in Franier. I could make a killing in the fur market at Fron with only a few Harabbin pelts.”

  The Harabbin ignored them and hopped away into the tall grass, carrying its meal.

  “There don’t seem to be many people out here,” Ariana shrugged. “Maybe the local hunters are busy.”

  “This border war would use up men at a frightening rate,” Erendell said. “I’m surprised that the King even has enough men to staff the city watch.”

  There was a burst of laughter from behind them.

  “It seems that the men are getting on well back there.” Ariana glanced back at the three warriors.

  “I thought Aranok was going to end up a red smear on the floor when he called Arnhammen ‘Underdweller’.” Erendell shook her head. “You’d think that the son of a prominent Alethdariellian lord would know better.”

  Ariana sighed. “Nokkie isn’t exactly known for his tact or diplomacy though. Why do you think the queen agreed to let him be my Mage Protector for this trip?”

  “He didn’t upset someone did he?” Erendell laid her reins on her mare’s neck and stretched.

  “The Prince Consort; Aranok told him that he was a pompous windbag and didn’t deserve Liana as a stepdaughter.” Ariana laughed at Erendell’s expression.

  “I’m surprised that the queen is still allowing him to court Liana after that,” the dark elf muttered.

  “She just laughed and suggested that he get out of the city for a while,” Ariana giggled. “Then Liana asked him to bring her a Viraldian promise ring back for their betrothal ceremony and I was practically dragged out of Alethdar by the scruff of my neck.”

  “There’s nothing like love to motivate a man.” Erendell exchanged a look with Ariana; they both looked back at Aranok and started laughing louder.

  He frowned and pushed his horse into a trot to catch up with them.

  “What on earth are you two laughing about?” he asked as he rode up beside him. “Nothing much,” the women said together.

  “Hmm. Well the castle is just up ahead.” He pointed to the right of the road where silver birch and copperleaf trees rose from the top of a small hill.

  “Are we stopping to eat and check what we’re doing before we go in?” Erendell yawned. “I need to have a nap.”

  “Fine, as long as you don’t eat any Copperleaf and berry bread,” Aranok told her as they left the road and headed for the trees.

  “Why is that important?” Grald asked.

  “It’s not really, but I hate the smell of the stuff,” Aranok replied.

  Erendell rolled her eyes. “He’s the only elf I know who doesn’t like it.”

  “Considering how loopy it makes you elves, I’m glad he doesn’t,” Ariana retorted.

  Erendell shrugged. “Not my fault.”

  “Never mind that. Let’s get on with what we’re here for.” Aranok dismounted under a silver birch. “We’ll go further in on foot.”

  “Harnez was right when he said that the Guardian Castles were left in ruins.” Grald surveyed the area around the entrance to the Dungeon. Large blocks of stone lay where they had tumbled from the curtain wall and the majority of the inside walls were nothing more than humps in the sod, the occasional crumbled brick showing through the grass.

  “I thought the entrances were all bricked up?” Ariana frowned at the neatly presented Ironwood door with the carved steel inlaid Tower and Eye symbol on both doors.

  “Shilir said it was clear when he and his party got here. Maybe Lord Harnez had it done.” Grald shrugged.

  “It seems t’me that there be too much coincidence in this little adventure,” Arnhammen muttered.

  Erendell sank down onto the grass.

  “I’ll take a quick nap. Wake me when you are ready to go or I’ll wake myself in half an hour, whichever comes first.” She wrapped herself into her cloak and was asleep before Aranok had time to object.

  Ariana shook her head. “She never changes.”

  Aranok decided to ignore them. He sat down on the grass opposite the door and checked the map Shilir had given them one more time.

  There wasn’t much detail on it, just a rundown of the traps his party had encountered along the corridors that they had scouted out. Shilir had used an All-Seeing Eye spell to find out the rest of the layout.

  Aranok remembered Harnez’s eyes as he briefed them that morning. Shilir had been off with Ariana and Arnhammen, something about spells and magical items.

  Grald had volunteered Erendell and himself to sort out the supplies and packhorses. Aranok found himself alone in the study with Lord Harnez.

  “Remember Sir Aranok, you must retrieve the Heart Crystal and get it out into the sunlight or the Dungeon will regenerate.”

  “I
understand, Lord Harnez,” Aranok replied.

  “I must have that Heart Crystal!” Harnez had been resolute, thumping his fist down on the table. Aranok bowed.

  “You may take anything else that you want from the Dungeon. Bring the Heart Crystal out and back to me. That is by far the most important thing.”

  “Very well, milord.”

  Aranok had wondered at the time if something else was going on, but before he could ask, the others had returned.

  “I’ll wager you a silver piece that he’s thinking about Liana,” Erendell murmured sleepily to Ariana as she woke up.

  “Nah, he’s wondering how on earth to get himself out of trouble this time,” Ariana replied from where she sat checking her potions.

  The sound of his sister and Erendell laughing brought Aranok out of his reverie.

  “Neither actually,” he said, laying the map out on a nearby block of stone. “I was wondering how I ended up with a sister with no safety sense. Ward us please, Ariana.”

  The young mage grimaced and concentrated for a few seconds, sending balls of red light out to rest in a rough circle around them.

  “I believe it would be a good idea to plan where we are going before we enter the dungeon, rather than just blundering around.” Aranok beckoned to the rest of the group. They gathered around the map. “Shilir did a good job of detailing what rooms and corridors there are. His party went straight up past the crossroads and through this middle door. That’s where they ran into trouble. The guard post is manned by Vampires on the other side.”

  “Then t’intelligence would suggest we take a different route,” Arnhammen surmised.

  “Yes. I thought we’d go through this door at the end of the right hand passage and continue up this corridor here, until we reach the door at the top of the Dungeon.” Aranok traced his proposed route out with his finger.

  “What about this route; through the left hand door, up this corridor and through this entrance here,” Erendell said, pointing.

  “Into this little complex of rooms?” Grald sounded dubious as he examined the map. “Shilir thought there was something very strong living in those rooms. He showed me this map when he picked me up in Jinra. He didn’t catch more than a glimpse of it, but he said it gave off an incredibly evil aura.”