Chasing the Dragon Read online

  Aleena nodded. "He is a friend of mine," she said. "A dear friend."

  "I see. And does his lady know how dear a friend you are?" Rosalyn asked with a hint of a smile.

  Aleena felt the heat in her cheeks. "Oh! Nothing like that! Lady Patrina is a noble woman in deed and heart as well as blood. I consider them both friends."

  Rosalyn's nose twitched but she looked away, glancing at the statue again. "I should like to meet this Alto one day. I've heard much of him, from both the people who admire him and the people who fear him."

  "Fear him?" Aleena asked. Celos snorted softly beside her.

  "He and his band of warriors cut a swath through these mountains. Goblin, troll, ogre, and even giant fell before them. Indeed, had it not been for him, I would not be the woman I am today."

  Aleena glanced at Celos and saw his eyes were rounded. He was as puzzled as she was.

  Rosalyn saw their confusion and explained, "If Sarya had won, I wouldn't be here. I wouldn't have the chance to show the people of the mountains there are better ways to live. Better ways to co-exist."

  "Is killing kingdom miners and taking their mines your idea of co-existing?" Celos asked.

  Rosalyn sighed. "My, you're to the point, aren't you? As for what my people have done to secure their livelihood, I regret the unfortunate violence. They have been living in harsh oppression their entire lives. Showing them a better a way is not a simple process."

  "You haven't answered for the property you've taken that was not yours to take," Celos pointed out.

  Aleena pressed her lips together tightly. Her mentor's tactics were often well suited, but in the heart of a possible enemy land, an assault upon their queen was not the best tactic to use.

  "The borders of the kingdom end at Highpeak, is this not so?" Rosalyn asked.

  Celos gave a curt nod.

  "Then who owns the land? Show me a man or a woman and they will be given options. Since there is no such person, it is just simple ground that defaults to the owner of the land. I have been granted ownership over this land. The kingdom miners were trespassing and stealing from my people."

  "Baron Highpeak feels differently."

  "Then have the baron visit me so that we might discuss terms more to his liking," Rosalyn stated. She raised her arms out to her side and gestured. "These mountains are a beautiful place. They are filled with wonder and opportunity, yet there is little to offer in terms of resources. My people must have gold to trade for food. The mines belong to them, and they are not up for negotiation."

  "What about the kingdom men who were killed?" Aleena asked before Celos could finish drawing in a breath to speak his mind. "For every miner who was killed during this period of misunderstanding, don't you think it fitting that a sum of gold be paid to that miner's family?"

  "Gold?" Rosalyn and Celos both asked.

  Aleena glanced at the both, startled, and then nodded. "Gold can never replace the life of a loved one, but it can ease the hardship of a family who has lost its breadwinner."

  Rosalyn frowned and then nodded. "That is a fair arrangement that avoids any unnecessary complications."

  "We will take it back to Baron Highpeak," Aleena said. She bit her lip and glanced at Celos. She saw the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes tighten as he saw her pondering something. She flashed him a quick smile and turned back to Rosalyn. "You seem like a fair and wise ruler. I will offer my counsel that the kingdom recognize you. I wonder, though, you mentioned some concern about the construction skills of your people? I wonder, do they have the same skills at mining?"

  Rosalyn barked out a laugh. "If, by skills, you mean clueless, then yes. These mountains are rich in minerals but most of my people wouldn't know the difference between a pearl and a bird egg, let alone a vein of silver or gold."

  "Why?" Celos asked Aleena, his voice barely above a growl.

  Rosalyn glanced at Celos and said, "Yes, I must agree with Sir Celos. Why do you ask?"

  "There's a lot of land that could be farmed south of Highpeak," Aleena said. "The men of Highpeak are mountain men. They are a tough lot who know the hills above and below. We talked to them quite a bit while trying to find you."

  "You tried to find me?" Rosalyn stood taller and asked. "Me, the Queen of the North, or…"

  "We heard the best guide had taken a woman into the mountains and disappeared," Aleena said with a nod of respect to Ketten. The man smiled and lifted his head a little higher at the praise. "We were worried that whatever had happened in the mountains might have claimed the two of you."

  "Never suspected you were behind it," Celos said.

  Rosalyn's raised eyes narrowed as a mask fell over her face. "Yes, I am behind it," she said. "As for the men of Highpeak, they will have to learn new trades. If they won't grow crops and slop pigs, then they must find another way."

  Aleena frowned at Celos. "Lady Rosalyn, I have an idea that benefits everyone. What if you allowed those men to work and train your workers? Pay them an honest wage and you gain from their experience and tutoring, as well as the product of the mines that you need."

  Rosalyn's frown faded slowly as she stared at Aleena. "You have a keen mind, Dame Aleena."

  Aleena blushed and bowed her head. "Thank you. I'm just seeking what's best for everyone. No one benefits from going hungry or spilling more blood when it need not be spilled. Besides that, I've always felt that a kingdom—or a queendom, in your case—should fill its treasury with honest gold, not by creating taxes that weigh upon the farmer, merchant, and common man. I believe it is the job of a king or queen to protect and guide their people, not to steal from them."

  Celos stared at Aleena, his eyes wide and his cheeks pale. Aleena's cheeks colored as she weathered his glare and kept her eyes focused on Rosalyn. The witch-queen smiled and nodded as she considered the paladin's words.

  "You possess a rare wisdom, paladin. I have poor facilities at the moment, but I hope you will come and visit me again in a few months, when I have a town that is more than a collection of huts and tents. I would like to hear more of your ideas."

  Aleena's blush deepened. She curtsied again and fell silent. Celos continued to watch her, oblivious of the rest of the world until Rosalyn cleared her throat and Aleena glanced pointedly between him and the queen.

  Celos turned back to her, moving stiffly and standing tall. "We have your word there will be no more attacks?"

  Rosalyn nodded. "There have been no attacks since the mines were reclaimed. My borders have been closed only so that we can better organize without distraction. I invite negotiations with Baron Highpeak or anyone else from the kingdom. Just as my doors are open to any who would bring words of peace and open arms. I expect to be able and willing to trade in precious metals and steel in a matter of months, if not sooner."

  "What of the dwarves in the east?" Aleena asked. "I've heard they are reopening their mines."

  Rosalyn nodded. "I've heard similar rumors, yet I've seen no dwarves. They are welcome at my table as well."

  "Will you drive them from the mountains as well?" Celos asked with his accusatory tone.

  Rosalyn offered the man a thin smile before saying, "The dwarves have a history in their mines. It is old and for many years abandoned, but they had a kingdom under the mountain. I have no desire to risk war by challenging the borders of another nation, only to form my own where those who would be free of prejudice can live."

  "A noble goal," Aleena said.

  Celos nodded his head but didn't speak.

  "If there's nothing else?" Rosalyn looked at both of them and waited. When neither spoke, she nodded. "I thank you for the visit. It has been a while since I've had a pleasant conversation with an outsider. Especially another woman. Dame Aleena, you simply must return. There are many questions I would hear your thoughts on. Until then, I must return to my work."

  Celos bowed and Aleena offered a final curtsy. They turned back to Ketten when he cleared his throat and motioned with his head. He led them back into
the caves of the mountain with a hint of a smile on his face that wasn't there before.

  Aleena turned to look at Celos and saw a very slight shake of his head. She nodded in return and kept her lips shut. They could talk later, away from listening ears.

  Chapter 14

  "You look like you've been rolled in seal fur and used to bait a snow bear!" Garrick said when Alto, Carson, and Karthor walked down the dock. As they got closer the barbarian's nose wrinkled. "You smell like it, too!"

  "Is that Alto?"

  Alto whipped his head up and stared as Patrina thrust her head out of the cabin door. Her head turned until she saw him, and then her lips spread to show her teeth as she rushed towards him. He caught her as she climbed onto the dock and squeezed her tightly to his wet clothes. Their lips met and it wasn't until he felt somebody from behind nudging him that he set her down and let her back away.

  Alto glanced behind him and saw Karthor standing between him and the edge of the dock that he'd nearly stepped off. He smiled and turned back to Patrina. "How?"

  Patrina laughed and then grimaced when she looked at the stains on his clothes. "Kar brought back something for me to drink, but it's only temporary."

  Alto glanced down at himself and shrugged. His clothes hadn't looked as bad when he was soaked through. He turned and noticed Carson and Karthor were in a similar state of filth. "Temporary?" Alto asked. "What does that mean?"

  "It means it won't last," Kar stepped out of the cabin and answered. "She has to drink every three days to keep the poison at bay. You're supposed to have a drink, too."

  "Every three days?" Alto asked.

  "No, once should be fine. The poison they used on you isn't as strong."

  "It's gone," Karthor said, drawing their attention.

  "What's gone?" the wizard asked his son.

  "Alto's poison. I don't know how but his body burned it up while we were away," the priest answered.

  "You said it wouldn't go away," Kar reminded him.

  The priest shrugged. "I know what I said! We had a bit of trouble at the palace and I needed to heal Alto and Carson. That's when I noticed it wasn't there anymore."

  "Hiding?" Kar pressed.

  "Gone!" the priest insisted, nearly shouting at his father.

  Kar shrugged his head to the side. "Well, good. One more swallow for Patrina then."

  Alto frowned. "But for how long? Won't it run out?"

  "I have to do more research," Kar said. "I know of a man who has considerable knowledge in these arts, but he's far to the north. And dead."

  "Wait," Alto held up his hand. "He's dead? How does that help?"

  "I'm told he had books and journals that might help. In fact, I already have some of his books. The book that brought us down here, for example. That was his."

  "You said Aleena gave them to you?"

  "Yes, she took them from his house in the forest you stumbled across before Winter found you and got you out of there."

  Alto shook his head. "This is unbelievable."

  "Small world, isn't it? I have a theory on that," Kar began. "You see, certain individuals—"

  "Later," Alto snapped at the wizard. "Or perhaps never. You said she burned the house."

  The wizard snorted at Alto's interruption. "Well, yes, but she also said several of the books were missing when they got there."

  "So where are they now? Does anyone know?"

  "He had an apprentice, or at least a visitor. A witch, most likely."

  "All right, find out what you can about her. We'll track her down," Alto said. He turned to Patrina and asked, "Do you have enough of this cure to keep you safe for a while?"

  "Quite a while, I think," Patrina said.

  "I can make more. I just need the herbs and equipment," Kar added. "I have it in Portland and she's got enough to last her a month or two at least. Easy enough to acquire in any city of size, should I need to."

  "We've got a lot to do. Let's get cleaned up," Alto said. "People went out of their way to avoid us."

  "And I'm fighting the urge to do the same," Patrina added.

  Karthor cleared his throat. "Yes, new clothes. And baths."

  "You want to go after the witch?"

  Alto looked and saw Kar, Mordrim, and Garrick on the boat. He frowned when the only other men he recognized were part of the Kraken's crew. "Damn, Namitus isn't back. You haven't seen him, have you?"

  The four looked at one another and shook their heads. "Why?" Patrina asked.

  "Jakar said the Stalkers have my friend. He's the only person unaccounted for," Alto said. "We've got to find him."

  Patrina gasped. "Jakar talked? What else did he say?"

  "He didn't exactly cooperate," Carson offered.

  Alto took a deep breath and nodded. "He said something have Havara and then Myskakroth. Does that mean anything to you?" Alto asked as he looked at Kar.

  "Havara, yes. Mountains to the west of here. The Khalalid runs out of them. Myskakroth I've never heard of before. Is it a place?"

  Alto's shrug was lost as Mordrim spoke up. "My people live and work down there. The mines are filled with gems and, um, other things."

  "Other things?" Garrick asked.

  Mordrim nodded. "Dwarven stuff. You wouldn't understand."

  The northerner scowled. "I'm a passable smith."

  "Friend or not, there's dwarven secrets that aren't mine to tell."

  Garrick snorted. "Probably where you cut the balls off your men and call them women."

  Mordrim's eyes widened and he muttered something in his own language under his breath.

  "How do we get him back?" Patrina asked. "That has to come first!"

  "Can we get him back?" Kar added.

  Alto nodded. "We'll find him. Kar and Patrina, find out what you can about Myskakroth and that witch. The rest of us will go look for him."

  "No!" Patrina snapped.

  Alto looked at her, surprised at the ferocity in her voice.

  "You and I spend a few quiet moments together, then we go separate ways and something bad happens to us—"

  "We were all but together last night," Alto reminded her.

  She waved him silent. "I will fight at your side. Namitus is more than just a friend."

  Alto frowned. "Last night proved I can't keep you safe, even when you're beside me. I won't lose you."

  Patrina shook her head. "No, it proves that when we're not together, neither one of us is safe. Now stop arguing with me. You know I'm right and even if I'm not, I'm coming with you."

  Alto sighed and shook his head. "All right. To the baths then. I need to grab some fresh clothes."

  "Buy them on the way," Patrina said. "Taldar won't want his boat smelling like sewer."

  * * * *

  Alto tugged on the chain shirt that fit snugly across his chest. He glanced down at it, frowning, and then twisted his thick neck to pop it and relieve the tension that all the delays had caused him.

  "Bah, plenty of breathing room in here," Mordrim said as he clanged his fist against his breastplate.

  "He sat in a wagon in my armor before down here and nearly blacked out from the heat," Patrina said to the dwarf. "I was beside him."

  Mordrim pressed his lips together and then nodded. "Humans can't handle the heat like dwarves can," he muttered.

  "You could make him some armor like Patrina's," Garrick suggested and openly appraised the revealing armor the kelgryn princess wore.

  Alto shook his head. "We're wasting time. Kar, do you need Garrick and Mordrim again?"

  Garrick's face paled. He shook his head and earned a chuckle from the wizard. "I'll have nothing to do with that!"

  Kar grinned before explaining, "Some of my acquaintances down here are unusual."

  "That witch used to be a man!" Garrick blurted out.

  "And in some ways—well, one way, at least, she still is," Kar reminded him.

  Garrick's cheeks burned red as he looked away. Mordrim shook his head but said nothing. Alto looked be
tween them and turned. "Carson, will you go with—"

  "I don't need a chaperone!" Kar said. "I've been moving about this city and pissing people off long before you were born. While you do have a talent far better than any I've ever seen for making enemies, I assure you, I can handle myself."

  "So could Namitus," Alto reminded him.

  "He went into a viper's den," Kar said with a shake of his head. "I'll be going to places with people I know."

  Alto frowned but after a moment of thought he nodded. "Be careful," he cautioned. "We've been betrayed every step of the way so far."

  Kar chuckled. "Of course, but the trick is to expect the unexpected. Then it's not unexpected anymore!" The wizard saw the confused looks on their faces. "Because it's expected, you see? Look, it's really quite—"

  "Just go," Alto said as he waved the wizard away.

  Kar scowled and turned away with a harrumph. He strode down the street and was quickly swallowed by the crowds.

  "What are we to do?" Patrina asked.

  "Start looking," Alto said. "Namitus told me once that beggars and thieves are good sources of information. They're all connected, he said. Or at least in bigger cities. Let's start there."

  "Hold," Mordrim barked. When they turned to look at him, he glanced around and said, "Might be that I know somebody who can put us on the trail."

  "Might be?" Garrick repeated.

  "What do you know?" Alto seconded.

  "In the Foreign District," the dwarf explained. "Dwarves do a lot of business here. Our work is shipped down the river and sold, but sometimes we need to grease a few palms or maybe work out special arrangements. Just the way business is done here."

  "How will this lead us to the Stalkers?" Alto asked.

  Mordrim frowned and glanced about again. "Keep your voice down, boy. The people we deal with do a lot of business in the Shadows, if you know what I mean. With the right story, I expect they can put us in touch with someone who might know something."

  "The right story?" Patrina asked.

  "Aye, you're not thinking we can walk up to them and say, 'Hey, where's our friend?' do you?"

  "I can be persuasive," Alto said with more than a hint of menace in his tone.