[CHAPTER 4] [CHAPTER 7]

Staring at Owyn intently, he waited for the boy to explain himself.

"You tapped me on the shoulder. You wished to speak to me?" Gorath rumbled.

"No," a voice answered behind them. "I did..."

OBKHAR: I had at first thought myself deluded, but I see I am not. How is it that you are here? I heard that your head had been pitted on a stake outside Sar-Sargoth...

GORATH: Not all who live in the Northlands bend to Delekhan's will. Providence would have it that he posted a guard outside my cell who was a close cousin and sympathetic to my situation. He bought time for my escape.

OBKHAR: So your cousin's head now hangs in your stead... You have a grave responsibility on your shoulders.

GORATH: All the more reason to see an end to Delekhan's reign, Obkhar! He shall pay his blood for mine; for each offense against my kin, I will redouble it against his flesh. I will allow him no quarter, give him no mercy, stay no blow against him for all he has done to our people. I should think you would agree, Obkhar!

OBKHAR: On the graves of all he has slain, I swear that my cause is yours Gorath! However I may aid you, you need only ask. But all this talk is fruitless. We must first escape this place or there shall be nothing left to avenge.

GORATH: I have been told by some who were taken captive here before that there is a river that runs underground and mixes with the Isbandi river...

OBKHAR: I have seen it with my own eyes, but the fumes that come from it may rob the strength from a man.

On occasion I have seen some of Venutrier's men wearing masks made of bone and cloth... If we three had them, I believe we could make the escape.

OBKHAR: I see that there are many in the Northlands who will have amends to make once this war of Delekhan's has been halted.

GORATH: In amends I have no interest, Obkhar. I am long past thoughts of the throne in Sar-Sargoth. I dream only of an end to this nightmare.

OBKHAR: It is a sadness that those who most should lead often wish anything other. But I will not force you to take that which you do not want. You are an honorable creature, Gorath.

GORATH: Small comfort in a world gone mad. Go, Obkhar, and good health. Let us divide and conquer.

Looking in better spirits than when they had last seen him, Gorath supposed the possibility of escape had given him back the courage stolen by weeks in the caverns. Like he and Owyn, perhaps he was beginning to see hope.

OBKHAR: I've been unable to obtain a mask. Have your ventures been any more successful?

GORATH: Yes. Take this one and make good your escape. We shall be doing likewise.

OBKHAR: I see that there are many in the Northlands who will have amends to make once this war of Delekhan's has been halted.

GORATH: In amends I have no interest, Obkhar. I am long past thoughts of the throne in Sar-Sargoth. I dream only of an end to this nightmare.

OBKHAR: It is a sadness that those who most should lead often wish anything other. But I will not force you to take that which you do not want. You are an honorable creature, Gorath.

GORATH: Small comfort in a world gone mad. Go, Obkhar, and good health. Let us divide and conquer.

Looking in better spirits than when they had last seen him, Gorath supposed the possibility of escape had given him back the courage stolen by weeks in the caverns. Like he and Owyn, perhaps he was beginning to see hope.

OBKHAR: Have you returned with the masks?

GORATH: No. We're having some difficulties getting about in the darkness down here.

OBKHAR: You will grow used to it. It only takes a little time.

GORATH: I have no intention of growing used to any kind of captivity. We will find those masks and return with them, Obkhar. I will stake my death upon it. Until then, stay alive.

Glancing up, the balding moredhel favored them with a blank look before staring back at the ground between his feet.

GORATH: I had thought you would have already departed...

OBKHAR: In this gloom I have mislaid a belonging of mine. A bauble, but I wish to find it before I leave. It is nothing you need concern yourself with. Please, go.

GORATH: Very well. We shall meet again someday, friend.

[CHAPTER 7]

James yelped.

Rubbing his head where he had felt a hard thump, he turned and saw that Locklear and Patrus were doing likewise. Exchanging puzzled looks, none were prepared for the sudden appearance of a towering moredhel.

OBKHAR: I too have difficulties. I am Obkhar. Perhaps it may be that we can help one another...

JAMES: You're assuming quite a bit. I don't think any of us have good reason to trust you, moredhel.

OBKHAR: Just now you all felt the pelt of my stones, each which hit your heads just as easily as would have a moredhel throwing knife. If I had wished you harm, you would already have been dead.

JAMES: You speak the Kingdom tongue remarkably well. Handy skill for a spy.

OBKHAR: We cannot trade our goods with the traders who come from the Kingdom or from far off places if we speak only our native tongue. It would seem it is beneath them to learn our language.

JAMES: Granted. I'm still listening.

OBKHAR: There is a device which is being used by Delekhan to invade this wood. If it is left operational, it will mean utter defeat for you. If Delekhan succeeds in his goal, he will use whatever it is hidden in Sethanon to gain the power that eluded Murmandamus' grasp. It will mean a new tyranny for your Kingdom and for mine.

JAMES: We already know about the device. Bled it out of one of the field captains that attacked Northwarden. If you really mean to help us, tell us where to find the device.

OBKHAR: On a peninsula where the rivers meet. It is accessible only by passing through an illusion of a mountain created by the Six, though I am not sure from here where it is located. I have been looking for a magical artifact since I slipped out of the camp.

JAMES: Artifact? For what purpose?

OBKHAR: Shortly after they began staging soldiers through the rift, I discovered the gate could be disrupted by something they called a Waani, a word foreign to me. I found such an item on a magician who was guarding the gate. Before I slew him, I discovered if thrown into the maelstrom of the gate, it would cause it to collapse. I had thought it permanently destroyed...

JAMES: Delekhan has a number of tricks up his sleeve. So, do you think we might be able to find another of these devices?

OBKHAR: From what little I learned before I slew the magician, they are necessary in the creation of a gate. If one is to build a bridge, it is usually wise to bring more planks of wood than necessary in case one should snap.

JAMES: Seems to be a reasonable assumption. Now it's just a matter of locating this...Waani? Who would have them?

OBKHAR: If any would know it would be the leader of the rearguard, Moraeulf. He has his troops preparing themselves for the final advance near the southern tip of this wood...

JAMES: Then I suppose it's time we went and had a talk with him.

LOCKLEAR: Had a talk with him, Jimmy? Do you propose we simply walk up to him and ask for this device that will destroy his campaign?

JAMES: Not without saying hello first. We'll pose as Quegians and hope he doesn't see through us. In all this chaos, he can't possibly know everyone in all his companies.

OBKHAR: An admirable gamble. I approve...

JAMES: Hear that, Locky? The moredhel approves. It must be a good idea. Let's get moving before I regain my common sense. Goodbye, Obkhar.