“What news is that?” Thrang questioned.
“There are stories that a dragon was seen in Darvish,” said the messenger. “The rumors are that the dragon brought an oracle to the empty tower, and that the tower is no longer empty.”
“That is true,” said Thrang in a lowered voice. “But such things should be discussed with Thorgood, as he will want to know the whole story.”
“Yes, of course,” the messenger said quickly. “I meant no harm.”
The messenger, obviously thinking he’d said too much, bowed to Thrang and moved ahead of the company. After a moment, Alex moved forward so he could speak with Thrang quietly.
“What story do you intend to tell Thorgood?” Alex questioned.
“The true one, of course,” Thrang answered in surprise. “What do you think I would tell the king?”
“I mean, how much of the truth do you intend to tell him?” Alex pressed. “Remember, you have sworn to remain silent about some things.”
“I remember,” said Thrang. “I don’t know why you wish to keep it a secret, but I will not go back on my word. It will make the story more difficult to tell, and I think Thorgood may guess what I leave out.”
“He may,” Alex allowed. “But it would be best for his guesses to remain guesses. The time may come when I choose to tell him the whole truth, but I alone will make that decision.”
“As you wish,” said Thrang. “A wizard’s ways are not to be questioned.”
“And a dwarf’s tongue will always hold true,” said Alex with a smile.
“You have learned a great deal about dwarfs,” Arconn said from Thrang’s other side. “I didn’t know you had read the great dwarf poets.”
“Only some of them,” said Alex, still smiling. “I’ve not learned enough about dwarfs to love all of their poetry—at least not yet.”
Thrang and Arconn both laughed, and Alex slowed his horse slightly to return to his place. He managed to get back in line just as they entered the courtyard of Thorgood’s palace, where the king himself was waiting for them.
“Thrang,” Thorgood called. “Thorson told us you would be coming. I take it you’ve found success on your adventure.”
“We have, my lord,” Thrang answered as he dismounted and bowed to the king.
“Wonderful,” said Thorgood. “This is the best news of all, but . . . one of your company appears to be missing. Thorson did not say you would bring sad news.”
“And we do not,” said Thrang. “But perhaps the story should wait until the lords of Thraxon can be gathered.”
“Yes, that would be best,” said Thorgood after a moment. “For now, I will thank you and the members of your company that are with you. I’ve had rooms prepared for all of you. Tonight we will feast, and then you can tell the story of your adventure.”
“You are most kind, great king,” said Thrang as he and the rest of the company bowed.
Alex knew Thorgood didn’t want to wait to hear the story of their adventure, but being a good king, he knew he had to. So instead of asking questions and talking to them as he had done on their previous visit, he had servants lead them to their rooms and ordered that they were not to be bothered.
“Once he hears our story, he will guess that Kat is the new oracle,” Thrang said when they were alone.
“And what action will he take?” Arconn questioned. “After all, it is not often that a new oracle appears. He may feel that Kat is in his debt, as it was the adventure he paid for that brought her to the empty tower.”
“I’ve known Thorgood for many years, but I don’t know what he will do now,” Thrang said slowly. “Kat becoming the oracle was unexpected, and it might cause trouble.”
“Not from Thorgood,” said Alex. “Perhaps the lords of the dwarf realm will see things differently, but I don’t think Thorgood will start any trouble.”
“New oracles are often the center of trouble,” said Arconn, sounding worried. “I’ve seen several come and a few go. In most cases, there is confusion and some kind of trouble.”
“Yes, I believe you’re right,” Alex agreed after some thought. “Kat saw trouble coming after she became the oracle. I’ve promised to help her in any way I can.”
“Well, that should be enough to prevent any real trouble,” Nellus said with a smile. “After all, most kings will bow to the wishes of a wizard.”
“Most wise kings would,” Barnabus added. “Yet not all kings are so wise.”
“You don’t think Kat is in danger, do you?” Thrain questioned in a worried tone. “If she needs help, I can send to Vargland for soldiers. I know my grandfather would send a small army to protect the empty tower.”
“And risk war with the dwarf realm of Thraxon?” Thrang asked, shaking his head. “Don’t be silly, Thrain, it is too great a risk. Your grandfather may rule in Vargland, but that is far away.”
“I’m not worried about a war,” Alex said thoughtfully. “And I think Thorgood will listen to reason. As for the lords of the dwarf realm, I think I can make them see reason as well.”
“Yes,” said Thrang, his eyes resting on Alex. “I’m sure the lords will do as you wish, but remember, the dwarf realm is not the only power in Thraxon.”
“No, it’s not,” agreed Alex. “It is, however, one of the greatest powers, and there are few that would challenge it. If the dwarf realm is an ally of the tower, I doubt anyone will start any trouble. And I’ve also given the lady of the tower a powerful defender if she should ever need him.”
“The dragon?” Arconn said in wonder.
“She may call upon him only in the hour of her greatest need,” said Alex. “I hope that she never needs to call, but she knows how.”
“Well then, there is little for us to worry about,” Thrang said in relief. “We will tell our story to Thorgood and deliver the ring to him. He will keep his word and make the payments he has promised. Once that is done, our company’s business in Benorg will be finished.”
“But you live here,” Nellus said. “You can’t pretend that Kat being the oracle won’t affect you.”
“I’m sure there will be a lot of talk, but if anything, it will improve my standing in Thraxon,” Thrang said with a smile. He glanced at Alex. “And I think there is some other business that must be dealt with before we return to Telous.”
“Yes,” said Alex. “I would be honored if you would arrange a meeting, Thrang, with Thorgood and his lords. If you and I could speak with them, I think we might solve a great many problems before they actually become problems.”
“As you wish,” Thrang said with a bow. “I will speak to Thorgood tonight, after we return the Ring of Searching.”
“Thank you,” said Alex. “Now, I think we should all get cleaned up. We will be the honored guests of the king tonight, and we should look our best.”
As Alex turned, he heard Thrang say softly to Thrain, “You see, he said a great deal and you still don’t know what he’s talking about.”
Alex smiled as he headed toward his room.
Once Alex and his friends had cleaned up from their journey, they didn’t have to wait long before they were summoned to the great feast of King Thorgood.
Thrang looked happier than he had in a long time, and Alex could tell that his friend had already worked out the story of their adventure to the last detail. He was glad, because Thrang would have to leave out or make up several important parts of the story while he told it.
As Alex and his friends took their seats for the feast, Alex looked at the assembled dwarfs. Many of the dwarf lords looked as happy as Thorgood did, but a few looked troubled.
“My friends,” Thorgood said once everyone was seated. “As many of you know, I asked my good friend Thrang Silversmith to set up an adventure some time ago. The details of this adventure I may now share with you all as Thrang and his company have returned to our fair city, and they have been successful in their quest.”
There was a slight buzzing of conversation as the dwarfs in the great hall whispered to each other. Alex wondered how many of them had guessed what Thorgood had asked Thrang to do.