OUTLANDER

                                                             Chapter 12

                                                 Shadow Answers

Dax and Ruthor rode side by side through the Gates of Throgmarden, once again they saw a man leave the parapet when the five men had been recognized. They both knew this meant the man had headed at full run to the council building and would be alerting the king and council of their return. Vlad, Cran and Ofid rode single file behind them, all five Dire Wolves walked next to each man on horseback. As they rode into the city, Dax turned to Ruthor and gave him leave to dismiss himself and the others.

“We have been gone long again, my friend. You should all return to your wives, in Vlad’s place I am sure he has somewhere he would like to go, rather than endure the questions of the council.”

“I am as sure of that as you, Dax you could use the same. You should see a healer, as soon as you can. Your wound appears to be healing well and you know more about such things than do I, but having a healer look at it as well would do more good than harm.”

“I will, Ruthor just as soon as I make the council know we are back and can answer their most immediate questions. I will probably want you to accompany me there again tomorrow, if I can stall a full report that long.”

“As you wish, I will be at home or with Gayla I am sure. I will be ready for such a meeting.”

“Good, now go and get some well-deserved rest.”

Ruthor turned in his saddle and gave the orders as Dax continued to ride in the direction of the council building. Ofid turned and headed in the direction of the north gate, Ruthor and Cran turned up a street that lead to where both men lived and Vlad turned in the direction of one of his favorite ale houses.

Within only a short ride Dax and Darma were at the council building. Dax dismounted and gave his horse’s reins to a soldier there, so that he with Darma at his side could walk the steps up to buildings entry. As they neared the giant double doorway an attendant spoke. “The council awaits you in the council chambers, Captain Dax. All are here today and anxious to see you.”

“Thank you, we will go directly there.” As Dax stepped through the council chamber doors two guards closed them behind him.

“Welcome home, Captain. How fared your mission to Neder?”

“Thank you my Thane, it is good to be back. We did as much as we could for the council there, but I do not feel that our mission was a complete success. A full report will be lengthy and I have asked my Sergeant-at-Arms to accompany me here tomorrow to make one if that meets with your approval?”

“Of course, you must be tired from such a long time gone. I take it from what you have just said, that no one in Neder feels dissatisfied?”

“No more than I and my men feel it, Lord. We left them with the best plan for the present. But there will be much for Ruthor and I to relate tomorrow.”

“You have not mentioned the wound I can see bandaged about your shoulder. Would you not at least tell us how that occurred?”

“Of course Lord, but it is of little consequence and nothing to do with our mission. The wound came from a man who asked to join us as we returned to Neder from our investigations. It was he who shot me with an arrow before we woke the next morning. He was there to rob and murder me it seems, another one sent from Pelia. But it occurred outside the boundaries of Marden and he is dead instead, so in one way of thinking Damna did not break his specific oath.”

“You are more forgiving than I am Dax. I would want to kill that fool on the purple throne for not giving up his belligerent quest.”

“I am not that forgiving, my Thane. I would rather deal with more important topics and allow that one lie for a better time frame. Do I have your permission to take my leave? I would like to seek a healer and make sure this wound is healing as well as I think it is.”

“Of course Captain, we will see you in the morning, say after we all have consumed our morning meals?”

“Ruthor and I will be here at that time, my Lords.” With his leave, Dax turned and made his way back to his mount and then look for a healer to consult with.

Ruthor and Cran had ridden to the men’s barracks close to the practice grounds and went into the public baths there. Both men wanted to cleanse themselves in the refreshing waters before they saw their women. With their goodbyes said both of them headed home.

Cran came through his door and found Aiela holding their two year old, Balen. The small boy wriggled about and grasped at the air in his father’s direction. But Aiela did not let go until she was in Cran’s arms and he had kissed her greedily. Then she let Cran take Balen and hoist him into the air several times as the boy laughed with exquisite pleasure.

Ruthor went to his house and found no one there, which was not unusual so he unpacked his gear and then lie back on his bad for a nice afternoon’s rest.

By now rumors had spread throughout Throgmarden that Thane Erik’s Wolf Pack had returned to the city. Torek went to Melody and Gayla’s office to share this with both of them. Gayla looked at Melody and smiled as she rose from her table and headed to the door without any more than the smile. Melody was not as sure that she should act quite so herself, until Torek spoke again.

“You should go, do not linger in doubts, you are a strong young woman and I think he will be glad of you.”

“Really, we just only found each other again.”

“So, you have made these changes for this possibility. Go and claim your reward, you have waited long enough.”

“Thank you, Torek. You are right.” After thanking the Emissary, Melody left as well. She did not see the breadth of Torek’s smile.

Dax did not go to his house just yet. He had decided when he left the healer’s home, that he wanted to bathe in the Bay of Throgmarden first. After stabling his horse, he and Darma walked down to the beach. Dax walked directly into the bay’s surf with its foaming blue-green waves crashing before him. Darma, however, was content to lay in the warm sands instead, she did not share Dax’s apparent need for the cool waters.

When Melody knocked on the door to Dax’s residence, no one answered. She knocked again with the same results. Now she wondered where he would be after just returning from such a long ride from Neder. But although saddened that he was not there, she turned and headed to her new home, she could return later and see if he was there then.

After swimming in the bay for some time, Dax waded ashore and lay on the sand next to Darma. It was not long before both man and wolf were asleep on the warm sand with a cooling breeze blowing in from the bay. The stars were out overhead by the time Dax woke again. He rose and with Darma at his side they walked easily to his house. He had not much more than removed his tunic, taken a drink from the water jug when he heard a light rap at his door. Darma did not give him a sense of alarm, so he went to the door as he was and opened it to the night outside.

“Is this how you greet all those that knock on your door? And what is that bandage across your chest, I did not hear that you had been wounded?”

“Uhh, and what are you doing here? I thought you would be back in Eigle long before now. This is nothing, it’s almost healed completely over.”

“So, are you going to make me stand out here, or do I get invited in?”

Before he could think about what he was doing, Dax took a step forward and hoisted Melody into his arms and carried her inside. Letting her back down inside the door and then realizing what he had just done, stepped back and said with an embarrassed look on his face. “Oh, I am so sorry Melody, I did that without thinking.”

Melody took this as a sign to react the way she actually wished to; took a step forward, put her arms around his neck and answered. “Well if that’s what it takes, you can continue not thinking.” And started to chuckle not so innocently.

Dax smiled leaned his head forward and the two embraced for lingering moments. After leaning away finally he asked once again. “I thought you would be gone long before this?”

“There have been changes Dax, I live here now. How does that suit you?”

“Perfectly, I would not have even dreamed of this.”

“Well, Captain of Marden’s Wolf Pack, I have. I have dreamed of just this.”

“You two young people should really close the door. Anyone living close by has just had a very entertaining display. Even old men like myself.” Ceric said, appreciating the slight embarrassed look he got from both Melody and Dax.

“Grey Hair, I was not expecting you this evening?”

“Evidently, my young friend. Mejara sent me over to invite you to our evening meal. She thought you would enjoy a home cooked meal after being away on such a long mission. But I see you are otherwise engaged.”

It was Melody who answered before Dax could start to speak. She was smiling as she spoke. “I would enjoy eating with you and your sister, Ceric. Dax and I now, I believe have the rest of our lives to enjoy each other’s company. Do you not agree, my Captain?”

“I do Melody, let us enjoy a meal with a good friend.” That said Dax reached for hi tunic and pulled it over his head then turned to follow Ceric across the street and to his home. Dax and Melody walked behind the older mage, Dax taking her hand in his. A flood of warm childhood memories washed over him of days before when they were inseparable.

Mejara’s face beamed at seeing not only Dax, but Melody with him and her brother. She went and sat another place at their table, Melody joined her to help as she could. You could hear co-conspirital laughter as they talked while getting all ready.

The meal was delicious and the conversation enjoyable between the four of them. When they were done, Melody helped Mejara clean away the crockery, remaining food that did not get eaten and utensils from the table, while Ceric and Dax adjourned to chairs close to the fireplace.

“Winter will be upon us before too long, Dax. What do you think you will be doing through a Marden winter?”

“That may in part depend on the outcome of tomorrow’s discussions concerning the mission we just returned from in Neder. But I would expect to let my men have some well-deserved time at leisure with their families. We would also continue with training sessions on a regular basis. Men in our line of work need to stay healthy and trained so their skills do not become dulled by non-use.”

“If you do not mind my asking, why do you feel you did not completely accomplish the mission in Neder?”

“Well, mainly because no intruder was actually vanquished or even brought to heel. We could only leave the council with plans to protect themselves if another such attack or series of attacks occur again.”

“Oh, so you were unable to ascertain who committed the attacks that were plaguing them, then?”

“No, we found much out about from where the attacks came and much about the area we did not know. But in the end, only suspicions. I covered everything with their councilors, but could only give them suggestions to be better prepared if another attack does come. The incursions are small and directed at specific targets only. They come in attack and kill people, wipe out whole families living far from neighbors and then leave as quickly as they come. They do not even raze buildings or crops to the ground or steal that which the family had. And the killing is beastly and horrendous in nature.”

They could hear the women coming to join them at the fire. So Ceric halted the conversation. “Let us not ruin the evening for the women. We will talk of this in detail tomorrow.”

“Agreed, I have much happier things to consider now, more than I dreamed would ever happen.”

“I, for one, am happy for you, Dax.”

Mejara and Melody joined the men and the conversation was jovial amongst the four of them. Eventually though it was time for them all to be going to their beds for the evening and the young couple begged their leave with much gratitude for the meal and warm hospitality.

As they left Ceric’s house, Dax started to pass his door, as if going to escort Melody home.

“Do you not think we should stop here? It is late and you should be thinking of sleep before you meet with the council tomorrow?”

“I would not think of letting you walk these streets to wherever you have taken a house alone.”

“You would not need to Dax. You should not be thinking again.” Melody said just as she came closer to him, put her arms around his neck and kissed his lips warmly and with intent. Once their lips parted she spoke again. “I for one, have waited and dreamed of this all my life. If this is not what you truly want you should tell me now.”

“It is, I just want it to be right for you. I never dreamed you thought of me as anything but a childhood friend until tonight. I would have accepted that and been glad of it, just to have you in my life again.”

“I will always be in your life, Dax. I have waited long enough.” Saying this she leaned up to kiss him once again. As they parted, Dax took her hand and this time, walked her into his house.

Sleeping though was not on either of their minds. Nor did they get as much sleep as they could have used, but what they did occupy themselves doing was much better than sleep would have been. After all the years apart, without any guarantee of finding one another again, this night, cemented once and for all for both of them that what they felt as children still existed and was enhanced as if they had never been separated.

Dax was up at first light and was in the larder preparing them both a morning meal when Melody walked in from the bedroom. She smiled at his preparations. She walked over quietly and wrapped her arms around his waist. “You know you didn’t need to do this. But I am most happy you did.”

“We both need nourishment for today and I am enjoying making this so much more than if I was eating alone. I cannot believe I did not come and look for you so many seasons ago.”

“The time was right now, do not concern yourself with what was before yesterday. We are together and we start from this day forward.”

“Yes we do, now sit at the table with me and we will have this meal before we go about our tasks.”

Just as they were done eating, dressed and getting ready to leave, Dax heard a knock on his door. He walked to see who it was. “Good morning Ruthor, we were just getting ready to leave.”

Ruthor’s look of surprise turned to a large knowing smile before he spoke. “Well, good morning to you two. I am sorry if I was a little early, but I knew you and I, Dax, had an early morning appointment with the council.”

“That we do, Ruthor, that we do.” Dax turned to Melody and gave her a goodbye kiss. “I will see you later, after we are both done with our day’s work?”

“Of course, come and find me at the Emissary when you are done. Good morning Ruthor, I trust you had a nice evening.”

“I did Deputy Emissary Melody, I truly did.”

Melody walked through the door before Dax and stopped only briefly to say. “Melody, Ruthor, just Melody between us, you are his best friend and as such you are like family to me as well.” Then she walked up the street in the direction of where her house was before going to the Emissary, she did need a change of clothes after all.

Dax and Ruthor left and headed directly for the council chambers. As they walked they talked as friends.

“I assume that things have greatly changed for my Captain?”

“Yes, you saw just how much. I am still getting used to my great fortune that she still cares for me as I did for her when we were very young. She blesses my life.”

“I am one who understands completely, I feel the same about Gayla and have for some time.”

“Then I take it you had an enjoyable reunion coming home from so long a mission.”

“Truly I did, Dax. We did talk about one thing I should tell you before we get to the council. Gayla’s parents, or rather her Grandparents were as your parents. They met in Eigle as youths and married, then moved to Throgmarden. I did not know that until last night.”

“Are you okay with this news?”

“Perfectly, my friend. I love her more than my own life, she is my life. She said it was time we had no secrets, none ever again.”

“I had thought that would be the case, but it was not mine to talk about it yet. I am glad it changes nothing. When we are done with our report and the discussions that I am sure will take most of today, you and I should talk again before we see either of our women. Maybe we should take them both over to the inn that serves Steldar meals of the southern sea. It would be a fine celebration for all of us.”

“I like that idea, Dax. We will do just that. Gads Bones, we are here.” Both men walked up the long set of steps and entered the Council Building. Then walked down the corridor to the council chambers, where two guards, recognizing them, opened the double doors to permit them entry and then closed the doors behind them.

“Captain Dax and Sergeant Ruthor, you are right on time. Come and join us at the table.” Thane Erik yelled across the room. Lord Daka, Mage Ceric and the other two members of the council were already seated behind the council table. Dax and Ruthor walked to and then sat down in the two chairs across the table from the council members.

“Good Morning, my Lords. I hope we did not keep you waiting too long.” Dax replied in greeting.

“None at all Captain, you can proceed when you are ready, starting from when you arrived in Neder and had their problem explained to you.”

The report and the answering of questions at many points started in earnest. As Dax got to the encounter at the third farmstead, the questions began. It was Lord Daka who asked the first one.

“So here the scene was fairly close to the first two you explored, except that it appeared the most recent? Fresher blood and remains still not fully dried?”

“Yes my Lord, this one had occurred apparently while we were already traveling to Neder. And at first it appeared much the same. Then as we were inside the house we heard something and our wolves had become agitated at the very faint noise before we were actually were fully aware of it.” Dax replied.

Then he recounted the full story up to and including the decision to get the young girl back to Neder before proceeding to any more farmsteads. Then Ofid’s decision to take her with him back to his wife in Marden.

“So both you and the Neder council agreed with Ofid’s decision?”

“Yes, my Thane. Ofid and Brenna had already bonded, she would not leave his side. Ofid being a good man and father himself made that decision and informed us all of it at the meeting. I could see he was not to be dissuaded, so I talked about the kind of man and family he had, which persuaded the Neder council, especially as Brenna herself had already demanded to go with Ofid.”

Thane Erik gave a hearty laugh before saying. “I would like to have seen that, three grown councilors having a young girl demand she move away with a man-at-arms from Marden. How is the little waif now?”

“She is fine my Thane, I am sure Abindahl, Ofid’s wife, has made her feel as a full daughter by now. That is the kind of people she and Ofid are. Brenna will have a fine life.”

“That is good to hear Captain.”

Dax continued his report. He spoke of his decision to cross the Fire Mountains to the port of Viral to seek passage to Drokar so that he and his man could learn more about the Shadows Beach and Trees of Dark province. He told the council of meeting with both Amish Magdar in Viral and Ormish Drofeld in Drokar to make friendly contact with both rulers as signs of good will for Thane Erik, and of both Kings appreciation for that.

He spoke at length on what he and his men observed at Crogdom and of the Crogs themselves.

“So you actually saw the Crogs and where they live?” Ceric asked. “I have never seen a Crog. But I have heard them called not-men.”

“We did, Lord Ceric, and calling them not-men, I believe is an error. They are not exactly like other men, but they have a language, crude by our standards, but can be learned as Captain Meldon has for purposes of trade. Their house are crude as well, we could only see the exteriors but they are constructed by the Crog and are places of some comfort from the seasons. They have a leadership if not exactly a government. So based on these simple observations I would say they are men.”

Ceric and Lord Daka asked many more questions until finally Dax could continue and report about disembarking from the ship in Skalm. And coming back over the Dakam Mountains to a place where they could find trails somewhat close to the Trees of Dark and follow them to where the Stinking Waters borders the Fire Mountains. He spoke of them entering both at different locations and what they encountered at each. And finally of the stranger who asked to join them as they were nearing Neder and yes, of the attempt at theft and killing Dax himself. Who they discovered was a man working for The Purple Throne.

He finished his report by telling the council of his suggestions for a system of outposts along the rivers that empty into the Stinking Waters, and what types he had suggested and the type of men who should man them. He also mentioned that he would be talking with this council and that if meetings here fostered better suggestions he would get those suggestions back to the council of Neder.

“I disagree with your estimation yesterday, that you did not accomplish your mission. From what you have told us today, I think you did everything that you could have and that your suggestions to the council at Neder are sound advice, I trust they will follow them. But let me ask you directly, who or what do you think was making these raids and killing innocent farmers? I am only guessing that you think the raids are being led by the Crogs themselves and using beasts to do their bidding?”

“My Thane, I am not completely sure. It appears that it could only be the Crogs. But in saying that, how could that be. If it is them then that means they not only inhabit the Shadow Beach and Trees of Dark, but can maneuver the Stinking Waters with more ease than any man from Neder has been able to. It would also mean that they have a way of controlling large jungle and swamp beasts, say like my men and I have with Dire Wolves. If that is true then there would need to be much more to these Crogs than anyone even guesses at, myself included after seeing and watching them.” as Dax finished his statement Ruthor stated his agreements with these thoughts. Then Dax added one more comment. “I would say only one more thing that we did discuss with the council there. According to Germaine the Bald, the Stinking Waters appears to be shrinking over the generations. With that the attacks are only happening to the extent where the land is now dry and farmable. But was once within the swamp itself.”

All seven men in the room discussed these possibilities for some time, but in the end decided that Dax and his men had done all that was necessary for the time being. If Neder sent a message needing help, then they would definitely help. How they would help would be based on their plea at that time. It could be that a larger force of men and materials would need to be mustered and with a more militant intent. For now Thane Erik considered this mission a success and called the meeting adjourned. It was now mid-way between the suns zenith and the eventual coming of dusk. Dax and Ruthor rose and bade the High Council good day and with their permission turned to leave side by side. Once into the street outside finally they turned in the direction of Dax’s house. Once there both men went inside and they sat at the table after Dax poured then cups of an Ale he had in his larder.

Ruthor spoke first. “At least the Thane thinks our mission was successful.”

“Yes, for us that has its advantages. I hope the people of Neder heed our warning and take the advice we gave them. I would not be eager to return any time too soon, but we would if that were our orders. Such a conflict with an enemy which we know so little about in an area we also know very little about has us at a disadvantage.”

“Agreed. So what did you want to talk about from our conversation this morning about the people of Eigle? I do understand the implications from what Gayla and you have told me so far and have no concerns with that, as I told you. Is there more you think I should know?”

“My friend, there is much more. Not because I would want to change your mind in any way, I am happy it makes no difference in your feelings for Gayla; I am glad for your happiness and hers. But what we have told you so far barely scratches the surface of the whole truth of the Eigle and of their ties to the Dwarf community.”

“I would be glad of anything you want to share with me. I will hold any knowledge as secret unless you tell me it need not be.”

“I know you would, Ruthor. The first thing I will say is a thought I have had many times as I have traveled and worked in many parts of the world we live in. Before you knew what you now know, what was it that would make you think a person was from Eigle?”

“Humm, probably two things only. One the manner of their dress, most people from there have a looser style of clothing than many other Realms, it is a more relaxed look. And then if you saw them in what sometimes is a tense situation, the Eigle always stay neutral, they refuse to take one side or the other. The people of no other place I know can seem to do that. Not even myself.”

“That is the way most people think. But if I asked what would make you think a person is from say, Pelia or Tripolia. What would be your answer?”

“Ohh that would be easier. When I see someone with that dusky skin tone I assume immediately that they are from somewhere in The Waste, but someone with a light complexion and especially red hair, well then they must be from Tripolia or maybe a few would be from Nofall.”

“My point exactly. That is what I have found, and other indicators are immediately assumed about some other realms as well. So why not the Eigle?”

“I don’t know, why do you ask?”

“Because I find that everywhere I have traveled, there are many people I have met in all realms; people who are well traveled, and people of high offices that are thought to be of high education and or intelligence. Who would give the very same answer. It is a blessing to the Eigle. If you think back now that I have said this there is this one thing that no one seems catch on to. The Eigle have people of all those traits that everyone misses. There are those whose skin tones are like the people from The Waste and those with Fair skin and Red hair, and so on. But no one thinks about that as odd.”

“Now that you say that, I can see it, even though it did not occur to me before now. Why is that so?”

“Think about it. You now know that all the Eigle, somewhere in their family were parented by dwarves. What most people miss, or do not think about, is dwarves were born to all realms, not just one or two. And over the generations, fewer and fewer grew up in the realms, so they were seen less and less over many generations of time, so much that even you had only seen one in your lifetime. Until we met up with my uncle Iron Beard in the Fire Mountains.”

“So at some time all Dwarves came from every realm?”

“Yes, and they were persecuted or mistreated in them all, just because they were different. Finally even back before the first Thane of Marden took control of that realm, the first dwarves started escaping the persecution and went into the Fire Mountains to be away from the ones persecuting them. They went there, settled high in the mountains, because most people did not go there. It was too high, too harsh, and too dangerous because of the large cats, Dire Wolves, landslides, and weather. There was no farming, so food was scarcer, trees became fewer, so it was too difficult to build shelters. At first the dwarves would make small raids in night time to get what they needed to survive and tried to be unseen. Then they started to cause some of the landslides and mishaps to discourage the ones they started to call the Too Tall, from even trying to venture up the higher elevations at all. Over those long expanses of generations Dwarves have stayed as very rare and still not accepted. In part because when they hear of one born or young in another realm they do their best to help it escape as well.”

“I would never have thought of any of this.”

“No one does. What has made much of this easier, is the eventual number of Eigle. Long ago as more To Tall were being born to the Dwarves occasionally it became apparent that the Dwarves needed a place for those children. Back then Eigle only existed as a very small village at Eagles Plateau, and it was not back then considered as a good place. It was mostly a refuge for men who had escaped their former realms who were thieves, brigands and the like preying on travelers or traders going from realm to realm by way of the few passes over the Fire Mountains. So the Dwarves started weeding them out and replacing them with their Too Tall children as they grew to adulthood, but establishing Eigle as a haven for travelers at Eagles Plateau. It was decided to make Eigle as neutral in all dealings. As Eigle grew and being neutral it became a place to settle differences between realms on neutral territory and the Eigle became the liaisons of those talks. Which then eventually lead to how they have been viewed for many generations now.”

“So by now there must be many Dwarves living in the Fire Mountains, by what you are saying?’

“More than anyone would dream of my friend, and then add the Eigle and even more. You, my friend, will becom an added member of that family when you wed Gayla, including me as well. What are your thoughts now?’

“Nothing could ever change my mind or heart about Gayla, and with this news, nor about how I feel about you. We are brothers in spirit already.”

“Yes we are Ruthor. I have told you much already this day. We should both go to the Emissary building and see Gayla and Melody. I hope they will agree to a meal at that inn this evening?”

“I have no doubt Gayla will, and am fairly sure Melody will be as well.”

“I am also, let us leave and we will at least see them.”

It was not a long walk to the Emissary building. Torek was talking with Jena when they entered and greeted them both warmly. “Good day, Dax and Ruthor. I doubt I need to announce either of you, and am sure you know where to find them.”

“Good Day, Torek and to you, Jena. Thank you, yes we know our way.”

Gayla had heard the voices and was standing in front of her table as they walked through the door to her and Melody’s offices. It was Ruthor who spoke first. “We were wondering if we could find two lovely ladies to accompany us to the Steldar Inn this evening for a meal?”

Melody was now standing in the room also. She looked at her friend Gayla for a wink of agreement just before speaking. “I think we two could be persuaded into that.”

Both men had now gotten close enough to take each one of them in their arms for a warm kiss hello. And after both women chuckled mildly, Dax answered saying. “Then I suppose the two of us, should go freshen up after our day at the Council House, so we don’t embarrass the two you with us looking like worn down travelers.”

“I would never be embarrassed by you my love.” Gayla answered first.

“We are of a like mind, Gayla. Now you two go do you’re freshening up and you can pick us up at my house at first dusk.”

“We will not be late ladies, which you can count on.” Ruthor replied just as he and Dax snuck in one more, light kiss from the two women before turning and walking back down the corridor and out of the building. Outside Dax said he would see Ruthor at his residence and they could go to Melody’s together. Then they parted their separate ways.

Gayla and Melody were enthusiastic the remainder of their day in their office and were joyful in their goodbyes to Torek and Jena as they left the offices not too long later.

                                                                   *****

Erik Throgmarden was sitting with his queen, Daneen Rolf of Escaldia and their young son Rolf Throgmarden having their evening meal when Queen Daneen asked him why he looked unsettled.

Erik looked up from his meal. “I am sorry Daneen, I had drifted into thoughts from today’s meeting with the council.”

“Did something there vex you more than you have said earlier, my love?

”Not vexing, but a mixtures of feelings. I would not say this to anyone else but one is, that I still find it almost awe provoking to have two men who are serving me well sit across the council table from me with two full grown Dire Wolves sitting by their sides looking perfectly docile to those men and knowing that at any moment they wished, those creatures would leap at anyone the men directed with the full force they possess. I can only imagine the fear that would cause in anyone who caused their wrath. Then there is still this anger I feel at that fool who sits on the purple throne, who continues to disregard my warning of making attempts on the life of one of my trusted Captains, who does that upstart think he is dealing with. And lastly, what might we someday be facing to deal with in the province of Neder from that mystery of the Stinking Waters or these so called men called the Crog. The news Captain Dax brought back about them and that area leaves more questions than answers, although no fault of his or his men’s. They did all anyone could have done.”

“I fear my Thane, I cannot help you with those thoughts. The awe we all have, but luckily it with men loyal to you and Marden. Damna will one day be his own undoing, I am sure. The Stinking Waters and Crog, I agree with you that is a mystery we could have done without. Only time will answer that one. Now please, just enjoy your evening meal and our loving company.”

“You are right as always Daneen, I will do my very best.”

                                                           *****

“You are drawing circles on the table, Brother.”

“Circles within circles within circles, my sister. So many unanswered questions.” Ceric answered his sister during their evening meal.