A Place of Refuge

Belboz explained, "Your rescue was difficult, Fred. The nasty little creature had some thunderbolt of which I was not aware. I would like to find the secret of it someday. But as you now know, Fred, these caves are hazardous."

Fred nodded. The wallhugger and the goblin had placed his life in danger, and without his companions, it was doubtful that he would be here alive. He was open to any advice that would minimize the risk.

He therefore responded, "Yes, this is a dangerous place. Yet I cannot abandon my quest. Belboz, do you have any advice?"

"I have always thought it unwise to confront the dragon directly. Although he is evil, he is strong. His strength has a majestic quality about it, and he is extremely subtle and wise."

"Yet not invincible," Checkers interrupted. "Although it cost us dearly, our people were able to hold him off, and drive him away."

"We are just four, not an entire nation," said Belboz. "And he was never defeated. Your people did little better than survive." Whoops. How am I going to explain my knowledge of that?

Checkers thought, "It almost sounds like you are taking his side. At the very least, you are not telling me everything that you know, mage." Both Checkers and Belboz remained for a few seconds, alone in their thoughts.

Belboz then continued, "Accounts from the Eastern Wars have reached me through a few acquaintences of mine, who have traveled far. Forgive me if they are somewhat slanted from your point of view."

"You do not need to explain, Belboz," replied Checkers. "Having experienced the dragon, I now know firsthand why the beast has lived as long as he has. I would agree that we should be at full strength. But these caves are not a place where we can gather that strength, and I know of no place of shelter nearby. To brave the wind and the snows to get to a more distant shelter also present hazards. Unless you know of a sanctuary, we must press on, whatever the dangers."

Fred thought that there was something strange about what Checkers said. Winter was three or four months away. It was possible that Checkers did not know of the little villages of South Allaria, where one could easily take refuge.

Fred then offered some information. "Checkers, there is a sizable city called Penn that we can reach easily, within the space of a week's easy riding, and I have arranged for a squire from Penn to arrive with an extra palfrey next week, to check on the success of my task. So help is closer than you think."

"But it is still risky. As you know, the remains of the first snows of October still lay on the shaded parts of the trails. It is a risk to consider."

Belboz then explained, "Checkers, Fred's seemingly instantaneous arrival was something more than a coincidence. When you asked me if there was an expedition to hunt the dragon, I acknowledged that there would be, although there was none at the time. You were not aware of it, but you have been frozen in time for eight months, by special means that I have. It is mid-July, and not November. Think of it as falling into a sleep for eight months. I did get you a companion - two in fact. Do you have any objections?"

Checkers responded, "No. While I was hoping that I would accompany some of the Gliders of the West, I will have to thank you for whom you did provide. Without yourself, Fred, or Astra, I would not have stood a chance. I do not feel that there was any deception there. Penn might be a possibility, then." Checkers looked at Belboz, and then Astra.

"Unless someone can think of a better place to recover, it seems like the best alternative, in fact."

1. Neither Belboz or Astra object to this reasoning.
2. Belboz suggests that they should stay close to the caves.
3. An alternative place of refuge outside the caves is suggested.
4. Belboz suggests a variation on the plan.

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