On to Aqualaria

Fred

I do not want to leave Astra in the caves. Even a few weeks' separation will lie heavy on my heart. I feel a responsibility to her. I also want to reach an agreement with Belboz, to release her from his servitude, so that she can be free! I wonder what his price would be? With a woman of spirit like that by my side, she would be an excellent partner in managing the duchy, which, God willing, will be my responsibility one day. But how do I bring this about without annoying Belboz?

Astra

Fred, please think of something. I feel that my soul is about to be crushed by Minestus, and I cannot share this with you! You look at me as if you understand, but I do not see any solution. This grates at me, one who has always been able to stand for herself.

The dragon has me in his power, but appears to have an interest in Checkers as well. I do not understand how he can be so blind - I can tell that he is antagonizing her, but he either cannot or will not see it. What did he learn about her in the cave?

Belboz

I am not sure that letting Fred go to Allaria is a good idea. He might bring a mob of rabble to free his beloved, not being bound to the oath. That would be inconvenient, although I should be able to handle them. They will be reluctant to stay here, with good reason.

I now remember why I have always considered dealing with the Dolomite Gliders a damned nuisance. They are so blasted stubborn, and are slow to recognize reality. I have an understanding of sorts with their leadership, but obviously they have been hiding things from me. I will deal with them later, but if I can figure out their knowledge of the arcane, then I can confront them with it, and maybe even find a way to free myself from the tie to their barren land. And the power that I would have! The Havnheim and the Ryngaerd, even the lost lands to the West, would be mine to with as I please, and damn the advice of the Council of Dragons. If I can just bring a princess of Aqualaria to heel, Checkers has to be held in awe, and after that, it is only a matter of time before she yields her secrets. So it is worth the risk to let those two go for a time so that I can have my way with Astra.

Checkers

I suppose that I should be grateful to Belboz and the help that he provided me in saving Fred's life and turning back the dragon, but something about him seems false. He is holding back information, and I think that he has ties to the dragon - such as that medallion - that he is not telling me about. Astra seems terrified of him, but will stand by her vow of servitude. I would feel a lot better about Belboz if he would do the right thing and release her.

Fred proposes that we go to Allaria. I am excited at the idea. My travels in the Eveninglands have all taken place in the shadows, or on the fringes of society, with my identity hidden. Both Fred and Astra appear to be people of rank. Nobility may be a pretense, but if I can look past that, being introduced to their society by them would be the equivalent of being introduced by one of the leading families back home. If, as is entirely possible, I end my days as a meal for the dragon, I can still salvage something by impressing the Allarian court, where they apparently have not heard of our people. The next Glider who arrives in the Eveninglands may have an easier time than I have, and my quest will not have been in vain. Of course, an favourable introduction to the Aqaualarian court would also serve the same good purpose.

Lord Fred spoke. "You know, I have never been to Aqualaria. I have heard that it lies to the south, not far from the Shreken. A change is as good as a rest, sometimes. I would really like all of us to go, so that I can sing the praises of all of you, who have in some way helped save my life. And I have heard that there are many wonders there that I would like to see."

Checkers took the cue from Fred, "This sounds like a marvellous plan. Fred's palfrey can carry Astra back to Aqualaria, and Astra can send enough horses and men to escort us back easily. Fred and I can heal there, and I can learn more about this land. Please don't say no, Astra. I do not want to stay here. If you do not go, I will go there myself, and tell everyone about everything that I have seen here, but it would be so much better if you could go along.

Astra cut in, "Please do not do that, Checkers!"

Belboz was fuming. The sneaky harpy knew what she was doing, even if Astra did not. He saw the threat. She was going to spread the news about how Belboz was holding an Aqualarian princess in slavery, and launch a damned crusade.

Belboz grumbled, "An old man like me does not leave these caves very often. Travel is wearying. However, I agree to let Astra go and fetch us an escort, on one condition. None of you are to mention the 'special relationship' that Astra and I have. It might be misunderstood in the Aqualarian court, and create problems for Astra that I would not wish her to go through. Do I have your word on it?"

"Most certainly," affirmed Lord Fred. "You have my word as a lord of Allaria, and I shall swear on holy relics if you desire."

"I am satisfied with your word, Lord Fred. And you?" he said nodding toward Checkers.

"It would be a lot easier on everyone if you just released her from the oath. But if that is the only way that I can get her to go, I swear, upon the honour of my race, that I will not mention the oath if you keep your word and let her guide us in her capacity as a princess. Does that satisfy you?"

"It does. It shall be a few days before Fred's servant comes back with the extra palfrey. How shall we pass the time in the meantime?"

1. The trio engage in a hunt, while Belboz studies in the caverns.
2. The four agree to tell of their homelands while passing the time.
3. Later that night, not so far way...

Add New Option

Go Back

View Forward Story Tree
View Back Story Tree