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finally did doze off, he slept fitfully.
The corner of his bed sank under a weight. Immediately awake, he lay still.
 It is I, Paladin. You need not fear. Sit up, Bardon. We must talk.
His candle sizzled, and a flame sprang from the darkened wick.
Bardon pushed back the covers and sat up. Paladin sat on his bed, leaning against the tall footboard. In
the flickering light, he looked weary.
 You have traveled far, my lord.
 Yes, these are disturbing times.
 You know about the quiss?
 Yes. He waved his hand through the air in a dismissive gesture.  It is monsters harder to fight than the
quiss that trouble me.
 May I be of service, my lord?
A sad smile crossed the noble features of the leader of Amara.  Yes, you may be successful on this quest
of yours. That would be a great service. I could use a dozen or so more knights who understand the
code of valor.
 Do you not have an army of warriors who understand?
 They have been taught ineffectively a convoluted version of the code. Among them, there are a few
who have grasped the truth. But our forces are weakening.  Variance from the code is the monster that
worries me most.
 I shall do my best to bring the knights back, my lord.
 I know you will, Bardon. He reached into a pocket and pulled out a coin. He handed it to the squire.  I
brought you something to help.
Bardon examined the small, round disk.  Kale has one similar to this.
 Yes. Yours will help you to discern the hearts of those you encounter. If it is warm against your palm,
you can trust the person. Even if their best is not good enough, their hearts are true to your cause. If the
coin is cold, shun the person. His way is not your way.
He rose to leave.
 Paladin?
 Yes?
 Is that all? Are there no other instructions? If this quest is so important, could you not come with us?
 You have all that you need to be successful if you use your knowledge and resources wisely. The quest
is important, but Wulder has put me on a different path. He shrugged, and his lips lifted in a genuine
smile.  I don t choose my tasks any more than you do, Squire Bardon. But I am content to follow
whatever road He lays before me. After all these years, I cannot but trust Him. Even when I misinterpret
His meaning, He saves me.
As Paladin walked out of the room, the flame guttered and went out.
He looked so tired. How could one empowered by Wulder look so weary?
30
ADDITIONS
Those planning to depart on the quest gathered at the dragon field as the sun peeked over the horizon.
 Oh look, how beautiful, said N Rae as she and Bardon crested the hill.  Why are the dragons
dancing?
Soft, pink rays of the new morning glistened on jewel-like dragon scales and the dew clinging to the grass
carpet beneath their feet.
 They re stretching, getting their blood moving.
 You mean like a lizard or a snake warms itself on a sun-baked rock?
 Don t say anything like that around Greer. Dragons are not reptiles.
N Rae giggled. She pointed to Jue Seeno s basket, which she carried on her arm, and whispered,  Just
like minnekens are not mice.
 Exactly. Bardon steered N Rae to the side of the field, where they had a better view.
Six dragons moved with surprising grace in a slow-motion ballet. Their different colors added to the
dramatic effect. Two, besides Greer, were purple and blue hued. Yellow and copper scales covered
one. The last two belonged to the green cast of dragons, but one had yellow accenting his wings, and the
other s underscore color was a shimmering blue.
Bardon enjoyed watching the dragons stir their blood.
 Like many older people, he said,  when dragons first come out of a slumber, they are stiff. Of course,
Greer has another theory. He says his body is so huge, he has to do these exercises to remember where
the different parts are. He is reminding his brain where his tail is and what he can do by swishing it
around. Same with his legs and wings. He says his brain never loses track of his neck or his stomach.
N Rae laughed, then pointed across the field.  Look. There s Sir Dar.
Sir Dar stood talking to three men and two women. By their uniforms, Bardon identified them as dragon
riders. The doneel shook hands with each one and then came to join N Rae and his squire.
 I ve provided you with five dragons and their riders, Captain Anton and his guard, said Dar.  They are
under your command, Squire Bardon. Also, I have had several requests from individuals who wish to
join your quest.
 A guard? asked N Rae.  What s a guard?
 A military unit, answered Sir Dar.  A captain and four loes. A lo is higher rank than leecent and lower
than lehman.
 Is a captain higher in rank or lower than a leetu?
 Lower, said the doneel.  Why do you want to know of military rankings?
 Bardon mentioned a Leetu Bends, that s all.
Sir Dar sent his squire a quizzical look. Bardon merely shrugged. He didn t know why his little
emerlindian comrade should take such an interest in someone he spoke of once. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]