Dirge for a Necromancer - By Ash Stinson Page 0,76

helped,” said Diahsis, motioning at the goblin. “I’m a little sorry I beheaded him, now. He’s really quite good company. He wrangled a gryphon for me to ride.”

“Hi,” said the gryphon as Slade studied him curiously. “I’m Vuriin.”

Raettonus looked at the massive corpse of the dragon. “There’s no way you’re going to get that through the citadel doors. Not in one piece.”

“Thank you,” said Vuriin. “I’ve been saying that exact same thing, but he won’t listen.” He twisted his head around to look at Diahsis. “You could still keep the head as a trophy if you cut it off. If you want to use the dragon leather, it’s not like cutting it into smaller pieces is going to make it any less usable, the size this thing is. You’re going to have to cut it into smaller pieces, anyway.”

“Fine, fine,” sighed the general, resting his hands on his thighs. “It’ll just be such a shame to take apart such a lovely beast. Fine, though.” He called out to the soldiers milling about. “Cut it down. Make sure you keep the head intact.” Quickly, the soldiers went about carrying out their order as Diahsis turned back toward Raettonus. “You should’ve come with us, Magician! It was a wonderful hunt. Deggho helped me catch a gryphon, and we didn’t have any injuries at all when we took down the dragon. I’m sorry to say that I didn’t land the finishing blow, however—that was Daeblau.” He looked around. “He was out here a minute ago, but he must’ve gone inside. Probably he wanted to tell his little squeeze about it all. He was quite impressive, actually. I’d be boasting too, in his place.”

“Fascinating,” Raettonus said dryly. “May we borrow Deggho for a bit?”

“Go right ahead,” said Diahsis. “Maybe after you’re done with him, you could sew his head back on? It’s been inconveniencing him all day, having to carry it.”

“We’ll see,” said Raettonus, leading Slade away by the hand toward Deggho.

Deggho turned his head toward Raettonus and Slade, smiling an uncertain smile. “See, Magician?” he said as they got close. “I told you that the Tahlehsons would be interested in my ability to hunt dragons.”

Slade looked at Deggho with wide, curious eyes before taking a step toward him and reaching out one hand. The goblin flinched away. “I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Slade breathlessly. “It’s like he’s alive.”

“What is he doing?” asked Deggho, anxiety evident, as Slade grabbed his shoulder gingerly.

“Examining you,” Raettonus said. “Don’t worry, it shouldn’t take long.”

Deggho furrowed his brow and frowned deeply. “I don’t want to be examined,” he muttered.

“That’s too bad,” said Raettonus. “It’s happening anyway.”

Deggho sighed, but gave himself over to Slade for examination. They went inside to get out of the way of the soldiers who were scrambling about arranging where to cut the dragon and how to go about it.

They made their way to an empty room, and Slade began looking Deggho over and asking him questions while Raettonus translated for him. Finally, Slade finished and turned to Raettonus. “He’s like me,” he said. “He’s died, but he’s been perfectly restored to life.”

“Except for the decapitation,” agreed Raettonus with a nod. “I wonder though… Why don’t his eyes glow like yours do?”

Slade didn’t have an answer for that.

“You should’ve gone dragon hunting with us, Raettonus,” said Deggho after Slade was done studying him. “It was fun. General Diahsis is a lot friendlier than you’d think.”

“I’m sure,” said Raettonus dryly.

“We’re going to hunt faeries tomorrow,” said the goblin, shifting his decapitated head around in his hands until he found a comfortable way to hold it. “You should come with us.”

“I’ll pass.”

Deggho frowned. “Oh, I see,” he said, sounding slightly wounded. “Well—how about you come join us for dinner? Diahsis is going to have that dragon cooked and have a big feast in the grand dining hall—you know, that one on the floor where they used to keep me. He’s having it all cleaned up and everything. Will you join us?”

Raettonus arched one thin eyebrow. “You’re going to a feast? Can you even eat?”

“Well, no—of course not,” said Deggho sheepishly. “But…it’s been a long time since I’ve been to any feasts. I never really liked food much, anyway, but I do like the revelry. Will you come?”

“What’s he saying?” asked Slade.

“He’s asking us to come to a feast tonight,” Raettonus told his master.

Slade brightened. “Oh, that sounds like fun!” he exclaimed. “You’re telling him yes, right?”

“If you wish, Master,” said Raettonus, turning back to Deggho.