him from his chair and nodded a feeble response, which was all that he could muster. Nytig limped over to a table where a jug of water and some goblets lay, he poured some water from the jug, almost spilling it with his clumsiness, then he brought it quickly back to the King and placed it into his hands. The evil wizard took a few sips, it seemed to revive him a little and he sat back in his chair, still feeling very weak, but now wanting to talk. He looked up at Sawdon.
“You have to get those stones.” he said, in a weak, uncharacteristic voice. “The power they wield is limitless.” He paused to catch his breath. “This slave, Verastus, what do you know of him?”
“Sire, he was captured on Falor some years ago, we tried to persuade him to fight, he refused. Despite our best efforts, he… But, you met him my Lord. He was brought before you when he tried to escape, after resisting torture in the dungeons. You spoke to him, he showed you defiance, and he refused to fight. He was sent to the mines. Large creature, hair covered his face, and he had an unusual growth of it on his jaw.”
“Ah yes, yes, I remember now. What do you think, Sawdon? What danger is he to us? How will he aid these boys if he joins them?”
“In truth, I do not know sire. He has strength, but he would not fight. That would indicate some degree of intelligence. But, I cannot say if he is a strong warrior. He has a resolve that may make him dangerous, if he joins the fight against us. If he does aid these boys, I believe that they will try to reach your brother and his rebels. They are alone sire, in a foreign land, if Verastus has talked to them they will surely have learned of our history, and our present maybe. The logical step for them to take would be to seek friends and allies, wherever they can. And in that, they have only one option. But this is all irrelevant, they will return home the first time they are able? At their very first opportunity.” Sawdon suggested, amazed at himself for taking so long to reach the obvious conclusion.
“Yes, Sawdon. I agree. That would be the right decision for them to take. But, we have heard no sounds, have we? We have seen no light. Why do you suppose that is?” asked Vantrax, his strength and energy returning with each second he rested. He shouted out loud as he realized the opportunity presented by the answer to his own question. “Raarr! They have not yet departed, Sawdon. Perhaps, they have forgotten how? Perhaps this Verastus has killed them both and taken the stones for himself? They would be of no use to him of course, he would not be able to open the box, but he would not know that, would he? Whatever has happened, time is of the essence. We must hurry! The stones are still here and we must seize them. Divide your men into three groups, we do not have large numbers as the Northern Army has taken my foot soldiers, but there are only three of them.” he stated confidently, standing up to study the map on the table. After a few seconds, he turned to Sawdon again.
“Their most likely route is to the west, toward the Forest of Erriard as you have said. You will lead your party in that direction. But you will send others to the north and northeast. The northern group are to head towards the Herfion Mntains, to try to pick up their trail. This group can join with you later if we are right, and if they are able. The third party to the north east are to search the lands between the Herfion Mountains and the coast. It is unlikely that this slave has ships waiting for him, but he did head that way, and it is the least obvious route to take, therefore it is the smartest route for any creature being pursued and trying to evade capture.”
Sawdon was sure he understood the logic behind the orders and he nodded. “Very well my Lord, it shall be done.” he answered obediently, as he began walking towards the stairs.
He was stopped as he reached the top by Vantrax’ voice calling after him. “Sawdon! I am in no mood for failure!” he shouted angrily, without