dead, I don’t know if that makes their fealty void or not. I don’t know the depths of troll law.”
“That’ll mean we’re going to Poalai,” Percival continues. “If we go to the west.”
James nods. “I just hope we’re all alive long enough to make it that far.”
I agree with an identical gesture.
A messenger enters the room and says, “Captain Armstrong!”
I stand and acknowledge his presence. “Speak.”
“You have a summons from Jarl Kjunn.”
“When?”
“As soon as you can, Captain.”
“Lead on, then.” I give my friends a gesture of farewell, and then follow the messenger down the hallway and up a spiral staircase. Then we go down another hallway, take a turn, and end up in what I recognize as a council room, complete with big table and map.
“What’s the matter?” I ask as I enter.
The messenger leaves as Jarl Kjunn waves him away with a “Thank you.” Then he turns to me and says, “This came for you.” He holds out a letter, still sealed with red wax. The seal depicts a torch sitting in front of a sword crossed over three stalks of wheat: the insignia of Mohonri. On the back, in skinny, spiky writing, one word is written: Dragonhammer.
“Well, open it,” coaxes Jarl Hralfar.
I obey and discard the envelope, leaving me holding a letter. It says:
Dragonhammer,
Word has reached me concerning your many feats, including the rescue of many men from Nringnar’s Deep, the retake of Terrace, the infiltration and successful invasion of Amgid, and the deaths of Commander Tyrannus and Lord Swordbreaker. Only one of these would be an impossible feat for any one man, but you have done them all and attracted my attention.
I hereby request an audience with you. I currently reside in Fragruss, and will remain there for a period of a few weeks before returning to my home in Venebor. Come and I will be sure that you are properly accommodated. A warrior such as you should be richly rewarded.
May your journey be swift.
Lord Archeantus
“What does it say?” asks Jarl Kjunn as I look up from the letter.
“It’s Lord Archeantus,” I reply. “He requests an audience immediately.”
Kjunn raises his eyebrows. “With you?”
I nod.
“Well, we’d best get you off then! As soon as you are able?”
“He’s in Fragruss for the next few weeks. He said that a warrior such as I should not go unrewarded.”
Jarl Hralfar says, “We’d best honor his wishes.”
“I know,” I agree quietly. I think, but do not say, Though I do not want his gifts or promotions. Instead I ask, “Do we have orders from him concerning our position?”
“None thus far,” says Jarl Hralfar. “I’m afraid you will be travelling with only a few. I, Jarl Kjunn, and Commander Magnus will all be required to stay here.”
“I see,” I answer. “I will set out with four others as soon as I can.”
“Good decision,” Kjunn mutters. “Not good to ignore the summons of Lord Jarl Archeantus.”
“Am I dismissed?” I question.
Hralfar nods. “Best of luck to you. Travel safely and return swiftly.”
I trace my steps back down to the bunkrooms where I and the other soldiers stay.
“What was that about?” Nathaniel asks.
“I’m going to Fragruss,” I answer bluntly. “Lord Archeantus has requested an audience with me.”
Everyone’s eyebrows shoot up. “Really?” asks James.
“Would I joke about that?” I ask. “I’m leaving tomorrow. You want to come?”
“Of course!” Percival jumps up.
“I’ll get packed as soon as I can,” Nathaniel answers.
Jericho nods his approval. “I’ve got to see what this is all about,” he says.
“I’m in,” replies James.
“Good,” I say. “We leave tomorrow.”
The next morning, Genevieve catches us at the gate of the keep. “Travel safely,” she says. Her eyes linger on mine and she tells me something a little more. Then we leave.
We wear our armor and carry our weapons, as well as packs with our bedrolls and food. The gate of the city lets us out of the mountains and into the slightly forested foothills between the Wolfpack Mountains and the Kindred Forest. We take the road south. It will take us about eight or nine days to make the journey to Fragruss because we have to travel all the way around the tip of the mountains. It would take longer to travel through them.
Travelling is uneventful. By the end of the fourth day the forest retreats from the left and we come out into an open plain like the one from Amgid to Fort Rugoth. The mountains begin to become less menacing, and finally on the sixth or seventh day the road curves to the