so does his support among the people. Soon he will stand alone and be forced to concede.”
“Can’t you stop him?”
“I’m afraid that King Halvar is determined. He is willing to risk his throne to see you dead.”
She leaned in and focused her gaze. “I am not warning you now because I am convinced you are the answer to our problems. In fact, I have to admit that the king has a valid point. There are no dragons heralding the end of Shinzan’s rule. Your arrival may be a false hope. And though brave you may be, you are no mage. You cannot find victory without magic – and there is no one alive who can instruct you.”
“So what do you want me to do?”
“Flee,” she replied. “Take your friends and flee as far and fast as you can. I ask only one thing of you. Leave Kat here with me.”
Ethan furled his brow. “With you? Why?”
“She has no business on such a perilous journey. And wherever you go, death is sure to follow. I can protect her. King Halvar would not dare to harm a child, human or no. Particularly one protected by a member of the council.”
Ethan thought for a moment and then nodded his consent. “Please see that she is safe.”
Thora smiled and bowed her head. “You have my word. You know, she’s quite taken with you. A pity she is not a bit older. She would make a devoted wife in time. And unless I miss my guess, she possesses a few magical talents as well.”
“Yes, she does,” he confirmed.
“All the more reason for her to stay. She would be hunted in the human world.” Thora rose from her seat. “Now gather your belongings. Birger has already taken the one called Jonas near the passage where you will be leaving. He is waiting with your other friend outside.”
Just as she turned for the door, Ethan stopped her. “Can I asked you something?”
Thora nodded.
“Why are you helping us?”
“Because King Halvar is wrong,” she replied flatly. “Even if you are not the one to fulfill the prophecy, you bring us hope. That is something we desperately need. And I’m helping Kat because I’m a grandmother, and that’s what grandmothers do.”
The moment Thora had left the room, Ethan quickly packed his things. As she had told him, Birger and Markus were waiting just outside his door. Markus appeared calm, but Birger was obviously on edge. His eyes darted back and forth nervously and his hand was planted firmly on the handle of the axe hanging from his belt.
“It’s about time,” he complained. “They’ll be here any minute.”
After taking one final look down the hall, he set off at a fast walk. “There’s no way to depart from the manor unseen,” he told them. “But it will take time for the king’s guards to figure out which way you’ve left the city. Hopefully by then we’ll be far enough ahead of them to escape.”
“So you’re coming with us?” asked Ethan.
“Only as far as the exit to the mountain,” he replied.
“Are you going to get in trouble for helping us?”
“Possibly. But I think that once news of King Halvar’s attempt on your life gets out, I’ll soon be forgiven.”
While making their way through the manor they passed a fair number of servants and various other dwarves. All took notice of them, their eyes drawn especially by the rapid pace that Birger was setting. So fast was it, Ethan was forced into a jog several times just to keep up.
After they were clear of the manor he could see Birger relaxing somewhat. They first headed east, then south through a series of side streets and alleyways until Ethan was hopelessly lost. There were a few dwarves about, but Birger was able to spot them in time to alter their course and avoid detection.
After more than an hour they reached the outer edge of the city. Beyond was an area of flat rock, which ended in a sheer cliff wall that rose high beyond Ethan’s sight. In spite of their peril, his mind boggled at the thought of how long it must have taken to dig out a cavern large enough to house such a grand city.
Jonas was waiting near a small building. As well as his pack, he had with him all of their weapons.
“I was getting worried,” he said. He put on the short sword that Ethan had taken from the slain soldier and handed him his own elegant blade. “You’d better