The Dragon Queen’s Scepter©

By Richard A. Falb

Chapter One

The ship had slipped silently into port as darkness just began to flee. Kharzen Marquallen was the first one off the boat with his horses and his baggage. He was sure the captain had cargo on board he wanted to get off before anyone was around to check what he had been carrying. This would work to Kharzen’s advantage. He rode quickly through the silent port city. He planned to be gone from this city before it awoke. Questions might be asked that he did not want to answer. He knew the guards at this hour would pay no attention. They were waiting anxiously to be relieved and didn’t want to be delayed. It had been a long night and it was always quiet at this hour.

Kharzen didn’t know how he would be received in this country and he didn’t want to find out if he could help it. Strangers were looked on with suspicion these days. Especially one who was part Elf and had three Elven Marzains, the legendary Elven steeds. He planned to change their color to a non-descript brown as soon as he could get the nuts he needed to produce the dye needed. There seemed to be unrest everywhere. This was a rather turbulent time although no great wars were imminent. There were, however, plenty of petty skirmishes in some areas. These could develop into larger wars, although Kharzen didn’t see any signs of that right now.

He was now dressed as an ordinary traveler with a very ordinary sword. He did not dare wear his fine sword or his Elven short sword. They would attract too much attention. He wanted to avoid that if at all possible. If he were stopped and questioned by the guards, his educated speech would arouse even more suspicion. That is why he wanted to get out of this port city as soon as possible. With three horses and much baggage, he would not be thought of as coming by boat, once he was away from the port. This would mean to most people, he had come from somewhere in this area. He would therefore be looked on with much less suspicion.

Once he was away from the city, he might get curious stares, but he was sure he could avoid arousing any suspicion that would cause him to be reported. He also did not dare to indicate he was a wizard. His healer talents, on the other hand, he was sure would be welcomed. Healers, these days, were not in abundance in most countries. It was not that they were not needed, rather there was little effort to train any new ones.

He was headed for a mountain country, just beyond this kingdom. It had a university rated as one of the finest. Kharzen hoped he might find work there as a translator. That would be a safe occupation for him and one he could easily fill. It would give him access to the library, the senior scholars and the visitors from many lands. Here he might find the information he desperately wanted. Kharzen heard it attracted people from all over the known world. Those seeking out this university would not be likely to recognize him. Besides, as a translator, he could bury himself deep within the back rooms of the library, when he felt it best. Now he just had to get there without raising any suspicion and without coming to the attention of any authority.

A sailor told him there was a forest a half days ride from this port. There he hoped he would find the nut trees that would provide the dye he needed to make. He wanted to change the looks of his horses as soon as possible. Then they would not be recognized as Elven Marzains, which had a very distinctive blonde color. Most people would not notice that he had some of the characteristics of an Elf.

He was able to get out of the city without arousing any interest. The people, in the two small villages he went through, were busy with their morning work and paid him no attention. About mid-day he saw the forest just ahead. The road he was on did not go into the forest but skirted the edge of it. Kharzen started looking for a path or trail leading into it. As he came up to the trees, he saw what looked a faint trail leading into the trees. Looking around and seeing no one he quickly led his horses into the trees and moved deeper into the forest. The trees were very tall and the light in the forest was very dim. This did not trouble Karzen’s Elven eyes.

About an hour into the wood, he came upon the trees he was looking for. They were growing along a stream. He followed it upstream looking for a small clearing. A short time later he came upon a clearing and in the center of it was a large rock with a depression hollowed out in it. He had seen these before. This was a place an ancient cult had conducted secret rituals. It was just exactly what he needed. In it he could brew the dye he needed. It was obvious it had not been used for many years. He began to gather the nuts and put them in the depression. His search turned up a bowl hidden in a deep thicket on the edge of the clearing. Using this he filled the depression with water from the stream. He would have to risk the use of wizardry to produce the fire needed to heat the water to dissolve the dye from the nuts. He could produce sorcerer’s fire deep with in the water and heat the water very quickly. It would take too long to build a fire to do that. Besides it might attract more attention than the small wizard energy used. He put up a shield and prayed no wizard or mage would be looking in this area for wizard energy.

He soon had the water boiling and the water began to take the deep brown color he was seeking. Even using wizardry it took a turn of the hourglass to produce the color he wanted. Calling his horses, one by one to him, he began the process of changing their color. This took another turn of the hourglass before he was satisfied with their looks. It would last a long time and would not wash out. It would fade only very slowly. He hoped, by the time it faded, he would be well established. No one would then pay particular attention to the color of his horses. It was beginning to get dark by the time he finished. He prepared to stay the night here. There was good grass for his steeds and a stream nearby for water. He was sure he would be safe here and he could even have a small fire to prepare his evening and morning meals. He decided that he would continue to follow the stream upstream figuring it would lead him into the hills and away from any farms and cities. Besides, he knew this would take him in the direction of the mountain country that was his destination. He had not heard if there was an Elven forest anywhere around. He had not seen any signs of Elves so far.

Kharzan was a fugitive. A powerful Duke had accused Kharzan of stealing a King’s treasured artifact. Kharzan had called him a liar and the Duke had challenged him to a duel. It was a fair duel and Kharzan had killed the Duke. Unfortunately the Duke was one of the King’s advisors so the King ordered Kharzan arrested. He had barely escaped with his horses and his baggage. He had help, but Kharzan wasn’t sure whether they were helping as a friend or because they wished him gone. The King, unfortunately believed the Duke’s accusation against Kharzan. This took suspicion away from the true culprits. Luckily Kharzan had no family close by who would suffer from this. He had no known close friends in this Kingdom who might suffer. Of this he was glad. He had come to this Kingdom recently searching for information. He thought he had somehow aroused suspicion of someone high up in the advisor council. The information he was searching for had nothing to do with that Kingdom, but someone had suspected otherwise and did not want him to search too deep. Kharzen had misjudged the problems in that kingdom. He thought he could keep from attracting any attention. He was wrong and now it could hinder his search. He hoped these kingdoms were far enough away so information had not and would not reach here. However he was taking no chances. He hoped eventually the search for him would die down and be forgotten.

In the morning he set out to follow the stream. The path running beside the stream, although it seemed not to have been traveled for a long time, was relatively clear and he could make good time. He stopped briefly at mid-day to let the horses drink and eat the grass and he had a cold meal. Shortly after this, the stream turned left, but Kharzen decided to follow a path that took off in the direction he had been going. Although the path was very faint, it was surprisingly clear of underbrush. He judged it to be in late afternoon, when he got the feeling of the presence of others in a distance. They seemed to be traveling on a road that ran a short distance ahead. They were traveling so they would cross the path he was on. He quickly turned his horses into the wood, dismounted and moved carefully, but quickly on foot to see if he could get a glimpse of these persons. He wanted to do this without revealing himself. He reached a place where he could see the road while the persons were a distance away. The road ran between the forest he was in and what he recognized as an Elven forest. A thick bush, a short distance into the wood gave him the cover he needed. Down this road, coming toward him were five mounted men he recognized as Elves. The two older ones were obviously high-ranking Elven nobles. The three younger ones were probably relatives. They seemed in no great hurry, but from their conversation were obviously headed toward a path that led into the Elven forest. That would mean to Kharzen, that the Elven forest stretched only a short distance in the direction from which they came. This could be a happy break for Kharzen. This type of road was seldom traveled by other than Elves. He might safely travel this road for quite a distance. Also, the road probably curved in the direction he wanted to go, skirting the far end of the Elven forest.

If he found a small village Inn a short distance from this road, it might be safe for him to stay a night. He did not dare enter the Elven forest. That might be noted by the Elves who kept watch for those straying into their forest and becoming confused. He would not be bothered by the magic of the forest, which might cause the Elves to question him. In another day, he might be far enough into the country to seem less like a stranger. With an Elven forest nearby, it would not seem strange to see a half-Elf traveling the road. In addition, he was finding he spoke the local language well enough so it would be assumed he might be from somewhere in the country and not a stranger. Traveling with three horses, it would not be assumed he had come from the port city.

He waited until the Elves had passed by a good distance, then he went and remounted and rode out on to the road, riding in the opposite direction from where they were going. He found a clearing a short way off the road as the sky began to darken. He put a quiet spell on his horses, although with the Marzains it was not really necessary. He then put a shield around his camp and finding no danger in the area, settled down to sleep.

In the morning, a short distance up the road he found a stream where it momentarily came near the road. It was at that point the road turned in the direction that he felt he should go. He took time to fix his morning meal and let the horses graze and drink their fill from the stream. As he had figured, the road turned to run the perimeter of the Elven forest. On the road he could now see the sky and could determine he was going in a northerly direction. He was fairly certain this was the direction that would eventually lead him to the mountain kingdom. The road seemed to continue in this direction for a great distance. Far ahead, he thought he could faintly see indication of low hills. Kharzen wondered if he would find a village and a village Inn by this evening. He hoped he could and that he could get a bath there.

At dusk he came upon a village a short distance on a road that went away from the Elven forest. He had seen signs of farms in a distance down that road, so he decided to see if there was a village there. On the outskirts of that village, he found a surprisingly substantial Inn. This was probably from where the Elves had come. He decided to take a chance on getting a room here. Because it was near the Elven forest, he decided to use some of the Elven gold he still possessed. It would not seem strange to this Innkeeper and it would call attention to the fact he looked part Elf. As such he would appear to have a reason to be on this road and therefor would not look strange. The Innkeeper did look Kharzen over, but it was not with surprise or suspicion. Kharzen breathed a sigh of relief. He paid for his room, saw to the stabling of his horses and moved his baggage to his room. He acted like a normal traveler in this country and he was finding his knowledge of the language was proving sufficient.

He came down to have his evening meal and sought a table in the back were he would not be noticed, yet where he could survey the room and see the entrance. He noted there were no guards or soldiers in evidence. When the maid came to get his order, he ordered the finest fare and a glass of their best ale. He then gave her a small coin for herself. It was large enough to get quick service, but not large enough to gain unwanted attention from those sitting nearby. He made sure he used no wizardry. He did not see any indication of any mages or wizards in the room, but he was taking no chances. He noted a couple of Elves in the room, who gave him a slightly curious glance, but that was all. Kharzen smiled pleasantly at everyone, but did not try to engage any of those sitting near him in conversation. He did not want to answer any questions. There was an older couple a few tables away that looked like they could be somewhat important nobles. Kharzen did get a curious glance from the man, but then he resumed his conversation with his wife. About the time he finished his meal, there was a commotion outside the Inn. This convinced Kharzen not to sit a while over another glass of ale, but to quickly settle his bill and retire to his room.

He was up early enough in the morning to be the first one to appear for the morning meal. He decided not to inquire about the cause of the disturbance. He quickly had his morning meal, paid his bill, loaded his horses and was on his way. The day promised to be a pleasant one. He returned to the road which he had been traveling and continued on his way. He noted there was no indication of a road leading into the Elven forest. He would have seen that with his Elven eyes. That was probably why the Elves he saw, had been traveling the way they were. He did not think anyone from the Inn would be traveling the way he was. His horses could easily put a great distance between them if there were any coming behind him. He therefor set off a fairly fast pace. He knew his horses could keep this up for the full day if need be. He was hoping he would find a similar Inn to the one he had just stayed in. Because this road was a good road, he could actually travel by this evening, the distance ordinary horses could travel in two days. He hoped this road would continue for that length of time.

It just barely did, but another road took off from it in somewhat the same direction he had been traveling. The Elven forest made a slight bend to the right. A short distance on this new road, brought him to a large Inn. To the left, on another road was a large village. The road he was on seemed to veer off somewhat to the left. However, another road took off more in the direction he thought he should go. This was the reason there was this large Inn here at the crossing of these roads. He decided to try to get a room at this Inn. In the morning he would try this new road traveling more northerly.

He again got only a curious glance from the Innkeeper. He paid for his room with Elven gold as he was still near the Elven forest. The Inn was busy, which actually was a good thing. There would be many different travelers and he would not stand out. As he looked around, he noted a variety of people and a sprinkling of Elves. There were a couple he noted, he was sure were part Elf. He wondered if he dared stay a few days here. His horses could probably use the rest. He would have to decide this evening. He knew he still had a distance to go. That evening, after his evening meal, he got a strong feeling he should stay the two days. He wondered if that meant there would be trouble ahead tomorrow. After much thought he decided to follow that feeling. He told the Innkeeper he would keep the room for another day. Actually the room was very nice and the food better than the average you would find in these Inns. He was able to keep a low profile during the two days and listening carefully to the conversations around him, gained some knowledge of the route ahead he would travel. He even took the chance to go out into the village. Without revealing anything about himself, he was able to get further information. Apparently the border of the mountain kingdom was a good four days ride ahead. Even figuring something might slow him up a bit, he should make it easily in three days with his horses.

The morning of the third day, he again left before anyone and set out at a very fast pace. He was able to traverse the ground that would have taken ordinary horses two days by the evening of the first day. He found a good Inn at the crossroads of two roads and was able to get a room. This one again was busy with travelers of many kinds and he was able to fit in. He was beginning to relax a little, although being careful to not call attention to himself in any way. Again he left at the first crack of dawn and was on his way. He had only gone about a hours time along the road when a voice began to impinge upon his mind. He hated that voice, it always meant trouble of some kind. It was that voice that lead him to the kingdom where he was now a fugitive. It was however the voice that helped him escape and take the ship that slipped into the harbor early and allowed him to get out of that city before it awoke. He suspected the captain had cargo he wanted to unload before the normal business began on the dock. He wished he could silence that voice, but he knew he could not. It would be with him until the day he died. This time it was a young woman calling for help to escape from the servitude she was sold into. The surprising thing was that her voice was that of a woman with a very good education. He wondered what her story was. A Duke had apparently bought her as a love slave. They were on the road that would dissect the road he was on a hours ride ahead. There was a Duke and nine guards. Six of them were mercenaries of the lowest sort. The other three apparently were the Duke’s personal guards. Kharzen thought they were probably not much better than the mercenaries. Kharzen took the chance to do a search of the mercenary guard’s minds to determine the situation. What he found gave him an idea how he could arrange to free the woman without exposing himself to any great danger.

The young woman must have some small talent as a sorceress, otherwise Kharzen might not have been able to receive her message. He contacted her, telling her,

“As the Duke is planning to take his three personal guards and go searching for another young woman, three of the other guards are planning to set upon the other three, killing them and taking you off into the forest for their own pleasure while the Duke is gone. They will then tell the Duke that the other three guards set upon them with the idea of stealing the woman for themselves. In the confusion the woman escaped and they had to pursue her into the forest. That would give them an excuse in case the Duke came back before they returned from the forest. Go along with them as if you think they are intending to rescue you. I will lead them to me in the forest and dispose of them. We will then return them to where the other guards are laying dead and make it look like they killed each other in the fight and that you escaped.”

The young woman after only a short hesitation, promised to do exactly as Kharzen told her. Kharzen then led his horses into the wood on the road a short distance beyond the crossroads. A short time later the Duke and his three men came at a fairly fast pace past him. A short time later the six guards and the girl came along. At that time the three guards attacked the other three and using the surprise they killed them. They then led the girl off into the wood in the direction Kharzen was waiting for them. As they came near, Kharzen loosed three arrows instantly killing the three guards. He then rode out to where the girl was.

“Stay here, you will be safe here. I will take these three back to the road and make it look like they killed each other in a battle. I will bring your baggage back with me. Then we will wait for the Duke and his three men to return. I will be waiting for them,” Kharzen quickly told her.

“Should we not flee right away?” she asked somewhat fearfully.

“No, if we leave the Duke alive, he will launch a search. The Duke is bringing a female Kirsi with him. He does not know she is a Kirsi. I must eliminate him and his guards and make it look like his mercenaries rebelled and they were all killed in the ensuing fight. I will bind the Kirsi to the place until someone comes upon the scene. They will take the Kirsi to the Duke’s palace thinking it is you. The Kirsi will make the Duke’s son fall in love with her. That will spell the end of the Duke’s line. That way you will be completely free. However, we must change your appearance somewhat and you will have to come with me until we can decide what will be best for you.” Then he smiled at her. “My plans do not include a female companion and I did not rescue you so I could take advantage of you. I do not do such things.”

She looked at him in partial disbelief, but as he had rescued her at what she saw as great danger to himself, she did not think it wise to dispute him. He was after all a rather handsome young man and he had been acting like a gentleman. She merely nodded her head.

“I will stay here and await your return, My Lord,” she said.

“I am not a Lord,” said Kharzen with a smile. “What I am is of no importance. I will be back shortly and then we will wait.” Kharzen, hoped the voice that caused him to plan to rescue this young woman, would tell him what he was supposed to do with her. He had no idea what he should do. He had no compunction killing the Duke. He knew his kind and figured he was just ridding the world of a human beast. The Duke used these women for his pleasure and then when he had virtually destroyed them would cast them out on the streets. That is why he did not regret killing the other Duke he had killed. He would kill the guards with his arrows, but he intended to kill the Duke with his sword. Then he would make it look like all of the men were killed with a sword. He knew the people who found them would not look too close. Kharzen also intended to relieve the Duke and the men of most of the gold they might be carrying. If he was going to have the young woman with him for a short while, he would need that.

Kharzen did not like this turn of events, but he couldn’t ignore the voice. He knew it was not the young woman who made him hear her thoughts. That voice had entered his mind before. It would not let him ignore it. He went to the area of the dead men and then arranged things so it looked like they had died fighting each other. When the Duke and his men arrived, Kharzen used the moment of confusion at their seeing the scene to cut down the three guards with his arrows. He then attacked the Duke with his sword. The Duke proved a surprisingly good swordsman, so it took a short time before Kharzen found an opening and killed him. Then Kharzen arranged everything so it looked they had all battled among themselves. He had frozen the Kirsi, who had taken the form of a young woman, so she would remain here to be discovered. Kharzen knew she would then act in such a way so she would be taken to the Duke’s castle. He knew it was known the Duke had gone to get a young woman, so she would take the place of the woman he had rescued. That way they would not look for her. Then Kharzen removed most of the gold he found on them, loaded the young woman’s baggage on a couple of horses. He chose two that did not have the mark of the Duke. He returned to where he left the young woman. She had remained with his horses as she had promised. She smiled at Kharzen as she said,

“As you left the rest of the horses here, I was sure you would return. Did you really kill the Duke and the rest of the guards? You do not look as if you suffered any harm in the fight, My Lord.”

“Surprise is a potent weapon. They did not expect anyone else to be around there,” Kharzen said simply. “Let us be on our way. We will make plans as we travel. I am heading for the mountain kingdom. You will be my sister until we can find a place for you.”

“Can I not go with you?” she asked.

“I am going to seek work as a translator at the university in that kingdom,” said Kharzen.

“I have been educated at a university. I could be your assistant,” she said rather hopefully. She didn’t know what would happen to her otherwise. A young woman, who was alone, was seldom if ever safe. Although she knew nothing about this man, he was acting like a gentleman, and he had rescued her. She did not know how or why that had come about, but she was thankful it had. She thought it not intelligent to question what seemed wonderful fortune for her.

Meanwhile, Kharzen was thinking what that might mean, if he did take her along as his sister and an assistant. He would not look a fugitive, if he had a sister with him. Her being with would change how he was seen, which had definite value. He could see there might be advantages to that arrangement. As he was talking to her, it was obvious she was educated. He wondered why and by whom she was sold to the Duke. He wondered if that was why the voice arranged for him to hear her plea.

“Perhaps that might have some advantages for me as well as for you, for you to accompany me as my sister and assistant. A brother and sister would be looked on with less suspicion than a single man,” Kharzen said thoughtfully.

“I will do whatever you require of me,” she said now rather hopefully. “Tell me how I should act and what I should say and I will do that.”

“Then let us decide upon the story we will tell. From where would it be best we should say we came?” asked Kharzen. He hoped she might have an idea as she was from somewhere in this area.