Slathbog's Gold - Forman Mark L - Страница 26

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Iownan paused for a moment before continuing. Alex noticed that his friends looked worried. He wondered what Iownan would ask of them.

“Ask what you will, great lady,” Bregnest said sincerely. “If it is within our power, we shall do it.”

“You speak before you know what I would ask,” said Iownan in a thoughtful tone. “I will not hold you bound to this now, nor will I speak of what I will ask until a later time. Be content to know that I will ask, and I believe you will do as I ask for friendship alone.”

“You are most generous, lady,” replied Bregnest. “Your counsel is your own. We will await your request.”

Iownan smiled. “Go now and find your rest. I will speak with each of you tomorrow as the Oracle of the White Tower.”

The company stood and bowed as Iownan left the room. For a moment, Alex thought the light in the room seemed to dim behind her.

“My lords,” said a young man from the doorway. “I am Rothgar, and the lady commands I should see to your needs this evening.”

“The lady is most kind,” said Bregnest, nodding to Rothgar. “Though I feel that sleep will be our only need this night. I thank you for your kindness, and the lady for sending you.”

“As you wish,” Rothgar replied with a bow. “I will guide you to your rest.”

They followed Rothgar down a corridor for some distance, then turned left, climbing a flight of stairs. At the top of the stairs, they turned right and suddenly found themselves outside the tower entrance.

“But we went upstairs when we entered,” said Alex, looking up at the tower in puzzlement.

“The inside of the tower changes,” Rothgar replied. “The rooms and corridors never remain the same for long.”

“Ingenious security,” said Thrang. “Anyone not trained in how the tower moves would soon be lost.”

“That is true, Master Silversmith,” said Rothgar. “Though that is perhaps the simplest protection the tower employs.”

Alex and his companions said goodnight to Rothgar and returned to the sleeping house. They were tired after the long day and there was little talk as they prepared for bed. One by one, they put out the lamps and went to sleep.

The others were soon snoring softly. Alex’s body ached for sleep, but his eyes would not stay closed and his mind was full of questions. Finally, he gave up and climbed out of bed and pulled on his new clothes. Quietly, he walked to the entrance of the house and slipped out into the moonlight. He thought Rothgar might be there, but the courtyard was empty and quiet.

Alex walked to the stable to check on Shahree. The moonlight was bright, and he had no trouble seeing his way. Inside the stable, several lamps were still burning. Alex wondered why they had not been put out.

“Well, Shahree,” said Alex, patting the horse’s neck. “Have you eaten as well as the rest of us?”

Shahree nuzzled Alex’s shoulder affectionately but made no sound. Alex leaned against her neck, rubbing it gently, but said nothing more. His mind was buzzing with questions and he desperately tried to make sense of them.

“You show this horse great kindness,” a voice said from behind him, “though once you feared her.”

Alex spun around, surprised that he was not alone.

“There is a great bond between you two,” continued Iownan, smiling at him from the stable door.

“I have grown to trust her,” Alex stammered, unsure of what to say or how to act.

“And she puts great trust in you as well,” Iownan replied, walking over and patting Shahree’s forehead. “I am surprised that such strong feelings have grown so quickly between you and this noble steed.”

“Perhaps need has quickened the growth,” replied Alex.

“Perhaps.” Iownan continued to rub Shahree’s forehead. “What keeps you from your sleep?”

“I have so many questions. I was trying to make some order of them,” Alex answered.

“And some doubts as well?” Iownan’s blue eyes seemed to look right through him, but they were soft and kind.

“Yes,” said Alex, looking away.

“Do not be troubled,” said Iownan, stepping away from Shahree. “You will find the answers you need, in time.”

“And if the answers are more than I can bear?” Alex asked, voicing his greatest fear before he could stop himself.

“Then you will break,” Iownan answered in a matter-of-fact tone. “Though I believe you are much stronger than you think.”

“I doubt it,” said Alex, turning away again from Iownan’s gaze.

“As do all who have not been tested,” replied Iownan with a kind smile. “You will have trials, that much is certain. How you deal with your trials . . . only time will tell.”

“Can’t you see the future?” Alex asked.

“The future is not yet written. I can see only possibilities and advise on the best way to make them come to pass—or not come to pass, as the case may be.”

“But I thought an oracle could—”

“See the future of men and tell them what will be? No, there are none who have that power. As I said, I see possibilities. Nothing more.”

Alex stood quietly, thinking about Iownan’s words. He had hoped to find some answers at the White Tower, but now he wasn’t sure he would find them anywhere.

“I feel so confused,” said Alex softly, though his mind felt more restful since Iownan had entered the stable. “I just don’t know what I should do.”

“Come,” said Iownan, taking his hand and leading him

out of the stable. “You need your rest. We will speak again tomorrow.”

At the door to the sleeping house, Iownan let go of Alex’s hand. He suddenly felt weak and tired. Stumbling slightly, he found his way back to his bed, managing to get undressed before falling into a deep and peaceful sleep.

chapter eight

Oracle

The next morning, Alex woke to the sound of Skeld’s laughter. Sitting up and looking around, he was surprised to see Skeld sitting on the floor on top of both Thrang and Andy.

“What’s going on?” Alex asked, swinging his legs out of bed and reaching for his clothes.

“Just a bit of fun,” Skeld replied.

“Fun for some,” Thrang grumbled, pushing Skeld off.

“You are too grim, Thrang,” said Skeld, still laughing as he picked himself up off the floor. “You ponder the future and forget the day.”

“I have not forgotten that we will each see the Oracle today,” said Thrang in a serious tone.

Alex smiled and pulled on his shirt. He couldn’t help but like Skeld; the big warrior was always laughing and joking. Stamping his feet into his boots, Alex hurried to follow his friends into the courtyard. Arconn stood next to the doorway, watching Alex as he approached.

“You were up late,” Arconn commented. “Were you troubled in the night?”

“Too many thoughts,” said Alex. “The night air helped calm my mind.”

“And did the lady help as well?” Arconn asked, smiling at the stunned look on Alex’s face.

“How did you know?” Alex questioned in a low voice.

“I see many things others do not,” replied Arconn. “I was surprised to see her follow you to the stable, but perhaps I should not have been.”

Alex stared at Arconn. He’d been sure his friends had all been asleep when he’d gone to the stables the night before.

“It is a small thing,” Arconn continued, turning toward the doorway. “Your heart has been lightened and your thoughts are more clear. Because of that, I am happy for you. What happened is between you and the lady. Perhaps I should not have said anything.”

“I’m not angry,” Alex said at last. “I just didn’t think anyone knew.”

“As I said, it is a small matter,” said Arconn. “Now, of greater importance, is breakfast.”

Alex grinned. Arconn’s words had been something of a shock, but he was glad his friend had seen him, though he didn’t know why.

“Look out!” Alex heard Skeld yell just before a clump of oatmeal landed on his cheek. “Oh, not quick enough,” Skeld laughed.

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