Azure bonds - Kate Novak [72]
"Depends on what she's saying," Alias replied with a smile. "And how many drinks she's had, of course."
"Of course." The man smiled back. "She says Shadow Gap is clear of the Iron Throne's monster. If that's true, the people of the Dales owe you thanks."
"Oh?" Alias said. "Olive hasn't explained how she alone defeated the monster with nothing but her quick wits and magical voice?"
A charming grin spread over the man's face. "No," he answered, "she admitted to relying as well on her prowess with a broadsword that once belonged to a barbarian god, a holy artifact of Tempus, or so we have been given to understand. Under the constant reminders of the creature at her feet, we have elicited a confession that you and the creature had some part in the affair as well."
Alias smiled fondly at Dragonbait. Always where he's needed most, which right now happens to be keeping an eye on the halfling.
"I get the feeling," the man continued, "that besides making the halfling share the credit, there's something specific the lizard-thing's keeping the halfling from mentioning. Her chatter is the usual bard tales about adventurers, red dragons, elementals, and royal weddings, but in every episode there is some point where the creature nudges her and she changes course, so to speak."
Alias had to force herself to remain calm. "We all have our little secrets, um… you haven't told me your name," she said.
"Mourngrym. Mourngrym Amcathra."
"Alias."
Mourngrym bowed his head. "On behalf of the people of the Dales, I thank you for ridding us of a fell beast."
"Your thanks are graciously accepted," Alias answered, bowing her own head modestly. Inwardly, however, she felt guilty. The kalmari was in the gap partly because of her. But she couldn't bring herself to spoil the one little moment of glory due her by confessing the truth.
Something about Mourngrym's official tone made Alias wonder just who he was. "Are you one of Lord Doust's men?" she asked.
Mourngrym smiled. "I had that honor until last year, when the good cleric retired. Not that he was too old for the job, but he wanted to spend more time with his family. He lives in Arabel now."
"Oh." Alias hadn't heard about that. Why hadn't she heard about that? Something that important happening, in such an important place, it should have been talked about for months. She had to have known. It must have been lost with the memories of the last year. "Who is lord of Shadowdale now?"
"Me," Mourngrym said, grinning.
Alias blushed deeply.
"I'm sorry," he said softly. "I thought you knew. If there is anything you need, I'm sure we can provide it. In thanks."
She had the lord of Shadowdale offering her whatever she needed, and all she could think of was her lost dagger. She wasn't going to bother him with something that small.
Someone struck up a reel on a songhorn, accompanied by the rhythmic thumping of a tantan. "How about a dance partner?" Alias asked shyly.
Mourngrym's grin widened. He rose, offered Alias his arm, and led her to the center of the floor.
The reel was fast and lively, and Alias loved every minute of it. Mourngrym was a fine dancer, and it had been a long time since Alias had done something so frivolous. When it was over her partner led her to a chair.
"Not as easy as swinging a sword, is it? What will you have Alias, ale or wine?" Mourngrym signalled the waiter.
"Wine, please," Alias panted. "I must have danced that reel a dozen times a night when I was younger. Of course, I wasn't so lucky in my partners back then. There used to be a dearth of gentlemen in this inn, and Kith and I always had to dance with each other."
"Kith?" Mourngrym asked.
"She was our mage," Alias explained. "Long ago I was with the Company of the Swanmays. We guarded caravans through the Elven Wood. We used to winter here."
The waiter stood at Mourngrym's elbow. "Ale for me, Turko, wine for the lady. Swanmays," he repeated