Crypt of the shadowking - Mark Anthony [120]
After what seemed an eternity of climbing, Caledan burst outside into the blessedly clear night. Kellen, Estah, and Morhion were only paces behind him. Each of them was coated with dust, covered with bruises and scratches, but they were alive.
"Caledan!" a deep bellow rang out in the tower courtyard.
Caledan looked up, blinking the dust from his eyes. He saw that the gates in the tower's outer wall had been thrown open. Between them stood a massive, hulking figure with a broad, familiar face. Behind him was a throng of cheering cityfolk.
"At least the Zhentarim aren't here to greet us," Caledan said, his voice weak. He coughed. Tyveris came striding toward them. "The cityfolk have done it, Caledan!" the big Tabaxi announced joyously. "Mari and Cormik's plan worked. The Zhentarim are gone. We've driven the curs from the city, those that we didn't lock up in the dungeon, that is!"
As soon as Tyveris reached them, his exuberant expression vanished. "Let me," he said softly, helping Caledan ease the Harper to the ground. The loremaster looked at Estah with deep concern.
"You must act swiftly," Morhion said. "The enchantment of the tomb will no longer preserve her spirit."
"I'm not going to be able to do this alone, Caledan," Estah said, drawing out her silver medallion inscribed with the sign of Eldath. The healer brushed Mari's dark hair from her face, laying an expert hand on her brow. The Harper's features looked deathly. "I can make her body whole, but her spirit has already gone far away," Estah explained. "You must give her a reason to return to us, Caledan."
"Me?" Caledan said, staring at the healer. "But the Harper hates me now, Estah. You know that."
The wise halfling woman scowled at Caledan. "Must you always act like such a child, Caledan? We really don't have time for that now. Mari needs you." She laid the medallion on Mari's chest.
Caledan swallowed hard. Tentatively he reached down and held Mari's hand. What could he say to her?
Suddenly he knew.
This time he did have the power to save the one that he loved. He would not let this second chance pass him by. Slowly he slipped the copper bracelet from his left wrist.
Farewell, Kera, my beloved, he whispered in his heart. He slipped the bracelet over Man's hand.
"I love you, Harper," he said simply, knowing it was the truth. "Come back to me."
For a single, terrifying moment nothing happened. Then suddenly the medallion hummed with a faint, sweet sound, like the song of running water. But the sound faded, and still Mari did not move.
I have failed, Caledan almost whispered.
Then the Harper's fingers closed tightly about his hand, and he stared at her in wonderment. Man's eyes fluttered and flew open. She looked around in confusion, and her gaze locked on Caledan. A surprised smile touched her lips.
"So you didn't leave me after all, scoundrel," she said, her voice husky.
"Ill never leave you, Mari." He looked up at Kellen, and for the first time Caledan saw the boy smile. It was a hesitant, almost fragile expression. Still, it was a smile all the same. Caledan grinned in response. "Never," he said gruffly. He bent down and touched his lips to Man's.
Suddenly Mari began to laugh.
"What is it?" Caledan asked her, a bemused expression on his face.
She reached up a hand and brushed his cheek. "You need a shave, scoundrel, that's what."
Epilogue
It was the first day of summer, and all of the windows in the Sign of the Dreaming Dragon were thrown open to let in the fresh air and sunlight. It was still early in the afternoon-the usual crowd of customers would not start arriving until the shadows grew longer-and save for Caledan and Mari, the common room was empty.
Jolle was out behind the inn working on the garden, and Estah had taken Pog and Nog, along with Kellen, to the free market. In the last weeks merchant ships had streamed freely in and out of Iriaebor's port, and the merchant stalls in the market were filled