Dragonquest - Donita K. Paul [87]
Dar!
Bardon’s voice entered her mind. “He’s coming off the ship alone. We’ll find out what’s going on once he’s safely away.”
Dar came down the gangplank, his footsteps sounding light on the sodden wood. She peeked out from under the hat to see the doneel diplomat pass by. The transparent shield he used during a fight was up and repelling the rain. He walked away without acknowledging her presence.
But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t know I’m sitting here.
“Regidor has you covered,” said Bardon. “Come on.”
Kale hopped off the barrel and joined the two hiding behind the crate. She shed the sailor’s coat and hat.
“Let’s go,” whispered Bardon.
“Wait,” said Regidor. He pointed to the crumpled figure at their feet. “We can’t leave this old man out here in the cold.”
Bardon looked down. “What do you suggest we do with him?”
“Take him to The Horn.”
“Why?” The word exploded from Bardon’s lips.
“Shh!” Kale hissed.
Regidor sighed. “Because that would be easier than tucking him into his bunk on the frigate.”
“But why move him at all?” Bardon’s exasperation poured into Kale’s feelings.
She shut them off. She was tired of her friends’ bickering and wanted to go home.
“I feel responsible for him.” Regidor reached down and hoisted the limp figure over his shoulder. “Come on.”
Bardon looked at her for an explanation. She shrugged, pulled up the hood of her cape, and traipsed after the meech dragon.
“Oh well,” muttered Bardon. “Perhaps we’ll find my sword.”
Dar had vanished again.
This has to be the strangest adventure I’ve ever been on. I don’t feel particularly frightened, not with Regidor and Bardon beside me. But what is Dar up to? And Regidor? Why did he start that fight? I sure hope someone is going to explain all this. And I hope it’s soon.
Regidor marched up the two wooden steps to The Horn, tramped over the wooden porch, and pushed in the swinging doors without one sign of trepidation. Inside, most of the clientele had gone home. Several workers were sweeping up evidence of the fight. They stopped and, with open mouths, stared at the three comrades.
“Look here.” The marione who’d taken their dinner order came forward. He carried an unlit, broken candle in his hand. “I don’t want any more trouble.”
Regidor plopped his burden down in an empty chair and rested the sailor’s head on the table. He then turned to the man with a pleasant smile.
“No trouble. Just looking for my robe and my friend’s sword.”
A sudden movement across the room caught Kale’s attention. She’d found the man who’d picked up the sword from the street. She glanced at Bardon, and he nodded.
The marione blocked their way and waved the candle in front of Regidor’s face. “You’re not welcome here.”
The meech dragon continued to smile. “Would you like me to light that for you?” He pursed his thin lips, and with a tiny blow, sent a small stream of fire to ignite the wick.
Regidor stepped around the stunned marione and retrieved his robe from the floor. Bardon crossed to the tumanhofer who had his sword across his knees under the table.
“My sword, please.” Bardon’s voice sounded smooth and polite.
The tumanhofer swallowed hard. His eyes traveled to Kale and then to the meech dragon. Slowly, he pulled out the weapon and laid it on the table.
“Thank you,” said Bardon. He examined the blade, then slipped it into his scabbard.
Kale breathed a sigh of relief. Good! Now we can go home.
One of the doorways to the back rooms opened. Dar emerged, immaculately dressed with only a slight hint of dampness around the bottom of his pant legs. He surveyed the shattered hall.
“Seems like you’ve been busy,” he said.
Regidor stopped with only one arm inserted into his monk’s robe. “No less busy than you, Sir Dar. I think it’s time we had a talk.”
Dar cocked his head. “Ah.” He looked closely at the faces of his three companions. “Yes, I think you’re right. But first let’s find a carriage to take us home. I think we can chat best at our own fireside.”
37
GOOD