Dragons of the Autumn Twilight - Margaret Weis [104]
“You could destroy the Disks,” the draconian suggested, greatly daring.
“Fool, don’t you think we’ve tried?” Khisanth muttered. She lifted her head. “No, it is far too dangerous to stay here longer. If these intruders know of the secret, others must also. The Disks should be removed to a safe place. Inform Lord Verminaard that I am leaving Xak Tsaroth. I will join him in Pax Tharkas and I will bring the intruders with me for questioning.”
“Inform Lord Verminaard?” the draconian asked, shocked.
“Very well,” Khisanth responded sarcastically. “If you insist on the charade, ask my Lord’s permission. I suppose you have sent most of the troops up to the top?”
“Yes, royal one.” The draconian bowed.
Khisanth considered the matter. “Perhaps you are not such an idiot after all,” she mused. “I can handle things below. Concentrate your search in the upper parts of the city. When you find these intruders, bring them straight to me. Do not hurt them any more than necessary to subdue them. And be careful of that staff!”
The draconian fell to its knees before the dragon, who sniffed in derision and crept back into the dark shadows out of which she had come.
The draconian ran down the stairs where it was joined by several more creatures who appeared out of the mist. After a brief, muffled exchange in their own language, the draconians started up the north street. They walked nonchalantly, laughing at some private joke, and soon vanished into the mist.
“They’re not worried, are they?” Sturm said.
“No,” Tanis agreed grimly. “They think they’ve got us.”
“Let’s face it, Tanis. They’re right,” Sturm said. “This plan we’ve been discussing has one major flaw. If we sneak in without the dragon knowing, and if we get the Disks—we still have to get out of this godforsaken city with draconians crawling all over the upper levels.”
“I asked you before and I’ll ask you now,” Tanis said. “Have you got a better plan?”
“I’ve got a better plan,” Caramon said gruffly. “No disrespect, Tanis, but we all know how elves feel about fighting.” The big man gestured toward the palace. “That’s obviously where the dragon lives. Let’s lure it out as we planned, only this time we’ll fight it, not creep around its lair like thieves. When the dragon’s disposed of, then we can get the Disks.”
“My dear brother,” Raistlin whispered, “your strength lies in your sword-arm, not in your mind. Tanis is wise, as the knight said when we started on this little adventure. You would do well to pay attention to him. What do you know of dragons, my brother? You have seen the effects of its deadly breath.” Raistlin was overcome by a fit of coughing. He dragged a soft cloth out from the sleeve of his robe. Tanis saw that the cloth was stained with blood.
After a moment, Raistlin continued. “You could defend yourself against that, perhaps, and against the sharp claws and fangs, and the slashing tail, which can knock down those pillars. But what will you use, dear brother, against her magic? Dragons are the most ancient of magic-users. She could charm you as I have charmed my little friend. She could put you to sleep with a word, then murder you while you dreamed.”
“All right,” Caramon muttered, chagrined. “I didn’t know any of that. Damn it, who does know anything about these creatures!”
“There is much lore on the dragons in Solamnia,” Sturm said softly.
He wants to fight the dragon, too, Tanis realized. He is thinking of Huma, the perfect knight, called Dragonbane.
Bupu tugged on Raistlin’s robe. “Come. You go. No more bosses. No more dragon.” She and the other gully dwarves started splashing across the flagstone plaza.
“Well?” Tanis said, looking at the two warriors.
“It seems we have no choice,” Sturm said stiffly. “We do not face the enemy, we hide behind gully dwarves! Sooner or later a time must come when we face these monsters!” He spun on his heel and walked off, his back straight, his moustaches bristling. The companions followed.
“Maybe we’re worrying