Elfsong - Elaine Cunningham [116]
"A charm spell," the elf muttered. He rocked back on his heels and ran his hand through his hair. The best person in the city to tend the wizard would be the mage Laeral. He should take the fallen man to Blackstaff Tower at once. A delay, however, could cost Elaith the harp he had sought for so long.
The elf decided. He reached into the bag at his belt and took out a plain silver ring. Vartain was not the only skilled thief in Music and Mayhem, and Elaith had once again relieved his Harper partner of the magic ring when they'd met at the Broken Lance tavern. He quickly slipped the ring on his own hand and twisted it as he'd seen Danilo do.
As the watch patrol burst into the room, they saw the fading outline of a tall slender elf and the archmage of Waterdeep.
*****
In the hours before dawn, clerics of Mystra gathered at Blackstaff Tower to pray for the favor of the goddess of magic. Under their care and through the favor of his goddess, Khelben Arunsun's battered body began to heal. Nothing could touch the charm spell that held him, though, and after several hours the weary and heartsick Laeral made her way down to the reception hall. After bringing Khelben to her, Elaith Craulnober had left the tower. He'd recently returned and sent up word that he wished to see her as soon as circumstances permitted.
The elf stood when Laeral entered the room. "How is the archmage?"
"He will live," the beautiful wizard replied.
Elaith nodded, a look of profound relief on his face. He handed Laeral a large, square box. "You may consider this a gift, a wish for Lord Arunsun's recovery."
Puzzled, Laeral peered inside. Within the box was one of the magical helms worn by the Lords of Waterdeep.
"I recovered the helm from Lady Thione. Perhaps you would see that it is returned to its rightful owner."
"Indeed we will," the mage said. She affixed Elaith with a penetrating gaze. "Forgive me, but-"
"This seems to be out of character?" the elf finished with an amused smile. "Not at all, dear lady. My own business interests are best served by preserving the status quo in Waterdeep."
"And Lady Thione?"
"She is in hiding, and under my protection," Elaith said. "My men will help her escape from Waterdeep." He smiled pleasantly. "Of course, I have not bothered to mention to her the destination. I've arranged to have her escorted back to Tethyr to face the locals."
Laeral's eyes flashed silver fire, and she nodded grim agreement with the justice that the elf's treachery meted out "Elaith Craulnober, under different circumstances I believe we could have become very good friends."
*****
High above the canopy of the High Forest, the sky faded to the pale silver that preceded dawn. It was still dark in the Endless Caverns, but the green dragon Grimnoshtadrano felt the coming of day. He eased himself up onto his haunches and flexed his wings experimentally. The stiffness caused by the explosion and the smoke had finally eased, and at last he would be able to fly again. Never would he forget the indignity of crawling back to his cavern after he awoke in the clearing. He was determined that someone would pay dearly for the insults dealt him.
Grimnosh inhaled deeply and blew a long blast of air into his cave. A satisfying stench filled the chamber as poisonous chlorine gas flowed from his fanged maw. For days, he had been unable to muster his breath weapon. Now, it was back and ready to bring to bear on the treacherous bard. The dragon threw back his head and let out a roar of satisfaction.
Dropping down onto all fours, Grimnosh made his way through the labyrinth of caves and passages that led out of his lair. He emerged into the forest clearing where this misadventure had begun, exactly half a year ago, on the shortest day of winter. It seemed fitting that he would end it today on the summer solstice. His enormous green wings beat the air,