Pool of Twilight - James M. Ward [40]
Primul laughed and laughed, a rich sound like the tolling of a bell. The big elf was whole once again.
"Now, human," he said, picking up the axe. "It's your turn!"
7
A Dire Message
"You tricked us, Primul!" Listle fumed.
"What trick?" the big elf rumbled jovially, patting the fine golden chain around his waist. "Did you ask me if I had a magic belt? I certainly didn't hear you ask me if I had a magic belt."
"It doesn't matter," she countered, her silver eyes molten with fury.
"He's right, Listle," Kern said grimly. It had been his mistake to agree to the green elf's test Now he had to bear the consequences.
"Shut up, Kern," she snapped. "We already know that your skull is full of rocks." She angrily poked a finger against Primul's barrel chest. "Release him from the bargain, Primul. Now."
"Fine," the elf spat in disgust, his green eyes tinged with fiery crimson. "I'll release you, human, and you can run away with your dishonorable tail between your legs like a cur."
"No, Primul," Kern said calmly, surprised at the grit in his own voice. "I gave you my word. I won't back down." He held up a hand before Listle could protest. "I know what you're going to say. I have an important quest to complete. That's true. But if I break my word, then I am not a man of honor, and I don't deserve to be a true paladin. Tyr would never allow me to gain his hammer, anyway. It would all be for nothing. At least this way"-he gulped-"I die like a paladin. Tell my parents I died with honor." Kern's heart beat wildly in his chest
Listle stared at him, too stunned for further protest
"I'm ready, Primul." Kern knelt and bowed his head.
"Excellent," the massive elf said, easily hefting the heavy battle-axe in one hand.
Kern whispered a prayer to Tyr. He hadn't expected things to end up this way, but he hoped Tarl would not be too disappointed in him. At least he had preserved his honor.
"Prepare to meet your creator, human," Primul said with a deep, hearty chuckle. He raised the axe.
Kern forced himself to stare ahead. He was determined not to flinch. He would not show himself a coward.
"Now!" the green elf bellowed fearfully.
Kern steeled his will. He heard the axe whistling through the air as it descended. But Kern tapped an inner reservoir of strength and determination he did not realize he possessed. He did not even bat an eyelash.
At the last possible moment, Primul turned his fatal swing. The bright edge of the axe just brushed the skin of Kern's neck, nicking it. Kern felt a small, hot trickle of blood run down his back. Primul's good-natured laughter filled the chamber.
"Primul," Listle scolded, "if this is all your idea of a joke, let me be the first to tell you that I'm not laughing."
"It is no joke, Listle. Here, on your feet, human." He reached down a big hand and hoisted a rather stunned Kern to his feet. "If Kern here had begged for mercy, or had shown any sign of fear-even the slightest flinch-I would have happily hewn his head off." He put a friendly arm around Kern's shoulders, squeezing so hard Kern thought his eyes would pop out. "You showed yourself a man of courage, Kern. That was the test. The hammer is yours."
Kern couldn't suppress a jubilant grin, not in the least because his head was still attached to his shoulders. "Thank you, Primul."
"Don't thank me," Primul said, crossing his arms and tossing his long tail of golden hair back. "Honor the gift. Defeat your foes. That will be gratitude enough."
Hardly believing his good fortune, Kern slowly picked up the magical, beautifully marbled warhammer. "I will,