Tangled webs - Elaine Cunningham [143]
it was unlikely that Caladorn, a young nobleman of Waterdeep and one of the secret Lords who ruled that city, could have chosen a worse time to come to Ruathym. He and his two surviving shipmates came upon the island at a moment when the old tales had lifted the ancestral pride of the people to a fever pitch. The appearance of strangers in the cove was enough to send Northmen into defensive battle with such force and fury that it brought to mind an explosion in an alchemist's workshop. In moments the tiny vessel was surrounded by Ruathen fighting ships, and the prisoners hauled ashore.
Caladorn seldom used his family name. However, the Cassalanter merchant clan was well known in the Northlands, and he used its power to demand an audience with the First Axe.
Aumark Lithyl allowed the young nobleman to tell his story, and the entire crowd swept back to the village center to listen to the man's tale. When at last Caladorn paused for breath, the First Axe turned to the assemblage.
"Of those who sailed on the Elfmaid's last voyage, is there anyone who recognizes these men?"
The surviving members of Hrolf's crew stepped forward to study the three mainlanders, but none could place them with certainty. There was little in these thin and
bedraggled survivors that recalled the Cutter's stalwart seal hunters. But Liriel recognized one of the men by his proud bearing and dark red hair.
"i know that one," she proclaimed, pointing to Caladorn. "He fought Hrolf and nearly matched him-a sight i would not soon forgetl"
Aumark turned wintry eyes upon the drow. "This is a council of warriors. Is there one here who can vouch for her words? Fyodor?"
The Rashemi shook his head, regretfully turning away from Liriel's incredulous glare. "i was in the midst of the battle rage; i remember little."
"i will speak for the Raven!"
The crowd parted to allow the speaker to push through to the center. A tall warrior, clad in a scarlet tunic embossed with runes, came to stand beside the drow. Liriel recognized him as the villager she'd saved from the sahuagin's net.
"i am Glammad, First Axe of Hastor. This dock-alfar warned our village of a sahuagin attack and fought bravely beside us. To an of Hastor, the Raven is a warrior worthy of honor. Accept her words as you would mine!"
Aumark looked puzzled. "You are known to us all, Glammad, and your honor is beyond question. But you were not on the Elfmaid during this battle. Nor does your faith in this elf woman remove all suspicion from these mainlanders. They claim to have been rescued twice by sea elves. Are they in league with those who have done us so much mischief?"
"Look elsewhere for the cause of your troubles," advised Caladorn. "Does it not seem strange to you that the dead sea elves were placed in Ruathen barrels?"
"Your reasoning is unsound," Aumark pointed out. "if the elves believe that men of Ruathym killed their kindred, they would certainly seek revenge."
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd, but Caladorn stood firm. "The dead elves were left in our path for us to find, and the stamp of Ruathym left plainly upon the deed."
"You are accusing us?" Aumark asked with deceptive calm.
"i am warning you," the nobleman replied. "Word of this matter is certain to bring trouble to your shores."
"if Waterdeep attacks, we will be ready," Aumark said stoutly, and the assembled warriors responded with a roar of approval.
Caladorn shook his head. "You mistake my meaning. My family's business concerns are far-reaching. If Waterdeep had plans to attack Ruathym, i would surely have heard of them."
"So you say," broke in a new voice. A burly man with a wild mop of curly, sun-streaked brown hair