Tangled webs - Elaine Cunningham [59]
Rashemen, and the story of how she'd come to possess the amulet. Finally, she told him of the quest that drew both her and Fyodor to Ruathym. The Windwalker was crafted for two things: to store "place magic" for a time, and to carve a newly learned and unique rune upon the ancient and sacred oak that stood on Ruathym. Liriel's innate drow powers and ready spells attested to the Windwalker's potency. She hoped that the journey to Ruathym-the lessons she learned, the trials she endured-would form the needed rune in her mind and heart that would grant her permanent possession of her dark-elven magic, and Fyodor control over his berserker strength.
"i've heard tell of ancient rune quests," Hrolf observed when at last she paused for breath. "Let's say the shaping of the rune does come to you. Do you know how the casting of it should be done?"
Liriel shook her head. "i know a lot about wizardly magic, but this is completely different."
"Might be that i can help you there," he said thoughtfully. "You're right in saying that much about rune lore has been forgotten, but bits and pieces of the old ways can still be found if you know where to look. Some in my family still pass down the old tales." He paused and gave Liriel a grin and a wink. "You might ha' noticed i don't go about things the way most people seem to think i ought. That current runs deep in my family. I got a cousin, a good friend since we was boys, calls himself a shaman. Him and me will have a sit-down and talk it out, see what can be done for you and the lad."
The drow nodded her thanks, but the despair did not fade from her eyes. "ifwe make it to Ruathym in time," she said softly.
Hrolf considered this. "You know," he said, "i've been thinking about the plan to stop by Gundarlun. Herring fishing is nasty work. I'd just as soon do without it this spring. We've provisions enough to take us to Ruathym, and our trade goods won't spoil before the next trip. So how about we sail straight for home?"
Liriel's startled gaze flew to the pirate's face. "You would do that for us?"
"That and more, and don't you be looking so surprised about it!" The pirate reached out and gently cupped her chin in his massive paw. "You're a right smart lass, but you've yet to learn a thing or two. You and the lad have stood by me, and the Elfmaid, time and again. Don't you be thinking iii soon forget it."
Hrolf gave her cheek a gentle pat and then sat back. "if you're feeling up to visitors, there's someone powerful eager to talk to you."
Liriellifted an inquisitive brow.
"Xzorsh," the pirate responded, grinning broadly. "The elf's been swimming alongside since sunrise. Got something for you, he says, and won't give it into any hand but yours. I'm thinking that he's a bit taken with you, lass." Liriel responded with a derisive sniff.
"Well, why not? He's a likely-looking lad," Hrolf teased, "and you with a fondness for swimming!"
"if i thought i could hold my breath long enough to make it worth my while, i might be tempted," Liriel responded wryly. "But i might as well see what he wants." Still grinning, the captain left the cabin and clopped up the ladder to the deck. A few moments later, Xzorsh came quietly to the door, a familiar bag in his webbed hands. "Your magic crabs," he said, placing the still-wet bag on the floor. "They are all there."
The sea elf looked as if he wished to say more, so Liriel waved him into the room's only chair. There were things that she, too, wished to discuss.
"Was it hard to find the throwing