The Howl of Avooblis: The Adventurers' Academy, #3

Chapter 1: Delayed Delivery

Dagdron Obor sat hunched with his back pressed against a boulder, shielding himself from his pursuer. Sweat ran down his forehead, stinging his dark eyes and dripping from the tip of his nose as the sun above Cliffmount beat down on his hiding place. The rogue, knowing that the intense heat was making his breathing more labored, silently raised his hand, pulling his hood from his head. His black hair was drenched in sweat. Dagdron wiped his forehead and blinked in an effort to rid himself of the salty sting.

With his vision clear, he located a boulder a few feet away. He would be exposed for about six feet, Dagdron estimated, but he thought he could make it with a dash. Crouching on his feet, he readied himself to bolt. In the precise moment he was about to dart to the neighboring boulder, he realized he had waited too long. His blond-haired enemy raced around the boulder with a mighty war cry, swinging his sword. Dagdron, just in time, rolled to the side as the sword clanked on the rock, taking out a chunk.

I finally found you! Earl Valorington exclaimed, dancing a little jig as he sheathed his sword.

You heard me breathing? Dagdron asked.

Yep. Earl grinned broadly, brushing dust off his leather jerkin. The listening techniques you’ve been teaching me over the past week are amazing. I’m going to be so well prepared for our third year at the academy.

Don’t call it teaching. Dagdron whipped out his dagger, pointing it toward his warrior friend.

All I’m saying is that I’m learning how to identify my surroundings without just rushing in like a warrior usually does. And that’s thanks to you.

Stop talking. Dagdron turned away, heading back to his cave.

Earl obeyed, humming as they went instead. Along the way, the young warrior swished his sword this way and that, practicing his fighting moves. He only stopped when he stumbled on a rock, grabbing hold of Dagdron so he didn’t fall.

Dagdron threw Earl’s arms off him, longing for the solitary days he had experienced before the current week. He had spent all of June alone and content in Cliffmount, climbing, jumping, and throwing his dagger on the cliffs. Then Earl had arrived. The first day of his visit, Earl had talked of nothing except his new house in Lordavia. The previous year, Earl’s family had been stripped of their nobility status because of Earl’s involvement with the Arches of Avooblis. Dagdron had given the Valoringtons a pouch of rare amethysts, which had allowed Earl’s parents to purchase a new home. From the way Earl had described each and every inch of it, Dagdron could only assume it was the most incredible house ever built. Dagdron hadn’t wanted the Valoringtons to suffer when they were kicked out of the royal pyramid in Lordavia, so he was happy that they had a house. He just didn’t want to hear about it.

Dagdron, realizing his patience wouldn’t last, had come up with some activities for him and Earl on the cliffs in order to stanch the talking of his companion. Earl was all for the idea. While Dagdron was content to be on the cliffs he had played on since boyhood, Earl was overjoyed to be training during the summer. No matter how many times Dagdron told him not to mention it, Earl constantly talked about their need to be prepared for their third and final year at the Adventurers’ Academy, after which they would set out on their own to fulfill quests throughout the land.

Earl, intent on being prepared, went right back to practicing his sword stances as they went.

Stop with your sword, Dagdron said.

Our third year at the academy starts in a couple of months, Earl explained. And then that’s it. We’re on our own fulfilling quests. We need to be prepared.

The third year is supposed to prepare us. No practice is required before then.

Are you kidding me? The practice scenarios we’ve been doing will help set us apart from the other adventurers. We’ll be more ready than anyone.

Dagdron put his hood back on and didn’t reply.

I know what’s going on here, Earl said, stepping in front of Dagdron, showing off his slender, padded boots. You’re jealous of my new boots.

I’ll shred them soon.

Stop, Dagdron, Earl said. I know you’re upset because you can’t hear me approaching since my boots don’t squeak anymore, but that’s no reason to take it out on them. If it wasn’t for the gems you gave my family, I wouldn’t have been able to afford them anyway. I had them especially tailored to my feet by the best shoemaker in Lordavia.

What do you mean? Your family had plenty before.

We were only lower-ranking nobles, Earl explained. We were provided for and given an abundant allowance, but that doesn’t mean we had enough to buy every single thing we wanted. The Broodavian amethysts are worth way more than King Loftloomburg ever gave us.

Dagdron picked up the pace, anxious to reach the chimney-shaped rock pile. He slipped through the hole in the side, nimbly climbing down into the cave. Earl, though struggling to fit his larger warrior’s body through the hole up top, climbed down without a problem, having already had a week of practice.

I still don’t see why you don’t learn a simple open spell and conceal spell, Earl said. You could just use it to get in and out of the cave.

I hate magic, Dagdron said.

Dagdron’s father, Dugan, had brought Dagdron to Cliffmount when he was two years old. They had fled from danger in a village far away named Coastdale. In order to protect them, Dugan had learned to conceal and open the cave doorway with magic. But during his time at the academy and because of his experiences with the Arches of Avooblis, Dagdron thought less and less of magic. He had learned to cast a simple flame spell during cross-over classes in their second year, but he much preferred climbing out of the cave and relying on his own rogue skills.

I prefer to use my sword more than anything, Earl concurred. But, after seeing Wendahl’s magic all last year, I find magic even more astonishing.

Dagdron didn’t reply as he lay down on the ground to cool off. Earl busied himself straightening up the cave. While Dagdron and Dugan kept few possessions, Earl had brought his crammed-full adventurer’s pack, so the cave was more cluttered than it had ever been.

I have an idea, Earl said after he finished cleaning. Let’s eat in Cliffmount tonight. It will be just like our visits to Bodaburg.

I’d rather steal food and eat in the cave, Dagdron said.

We are not stealing any more food. I’ll pay for dinner.

I’ve never paid for anything in Cliffmount, and I’m not going to start now.

That’s unnecessary. My parents gave me plenty of gold coins. They’ll last us all summer and probably until the Winter Carnival.

We’ll steal food so you can use your coins to buy a new sword.

Yeah, right. Earl smiled, unsheathing his sword. Before last year, Earl had often talked about the different swords he desired. However, Wendahl, an old farmer-enchanter from Coastdale, had magically enchanted Earl’s sword and Dagdron’s dagger, so now Earl treated his sword as an even more prized possession. Enchanted weapons were extremely rare, and Earl knew how lucky he was to have one.

When evening rolled around, Dagdron and Earl walked down the steep, rocky gully to the village. As Earl had done all week, he looked around with excited eyes at the scenery, buildings, and people. Dagdron, even having grown up in Cliffmount, had never seen as much of the village as he had during the past week. Earl loved taking in everything about a place and culture no matter where he went.

I’m so glad I’ve been able to spend a full week here this time, Earl commented. Last year Rance, Kas, and Wally chased us out of here before I got to see anything. Where do you think they are, by the way?

I don’t know.

The last they had seen of the three enchanters was when they had been lying in wait in Dagdron and Earl’s bedroom at the Adventurers’ Academy. The boys had been hit by numerous spells but had gotten away without being seriously harmed, as many second-year students had joined forces to scare the enchanters off.

Do you think they’ll come back to Cliffmount?

I don’t know, Dagdron said again.

I bet they don’t even know that we created the third Arch of Avooblis in the shrine. They’re probably off searching for the third crystal.

Ask my dad if he ever gets back.

Dugan had left for Broodavia in May to seek out information about the castle that Byron Fortigroff was planning on building at Central Crossing. Over the past two years, Dagdron and Earl had been assisting Elloriana Loftloomburg, the princess of Lordavia, in finding out what Byron was really up to. They had finally discovered the plans about the new city in the central location where the major roads crisscrossed. While the accepted decrees forbade any building at Central Crossing, Dagdron and Earl had overheard Byron talking about a mysterious supporter who was supposedly powerful enough to magically establish the city. Dugan was supposed to have returned to Cliffmount at the start of the summer, but Dagdron hadn’t heard any news from him or about him.

I hope your dad’s all right, Earl said.

Who cares? Dagdron shrugged.

Earl led Dagdron to the Rocky Cliff Inn, a simple wooden building with two floors. Cliffmount was so far north that, even during the summer, few travelers visited. The local inn was one of the few places outsiders could order a meal.

The dining portion of the establishment was nothing more than a few wooden tables. Dagdron and Earl took a seat at one of them. Two male villagers were eating at another table, but no one else was in sight. Eventually the scruffy owner appeared through a swinging door from the back of the inn, surprised to find two additional diners. Earl looked as if he expected the owner to greet Dagdron with familiarity, but he was disappointed, as their orders were taken with nothing more than a greeting grunt.

You’ve never been here before? Earl said.

You know I don’t come to the village. Me and my dad were hiding out. Remember?

You didn’t know that until a few months ago, and I still thought you would’ve taken some interest in the history and locals of Cliffmount.

Dagdron stared expressionlessly at Earl until the subject was dropped.

The innkeeper brought back their dinner of meat, potatoes, and carrots. Disappointment filled Earl’s face as he took his first bites. The meat was tough and the potatoes and carrots were still hard.

One of the things I love about being an adventurer is sampling the different cuisines all over the land. Cliffmount’s is very unusual, Earl said, always the optimist.

Dagdron, who was having trouble even sticking his dagger into the potatoes, glared at him. This isn’t Cliffmount cuisine. It’s undercooked food. If I’m going to have to eat food like this, there’s no way I’m going to be an adventurer.

Earl spoke about the glories of being an adventurer for the rest of the meal as both boys sawed their meat and vegetables before eating them. They left the inn still feeling hungry and walked the streets of Cliffmount until darkness began to fall. On their way up the trail, not only Dagdron but Earl too caught the sound of footsteps behind them. At the top of the incline, the rogue and warrior whipped around, drawing their weapons.

Please, don’t slice me with your dagger, the blond springy-haired man said. He was holding a piece of parchment in his hands.

Jinxy! Earl said, brightening up at the opportunity to converse with a local of Cliffmount. Jinxy was the owner of the bauble emporium in town that fronted for his magic shop. He had been the one who had taught Dagdron’s dad the little magic he knew. Last summer, Rance had attacked Dagdron, Earl, and Dugan in the emporium, destroying half of Jinxy’s baubles. How’s your bauble emporium? I’m sorry so many of them got shattered last year.

No need to worry. I restored my shop to tip-top shape and replaced most of the baubles that were destroyed, Jinxy answered.

Why did you follow us? Dagdron asked.

I’m sorry to bring you bad news, Jinxy said, twitching the parchment in his hands. But I received a message from your dad.

Earl’s mouth opened with happiness, and Dagdron darted forward, snatching the note. The letter explained that Dugan had found a lead about Byron’s mystery Backer and that he was going to try to get more information. He thought he would be back in a week’s time. The cave having no address, he had sent the note to Jinxy.

That’s great news, Dagdron, Earl said.

It’s not, Dagdron said, pointing to the date on the letter. Mail doesn’t always get delivered to Cliffmount on time. My dad wrote this at the end of May.

I’m sorry, Jinxy said.

Don’t be, Dagdron said. Who cares what happens to him?

Jinxy watched warily as Dagdron shredded the note with his dagger, hoping the same fate didn’t await the deliverer.

Well, let me know if you need anything. Jinxy and his wild hair disappeared into the night.

It doesn’t mean he’s in trouble, Earl said, trying to cheer Dagdron up as they climbed the cliffs to get into the cave. He could be on to something, so he extended his stay in Broodavia.

Dagdron didn’t say anything until they were back in the cave and the fire was lit. He slipped off his hood and stared expectantly at Earl.

What? Earl asked.

Start packing, Dagdron said impatiently.

You’re kicking me out? We’ve been having such a good time.

No.

Then why should I pack?

Because we’re leaving for Broodavia as soon as you’re done.

Chapter 2: Boulder Castle

Dagdron and Earl left that same night, walking in the darkness a couple of hours before finding a place to camp. Earl insisted they take the safe route of heading to Central Crossing first and then on to Broodavia. Dagdron wanted to head straight south, telling Earl that an adventurer couldn’t always take a secure path, but Earl wouldn’t relent.

As they made their way to Central Crossing over the following days, Earl carried on with his warrior practice, swinging his sword in a variety of movements and cadences. At other times, he charged to the right or left, arcing his weapon in a mighty warrior’s attack.

Dagdron remained silent and stone faced, but he was surprised at Earl’s perseverance. Earl had lectured him many times on the importance of their final year at the academy, Dagdron recalled all too easily, but he hadn’t realized his warrior companion was going to practice in an even more gung-ho fashion than he had over the past two years.

The good news, Dagdron hoped, was that he could travel without Earl talking his ear off. Unfortunately, that turned out not to be the case. Even while swinging his sword hour after hour, Earl found enough breath to talk and talk and talk. When he wasn’t speculating about what information Dagdron’s father had uncovered and how they were going to find him once they reached Broodavia, Earl talked about the glorious days they were bound to have during their third year at the academy. And, when Dagdron didn’t reply to anything he said, Earl took to comforting him about not knowing what had happened to his father.

I don’t care about my dad, Dagdron assured Earl each time he brought it up. If he wasn’t a good enough rogue, that’s his problem, but we still need to find out the information about Byron’s Backer. The wench will be bugging us nonstop if we don’t.

I already know you don’t care about your dad, Earl responded. That’s why we’re going to uncover what really happened to him. That will prove just how little you care.

Dagdron, surprised, looked at Earl.

You’re not the only one who can be sarcastic, Earl said, fighting not to smile.

If my dad’s trapped somewhere, we’re going to leave him there, Dagdron said.

Stop saying things like that, Earl said, shaking his head in frustration.

Dagdron put his hood on and focused on speeding up the trek.

They spent a night a Central Crossing, where the enormous grass-covered hillside stood, marking the middle point between Lordavia and Broodavia, the two biggest kingdoms in the land. Numerous other caravans and travelers were camped there, because roads to all parts of the land forked off from the central area. As soon as they arrived, Dagdron led the way up the hill, both boys scrabbling with their hands when they reached the steeper upper portion. Earl, assuming they were just going up there for the view, was surprised when Dagdron scoped out a sleeping spot.

I don’t know if we’re supposed to camp up here, Earl said. I’ve never heard of anyone else doing it.

I’m not sleeping down there with all those people, Dagdron replied.

Earl’s face brightened. You’ve done it again, Dagdron, he said. Someday when the bards are singing songs about our adventures, they’re going to include how we were the first adventurers to camp on the top of Central Crossing Hill.

The bards will include how you thrashed so much in your sleep that you rolled down the hill.

I do not thrash that much. But it would make a great ode for a performer to sing at the Winter Carnival, Earl said, putting a positive spin on Dagdron’s comment.

Dagdron and Earl passed a peaceful night, the noise of the caravans only a distant sound below. Dagdron was woken up by a shaking feeling when the morning light was just setting in. At first, he thought the hill was moving, but then he realized it was Earl.

Wake up, Dagdron, Earl said, jostling him more.

What? Dagdron said, grabbing his dagger and weakly stabbing it at Earl.

The young warrior dodged, jumping back to his feet. We’re going to watch the sunrise.

Dagdron, figuring at least they could get an early start, got to his feet and put his cloak on. Earl took him excitedly to the edge of the hill. As Earl loved to do, he struck an adventurer’s pose as the pink and orange sunrise broke across the horizon. Dagdron’s expression remained empty, but Earl’s smile grew wider and wider until the first rays of the sun bathed the two boys.

This is the life, Earl said, tilting his head back and giving his blond hair a shake.

You wanted to spend the day blind? Dagdron said, putting on his hood to block out the morning light.

Thanks for doing that with me, Earl said.

Dagdron furrowed his brow and inconspicuously shifted his head to look at his companion. Earl’s voice hadn’t sounded quite as boisterous as usual, Dagdron thought; it sounded almost...sentimental.

Earl smiled at Dagdron’s concealed face and gave him a firm pat on the shoulder before returning to roll up his pad and repack his bag.

Broodavia, here we come, the young warrior said as he strapped his pack on. He nodded to Dagdron and they headed down the hill.

The road to Broodavia was filled with caravans, many carrying fruit and vegetables that had been grown in Lordavia. The farther along the path Dagdron and Earl traveled, the less green they saw, and the more the landscape reverted to looking more like Cliffmount, except the rocks and ground were darker brown.

Wow, Earl said when Broodavia loomed in the distance, his mouth opening in a perfect circle.

Haven’t you been here before? Dagdron asked.

Only once, but I was really little. My family took a trip here on one of the few vacations we could afford then.

The walls of Broodavia were made of boulders stacked together. From the looks of it, there appeared to be nothing holding the stones together, but, nonetheless, they towered upward, creating a mighty fortification around the city. Stone mountains rose as a strong backdrop behind the structures.

Dagdron and Earl joined the flood of travelers entering the city through an archway. Earl was too excited to be overly nervous, but Dagdron did catch him glancing at the Broodavian guards at the entrance. In their quest for the Arch of Avooblis in the first year at the Adventurers’ Academy, Earl had forged a note claiming he was Byron Fortigroff, the son of the king of Broodavia. Although Elloriana had tried to accept the blame, King Fortigroff had demanded that the Valoringtons be stripped of their nobility status. While it wouldn’t be wise for them to be spotted by Byron or the king, Dagdron thought, with the number of people entering and walking the streets, he didn’t think there was much of a chance they would be noticed.

In spite of Earl’s love and loyalty for Lordavia, he was in utter amazement as they walked the streets. Earl, even without knowing his way around, gave Dagdron a tour, comparing and contrasting Lordavia and Broodavia as they explored. The Broodavians had channeled rivers from distant areas, and the water cascaded over the boulder walls, providing the life-giving liquid to the city.

While Lordavia was home to a tropical, colorful atmosphere, associated primarily with the intellect of magic users by citizens throughout the land, Broodavia housed shops and shops of blacksmiths, forging all kinds of weapons, armor, and shields. In place of the robes a typical Lordavian wore, even the common Broodavians garbed themselves in warrior attire as they went about their business.

The vast majority of the wares and trinkets along the streets were made of stone. While they were void of the colorful vegetation and wood that Lordavian products were created with, many were inlaid with gems from the mines Broodavia was famous for. Earl, amazed, commented on how resourceful the vendors were with their products.

Dagdron and Earl found the food situation very dissimilar. The typical food sellers were much more likely to offer beans, rice, vegetables, and plenty of herbs and spices, which were commonly used to season the variety of meat that was sold in the markets. The stony ground prevented the fruits and vegetation so prevalent in Lordavia, which, Dagdron had learned the year before, was one of the principal causes of strife between the two powerful cities.

In general, the houses of Broodavians were much larger. The buildings were structured from the dark brown boulders that were everywhere in this area. The citizens decorated the exteriors and doorways with gems and other deep-toned tapestries and ornaments.

The last stop of their initial tour was at the back of the city, where the giant Boulder Castle was built at the base of the mountainside. Home to King and Queen Fortigroff and the other Broodavian royalty, the castle was an intimidating stronghold, built with boulders stacked upon boulders in a tremendous fortification. The rocks had been chiseled and sculpted until they fit perfectly together and had been adorned with sparkling gems from the mines. Water crashed down on both sides of the castle before running to the plaza in front, where the streams joined in a deep pool. Stone bridges curved over the water, offering pathways to the massive stone doors that served as the entrance to the castle.

Oh my goodness, Earl said, leaning his head back as he gazed up at the castle. It’s daunting and beautiful all at the same time.

It’s rock, Dagdron said.

Earl gave a quick look of disbelief to Dagdron and then led him closer to the pool. They could see the scowling expressions of the stiff guards at the doors, so even Earl didn’t venture closer, but he didn’t lose his amazement.

Let’s find an inn, Earl said. I don’t think we can sleep out in Broodavia.

Dagdron didn’t dissent, but he was sure he could have found a comfortable alley to spend the night in. He followed Earl back into the city until they found an inn called the Bolder Boulder. The front of the inn was fashioned out of one humongous round boulder. When they entered, it was like going into a cave, but inside, the inn was brightly lit and well decorated in spite of the stony structure.

The Bolder Boulder was a lively place, dinner already being underway through a doorway to the right. Travelers and locals alike were eating and drinking as they conversed loudly, talking about their days and telling stories. Earl beamed with excitement, but as he turned to tell Dagdron how this is what life would like when they were full-fledged adventurers, his rogue companion strode swiftly to the innkeeper’s stone desk.

Unlike the name of the tavern, the innkeeper was a scrawny man, though still wearing a sword at his waist. The weight made his pants sag, and the man had to hitch them back up every time he moved. His eyes went directly to Earl’s sword as if sizing him up based on his weapon alone.

How can I assist you? the innkeeper asked in a squeaky voice.

We’d like a room if you have one available, Earl said politely.

Of course, the man replied. He fumbled around in a cubbyhole on the other side of the desk, pulling out a key and handing it to Earl. The young warrior took it and paid the man in return. Breakfast and dinner are served in the tavern. Stay as long as you like; just pay me each morning before you head out for the day.

Earl thanked the man, and they followed his directions to a stone staircase that led to the second floor of the inn.

You’ll be right at home, Earl said in good spirits as he took in their room, which was very similar to a cave. Everything was made of stone, from the shelves to the washbasin to the beds. Pads had been placed on the beds to provide comfort. Dagdron approached the bed closest to the window and yanked off the thin mattress, placing it on top of Earl’s.

Now I will be, Dagdron replied.

Earl lay down on his doubled mattress to test it out.

It’s really comfortable, he said, bouncing and wiggling.

Dagdron sat down on his rock cot, waiting for Earl to stop playing. Eventually, the warrior sat up and took his adventurer’s handbook from his pack.

Let’s see what the handbook says about finding people, Earl said, flipping through it and stopping to read every couple of pages. The handbook says our best bet is to ask the locals in a casual fashion, building trust before getting more specific. We’ll have to use you as the picture since we don’t have a charcoal drawing. You look so much like your father that should do the trick. And that means you’ll have to have your hood off as we ask the locals if they’ve seen your dad. Earl closed his adventurer’s handbook and stood up decidedly.

Dagdron, putting his hood on, crossed back to the door. Earl followed him back downstairs.

Is your room to your expectations? the innkeeper asked.

Yes, Earl said. It’s perfect.

Wonderful. Let me know if you need anything else.

We’re looking for someone, Dagdron said. Have you seen a rogue in town over the last month with black hair and dark eyes?

The innkeeper was pensive for a moment but shook his head. Perhaps if I had more details.

He looks like this, Earl said, tugging Dagdron’s hood from his head.

The innkeeper studied Dagdron’s face but shook his head again.

Sorry, he explained. So many people pass through the inn. I remember a lot of faces, but not a rogue recently.

Earl thanked the innkeeper, and then he and Dagdron, who left his hood off this time, went to find a seat in the tavern. Dagdron ate the heavily seasoned chunks of beef in silence as Earl slipped himself into conversation with the other diners, trying to build trust before extracting information. Although Earl made a valiant social effort, the only things he received were conversations about swords and armor, and multiple whiffs of fermented breath. They were no more the wiser about Dugan.

Let’s walk the streets, Dagdron said when their meal was finished. My dad might’ve been watching the entrance and seen us, so he’ll contact us.

Good idea, Earl said. We can walk back toward the castle. I’ve heard on clear nights, all the gems in the boulders twinkle in the moonlight.

They walked the streets of Broodavia as darkness fell over the city. They kept their eyes open for Dugan, but, because it was a warm summer night, there were still many people out, and they didn’t see any sign of Dagdron’s dad. The only trace of other rogues they saw among the Broodavians were the ones peering from alleyways, waiting for full darkness before they crept about their business.

I’m sure your dad’s here and safe somewhere, Earl said comfortingly.

Who cares? Dagdron replied.

You do, Earl responded, leading his companion in the direction of Boulder Castle.

Everything Earl had heard about the castle was true, both boys realized as they entered the plaza. The gems that had glittered in the sunlight were now twinkling like stars as the moon shone down on the boulders.

Oh, wow, Earl said, taking in the scene. The two boys walked to stand on the stone bridge that crossed the left stream.

This makes a lot more sense, Dagdron said.

What?

Byron and his family love rocks, but I knew no richies like them would live in a stone castle. Its richiness comes out at night.

Don’t start with your talk about wealthy people, Earl said.

Dagdron was about to continue anyway when, from the other side of the square, yellow lightning spells suddenly shot toward them as a black-cloaked figure stepped to the edge of the darkness. Dagdron was able to draw his dagger, but Earl, his sword taking a moment longer to unsheathe, was hit square in the chest. The force knocked him backward off the bridge, where he was swept by the current under the path and to the deep, central pool.

Dagdron remained on the bridge, dodging the spells until he blocked one of them with his dagger. Although his dagger had been magically enchanted by Wendahl the year before, the spell was so powerful that it knocked Dagdron off balance and sent his dagger clattering to the ground.

The rogue was able to recapture his stability and ran off the bridge. Lightning spells continued to fly at him, but, as he reached his dagger, footsteps thundered across the square. A massively muscular warrior rushed by where Dagdron was crouching. The mystery warrior swung his sword wildly, deflecting each and every one of the lightning balls that had been cast toward him.

The black figure slipped into the darkness and disappeared from sight. The warrior stuck out his hand to help Dagdron up. The rogue was surprised to see that he wasn’t a young, spry warrior; he was gray haired with rough skin. Once Dagdron was on his feet, the warrior ran to the pool, where Earl, still in the water, had watched while clinging to the edge. The warrior hoisted him out of the water and then took a step back, where he kissed the blade of his sword before striking a pose with his hands on his hips and his arm and chest muscles flexed.

Even from across the square, Dagdron saw that Earl, wide eyed, open mouthed, and oblivious to his sopping clothes and body, had found his new hero.

Chapter 3: Egon

As soon as the warrior was done striking his manly pose, he got straight down to business.

Where are you staying? he asked.

The Bolder Boulder, Earl replied, dumbstruck.

Let’s go, the warrior said. We need to get you back to safety before the guards come to investigate and before that coward of an enchanter shows back up.

Without another word, the warrior clutched Earl and Dagdron around the biceps and physically escorted them all the way back to the inn. For being so old, he was still extremely strong.

He released them once they were inside the inn but gesticulated for