Albrek's Tomb - Forman Mark L (читать книги без регистрации полные txt) 📗

“No, but Kathnar has no way of knowing that,” Alex answered. “All he knows is that his world is about to change, and he isn’t happy about it.”

“Should we do something?” Arconn questioned.

“Not yet,” Alex answered, taking a step back. “I think I know how to persuade the stubborn Kathnar.”

Alex’s hand moved slightly as he cast a spell on a group of people close by. He listened to them talking for a moment and heard their words quickly being repeated by others in the crowd. He turned to Arconn with a smile on his face.

“What did you do?” Arconn questioned.

“Listen to the crowd,” Alex answered.

“What does that old fool think he’s doing?” a woman behind them said loudly.

“He has no right to keep her from the tower,” a man to one side of them said in an angry tone.

“The dragon brought her; she must be the oracle of the legend,” someone in front of them said loudly.

It took only a few minutes for the words to spread across the square, and less than a minute more for people to begin calling for Kathnar to move out of the way. Alex was surprised at the crowd’s growing anger as they began to chant together, “Let her pass. Let her pass.”

“This could be trouble,” Arconn said nervously.

Alex didn’t have time to answer. Kat turned to face the crowd, holding up her hands for silence. As if by magic, the chanting stopped, and the people grew still, waiting to hear what Kat would say.

“Good people of Darvish, calm yourselves,” Kat began. “Kathnar is the Keeper of the Empty Tower, and he has served long and well. Do not be angry with him for doing what he must. I am certain that he will not bar me from the tower. He only wishes to do his duty for you, and for the true oracle of the tower. I am the true oracle, and with Kathnar’s permission, I will prove it.”

The people broke into wild cheers when Kat finished speaking. Kathnar looked dumbfounded and completely lost. Kat moved forward and spoke softly to Kathnar, and then walked past him toward the gate of the empty tower. She never paused or slowed her pace, and soon she was lost from sight.

Kathnar turned to look at the tower gate. He dropped to one knee, waiting for Kat to return.

“Well, she’s done it,” said Thrang, turning around. “Oh, Alex—how long have you been here?”

“Long enough,” said Alex with a laugh.

Kat soon returned to the tower gate, smiling as the crowd went wild with cheers around her. Alex watched as Kathnar acknowledged Kat as the true oracle and asked her forgiveness for his doubts. Kat nodded and took Kathnar’s arm, leading him back toward the tower that was now her home.

“Well, that’s that, then,” Thrang said happily. “I suppose we should try to find a place to spend the night.”

“Several nights, I would guess,” Nellus said. “Alex said the celebrations would last for seven days.”

“And after that we will need to aquire some horses,” Barnabus reminded them. “It’s a long walk to Benorg from here.”

“I doubt we’ll find anyone running their inns or selling horses for some time yet,” Alex said with a laugh. “It seems the whole city is here, so we might as well take our time and enjoy ourselves.”

Alex and his friends headed for the shady spot below the tower where Arconn and Alex had sat so many months before. They relaxed and watched as people milled about the tower, talking and planning the upcoming celebrations. They had not been there long, however, when Kathnar came hurrying toward them.

“Lords,” Kathnar began with a bow. “The lady of the tower asks that you join her. She wishes you to be her honored guests for the days of celebration.”

“The lady honors us, and we will do as she asks,” Thrang said with a smile.

Once again, Kathnar bowed to them before leading them toward the tower gate. While they were walking, Thrang spoke quietly to the company.

“Kat is no longer the adventurer who traveled with us. She is now the Oracle of the Empty Tower, so remember to address her correctly and show the proper respect.”

They all agreed as Kathnar led them through the courtyard outside of the tower and to a large house that stood on the far side.

“This house has not been used in many years,” Kathnar said in an apologetic tone. “We are still making things ready. I hope you will not be greatly troubled by this.”

“You are most kind,” said Thrang with a bow. “I’m sure we will be fine.”

“If you have need of anything, ask any of the servants of the tower,” Kathnar went on. “The lady asks that you join her for the evening meal. Someone will come for you then.”

“As the lady wishes,” said Thrang, and the entire company bowed.

Kathnar returned their bows and then departed. Alex and his friends entered the house and saw several people rushing about, trying to make things ready for them. It was a large house and richly decorated, but Alex could see that it had not been used for a long time, and that it would need more than cleaning before it was restored.

“It is fortunate that we collected our treasure from Thorson,” Alex said. “Kat will need it to restore things to their proper order.”

“The lady of the tower, you mean,” Thrang said with a smile. “And yes, it appears that these rooms have been neglected for a long time.”

“It’s only her first day as an oracle,” Arconn reminded them. “I’m sure things will be put in order quickly.”

They made themselves comfortable in the house and found the bedrooms that had been prepared for them. They each removed their weapons and their magic bags, as was the custom when visiting an oracle, and then gathered in one of the large sitting rooms.

“We’re hardly dressed for dinner with an oracle,” Nellus said, looking down at his worn boots.

“Speaking of which, where did Kat get that beautiful gown she was wearing?” Thrang questioned, his eyes fixed on Alex.

“I couldn’t let her arrive in worn travel clothes,” Alex said with a smile. “It wouldn’t look right.”

“I don’t suppose you could do something similar for the rest of us?” Thrang asked as he stroked his beard.

“I suppose I’ll have to do something,” Alex answered with a laugh. “You all look a bit worn, and it won’t do to visit the oracle with you looking like this.”

“You should talk.” Arconn laughed. “Your clothes are as worn as any of ours.”

“Yes, I suppose they are,” Alex agreed, looking down at his own clothes. “I think a good wash is in order before we worry about clothes. I wonder if there is tub of hot water in this house.”

When Thrang asked one of the servants about taking a bath, the servant led them to another room. The tub of water they were expecting was actually the size of a small swimming pool. The servant apologized that the water was not as hot as it should be.

“If you like, I can start heating water now, but it will be hours before enough is ready for you to bathe in,” the young man said.

“That won’t be necessary,” said Alex. “Being a wizard means never having to take a cold bath.”

Alex waved his staff over the pool, which instantly began to steam. The young servant looked at Alex in amazement, too shocked to say anything at all.

“The oracle has many friends,” Alex said when he noticed the young man staring at him. “And I’m sure you have other work to do.”

“Yes, master,” the young man said with a bow.

“You’ll scare him to death,” said Arconn after the servant had left. “It’s obvious that he’s never seen a wizard before.”

“And speaking of wizards,” Thrang interrupted. “Why are you still carrying your staff? You know the custom of leaving weapons on your bed.”

“I know the custom,” said Alex. “A wizard’s staff is not a weapon unless you are an enemy. I carry it now as a symbol of what I am and as a sign of respect for the oracle.”

“Special privileges for wizards,” Barnabus said as he slipped into the pool of steaming water. “And a good thing, too—the water is perfect.”