The Long Way Home (Book Three of The Redhawk Series)

By Brad Bohlen

This action packed series finale finds Redhawk and his companions in the city of Sartae, seeking to learn more about the blue keystone-Redhawk's only hope of returning home. But when they learn the quest might be a lengthy one, they decide to attempt to help others and make a new life in this strange land. . .That is, if they can stay alive.
Alongside new friends and old, Redhawk begins to make some progress on getting organized and established in this unfamiliar place, but when Treesta goes missing from the city of Tridesdale, everything changes?
Ancient deceptions and new truths, orcs and dragons, bounty hunters and battles, and war on the horizon, Redhawk must face many challenges if he wants to help his friends-and if he wants any chance of finding his way home. Along the way, however, he'll have a few decisions to make, and maybe a few consequences to endure?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brad Bohlen
• Release date: Dec 13, 2021
• ISBN: 9781737845850

Brad Bohlen

Growing up on a small farm in Minnesota, Brad Bohlen is a country boy at heart. Also a Wisconsin Registered Land Surveyor, Bohlen enjoys his own battle against the elements with hunting, fishing, and hiking through the woods looking for wild edibles. The Sword of Valoarem is the first book in the Redhawk series

Book preview

ONE

Standing on a large branch, Redhawk leaned against the trunk of the massive tree, watching all the people going to and fro; they were gathering food from the various fields speckled across the hillside, and spreading out what they’d harvested onto tables located just outside the gates of the city of Sartae. To Redhawk, it seemed as if they didn’t have a care in the world, they were just busy doing this thing or that, talking, laughing, and generally keeping themselves occupied with whatever business was at hand. Being in the position of a lookout, Redhawk kept scanning the whole ensemble, keeping a wary eye on the horizon as he soaked up the peaceful bliss the beautiful day had to offer.

On the ground below where Redhawk was perched, a group of children were playing some sort of game. As they became more and more animated, mimicking the movements and sounds of all sorts of animals, their antics drew Redhawk’s attention for a moment. After silently chuckling to himself, he returned his attention to the horizon just in time to spot some movement cresting the rise of the hillside, which sloped downward toward the city. As he focused on the location of the movement, a head suddenly came into view and it was unmistakable—it was an enormous black dragon! Frantically, Redhawk screamed the word dragon again and again, but all he could hear was the sound of the leaves rustling in the light breeze and the children playing on the ground below; somehow, his voice was being silenced. And when he attempted to move forward, Redhawk realized he was bound to the tree—he was completely immobilized and mute!

Struggling against his unseen bonds, Redhawk saw tendrils of smoke rise from the dragon’s nostrils as its gigantic frame came into view. With its wings outstretched and its long whip-like tail twitching back and forth, the dark beast silently slunk in, moving closer to the unsuspecting people.

No! Redhawk screamed in his own head as he watched the dragon gulp down a person and move toward the others.

I have to do something! Redhawk silently yelled to himself as he tried to squirm free.

Moving with an eerie silence, the dragon killed one person and then another, going unnoticed while devouring them or crushing them underfoot. Redhawk then realized it was moving straight toward the children. Using almost every ounce of strength he had, he felt the bonds give slightly, but he still couldn’t break free. A sense of relief swept over him as Tarth, Perthus, and Renny suddenly came into view. His friends moved swiftly toward the children, but instead of rushing them to safety, they started interacting with them as if nothing were wrong. And with their backs to the impending threat, they had no idea the dragon was almost upon them.

As Redhawk again struggled to free himself, Princess Lil’landra arrived, scooping a child into her arms and bursting into an enormous smile as the others raced over to greet her. She was so close, Redhawk was sure he could smell her perfume. He was momentarily transfixed by the beauty of her glowing smile, the softness in her eyes, and her almost white hair dancing about her graceful features. The moment, however, didn’t last long as the dragon rose up behind her and the others.

Exhausted from his fruitless struggling, Redhawk screamed in silence, No! I can’t let this happen!

Glistening with saliva, every ivory tooth in the dragon’s gaping jaws was poised to complete their dastardly task. Redhawk strained against the bonds that held him fast, and he was almost certain he was going to burst a blood vessel. But when the dragon’s mouth was about to clamp down on the princess and the children, Redhawk screamed a long No! as he pushed with a strength beyond his own, and the bonds suddenly gave way. He screamed again as he put on his wings and talons and leaped forward, digging his talons into the dragon’s nose. And with his talons dug in deeply, and his wings ensnared by the covers, Redhawk’s head bounced off the hard floor as he landed in a pile. Screaming and wildly trying to free himself from the bonds of his bedding, Redhawk soon realized it’d all been just a nightmare. Still in a daze, and disoriented by the strange surroundings, his mind raced through the freeing of the prisoners at Narfane, the battle with the dragon, and the meeting of King Kilrone and Princess Lil’landra at the city of Sartae. As if a fog had lifted, it was suddenly clear to him that he was in the king’s guest quarters in the city of Sartae.

Ah, crap! Redhawk grumped as he lay in a pile on the floor, his talons still gripping the impaled bedding.

Are you alright? Princess Lil’landra asked as she rushed into the room.

Sitting on the floor with his heart still racing and completely drenched in sweat, Redhawk put his head in his hands as he sighed, Yeah, I’m fine. It was just a nightmare.

Here, let me help you, Lan said as she knelt beside him, then starting to unwrap the sheet that was entwined around his one wing.

What in blazes is going on? Tarth barked as he and the others virtually flew though the doorway, weapons at the ready.

It’s alright, Lan replied. Mr. Redhawk had a nightmare, but everything’s fine.

Oh, how embarrassing, Redhawk said witheringly.

Ha! Now that must a’ been a doozy! Perthus belted out. I’d be surprised if more-n-half the city didn’t hear ya.

Oh, great, Redhawk grumped as he took off his wings and talons. That’s all I need. We haven’t even been here a full day, and now everyone’s going to think I’m a lunatic or something.

Ah, don’t get yer shorts in a knot, Perthus replied with a grin. We already knew ya was a few bricks short a’ a full load.

Yeah, thanks a lot Perthus. That’s just what I need right now, Redhawk huffed as he picked himself off the floor. Then he noticed Renny stepping out of the room and heard her start to inform the incoming guards of what’d just happened.

Well, I needed the sleep, Tarth grunted. "But ya did a good job of seeing that that didn’t happen, now didn’t ya? And it’s still more than two hours before first light."

Now, Mr. Tarth, it isn’t as if he did it intentionally, Lan interjected. So, why don’t we all just take some time, get ourselves ready, and see if we can find something constructive to do with ourselves, shall we?

Agreeing with her, the others then left the room as Redhawk sat on the edge of the bed, his head in his hands. He shook his head as he muffled out through his fingers, I can’t believe this happened. I’m so embarrassed. All I want to do is find a deep, dark hole to crawl into where no one can find me.

Everything’s going to be alright, Princess Lil’landra assured him as she placed her hand on his shoulder. I think everyone will understand; after all, you’re not the only one to have nightmares, you know?

I’m sure I’m not, Redhawk replied, but not everyone wakes up screaming their fool head off and waking up half a city.

As one who has seen some of the horrors of this world, Lan said reassuringly, you’re not the only one who has done that, either.

Yeah, I suppose I’m not, Redhawk replied with a deep sigh. I can’t even begin to imagine what it was like for you in that awful place. I’m so sorry for what you must’ve gone through.

If you wouldn’t mind, I’d rather not think about it right now, Lan stated, a bit misty-eyed as she leaned in to give him a hug. I’d just like to thank you again for getting me out of there; I owe you a great deal…And I am glad you’re alright, and that it was just a nightmare. You gave me quite the scare.

First off: you don’t owe me anything, Redhawk responded, I’m just glad I could help. And secondly: I’m glad it was just a nightmare too, but I sure do apologize for scaring you, along with half the city.

It’s alright, Lan stated as she stood up, then wiping a tear from her cheek. Now, why don’t we both get dressed and see what the day has in store for us—and don’t worry about the bedding. I’m sure we can find someone who can repair it.

Abruptly realizing they were both a bit scantily dressed, Redhawk turned away and tugged at the bedding to better cover himself. Flustered, he stuttered, "I…Ah…I’d say that’s a good idea, Princess…So why don’t I just talk to you in a few minutes.

After the princess had left the room, Redhawk looked skyward and shook his head in disbelief at his outburst. Then he sighed, shrugged his shoulders a bit, and said aloud, Well, I can’t change things now, so I suppose I’ll just have to face the music and see what the rest of the day brings.

Once he was dressed and at least a fair amount presentable, Redhawk left the room and greeted the others in the hallway, apologizing profusely for the abrupt wake up call. Tarth, the quiet and understanding dwarf that he was, just couldn’t resist getting in a few good verbal jabs at Redhawk as they tried to figure out what to do so early in the day. After asking a few of the guards, and with it being somewhere in the area of four o’clock in the morning and almost nothing open, they found a guard who directed them to the only eatery he believed might be serving breakfast so early. And before Tarth could get in another two cents’ worth, Redhawk insisted the morning’s breakfast tab would be paid by himself—it was the least he could do for everyone. So, with Tarth now rubbing his belly, and grinning at the prospect that it wouldn’t cost him anything to fill it, the group of fifteen left the castle area. Following the guard’s directions, they made their way through the dimly lit cartways of Sartae and soon arrived at the modest little eatery as described; and it was, indeed, open.

Since they were the only ones in the eatery, besides the owner, the group had their choice of seating (which was a good thing because the eatery was fairly small). And after they’d pulled a bunch of the tables together, and had gotten themselves situated, they soon made their selection from amongst the meager breakfast choices available.

Almost immediately after they’d ordered, Felecia asked, Now that we have a start to our day, anyone have any thoughts as to what our next order of business might be? I mean, after we’re done eating, of course.

Well, I’ve been giving that some thought, Redhawk replied. "And speaking for myself: I’d like to find out if the library is open and try to find some information I’ve been interested in learning. However, I’m pretty sure all of you would rather do something else, I think this might get a little tedious and boring.

As far as I’m concerned, tedious and boring might be rather welcomed, Lan added into the conversation. What information are you looking for?

Reluctant to say anything about The Gateway or the blue keystone, but seeing no reason to be coy about the rest of the information, Redhawk tactfully answered, It’s regarding an ancient city called Taboria whose king was a man named Valoarem—so far, besides some sketchy information about the city being destroyed long ago by a massive, evil army, I haven’t been able to learn very much. I was hoping the records of Sartae might have something more.

That might be rather fun, Renny chimed in. I love to learn about the things of old, and it sounds like a good mystery. And with all of us helping, it shouldn’t take long for us to find something.

As much fun as that sounds, ya can count me out, Tarth stated with resolve. I think I’ll go peruse a few of the armories…What do ya say, Mr. Perthus? Ya up for seeing a bit of the city?

My apologizes to ya, Mr. Redhawk, Perthus responded, but between the choices a’ lookin’ through books or seein’ the city, I’m with Tarth on this one. And besides, I’d like to see how Verna faired the night—and who knows, with as large as this here city is, I might even be able to find a trinket or two to take back to the folks. That is…well, seein’ as ya said yesterday we’d all be gettin’ some coin fer that dragon, I suppose now is as good a time as any to ask: Would ya mind loanin’ me a few coin till the king pays us?

I guess I never thought about it until now, Redhawk answered. But Trinnesh had some gems and such, I think it’d be fitting if both you and Renny were to get some of them…Tarth, do you know what happened to them?

I’ve got ‘em, Tarth gruffly answered. I forgot all about ‘em until ya just said it, but I don’t think ya should just be giving ‘em away.

I understand, Tarth, Redhawk said solemnly. I was fond of Trinnesh, as well, but I think he’d want us to help people with these things.

With a somber nod, Tarth consented to Redhawk’s idea. Then he dug into his pack, pulled out the pouch that Trinnesh had been carrying, and slid it across the table to Redhawk.

I can see this is a source of some discomfort for both of you, Lan said softly. And I’m not trying to be insensitive, but may I ask if he was the one who was with you in Bellusa? What happened to him?

That’s right, I forgot you actually met him, Redhawk answered. His name was Trinnesh—and yes, he was the one who was with me at Bellusa. After pausing a moment to clear his throat, he continued, When we were attempting to get the prisoners out of Narfane, Trinnesh was helping to keep some guards at bay, trying to buy us some time, and one of the guards he was fighting struck him with a death touch…We managed to get everyone out, including Trinnesh, but there wasn’t anything we could do to save him.

I’m so sorry for your loss, Lan said softly as she placed her hand on Redhawk’s. And I’m sorry for asking, it wasn’t my intention to bring up a sadness. I guess I just remembered that you weren’t alone when you got us out of Bellusa.

It’s alright, Redhawk replied, a bit glassy-eyed. Whether you asked or not, the memory is still there. But I appreciate your condolences.

Perhaps, if you’d like, you could tell me more about him? Lan asked. Those of us who were in Bellusa owe him a debt of gratitude, as well.

I can tell ya he was one of the best shots with a bow I’ve ever seen, Tarth injected. Why, I once watched him take down a janka at a range I never even thought possible…Yes sir, he was one of the few elves I actually liked—and I’m not afraid to tell ya that I sure do miss that long-eared pain in my posterior.

You sure have a way with words, Redhawk stated with a small chuckle, glad for the tension relief. Noticing the server coming with the food, he then continued, But for now, why don’t we switch to a more pleasant topic so everyone can enjoy their breakfast.

In response, the princess almost immediately switched gears and asked, So who is this ‘Verna’ Mr. Perthus was talking about earlier?

She’s not really a who as much as she’s a what, Redhawk replied with a smirk. Verna is the name Perthus gave to the wyvern he rode in on yesterday.

After a few chuckles and comments regarding Verna, the princess and a few of the others who’d come with her from Tridesdale (who’d been in Sartae for almost a week) started talking about the different sights and shops that might be of interest to the newly arrived foursome; offering to act somewhat as tour guides to anyone who was interested.

The atmosphere of sadness seemed to dissipate faster than the food, and soon everyone was filled with a sense of anticipation, looking forward to seeing what the day had in store for them.

Once they’d finished their meals, Redhawk doled-out some of the gems to any who were in need before settling up with the shop owner. And after he’d learned the library would soon be open, and how to get to it, Redhawk then led the way with seven others in tow. And Tarth, Perthus, and five others went their separate ways to see what interesting treasures the City of Sartae might hold.

When the eight of them entered the library, it was plain to Redhawk that the bleary-eyed curator was a bit taken aback by such a large group invading his workplace so early in the morning. However, once Redhawk had explained what information they were in search of, the curator seemed to come to life, intrigued by the mystery of the quest. Mumbling to no one in particular, he riffled through some of the papers and books at his desk before starting to wander about, still talking to himself. Soon, the curator was pulling out one book after another from the various shelves, dishing them out to anyone who’d relieve them from his hands. And after ushering them to some tables where they could spread out the more than fifty books now in hand, the curator started paging through a few of them, directing them to the relevant information. Seemingly curious himself, and with the touch of a knowledgeable expert and more than a few ramblings, the rather eccentric curator stayed with them, going through one book after another.

It didn’t take long for Redhawk to realize that Lan, Felecia, and Renny had formed a sort of bond. Of all but the curator, they were the most astute, eagerly devouring and divulging whatever information they’d found with apparent intrigue and excitement—which was obviously to the curators delight and quite possibly a good portion of why the curator was remaining to assist.

As time passed and information was shared, however, Redhawk thought some of it was interesting, but virtually all of it was just general information about the city of Taboria: There were some dates, some history, and a few maps. Apparently, in its day, Taboria was renowned for its high-end energy items, especially through the efforts of a specific dwarven master armorer named Hammon (who was distinctly mentioned by name and regaled as the finest armorer in the land).

Somewhat intrigued, and curious as to why a dwarven armorer would be found in a human city, it wasn’t until later, when Renny came across the mention of King Valoarem and The Gateway, that Redhawk’s interest was piqued. Hungrily taking in the information as it was shared, Redhawk learned The Gateway was, in fact, not built by King Valoarem, but rather the king’s grandfather, King Daloren, who’d devoted a substantial amount of time and resources to its building and the subsequent attempts to make it work. Hence it was actually named The Daloren Gateway, though it was usually just mentioned as The Gateway.

According to the writings, it seemed to Redhawk that King Daloren had somehow stumbled upon a natural access, or ‘soft point’ between Attaireo and the Land of the Lonely Moon. This ‘soft point’ could only be crossed at a certain, undisclosed location, during an unnamed event which occurred only once every seventy-one years. It was also described that during this event, this ‘soft point’ only lasted for a portion of a single day.

Although King Daloren had briefly crossed into this new land via the ‘soft point’ on three separate occasions, he passed away before he was ever able to see his Gateway in operation. It wasn’t until the reign of King Valoarem that they were able to make The Gateway operable, and even then, it was described that each side of The Gateway could only be opened once every thirty days.

It was readily apparent in the writings that the opening of The Gateway drew immediate attention and recognition. However, after what seemed to be only a short time in operation, the transcriptions described that King Valoarem had learned of an indigenous people who had no knowledge of the energies of Attaireo. Concerned for their safety, and not wanting to interfere in the development of their society, King Valoarem had then ordered the return of all those who’d taken up residence in the new land. The king also ordered that The Gateway be moved to a secret, undisclosed location, known only to himself and a few loyal subjects.

As soon as Renny finished reading this part, Redhawk scoffed aloud, "Wow! The way the elven scribes made it sound, King Valoarem was some sort of self-centered, greedy king, when all the while all he was doing was trying to protect the people he’d found. And the worst part of it, at least how it’s written here, was that the elves knew about it."

I didn’t put it together until now, Lan gasped. I’ve heard stories—mostly told to elven children as a moral edict about not being selfish—but this must be the same king who’s in those stories. I had no idea they were based on actual events! How in the world is it that you know about these things?

Taken off guard by the question, Redhawk stuttered, I, uh…well, that’s kind of hard to explain…Oh what the heck, I guess I might as well tell you: If I’m correct, I’m wearing the armor and carrying the sword that, I believe, belonged to King Valoarem.

Are you serious? Felicia exclaimed. Your armor used to belong to a king of old? How…when…where did you ever get such things?

That’s a bit complicated, Redhawk tactfully replied. I think we’ll save that for another time; it might be best if we just continue on in our search.

You can’t say something like that and not give us an explanation, the princess stated. Why is it that you think they used to belong to a king of old?

Like I said, it’s complicated, Redhawk sighed, placing a hand to his face and shaking his head. Alright, long-story-short: I found them in a cave along with a hand-written letter signed by King Valoarem.

What did the letter say? Lan asked, showing more intrigue than ever.

It contained the details of the attack on Taboria, Redhawk answered. It would seem they were the last written words of a king who knew his city was about to fall into the hands of an evil army, as well as a man who knew he was about to die.

That’s horrible, Lan gasped. What happened…I mean, what did he say about the attack?

He said they’d been betrayed by some neutrals who’d been living in the city, Redhawk replied soberly. "He wrote that the initial attack was a virtual slaughter, and the battle had lasted for nearly two days at the time of his writing. He also wrote about the good people who’d fought valiantly. His exact words were that they’d ‘Fought with courage, tenacity, and honor. No king could ask for better.’ Beyond that, he also wrote that the elves had turned their backs on them, refusing any assistance; and with the information we just learned, I can certainly tell you that I don’t hold the elves of his day in very high esteem. Not that that’s a big surprise to me, all things considered."

Please don’t judge all elves by the actions of a few, Lan stated. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s no matter what a persons’ race is, we all have our failings.

Normally, I’d agree with you, Redhawk retorted, giving her a bit of a cross and stern look. "But in this case, and in my experience in Tridesdale, I’d say there’s more going on here than just the failings of a few. I’d have to say there’s a broader arrogance, an air of entitlement, if you will, among the many. Would you care to elaborate on what that’s all about?"

I can’t say I fully disagree with you, Lan replied, her brow furrowing as her cheeks reddened a little. Maybe for some elves it’s because we live such long lives. Or maybe for others it’s because they haven’t felt elves have been treated fairly by other races. But whatever the reason is, I certainly don’t care for your insinuation that all elves are arrogant.

I never meant to imply they were, Redhawk responded. "I’m just trying to understand why these things have happened, especially since I haven’t done anything bad to any good elf, nor any others for that matter. And, with what we’ve just found out, it’d seem King Valoarem didn’t do anything wrong either. So I’m trying to understand why there’s such a rift between humans and elves, especially now when there isn’t even much contact between the two?

"To give you an example: I’ve been attacked by humans, elves, half elves, and dwarves, along with a few others, but I understand their individual actions were evil. I hate their actions, but I don’t hate them just because they’re one race or another. Conversely, even though I’d never met any of the elves, and even though I’d helped Treesta, the entire city of Tridesdale, or at least all those I met, treated me as if I were some sort of dirty animal or something—just because they thought I was human—and I’d like to know why?"

I am sorry for the way you were treated, Lan answered. "It should not have happened. But I don’t know if I can give you a satisfactory answer."

"I think some of it might be because we haven’t had a lot of interaction with one another, Felicia injected. To my shame, I believed the stories that have been circulated amongst elves about humans, about ‘all they want is this or that,’ or ‘don’t trust them because of one thing or another.’ Until you came, or at least until I found out you were hawkonian, you were the first human I’d ever actually talked with. I guess everything I’d been told was just so stuck in my head that my actions followed suit. But once I started to get to know you, things were changing…well, at least beginning to change. However, when I was captured and you were the only one who came for me, that’s when I knew I was wrong—that’s when I knew what others were saying was wrong—I’m so sorry. Please forgive my ignorance."

As I told you yesterday, I’m just glad you’re alright, but I do appreciate the apology, Redhawk replied. And I appreciate your explanation. Believe it or not, that actually helps me understand some things. I’d also like to apologize to all of you if I came across a little strong. I guess some of this just struck a raw nerve.

I believe we can all understand that, Lan responded, her expression earnest for a moment. Then she broke into a wry smile as she continued, Now, we still have a mystery to solve, don’t we? Shall we see if we can find some additional information about this gateway they mentioned? Another land…other people—It’s all so exciting!

Go ahead and lead the way, Redhawk replied with a smile, gesturing forward with his hand.

TWO

In an all but fruitless effort, Redhawk and the others searched through every document they could find for an additional two hours, until some guards suddenly entered the library.

Finally! one of the guards loudly scoffed as he moved forward at the quick step. Mr. Redhawk, we’ve been searching for you for almost an hour. The king has summoned you to the castle. Please come with us at once!

Is something wrong? Redhawk asked with a wrinkled brow.

You’d better just come with me, the guard replied, half frenzied, and without any delay, if you will.

I’ll go with you, Princess Lil’landra stated as Redhawk started toward the door.

Stepping lively, they moved through the city toward the castle, followed closely by Felecia, Renny, and the others. Approaching the entrance, Redhawk spotted close to a hundred dwarves standing outside—and they didn’t look any too pleased to see him.

"This can’t be a good thing," Redhawk softly commented to Lan as the guards quickly ushered them inside.

As they entered the throne room, at the first sign of Redhawk’s appearance, King Barious drew his ax as he raced toward him, all but foaming at the mouth as he yelled, Murderer! I’m going to use yer head for a toilet!

Snatching out his sword, Redhawk’s entire being snapped into battle mode as he barked back, The only murderer here is you! I’ll hang your head on the—

Enough! bellowed King Kilrone, the guards immediately intervening, swords and spears at the ready. "I will not tolerate such insolence in my kingdom—and in my own throne room, no less! Guards! Seize their weapons until we can get to the bottom of this!"

This man is a murderer! King Barious seethed. I demand ya turn him over to me!

"You are not the king of this city! King Kilrone roared. You will make no demands here!"

He murdered my brother! King Barious barked, reluctant to relinquish his weapons.

I’ve heard your side of things, King Kilrone stated with resolution, but until I’m satisfied, no one is going anywhere…Now, if everyone will settle down, perhaps we can get to the bottom of this and come to an understanding.

Once all weapons had been seized and the guards had everyone contained and quieted (Redhawk and his friends on one side of the room and King Barious and his guards on the other), King Kilrone said, Now, perhaps we can continue forward in a civilized manner…Mr. Redhawk, King Barious has come to me with some disturbing allegations against you. I’ve heard his side of things: That you defied his orders while getting the prisoners out of Narfane, and you killed his brother while he was unarmed. But now, I’d like to hear your version of the story.

"Unarmed, Redhawk sneered. Did he tell you that his brother had an energy beast about to attack me?"

He was still in his bed-wear! King Barious shouted.

He was scampering out of a prisoner’s bedchambers—a prisoner he was abusing! Redhawk shouted back, nostrils flared while he glared at King Barious. Turning to King Kilrone, he continued, Did he tell you his brother was King Marious, king of the evil city of Narfane? Did he tell you he’s been protecting him, enabling his brother to commit unspeakable acts of brutality?

I ordered ya out! King Barious bellowed. Ya defied my orders and murdered my brother—that’s all anyone here needs to know!

Calm yourself! King Kilrone ordered. I will hear from Mr. Redhawk, if you please…Now, Mr. Redhawk, please start at the beginning and explain all that transpired.

Less than halfway through Redhawk’s explanation, an envoy of Sartae entered, interrupting the proceedings and hastening to King Kilrone’s side. As the envoy whispered something in the king’s ear, the king held up a hand to silence everyone. Easily noticeable to anyone, a concerned expression crossed the king’s face as the envoy continued whispering for a moment. Then King Kilrone gave the envoy some quiet orders, ushering him out with a wave of his hand.

Addressing those assembled, the king then stated, "It would seem you’ve created quite a stir, Mr. Redhawk: There are near a thousand dwarves outside the gates of Sartae who are insisting they be heard in these matters. I’ve ordered their spokesman to be brought in and we will wait for their arrival before continuing."

Low murmurs filled the room as they waited, and Redhawk couldn’t help but notice the smug look on King Barious’s face. Quite worried, Redhawk fidgeted with his empty scabbard as he halfheartedly listened to the curious whispers of those around him. After a little while, the envoy returned, ushering in Captain Bordoan, Libna, and a few other dwarves.

What are ya doing here? King Barious queried toward the captain as he came within earshot. I ordered ya to keep an eye on things till I returned.

King Barious, if you would please, King Kilrone interjected, I think we’d all like to know the nature of this visit.

As Captain Bordoan walked forward to address King Kilrone, Libna walked forward (near to King Barious), and as soon as she was close enough, she lunged at him and belted the king with a round-house-right, flattening him to the floor.

Ya don’t remember me do ya? she yelled, coming unglued and wrestling with King Barious’s guards to get at him again. "Ya big windbag! I promised myself that if I ever saw ya again I’d knock that thick skull a’ yers off yer shoulders! Whatever this windbag has told ya ‘bout Mr. Redhawk—it’s all lies! The only one who’s guilty here is this pile a’ trash."

Keep her away from me! a dazed King Barious spit out as he picked himself off the floor. What in blazes was that for? Who in blazes are ya?

I didn’t think ya’d remember! Libna seethed, still wrestling with the guards. It’s me, Libna, remember? I’ve been rottin’ in that cesspool ya call a city with yer brother fer nigh on fifty years now! I know what you did! I know everything. The entire city a’ Carballa knows it, now!

Libna? King Barious asked with obvious surprise in his voice. Why in the world did ya hit me? Have ya gone mad or something? I have no idea what’s going on here.

That doesn’t surprise me—

Enough! King Kilrone commanded. "Either show some restraint or I’ll have you removed…Now, will one of you please explain to me why there’s an army of dwarves outside my city? What is this all about?"

Ceasing her struggling against the guards, but not letting anyone else get a word in edgewise, Libna replied, If ya’ll just listen fer a second, I’ll tell ya everythin’—now, let me go! I give ya my word I won’t kill the idiot. Glaring at King Barious, she didn’t even wait for a response before continuing, "When yer ma died in that accident, when the statue fell on her, both ya boys took it hard; but especially yer brother, seein’ as he was standin’ right next to her when it happened. He was never the same after that.

A few years after the accident…Oh, maybe five, I’d guess…Yer pap, I mean the king, remarried; obviously, neither a’ ya approved, but it was yer brother who went off the deep end. He became dark, resentful, and hate-filled, doin’ all sorts a’ crazy stuff. It wasn’t…what…maybe two years later when yer brother was caught abusing one a’ the queen’s maids (almost killed her in fact), that’s when yer pap, King Er’gance, a great king, did what was right and banished yer brother from the city—

As intriguing as I find his family history, King Kilrone interrupted, is there a point to all of this?

Please bear with me, Yer Majesty, Libna replied. I’m gettin’ to the pertinent part. After a rather frustrated gesture from the king, indicating she could continue, Libna went on with, "King Er’gance ordered that no one was to have anythin’ to do with yer brother, but ya weren’t smart enough were ya—ten years the younger, maybe about twenty at the time—ya looked up to yer brother and ya defied the king’s orders. Ya set up meetin’ places outside the city, usin’ portals to take him food, supplies, and weapons—ya even snuck him back into the castle!

Then, a couple a’ years later, just after one a’ yer brother’s secret intrusions into the castle, big surprise, yer father mysteriously dies—

Marious had nothing to do with that! King Barious cut in with a shout. He wasn’t even there when it happened.

Yer brother always thought ya were a fool, Libna snipped back. He used ya fer everthin’ ya were worth. Ya never even thought to check fer poison, did ya? After all, who’d think a’ poisonin’ a dwarf. But yer brother used the poison from a forest marf, one a’ the few poisons that’ll kill a dwarf—

Ye’re a liar! King Barious broke-in with a snap. How could ya possibly know that?

Cause yer brother told me. That’s how, Libna sharply replied. And he was laughin’ when he said it; laughin’ at how naive ya were, and laughin’ at how he’d gotten away with it, as well as how much ya helped him after that. He said ya even helped him build that rotten dung-heap he called a city.

Shaking her head, gesturing with her hands, and playing to the listening crowd, Libna went on, "When ya became king, yer first order a’ business was to denounce yer step Ma, Queen Foyga, as not havin’ any ties to the royal family on account a’ her not havin’ any children. But that wasn’t good enough fer ya, was it? Ya went and banished her to the mines to feed and care fer the workers so’s ya wouldn’t have to see her again. And, as if that wasn’t enough, years later, when yer brother had his city built, ya told him where he could find her. Ya knew exactly what he was gonna do! And a lot a’ good people were killed when he attacked the mine. Ya told the people a’ Carballa it was a raiding party—that’s the excuse ya always used when folks went missin’—even though ya knew it was yer brother every time. But ya never did anythin’ about it, did ya? Ya just let him get away with it again and again. Ya even protected and warned him to the harm a’ some a’ yer own people."

Enough of this nonsense! King Barious injected with a belt, mostly addressing the dwarven guards that’d come with him. Get her out of my sight! She’s to be killed if she ever attempts to return to Carballa!

Leave her alone, King Kilrone commanded. Let her finish what she has to say.

Ya think it’s me who’ll never enter Carballa again? Libna snipped as she dug into one of her pockets. "Well, ye’re dead wrong! Ye’re the one who’ll never enter Carballa again…Ya see this? This is the broach that King Er’gance gave to Queen Foyga. It’s her royal seal. Mr. Redhawk found the queen in one a’ yer brothers back dungeons. There was nothin’ left a’ the poor soul, but she was still alive after survivin’ nearly eighty years a’ torture from yer murderous brother! She passed last night, God rest her soul, but not before she