Dark Elf Danger

By David Grunwell

The Adventures of Ruferto Basaretti - Number Three
Menacing flying black ships are attacking the kingdom of Báthan! Ruferto and Bert are caught up in another adventure that flings them across the globe. Dark elves are just one of the many foes that would love to see them dead.

Once again, Ruferto and Bert prove that the advanced elder races are NOT just stories designed to scare children. They also scare adults.

Ancient races walk among mankind; a few for nefarious reasons, and one, because he has some good human friends, and for the food.

Travel often comes with trouble. With Bert and Ruferto, that usually ends up with things blowing up spectacularly, followed by more treats.

• Language: English
• Publisher: David Grunwell
• Release date: Mar 18, 2022
• ISBN: 9781732582088

David Grunwell

Author of the science fiction books THE FALL OF HEAVEN and THE WAR WITHIN, and the fantasy series THE ADVENTURES OF RUFERTO BASARETTI: TROLLS AND OTHER TROUBLE, PROPHECIES AND OTHER PROBLEMS, and DARK ELF DANGER.I love to write. There are always dialogues and adventures going through my mind, asking, sometimes demanding that they be shared.In my process, I tend to create mayhem and then try to figure out some plausible, fun, and unique way for the characters to escape. Readers are smart, so I avoid lengthy descriptions that slow the story.I seek to make stories and characters that you like and think about months later. Good books end with you saying goodbye to friends.Visit dgrunwell.com to learn more about my novels.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Wedding Visitors Arrive Late

Not all wedding guests bring gifts

T

he heavily armed wedding procession for Prince Haruthay and Princess Sarria had left the Kingdom of Atloramm taking two long weeks to meet up at the halfway point with an equally well-armed party from the Kingdom of Báthan. After all that had happened to Bert and Ruferto on their journey, the fact that nothing dangerous or explosive had happened was remarkable.

The most egregious event of the whole long and slow trip was when Ruferto tripped on a tent peg dropping his large plate of food.

Even this, was not as bad as it sounds. The king’s chef, who had become friends with Bert and Ruferto because of their frequent visits to his wagon and camp, had given him another plate full of food. That night, the King’s dogs had feasted on what Ruferto had dropped.

To pass the time, Bert had been giving Ruferto lessons in speaking and writing Gnome. To Ruferto, it seemed that everything was about food or sleep. He inquired about this, and Bert began adding in bathing and market-talking.

Arriving in the capital city of Báthan, the people were joyous, preparing for the upcoming wedding between their beautiful, tall, blonde warrior Princess Sarria, and the Dashing Prince Haruthay.

The celebration wasn’t just because of the upcoming nuptials. Word of the death of Warren, the ornery King of the Red Dragons, the battle against the Army of the Undead, and the end of the prophecy concerning Princess Alakia, had swept through the prosperous kingdom. The fantastical story of Bert, Ruferto, and their friends riding on clouds and saving the princesses and all the surrounding kingdoms became a sensation that was being told in the homes, markets, and pubs.

The story grew beyond its equally preposterous truth and was being disputed, bringing confusion, fights, and anger. Attempting to qualm the unrest, the king sent out his heralds to repeatedly tell the story to the growing crowds. This helped, except for a small percentage that was sure that the truth was being hidden in some grand conspiracy.

The public’s clamor to see the heroes had the king ask for them to attend some of the larger events dressed in their armor. For Ruferto, this was embarrassing to be talked about and pointed at.

I feel like a cow being shown at a summer fair.

Bert had laughed. More like a friendly red dragon in that armor.

Bert was referring to the sparkling, red iridescent they wore made from the scales from Warren, the dreaded King of the Red Dragons that Ruferto had killed.

I would rather fight Warren again than do this.

Bert raised an eyebrow. Really?

Ruferto looked down at his armor, remembering the massive dragon’s fearsome attack on the castle and his disgusting end. Glancing up, he said, On second thought, no. I can deal with this. At least no one is trying to kill us.

That we know of. Bert suppressed a grin before snorting out a laugh.

Ruferto grinned back at his short, white-haired friend. Right.

A bobbing ocean of people filled the courtyard surrounding the raised platform where they stood. Three rows deep, all along the front were teen girls and young women. At first, Ruferto thought it was all for the handsome Braythi, but to his embarrassment, many had an unnerving singular focus on him.

Royal weddings are glamorous affairs, filled with public ceremonies, speeches, and parades. As part of the wedding party, Bert, Ruferto, and their friends were swept up in the festivities. The change in the focus of the crowds happened suddenly. Soon people were shouting their names and those of the royalty. Along the streets, more teen girls started appearing near the front, and much to Ruferto’s mortification, they were crying out to him.

On the day of the wedding, along the route, the city gathered to see their royal family riding in a white carriage. Dressed in the finest of gowns, Princess Sarria and Princess Alakia sat across from their elegant parents, the King and Queen, waving to the crowd. Polished knights on armored steeds kept pace alongside the teams of horses and carriages that followed the procession.

Armored and dressed befitting a warrior prince, Haruthay rode with his tall, dark, and handsome cousin Braythi beside the royal carriage. Braythi noted many young women and girls who were lining the street, trying to catch Ruferto’s attention.

Braythi, with his sly mirth, said, Our dear Ruferto has gained a following.

Against trolls, the undead, and giants, he conquerors. This new interest may well test both of your mettle, replied Prince Haruthay, grinning at his friend.

A surprised Braythi leaned forward in his saddle. "Both of our mettle?"

The lovely blonde Princess Sarria overheard his comment. I believe Haruthay is referring that this is the first time we have ever seen a crowd where there are more young females in line to glimpse someone other than you.

Braythi laughed, adding, It is one battle where wading in and losing isn’t all that bad.

Sarria shook her head as she watched thin Ruferto, dressed in his red dragon armor, riding on a white steed next to his friend Bert. I am not so sure that is the correct path for this wonderful young man.

Haruthay nodded. Quite right, my dear one.

Braythi was in deep reflection, focusing on his young friend. With a gentle spur, he urged his horse forward to take its place in the guard’s procession.

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Dressed in black, two tall and slender men, with pale skin and eyes the color of winter moonlight, stood among the throngs watching as the royal entourage passed.

The first man gasped. Controlling his surprise, he quietly spoke in a lilting language unknown to the populace. Could that be what we have been seeking?

The second’s eyes grew wide, and he dipped his head in a covert nod. Yes. This is a most glorious day. We must get word back immediately.

Like a dark mist, the two slipped through the crowds, heading away from the main street.

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Bert was grinning, and Ruferto wasn’t sure why. Bert said, When I was out yesterday with Narda, I saw this little secondhand shop. When we went in, I found a dwarf ran this shop. We got to talking, and it turns out he is the son of a guy that I know. Well, I had been on the lookout for something special for a while. Surprise! Here—

In his hand was a simple leather bag. Ruferto’s eyes opened wide, and he reached out to take it, turning it over in his hands. Is this—?

Bert nodded with a big smile. A bag of holding. A new one to replace the one that you used to defeat the Immortals and the Army of the Undead.

Bags of holding were technological wonders that appeared and felt empty, but they held large and small items of all sizes. They had a few important restrictions, and Ruferto had broken every one of those rules. The first rule was to never put anyone’s head or any living thing in the bag. The second was to never put another bag of holding in another bag of holding. Ruferto had done this, and that violent reaction had swallowed the Army of the Undead and most of the mountains around the Denarill Gap.

Bert gave a broad grin. Sir Ruferto, let us try not to reenact the way that you lost the last one, okay? Unless you have to…to save the world.

Ruferto hesitated. Bert, I have been thinking about this. Why does the bag of holding…remove your head if you put it in it?

Bert scratched at his cheek. I really don’t know. The technology behind these bags is really complex and, frankly, I don’t understand it at all. I met a guy a few years ago that studied them all his life and he was still confused about how they work. He said that he heard that some version of the bag wouldn’t kill you if you went inside. I don’t think he knew about it removing a head, as we found out with the storm hag.

How would you know which bag we have?

I have never seen a bag of holding with any markings on them, so that means lots of testing, and a person would have to be an unfeeling jerk to put any innocent living thing in the bag as a test. Ruferto looked sick at the thought. By the way, the Storm Hag was not innocent, and it was battle. Ruferto shrugged and Bert laughed. Let’s just stick with the rules, okay?

Agreed.

Reaching in, Ruferto found all the things he had given to Bert to keep when he had emptied his old one during the battle with the undead army. There were some unfamiliar shapes. He pulled out a sack and opened it, and the smell of fresh bread filled the room. Inside, there was a variety of food and treats.

It needed a few extra things, you know, in case we get hungry.

Don’t you have your own? asked Ruferto suspiciously.

Sure, but we cannot be too careful or have enough food, right?

Ruferto, who was a growing teen, was always hungry. I agree. One can never be too safe. Bert laughed, his blue eyes merrily twinkling. The stocky gnome liked to eat as much as his young friend did.

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The six weeks of festivities were full of food, laughter, and meeting new people. Throughout, Ruferto, Bert, Narda, and Braythi stayed close to the newly married royal couple making sure that they were safe. The joining of two kingdoms in marriage had turned out to be a peaceful and joyful event.

One night after a delightful meal, the friends sat together relaxing. Ruferto reached for a buttered roll from his plate and sat back in his chair pondering its flaky crust before taking a bite.

Bert lounged next to him, looking content. For the moment, he had paused in his eating. Prince Haruthay sat next to his new wife Princess Sarria, holding her hand, and the beautiful, young, blonde Princess Alakia was quietly speaking with Braythi and Narda.

Bert, being a gnome, you know something about jewels, right? asked Princess Sarria.

Bert said, We gnomes have a fine appreciation for gems. I have some training as a jeweler myself.

Sarria said, I was thinking that you and Ruferto may like to see the Crown Jewels of Báthan. You glimpsed them at the wedding. Does that sound fun? I am warning you; they are housed at the top of the castle’s center spire.

This white stone building was hard to miss, as it was the tallest structure Ruferto had ever seen.

Bert smiled. That would be my pleasure. What do you think, Ruferto? Care to join us when we go?

Ruferto nodded emphatically. I thought they were beautiful. I would love to get a better look at them.

I will set something up in the next few days.

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Throughout the evening, Haruthay had noted that his steadfast, ready-for-anything, cousin Braythi was not his normal calm self. He was fidgety, and he was poking a chunk of meat on his plate with a fork. At least he wasn’t using his dagger or sword.

Braythi, I think it’s dead. Braythi gave his cousin a sharp look. I have known you too long not to know when something is up.

Braythi’s handsome face was stern. Am I that obvious? Stoic Narda chortled, confirming his question. Setting his fork down, he paused. I keep having this nagging feeling that something is coming. I am ready to draw my sword at the passing of a shadow.

Princess Sarria said, You can relax. We are prepared for whatever may come. In the worst-case scenario, we still have Bert and Ruferto to protect us.

Braythi’s eyes twinkled as he snorted. Yes. No offense to our great friends here, but that is both a relief and a worry. Have you ever met anyone that has been in the middle of more adventure and drama than these two?

Ruferto’s blue eyes widened, and he remained silent, listening. Bert sat up a bit more in his chair and straightened his vest.

Haruthay laughed. No. No, I have not. They have the knack for finding, and may I add, solving immense problems. If I were planning some terrible act, if I heard they were nearby, I would pack up and go home, giving up on my scheme as not to upset or confront them.

Princess Sarria smiled brightly. They do indeed have that effect on dire schemes and circumstances. Braythi, you have witnessed the demise of the Immortals and their Army of the Undead. What could possibly top that?

Braythi inhaled sharply, letting go just as fast. The end of the world? The plague? I am beyond guessing. I have just been so uneasy since we left Atloramm.

Do we need to start a war to calm your nerves? asked Bert, sporting his customary rakish grin.

Braythi swung his head around and it was his turn to look surprised. Seeing Bert’s smile made him laugh. No, dear friend Bert. A small scuffle would suffice.

Slender Narda, dressed in her black Tullathia Guard leathers said, When I get anxious like this, I tend to go and train. It puts that nervous energy to good use rather than worrying. This castle has a nice training ground. I have been using it since we got here.

Ruferto said, You two get nervous? I thought I was the only one.

Haruthay’s blue eyes were merry as he shook his head. Oh, no. Trust me. Every one of us can get anxious and fearful, Ruferto. Life is full of the unknown. Before a coming battle, it is the waiting that is the most difficult thing; when it begins, you act based on your training and determination. When there is no clear war to be waged, your imagination may create a sense of an impending threat.

Braythi sighed accepting this. You are right. We have been going nonstop for weeks. He smiled at Narda and said, Would you show me to the training ground tonight? Going through some exercises would help.

Ruferto perked up. May I join you? I am a bit tired of sitting around just eating.

Bert turned white. Oh, my goodness! Braythi is right. This is the end of times. Disaster is upon us! Ruferto is ‘a bit tired’ of eating.

The friends laughed. Thin Ruferto was an eating machine.

Haruthay turned to Sarria and said, Feel like joining them?

The one-time Captain of the Tullathia Guard nodded. That sounds fun. We will get changed and meet you all there.

With a wave, Ruferto, Narda, and Braythi rose to go to the training yard.

About to be left alone, Bert stood, tossing his napkin to the table, and said, I might as well join you and watch.

Chapter 2

The Sky is Not the Limit

The question is, who’s destiny are you snatching?

T

hree days later, just after breakfast, there was a knock at the door; it opened to reveal Princess Alakia. Her hair was pulled back and she was dressed in a simple dress and wearing soft leather shoes.

Are you two up for a bit of walking? She didn’t wait for an answer as she walked into the room. Sarria has arranged it so we can go to the Grand Tower and see the Crown Jewels this morning. She is unable to join us; I hope that is okay. So, are you ready?

Ruferto stood and looked at his friend Bert, who rose to his feet with a surprising joy in his step. Bert grinned and said, We should pack a snack and some water.

Alakia pointed to the door and said, I have a basket outside the door waiting.

Ruferto picked up his sheathed sword and said, I’m in.

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The Grand Tower, set in the center of the castle, was the tallest structure in the city. It rose like a shining white finger pointing to heaven from miles around.

Traveling through the guardroom at the base, the three began the long walk up to the room that was at the top of the spire. For security, there were no windows in the thick-walled structure. The only light came from the two lanterns that they held as they followed the circular stair leading up.

Every four floors there was a small room with a set of purple chairs and a long-padded bench. With each level, the bench and chairs looked more inviting.

After much puffing, they came to a room where the stairs ended. In the middle of the room, there was a straight ladder anchored from the ceiling. At the top was a wooden hatch door outfitted with a thick iron ring.

Princess Alakia pointed up at the door. The crown jewels are up there. She dropped to sit on the purple chair. If it is agreeable, I need a minute.

Ruferto grinned. I think a bit of a snack will help. He was carrying the basket that Alakia had brought in his bag of holding. Setting down his lamp by the princess, he retrieved the basket and the waterskin. From the basket, he pulled out and filled three silver cups with water, handing them to his friends. He cut wedges of cheese and slices of bread for them all.

Finishing their snack, Ruferto climbed the ladder to open the hatchway door. Expecting an effort, it surprised him when it lifted with relative ease and stayed in place, slanted at a near ninety-degree angle. Stepping up into the dusty small room, there was the scent of old wood and moisture. Bert handed up the lantern. Turning, Ruferto saw something glistening from a u-shaped desk set near the back wall. Even with that sparkle from the gems, he was curious about how the door worked. Stepping to the side, he bent down it examine it. The hatchway door had a thick rope and pulley system tied to a heavy counterweight that allowed the door to move easily.

Seeing Alakia’s head peaking up, Ruferto extended a hand to the princess, helping her up into the room, and then did the same for Bert.

Bert, they have a pulley system and weight to make the door stay open. On their journey, Bert had been teaching him about the value of pulleys and gears.

Bert chuckled. Surrounded by the jewels of a kingdom, you notice a pulley and weight system. Ruferto looked embarrassed. Good for you. As much as I like jewels, for everyday use, the pulley system has more use.

Princess Alakia chuckled, shaking her head, You have no idea how many people who come up here and get caught up on the door mechanism. If you are done ogling our door, shall we investigate the royal jewels?

Lead on, dear princess. Bert was grinning as he brought his lantern closer to the wide desk that held the shiny array of precious crowns, jewelry, and the scepter of the rulers of the Kingdom of Báthan. Ruferto joined them in staring at the opulent display.

Bert pointed to the less ornate silver scepter and asked, May I examine that for a moment?

Alakia nodded. Don’t tell my father. The scepter is the sign that came from above that certifies our continued right to rule.

Bert solemnly held up his hand and said, I swear I have no designs on your kingdom or the throne or stealing any of your jewels.

Princess Alakia giggled. Good enough for me, Bert.

Reaching into his pouch, Bert pulled out a small device and put it in his eye like a monocle.

What’s that, Bert? asked Ruferto, pointing to the device in his friend’s eye.

Bert looked at his young friend. It’s a jeweler’s glass. It magnifies the small details. He turned his focus back to the scepter. Very nice, he said, setting carefully back down. He respectfully looked over the other jewels in the dim lamplight. I would have loved to see these in the daylight.

Clunk! Cl-Clunk!

Loud metal on stone clank resounded about the small space. The room started shaking as a terrible rumbling and crunching sound cascaded through the bones of the spire.

Bert removed the jeweler’s glass from his eye and dropped it into the pouch at his side and pointed to the floor exit and exclaimed, Earthquake! Princess Alakia hurry! Take my hands. I will lower you down!

She reached out to Bert, who grasped her hands and deftly swung her over the entryway set in the room’s floor. With a deep squat, he lowered her down to an easy drop to the floor below the Crown room, completely bypassing the wooden ladder.

From behind, Ruferto yelled, Go, Bert! I will be right there!

Bert slid down the ladder with his hands and feet outside the rail, as Ruferto had seen sailors do when they had sailed on the Grey Cloud. The rumbling grew and Ruferto followed, using Bert’s method to descend.

The roof above them lifted, buckling as the tower swayed with the increasing tremors. They ran toward the spiral stairs leading down. With an awful grinding noise, a cloud of dust enveloped the room, followed by a rush of air as the crown room above them ripped away. Dazzling sunlight from the bright blue skies blinded them, making them shield their eyes to see.

Blinking in the piercing morning light, Princess Alakia pointed to two humongous black shapes filling their view. Are those? —

Ruferto frowned and said, Ships. They look like sailing ships—in the sky.

Over a hundred feet in the air, two enormous black sailing ships were moving slowly away from them. Below one ship, suspended by from four heavy black chains, dangled the Crown Room’s top floor and roof. Enormous black metal claws, like long eagle talons, pierced the structure.

With the top of the spire ripped free, the tower stopped shaking. They watched as the two giant black ships heeled starboard, catching the wind in their black sails.

Bert stared intently at the distant ships. "It says The Black Skull on the back of that ship with the tower and that one says, The Black Plague."

I sense a naming pattern, said Ruferto with little mirth.

Princess Alakia’s pretty face scowled. We have to get the jewels back.

Bert sighed. As we cannot fly and they are moving too fast for even the fastest horses to keep up, I suggest counting them lost and set about replacing them. I know some people that can help with that.

We cannot do that. Without them, we have no claim to the throne of Báthan. The laws of the land state that those that hold the Crown Scepter are the legitimate kings or queens. It is said that a pale man dressed in golden armor came down from heaven in a chariot and said, ‘This is for you to be the King. You must take this symbol of power to go lead from heaven.’ She noticed their confusion. It is a requirement that every royal child has to memorize that.

Bert shook his head. No offense, Princess, but basing your right to rule on any object is an ill-advised idea.

She grimaced and stared off in the distance at the flying ships that were sailing away and said, I agree. Yet here we are. She was paler than normal. My father is going to have a fit. She plopped down on an ornate purple chair near the edge of the now open tower.

Ruferto said, Princess Alakia, do you trust me?

She looked despondent. She nodded. Of course, Ruferto. With my life.

Then you know I didn’t come here to steal the jewels, right?

She sat up with a slight frown. Yes. I am not sure where you are going with this.

When I felt the turret shaking, I was afraid that the roof might cave in, or the tower would fall and hurt your jewels. Ruferto reached into his bag of holding and pulled out handfuls of the shimmering jewels and the scepter belonging to the Kings and Queens of Báthan and held them out to the petite princess. So, I grabbed them for safety. Here they are. Her delicate hands were overflowing, so she set them on the chair next to her. He handed her more, fishing around to retrieve the last of them from the bag.

Alakia stared at the pile of jewels, unable to speak. She shoveled the remaining pile from her hands onto the cushion of the chair next to