clusters scattered within Illúmaril has discovered that some quellien crystals or a cluster may have been taken. It is not known if a Valharri or some other agency or entity has actually taken the quellien. It is the White Council's belief that if the Valharri obtained this quellien crystal, it could be used to gather enough power to break through the dimensional barriers and the interdiction that prevents Dormas from completely reentering Illúmaril. They are not exactly sure at this juncture how many of the quellien crystals were removed. The area was remolded, and the removal discreetly done. I am informed one of the Erradan lords is looking into this question.
"I understand that you are on Red Lodge business. I request that you also keep me informed of your progress as well.
"At the moment, I am traveling off world; however, I should be in Andrim three weeks hence, so I shall expect to hear from you then. Until we meet again. Good travels to you, my friend." With that stated, the image of Lord Talmor faded.
Ragan erased the message from the crystal so no other could view it. Then he left the chamber and headed toward the front door. As he approached it, an apprentice saw him, signed, and bowed respect. Ragan returned the greeting and left for his next meeting. He would make a brief stop to deal with some other Tauri business and then go to join Master Gideon at the Green Griffon Inn.
Gideon and Laurelin had gone to visit a few of the shops on Redil Street, near the outskirts of the city. After a few moments of searching, they finally entered one of the more reputable armories, at least according to Laurelin—a forge, craft hall, and armory run by some Dwarro called the Oakenbrand Ironfoot Forge and Craft Hall.
The inside of the display shop section was somewhat cramped, filled with weapons and armor of all types. Behind the counter was one of the Dwarro people, wearing some type of protective glasses, standing behind a metal grinding wheel, sharpening a sword. To Gideon, he appeared to be a dwarf. He was probably just over three feet in height and broad of shoulders.
Gideon browsed the building for a few moments and, eventually, found a sword that he liked. It was a longsword with a long grip and a jeweled pommel.
"So you like the longsword, do you?" asked the dwarf from behind the wheel in a curious but gruff voice. "I'm one of the owners of this forge and craft hall. My name is Tain Ironfoot. I am master artificer and enchanter of the House of Angrod. If there is anything in the shop that interests you, just let me know."
"Yes, there is," said Gideon pleasantly. "How much is this sword?"
The dwarf frowned at him from behind the wire rim of the protective glasses he used for grinding. Obviously, the price was going to be quite stiff.
"I'll sell it to you for seven thousand gold sovereigns," he said and then added with a grunt, "That includes the scabbard. Anything else you might be interested in?"
"One moment, Master Tain," interrupted Laurelin. "What does it do?"
"What does it do?" The dwarf chuckled. "What does it do? I will tell you what it does. First, it shines when evil is about—faintly when far away, brightly when near. It's an excellent early warning device."
"For that kind of coin, this sword should jump and dance and do his taxes," pressed Laurelin sarcastically.
"Well, let me see," said the dwarf, coming out from behind his grinder and walking over to them. He adjusted his glasses and looked the sword over more closely. "Ahh, it has an ensorcelled blade that gives it extra sharpness. I should say this blade's enchantments could allow it to slice through rock."
"It can slice through rock?" asked Gideon in amazement.
"Well, maybe not a large rock, but a moderate-sized one," amended the dwarf. Then he added, "But it could probably slice through a tree bough as easy as a hot knife through butter."
Laurelin still wasn't impressed. "That's still not worth seven thousand sovereigns."
Tain, the artificer of Angrod, adjusted his grimy glasses with his pudgy fingers, pulling them up over his brows, and gave the sword another long look. After a moment, he looked up from the blade and said more to Laurelin than to Gideon, "This is an old sword, elf. I forged it a few centuries back, so you'll forgive me if my memory of its construction is a little vague. There is one other enchantment I see I put on it, the power to aid in protecting the user from being hit and wounded. It's not very strong, but enough to make a difference in battle." With that, he handed the sword to Laurelin and said gruffly, "There! It may not be the best, but it is what you get for seven thousand gold. If you want something better, look around. I have several more weapons in stock."
Gideon looked at all the bladed weapons in the racks behind the counter and then into his coin bag.
"No," he said, "this one will do. Also, I want to buy some more things."
"Fine," said the dwarf. "I'll get its scabbard."
Gideon was satisfied. It was an excellent weapon and a magic one at that. He then purchased a small throwing dagger that was perfectly balanced and enchanted for improved cutting and aim. This he bought for just fewer than three thousand silver sovereigns.
Gideon gave the master artificer two branil bars worth five thousand each, and the dwarf artificer reluctantly gave him his change back.
Laurelin then asked to see something in the line of arrows. Her provisions in that department had gone down to the critical point, and she needed a refill. She bought twenty enchanted arrows in all—ten that were ensorcelled with frost or fire spells.
Gideon turned to Tain and, in afterthought, said, "Master Ironfoot, I was wondering…could you craft a special blade for me if I gave you detailed instructions on what I'm looking for?"
The dwarf thought for a moment and then said, "Well, either myself or my associate, Sim Oakenbrand, could. We would need detailed plans and to know the specific alloy you wish it to be made from."
Gideon began to smile in delight at this prospect.
"Unfortunately, your project will have to wait for a while, my young friend," continued the dwarf.
Gideon's smile began to fade slowly.
"Sim and I must go back to Urzan, amongst other places, on business in just a few days," said Tain. "So unless it's a short project…" he trailed off apprehensively.
Gideon waved his hand in a casual, dismissive gesture, though he was obviously disappointed. "Ah, well, forget it. This blade will do for now. Thank you anyway."
The dwarf grunted as he gathered up some papers on the counter. "I do apologize for the inconvenience. But as they say, 'Business is business.'"
Just then, Laurelin said, "How are you traveling, Master Ironfoot? Land carriage? Zedrul?"
"No, no," said the dwarf, shaking his head. "Skyship. We should travel by ground, but it would be faster by air. My cousin, Sim, would like to arrive earlier than we originally planned. Now, I still believe in the old saying that if the Erradans had wanted us to fly, they would have given us wings."
Laurelin laughed. Gideon noticed her laughter was bright and musical.
"Surely you do not mean that, Master Ironfoot. To fly in the sky is wonderful. You can see all of the Great Ones' creations from up there."
"Bah, the skies are for birds," retorted Tain. "Not creatures of the earth like we dwarves. And if you think that I am averse to flying, you should meet my cousin, Grimbold. I think I shall be coddling him throughout the entire journey. He's prone to airsickness. Lord Sim, on the other hand, can handle just about anything."
With their business complete, Laurelin and Gideon left the store and headed as fast as they could to the Green Griffon Inn and the marvelous eatery of Palrents.
Chapter Five
Palrents in the Green Griffon Inn
It was slightly after the appointed meeting time when Gideon and Laurelin arrived at the Green Griffon Inn. It was growing dark, and the glow globes on the streets were activating. Briskly, they walked through