“Well done,” said Thrang, returning Alex’s wink when Thrain wasn’t looking. “Very impressive. Now try the quenchcommand.”

Thrain obeyed once more, and, as he spoke the word, the fire sputtered for a moment and died. Thrain, pleased with himself and his newfound ability, quickly relit the fire. Alex smiled at his young friend and commented on how well he had done.

“You shouldn’t have helped him,” Thrang said to Alex in a low tone.

“I only helped the first time,” said Alex. “He needed a little confidence, that’s all.”

“And the quenchcommand?” Thrang asked.

“Again, only a little help. As his confidence grows, he will be able to do the spells on his own.”

“Still, you shouldn’t have helped him,” said Thrang with a smile on his face.

“Why not?” Alex asked. “You helped me the first time.”

“I most certainly did not,” said Thrang, sounding shocked by the idea.

“Even if you didn’t know it, you helped. You believed I could do it, even though I didn’t.”

“Will we be setting a watch?” Arconn asked, walking toward the fire.

“There is little need so close to the arch,” said Thrang. “Though it might be wise to start now, just to be safe.”

“If nothing else, we will be prepared for later,” Alex said.

Thrang considered the idea for several minutes and then decided it would, indeed, be best to start keeping a watch. Alex, with his normal luck, drew the first watch, which made him happy. He knew from experience that Arconn would sit up with him, and he was looking forward to spending time with his friend.

Chapter Four

Benorg

On the fifth day of their journey, the road turned east into the mountains and followed a large and noisy river flowing through a narrow, green valley. The river snaked between huge boulders and had many impressive waterfalls and rapids, some of them so close that they covered the road with a damp mist. The path twisted and turned almost as much as the river did, but always stayed close to the water’s edge.

“Did your people build all these bridges?” Alex asked Thrang over the roar of the river.

“Yes, indeed,” Thrang shouted over his shoulder. “King Thorgood owns this road and insists that the bridges be maintained. After all, this is the road that leads to his capital. The stone bridges make a good impression on visitors and are useful for trade.”

“Do your people trade much with other lands?” Kat questioned.

“More and more,” answered Thrang. “King Thorgood has been trying to open trade with all the known lands.”

“And having a good deal of success, I would guess,” Arconn said.

“Honest trading makes for success,” said Thrang.

Alex wondered what was awaiting them in Benorg and beyond. Thraxon was one of the larger known lands, and the map of it in the Adventurer’s Handbookwas better than most of the others. Alex had spent some time studying it, trying to get a feel for the land that he and the company would be traveling through. He knew that Benorg was in the heart of the Gray Mountains, with many roads leading to it, but that most of Thraxon—at least according to his map—was east and south of Benorg.

The day passed with little talk, except when they stopped for their midday meal. Kat asked a few more questions about Thorgood, and Alex knew she was still nervous about meeting the king. He was too. He tried to relax his own mind, but even when he managed a moment of peace, Kat’s nervousness pressed in on him.

The sun was well to the west when Thrang at last halted them in the road. The valley opened wide before them, and they could see that the land had been divided into neat, little farms. The road stretched through the farmlands and crossed a wide stone bridge before leading directly to a huge city made of stone.

“My friends, welcome to Benorg!” Thrang turned in his saddle and smiled. “A wonder of the dwarf realms.”

“I didn’t know that dwarfs built cities so high above the ground,” Alex said as they started forward once more.

“Benorg is different than most dwarf cities. The part of the city you can see isn’t very old. It is built on top of and around the older city, which is thousands of years old. When we get closer, you will be able to see the difference in the work,” said Thrang.

They moved forward to the bridge, where dwarf guards clad in shining true-silver armor stood proudly. The guards must have recognized Thrang, because as the company approached, they lowered their spears as a sign of welcome.

Thrang led them into the heart of the dwarf city, waving now and then to someone he knew. Many of the dwarfs would wave back or toast them as they passed, and it appeared that Thrang was well-known. Horses were allowed in Benorg, at least in the aboveground parts, so they rode along the stone-paved streets, smiling and nodding to the dwarfs as they went.

When they reached what looked like the tallest building in the city, Thrang directed the group to one side where several dwarfs were waiting, ready to take their horses to the royal stables. Alex gave Shahree’s reins to a bowing dwarf and whispered words of comfort to her.

“King Thorgood will be waiting,” said Thrang, looking nervously at the others. “I believe there will be a feast in our honor.”

“And if Thorgood doesn’t like the look of us?” Arconn asked.

“He will,” said Thrang, scowling at Arconn.

“Elves are not always welcome guests of dwarfs,” Arconn said.

“You have nothing to worry about,” Thrang answered. “Thorgood knows a good deal about adventures and about the importance of mixing the company.”

“Was King Thorgood an adventurer once?” Thrain questioned.

“No, but he’s known a good many adventurers in his time,” answered Thrang, still scowling. “He thinks very highly of our profession, and he is a kind and generous host.”

“Then lead on,” said Arconn, bowing to Thrang. “It would not be polite for us to keep our host waiting.”

Thrang did not reply, but his scowl softened. He turned toward the large building and led the company forward, dusting himself off slightly as he went. Arconn caught Alex’s eye and gave him a quick wink.

They followed Thrang toward the grand entrance hall, where more armored guards stood at attention. They bowed as Thrang approached and allowed the company to pass without questioning them. Alex looked in wonder at the inside of the building, which was really just an open space surrounded by a high wall and filled with fountains and trees, like a park. In the middle of the open space was a small pavilion, and standing beneath it was King Thorgood.

“Welcome, my friends, welcome,” said Thorgood, coming down the steps of his royal pavilion with a smile. “You’ve made good time, Thrang; I didn’t think you would be back so soon.”

“I was fortunate to find the members of the company quickly,” said Thrang, bowing to the king.

“And what a company,” said Thorgood, looking over Thrang’s shoulder at the rest of them. “I am glad you come as friends, for it seems Thrang has assembled a fierce group of warriors.”

“If you will permit me, Your Majesty,” said Thrang, moving to stand beside the king. “Allow me to introduce you to my companions.”

“Yes, I suppose introductions are in order,” said Thorgood, moving forward with Thrang. “I thought the pavilion would be more comfortable than the throne room. Not so stuffy or formal. There are always fewer of the lords out here, and you know how they can be.”

Alex and the others quickly lined up in front of Thrang and the king. Alex could see that Thrain was extremely nervous, which surprised him. Thrain’s grandfather was king of the dwarf realm of Vargland, after all, and Alex thought he would be used to meeting royalty and other important people.

Thrang moved down the line, introducing each of them to the king and saying something about their accomplishments as adventurers. Alex listened closely when Thrang introduced Kat, Nellus, and Barnabus because he didn’t know as much about them yet. When Thrang introduced Alex, Thorgood stopped him before he could list Alex’s accomplishments.