Thrain didn’t answer, but Alex knew he was still awake. Alex understood Thrain’s excitement and his hopes of doing well. He felt the same way, though he was more concerned about finding the Ring of Searching for Thorgood than he was about finding treasure. Thrang was one of Alex’s best friends and he wanted Thrang’s first adventure as a leader to be a complete success.

Chapter Three

Thraxon

Alex woke early the next morning. He moved quietly around the room as he dressed, not wanting to wake Thrain. He slipped into his magic bag to inspect his new greenhouse. He was happy to see that all of the plants seemed to be adjusting to their new home. It took some time to get everything in order, and after he finished, he left the magic bag and shook Thrain awake.

“It’s time for breakfast,” said Alex.

“Already?” Thrain said sleepily. “I’ve only just fallen asleep.” He climbed out of his bed and dragged himself to the basin. Thrain’s excitement seemed to still be asleep, but Alex knew it would return over breakfast. He remembered his own first adventure, after all.

As they prepared to leave the room, Alex reminded Thrain to take his new magic bag with him.

“I can’t believe I almost forgot it.” Thrain shook his head they walked toward the dining room. “Please don’t tell anyone.”

“I won’t say anything,” said Alex.

Thrang and Arconn were already waiting in the dining room when Alex and Thrain arrived. Kat appeared soon after, followed shortly by Nellus and Barnabus. Thrang looked happy, though a little tense. Alex smiled at Thrang as he took his seat and then glanced at the dark sky outside the window.

“Starting early, then,” Alex said.

“Early starts are always best,” said Thrang, ringing the bell to summon their breakfast.

“Where will we be starting our adventure?” Nellus questioned as they ate.

“We will be stopping first at Benorg—the city of King Thorgood,” said Thrang. “He wishes to meet you all before we begin our search.”

“Checking to see what kind of company you’ve put together?” Arconn asked in a sly tone.

“No,” Thrang said quickly, his smile fading slightly. “He just wants to meet you. He is sponsoring this adventure, after all.”

“Is Thorgood a good king?” Kat asked, a thoughtful look on her face.

“Of course he is,” said Thrang. “He’s one of the best kings Benorg and the dwarf realm has ever had.”

“I meant no offense,” said Kat.

Alex looked at Kat curiously. He knew Kat was a seer, but her question had seemed a bit odd.

“How long will it take us to reach Benorg?” Thrain asked, his voice full of excitement once more.

“Five, maybe six days,” answered Thrang absently.

“You have said little about where we will search specifically for Albrek’s tomb,” said Barnabus, pushing his chair away from the table. “Can you tell us more?”

Thrang looked worried again. “As I’ve said, there are three possible locations for the tomb of Albrek. These locations are not marked on any map, however, and I have only a general idea of where they are.”

“Which is why we have a seer,” said Arconn, bowing his head slightly to Kat.

Thrang nodded as well. “King Thorgood already has a team searching the libraries and archives of Benorg for information. I’m hoping we will learn a great deal more about Albrek’s journeys when we reach Benorg.”

As the meal and the discussion came to an end, the company prepared to leave the Golden Swan. Alex went to the stable with Nellus and Barnabus to collect the horses, while

the rest of the company waited in front of the tavern. Soon they were riding south toward the great arch, Thrang and Arconn in the lead, Alex and Kat directly behind.

“You seem troubled,” Kat said quietly to Alex.

“Simply curious. I have been wondering why you asked about King Thorgood.”

“I have met several kings,” answered Kat. “Some are good, most are fair, and a few are evil.”

“And you wanted to know what kind of king Thorgood was before we reached his city,” Alex said with a nod.

“It is best to know something of your host before arriving at his house.”

Alex was glad Kat was a member of the company. A seer could often see things that even a wizard could not, and Alex could tell that Kat was a clever person who thought things through. Her interest in King Thorgood had made Alex think. Whalen had once warned Alex that kings and lords often hid their dark desires from even those closest to them. Alex trusted Thrang, and he knew that Thrang would never go on an adventure for an evil king, but he wasn’t sure, however, if Thrang would be able to see the evil if it was well hidden.

“Can you tell us anything more about the libraries of Benorg?” Alex asked Thrang as they rode along.

“I can tell you they are large.”

“What language are the records written in?”

“Several languages. Mostly in dwarvish, though some things are written in elvish.”

Alex could read elvish easily, as the letters were similar to magic letters. He had studied dwarvish a little after his last adventure, but it was a difficult language to learn, especially if you didn’t have someone who spoke it to help you.

They continued toward the great arch, and Alex felt happy to be starting a new adventure. He enjoyed listening to Thrain’s excited questions from where he rode between Nellus and Barnabus. He smiled as the two older adventurers tried to answer the young dwarf’s questions as fast as he asked them.

The company stopped for their midday meal, and Alex headed to a spring to refill his water bottles. When he returned, Barnabus was busy cooking their midday meal, and Alex noticed that Thrang was watching Barnabus closely. Thrang had been the cook on Alex’s first adventure, and watching him hover around the campfire made Alex laugh out loud.

“Miss cooking, do you?” said Alex.

“Old habits die hard,” answered Thrang, looking a little sheepish.

“If you’d like to take over, just say so,” said Barnabus.

“No, no, not at all,” Thrang said quickly. “I’ve heard about your ability, Barnabus, and I’m happy to let you do the cooking.”

“You are most kind. But perhaps you should wait until you taste it before making up your mind.”

The entire company laughed, but there was no need to worry. Barnabus was an excellent cook, and Thrang made a point of telling him so.

“Now then,” said Thrang as he finished his meal. “I have a few final instructions before we distribute our food shares and arm ourselves. First, we will be following the standard rules for adventures on our journey. If anyone gets lost, we will search for thirteen days, as is customary. After the thirteen days, the lost person or persons will be free to do what seems best to them. Second, our quest is not widely known in Thraxon, so I must remind you all not to speak of it openly. We will be passing through areas with lots of people, and the temptation to talk will be great.”

“Especially for those of us who might meet kinsmen,” Arconn said, looking at Thrain.

“There is that,” agreed Thrang. “Most of our journey will be in lands peopled by dwarfs, but we will also meet many men as we travel, and possibly elves as well.”

“Are there many men and elves in Thraxon?” Alex asked.

“More men than elves. The elves of Thraxon are not very friendly, and, if Arconn will forgive me, a bit secretive.”

“Reluctant to mingle might be better,” said Arconn.

“Reluctant to mingle, then,” Thrang repeated. “There is one last thing of importance. Remember that the honor of each member of our company is linked to the honor of us all. It is possible that we will meet people who will question or doubt our honor. I would ask that we all be willing to stand up for each other if such questions arise.”