The celebration within the tent was of a quieter sort than the one taking place outside. Still, they had been entertained by Laurie’s ballads and had enjoyed the exhilaration of knowing that peace had finally come. The food was the same camp fare as before, but somehow it tasted better. A great deal of wine had also added to the festive mood.
Lyam sat with a cup of wine in his hand. Around the tent the others were engaged in quiet conversation. The Heir was a little drunk, and none grudged him that relief, for he had endured much in the last month Kulgan, Tully, and Arutha, who knew him best, understood that Lyam was thinking of his father, who but for a Tsurani arrow would now be sitting here with them. With the responsibility of first the war, then the succession thrust upon him, Lyam had not found time for mourning as his brother had. Now he was fully feeling the loss.
Tully stood. In a loud voice he said, “I am tired, Your Highness. Have I your leave to withdraw?”
Lyam smiled at his old teacher. “Of course. Good night, Tully.”
The others in the tent quickly followed suit and took leave of the Heir. Outside the pavilion the guests bade each other good night. Laurie, Kulgan, Meecham, and the dwarves also left, leaving Pug and his family standing with Calin and Tomas.
The childhood friends had spent the evening exchanging histories of the last nine years. Each was equally amazed at the other’s story. Pug had expressed interest in the Dragon Lords’ magic, as had Kulgan. They expressed an interest in visiting the Dragon’s Hall someday. Dolgan allowed he would be willing to guide them should they wish to make the journey.
Now the reawakened friendship glowed within the two young men, though they understood it was not what it had once been, for there had been many and great changes in both. As much as by the dragon armor and the black robe, this point was dramatized by the presence of William and Katala.
Katala had found the dwarves and elves fascinating—William had found everything fascinating, especially the dwarves, and now lay asleep in his mother’s arms. Of Tomas she didn’t know what to make. He resembled Calin in many ways, but still looked a great deal like the other men in camp.
Tomas regarded the sleeping boy. “He has his mother’s looks, but there is enough devil in him to put me in mind of another boy I knew.”
Pug smiled at that. “His life will be far calmer, I hope.”
Arutha left his brother’s tent and came to join them. He stood beside the two boys who had ridden with him to the mines of Mac Mordain Cadal so many years ago. “I should probably not say this, but years ago — when you first came to visit my father, Calin — two boys were overheard in conversation while they tussled in a hay wagon.”
Tomas and Pug both looked at the Prince uncomprehendingly. “You don’t remember, do you?” Arutha asked “A blond thin-ribbed lad was sitting atop a shorter boy promising he would someday be a great warrior who would be welcomed in Elvandar.”
Pug and Tomas both laughed at that. “I remember,” said Pug.
“And the other promised to become the greatest magician in the Kingdom.”
Katala said, “Perhaps William will also grow up to realize his dream.”
Arutha smiled with a wicked light in his eyes. “Then watch him closely. We had a long chat before he went to sleep, and he told me he wanted to grow up to be a dwarf.” All of them laughed, except Katala, who looked at her son for a moment with worry upon her face, but then she, too, joined in the merriment.
Arutha and Calin bade the others good night, and Tomas said, “I, too, will be to bed.”
Pug said, “Will you come to Rillanon with us?”
“No, I may not I would be with my lady. But when the child is born, you must guest with us, for there will be a great celebration.” They promised they would come Tomas said, “We are for home in the morning. The dwarves will return to their villages, for there is much work to be done there. They have been overlong from their families. And with the return of Tholin’s hammer, there is talk of a moot, to name Dolgan King in the West.” Lowering his voice, he added, “Though my old friend will most likely use that hammer on the first dwarf to openly suggest it in his presence.” Placing his hand upon Pug’s shoulder, he said, “It is well we both came through this; even in the depths of my strange madness, I never forgot about you.”
Pug said, “I never forgot you either, Tomas.”
“When you unravel this mystery on Sorcerer’s Isle, I trust you will send word?”
Pug said he would. They embraced, saying good-bye, and Tomas walked away, but stopped and looked back, a boyish glint in his eyes. “Still, I would love to be there when you meet Carline again with a wife and son in tow.”
Pug flushed, for he viewed that coming reunion with mixed feelings. He waved to Tomas as he walked from sight, then found Katala regarding him with a determined look upon her face. In even, measured tones she said, “Who is Carline?”
Lyam looked up as Arutha entered the command tent. The younger brother said, “I thought you would have retired by now. You’re exhausted.”