Robert Keller - The Heart of Shadows

Galvia managed a smile. "Definitely not. I would hate to be a merchant."

"Lothrin is right," said Aldreya. "Let it go and move on."

"Olrogs take everything too seriously," said Vannas, with a dismissive wave. "To the rest of us, it's just battle-and battle is chaotic. But to an Olrog it means everything, especially that first taste of it." He shook his head in amusement. "I'm glad I was born a Birlote and cannot relate to such thinking."

"Molth Bloodbow was a Birlote," Lothrin reminded him.

"That's just a silly story," said Vannas.

"You're lumping all the Grey Dwarves together unfairly, cousin," said Aldreya. "Don't forget that everyone is unique."

"Prince Vannas is right about me, though," said Galvia. "I feel like I've failed everyone. I've failed Dremlock. I guess I just need time to get over it. Yet I keep seeing those Wolves in my mind, tearing into me. I felt helpless-not at all like a warrior. The Olrog Elders would be ashamed of me."

Lannon didn't like what he was hearing. "That way of thinking is dangerous, Galvia. You owe it to Dremlock, and yourself, to put this behind you. You're not perfect. You're going to make plenty of mistakes on the path to Knighthood."

"Lannon speaks true," said Jerret. "We've all done stupid things and learned from them. You're young like the rest of us. Give yourself time to grow."

"I'll try," Galvia promised, wincing as she probed the bandages on her stomach. But she continued to look depressed.

"Just focus on your recovery," said Aldreya, concern in her eyes. "The Healers managed to save your life, and now you need to do the work to get back on your feet. You'll feel better once you're up and about."

"And those were no ordinary Wolves that cornered you," Jerret reminded Galvia. "They were extremely cunning and powerful."

"If I may change the subject and give Galvia a bit of peace," said Vannas, "that whole incident in Elder Oak was alarming."

"Indeed, those were extraordinary Goblins," said Aldreya. "Maybe the Blood Legion created them somehow and sent them to invade the town. It could be part of a new plot to take over all of Silverland."

"That doesn't seem likely," said Lannon. "For one thing, not all Goblins serve the Blood Legion. Many are simply spawned in the Bloodlands and are wild creatures. But assuming these Goblins were under command of the Legion-which the presence of the two priests seemed to suggest-what would they have stood to gain by invading Elder Oak?"

"Supplies, perhaps," said Lothrin. "It appeared the Goblins were gathering items in the tunnels below the town, perhaps to take back to Old Hammer Hall. Maybe the Blood Legion is running low on provisions."

"But the supplies were being consumed," said Aldreya. "The food and drink was scattered all about. I got the impression the Goblins weren't planning on going anywhere and were simply indulging in their loot."

"It does seem that way," Lothrin admitted.

"It's another Goblin Puzzle," said Lannon.

"Regardless," said Aldreya, "what those villagers endured was horrible. If we hadn't arrived there when we did, I'm sure they all would have perished. I wonder if there are other towns under attack by these new Goblins."

"I'm sure Taris will send word to Dremlock," said Lannon, "and more Knights will be dispatched to check on the villages of Silverland."

"There are a lot of small villages," said Vannas. "Far too many for the Knights to protect. But I'm sure Dremlock will do its best."

Aldreya rose. "Lannon, come outside for a moment."

Lannon nodded and followed her out into the night air. The guards glanced at them questioningly but said nothing. The two Squires moved a short distance away from them where they could talk privately in low voices.

"What's wrong?" Lannon asked.

Aldreya looked weary. "It's Galvia. Her mood troubles me. And I just needed to come out and get some fresh air."

Lannon shivered and adjusted his fur cloak. "Well, the air is certainly fresh out here. And rather cold."

"It's not just Galvia," Aldreya went on. "It's Vannas and Jerret as well. I can't understand them. I miss Vorden and Timlin."

Lannon missed them too, and hearing their names spoken aloud filled his heart with pain. "Vannas and Jerret are honorable, but a bit misguided. At least there is still hope for them. Not that I've given up on Vorden and Timlin, but…"

"I was hoping Galvia would be different," said Aldreya, "but I guess I can't relate to her either. I suffer from self doubt now and then, but she seems to be going way too far with it."

"She'll get over it," said Lannon. "She just needs time."

Aldreya stood silently for a moment, as if pondering something. Then she said, "If I tell you a secret, will you keep it?"

"I can keep a secret," said Lannon, "as long as it doesn't interfere with my duties as a Squire." This was an unusual move by Aldreya. She rarely opened up like this to anyone, and she wasn't one to share secrets.

"Of course," said Aldreya. "I would never ask you to violate the Sacred Laws. It's nothing like that." She seemed hesitant and perhaps a bit anxious.

"Well, go ahead," Lannon said, intrigued.

"Lately," she said, "I find myself wishing I had never come to Dremlock. It doesn't show, but I'm beginning to feel…a sort of despair. Nothing has worked out as I expected. I keep thinking of Borenthia and how much better my life was there. I know it's selfish, but I can't help myself."

"You're right," said Lannon, "it doesn't show." If anything, lately Aldreya had seemed more positive and caring than ever before. She'd become a bit sullen and quiet, but when someone was in need, she was quick to offer aid and comfort. Lannon had assumed she was focused only on becoming a Knight.

"I've hid it well," said Aldreya. "But you're a good friend, and I feel I can talk to you about things that Vannas and Jerret would just dismiss. And I don't really know Lothrin that well, as we never talked much while growing up."

"I didn't realize you were so troubled lately," said Lannon. He preferred the upbeat, optimistic Aldreya who seemed so sure of her place at Dremlock. But the life of a Squire (one who'd been thrown into action early) had clearly taken a toll on her, and this was who she'd become, for better or worse.

"Dremlock is so different than what I expected," Aldreya said. "I thought I would train in comfort and enrich my knowledge. Then, when I was a fully trained Knight, I would fight Goblins and the Blood Legion and return victorious from each battle. I had envisioned it to be a joyful way of life, filled with victory celebrations. But it has turned so ugly…" She shook her head. "So many things have gone wrong. I worry about the other Squires, especially Vannas who seems so overconfident. I keep having nightmares that my cousin ends up like Vorden and Timlin-cursed beyond hope and marked for death by Dremlock."

"I fear for them too," Lannon admitted. "But there is not much we can do about it beyond encouraging them to stay on the right path. We just have to take it day by day and hope for the best."

She nodded. "You're becoming wise, Lannon, and acting more like a Knight every day. I wish I could be like you."

Lannon raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Actually, I've been very impressed with you, lately. The way you brought comfort to that wounded villager… You're well on the path to Knighthood. Yes, you're going to have some doubts and regrets. But I'm certain you're going to be a great Knight, Aldreya."

"Maybe that's all I needed to hear," she said, smiling. She gave Lannon a hug.

Jerret poked his head out of the tent. "So what's going on out here?"

"Just having a friendly talk," said Lannon, who still had his arms around Aldreya. He could see the jealous glint in Jerret's eyes, and it amused him.