Robert Keller - The Hand of Tharnin

Jerret smiled, looking relieved. "Thank you."

"What about you, Lannon?" said Thrake. "You look a bit sad, Squire."

"I miss Vorden and Timlin," Lannon admitted. "I still find it hard to believe what has happened to them."

"It is always sad," said Shennen, "when the Deep Shadow steals the hearts of noble warriors. It happens far too often. Vorden and Timlin are but two of countless Knights and Squires who have fallen victim to its charms."

"I haven't given up on them," said Lannon.

"You never will, Lannon," said Aldreya, smiling. "It's not in your nature."

"It no longer matters," said Trenton. "Vorden and his master are gone forever into that cursed realm. Dorok's Hand is ours, and the Blood Legion is scattered and severely weakened. The Soldiers we have in captivity will soon face trial and punishment. This has been a magnificent victory for Dremlock-maybe the greatest victory we have ever achieved. I suggest you forget about your former friends, Lannon, and just relax and enjoy the feast."

Jace stuck his wooden spoon in the bowl of rice pudding and leaned back, sighing. "I hate to spoil the celebration, my friends, but do you really think the Deep Shadow is defeated? Yes, Dremlock appears to have the edge, but how long can it last? There are other lands beyond Silverland, other kingdoms. Why, just prior to coming to Dremlock, I heard strange news that the King of Bellis has apparently gone mad and begun conquering all of the surrounding kingdoms. Bellis is the largest kingdom on the continent of Gallamerth. This has led me to wonder if their king has fallen under the influence of the Deep Shadow."

"Bah!" muttered Shennen, taking a hearty gulp of ale. "Enough with that talk, Jace. Dark events are always happening across our continent. But here, in Silverland, this is Dremlock's time to celebrate. Not long ago I was lost in despair, thinking that all roads were leading to a bad end. Now, my optimism has returned and my faith in our god and our kingdom has been restored."

"If Bellis comes for us," said Vannas, "we will be ready. We defeated a Great Dragon of Tharnin. Can anything possibly pose a threat to us?"

"I like your attitude, Prince Vannas," said Thrake, grinning. "And I agree with you. We will be ready for whatever comes our way."

"Well," said Trenton, "I find it to be a wee bit…oh, never mind." He sighed. "I think I'll just have a slice of buttered bread."

"Do you think Bellis will attack Dremlock?" asked Lannon. Bellis had the largest army of any kingdom.

Jace raised his eyebrows. "Who can say, my young friend? Who can say? The only answer, of course, is to dig in to that fine rice pudding."

And so Lannon did, and the celebration went on for hours while a great blizzard raged outside of Dorok's Hand. But inside, there was plenty of warmth and cheer to go around amongst those with noble hearts.