What s that? asked Aoth.
The bells in their antlers, Zyl replied. Their way of telling you that now that you ve come this far, you can t turn back.
In other words, said Aoth, they think they can scare us onward like beaters flushing game. That s not very flattering or friendly, either.
They re not a friendly people.
Then why serve them if you re not really a dark fey yourself?
You ve seen that I have powers.
Yes.
Well, like the elves in the story, I had to bargain for what I wanted with one who was willing to trade with me. Now, look sharp. We re almost there.
The travelers wound their way through a thick stand of ash and alder to the clearing on the other side. At first, Jhesrhi couldn t see any reason why no trees grew on that particular patch of ground. Then she took another step, and a castle wavered into view in front of her. The lines of the spires and battlements had once been graceful and harmonious, and the walls once adorned with intricate mosaics. But everything was crumbling and faded.
What world is that fortress actually standing in? she asked.
This one, currently, said Zyl. And it hardly ever slides except at night.
Jhesrhi supposed it was as reassuring an answer as she had any right to expect. She and Aoth followed the hare through the gate and across a snowy courtyard. The inhabitants watched as they passed. The females didn t have antlers, but that didn t make the contours of their long, tapered faces any less strange.
In the Stag King s hall itself, two naked males were wrestling, alternately grappling like humans and slamming and grinding their antlers together. The little round bells wired to their points chimed with every violent, straining motion. That, the grunting, the slap of flesh on flesh, and the click of cloven hooves on the floor were the only sounds in evidence. Unlike a human audience, who would surely be cheering their favorites on, a ring of spectators watched the contest in silence.
Wait here, said Zyl. He hopped around the onlookers and out of sight.
The bout ended shortly thereafter, when the stag men locked antlers, and one flipped the other off his feet with a savage wrenching motion that involved his entire body. At last the onlookers showed their appreciation or at least Jhesrhi assumed that was what they intended by nodding and setting the bells attached to their own antlers ringing.
From the far end of the hall, someone called, Clear a path! Let me see what the hare dragged in! The voice was as deep as a cyclops s.
The stag men in the hall pivoted to regard the strangers by the door, but if they were surprised or alarmed to discover them there, Jhesrhi couldn t tell. They vacated the center of the chamber, and she had her first look at the Stag King, slouched on a finely carved wooden throne.
His height and bulk matched his voice, and though his high-backed chair was more than big enough for any elf to sit in comfort, he appeared squeezed into it. But despite his hugeness, and antlers that dwarfed those borne by any of his descendants, in some ways, he looked more manlike or elflike than they did. His features were human enough to bespeak arrogance.
He waved a hand, and four guards started forward. It seemed obvious that they intended to manhandle the mercenaries up to the throne.
Jhesrhi felt the old familiar loathing at the prospect of being touched. Aoth? she said.
I agree, he answered, sidestepping to distance himself from her. Let s make a different kind of first impression.
With a thought, she brought the fire inside her leaping forth to cloak her from head to toe. She also tapped the butt of her staff on the cracked and grimy floor, and the torches in the wall sconces evidently deemed unnecessary because shafts of sunlight shone through the openings higher up all burst into flame.
Aoth meanwhile leveled his spear, set the head aglow with blue phosphorescence, and swung it in an arc to point at each oncoming guard in turn. They faltered, and so did almost every other stag man in the hall.
I told you they were mages, said Zyl. Jhesrhi noticed that he was sitting up on his haunches at the foot of the Stag King s throne.
Did you also tell him we claim guest right? asked Aoth. That means nobody should be trying to lay hands on us.
I trust Zyl s judgment within limits, the Stag King said. Still, it s one thing for him to tell me you have power and mettle, and another for me to see for myself. Now, I have. He beckoned. Come forward.
Jhesrhi drew her fire back inside herself, and Aoth raised his spear to point straight up again. They advanced side by side to the dais. Aoth s bow was deep enough to show respect, but no deeper. She copied it as best she could.
So, the spirit said. Interesting. Two mortals, both reborn in fire of one sort or another.
I didn t tell Zyl about that particular part of my past, Aoth replied. You fey are good at seeing what lies under the surface. Or else you ve heard of me.
The Stag King grinned. So close, his massive frame had a musky smell, pungent but not unpleasant. I d be a poor host if I said I hadn t heard of you, wouldn t I, Aoth Fezim, and so bruised your pride? he said. But then, I m a poor host anyway, offering no refreshment. He clapped his hands and called out in Elvish, Mulled cider for our guests!
It only took a moment for a female to enter through an archway carrying steaming earthenware goblets on a tray. The cups didn t all match.
Aoth shot Jhesrhi a warning glance, a reminder she didn t need. When she, the war mage, and the Stag King had each taken a cup and pledged one another, she only pretended to sip.
But apparently she or Aoth didn t pretend well enough, because the Stag King cocked his head and asked, Isn t the brew to your taste?
It might be pleasant, said Aoth, to spend a hundred years in revelry that would pass like a single night for us. But our business won t wait.
The hulking spirit laughed. It occurred to Jhesrhi that the action might have set the bells in his antlers chiming except that, as she observed, he didn t have any. Perhaps, since he possessed the ability to speak, unlike his subjects, he saw no need for them.
Evidently, he said, the two of you have heard your share of nursery fables and tavern tales.
Aoth shrugged. A person can only act on the basis of whatever information comes his way, he said. That s why you re fortunate that Lady Coldcreek, Zyl, and I are here today. We have important tidings to share.
Tilting back his head, and so clicking his antlers on the back of his throne, the Stag King drank from his cup and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. Yes, he said. My trusty spy said the durthans have risen to resume their old quarrel with the hathrans, this time with new allies. But should that concern me? I helped the hathrans once. It entertained me. But who s to say it would do so a second time?
As I understand it, said Aoth, most dark fey sided with the durthans. Even though the fomorian lady you sent Zyl to spy on wasn t all that keen on the idea, it s a safe bet that many will again. And if they defeat the hathrans and the Iron Lord, isn t it likely that they ll want to settle old scores? You d be wiser to fight them now, before they build any more strength, and before they kill the folk who are willing to stand with you.
The Stag King grunted. Perhaps, he said. Or maybe, now that the hathrans have mighty wizards like you and the lady here to help them, my assistance is unnecessary. Or perhaps I ll simply go away, deep into the Feywild where no old foe will ever find me. He waved a hand in a gesture that encompassed the hall. You see the dreariness that passes for my court. My blood may have been a little too potent.
Jhesrhi scowled. You d forsake your own children? she asked. Abandon them to suffer and die without you?
The spirit grinned. Forgive me if, for whatever reason, that pierces to the quick. he said. But perhaps it doesn t have to be that way. I might be amenable to marching off to war if someone was willing to make it worth my while.
I d imagine, said Aoth, that when the war is done, the Rashemi will be happy to reward an ally.
But the hathrans and the Iron Lord aren t here, the Stag King replied. Nor do you truly have the authority to offer treasure on their behalf. Whereas you and Jhesrhi Coldcreek are here. What will you pay? Will she indenture
