Elspeth's Dowry
Robert Walton
Robert Walton is a retired middle school teacher, rock climber and mountaineer with ascents in Yosemite and Pinnacles National Park. Walton is an experienced writer. His novel Dawn Drums won the 2014 New Mexico Book Awards Tony Hillerman Prize for best fiction. His “Joaquin’s Gold”, a collection of Joaquin Murrieta tales, was published on Amazon last year. Most recently, Quarry, a novella, was published by Alien Buddha Press.
“Bah!” Sheila the Hook slammed her pewter mug down on a battered tabletop stained by edibles, drinkables, and things that were neither. Cheap red wine splattered across a plate heaped with rubbery pieces of cheese and onto her drinking companion. “Can you kill a dragon, wizard?”
The wizard — one Ubbe Grimdark — flicked scarlet drops from his scraggly beard. “I can.”
“So!” Mollified, Sheila looked at the puddle of spilled wine with some regret. “Tell me more.” She quaffed her half-full cup.
“I’ll show you.” Ubbe produced a tiny spear with a silver blade.
Sheila guffawed, spraying wine across the table, again drenching the questionable cheese.
“The secret to killing dragons,” Ubbe again mopped his beard, “is that you must do it from the inside out.”
“I’ll be glad . . .” chuckling like a large pot of boiling soup, Sheila poked him, “to watch you stroll into our dragon’s mouth.”
Ubbe carried on unruffled. “Once the dragon has swallowed it, my spear will enlarge to the size of tree.”
“How will you get it inside him?”
Ubbe pursed his lips. “We need a fool to carry my magical spear talisman and then be ingested.”
“A fool indeed!” Sheila frowned. “There are plenty of fools, but is there one who would be stupid enough to do that?”
“I know such a man.”
“Do you?”
“Come with me to The Unicorn’s Hoof.”
*
Sheila’s eyes wandered uneasily from mauve silk curtains draping entrances to private booths to the approaching waiter wearing pink tights and a burgundy cape. “This isn’t my kind of bar.”
Ubbe held up a dismissive finger. “We won’t be here long.”
“So where’s the fool?”
Ubbe inclined a shaggy eyebrow to his left. “There, by the fire.”
Sheila’s head swiveled casually and then froze in shock. Standing in a half circle of young women was a golden-haired man, the very image of Prince Valiant. He wore a blue silk tunic, white pantaloons, and scarlet slippers. Jeweled rings gleamed on his fingers and a gold chain hung from his collar.
“Him?”
“Viscount Aubergine, the Honorable Richard Hawk of Tewkesbury.”
“But he’s a noble!”
“They make the best fools of all.”
Sheila looked at the wizard. “How’s that?”
“Men like Aubergine believe they are too wonderful to do anything stupid. They’re also insatiably greedy. If we frame our proposal in the right way, he’ll happily march straight into the dragon’s mouth.”
“You’ve had dealings with him before?”
“You could say that,” Ubbe chuckled. “He was beginning to go bald. I enhanced him up top and he’s due a refresher treatment soon. Ah, he’s seen us!”
Aubergine gestured with his right hand, wiggling his fingers slightly, and the young women scattered like leaves on a wind. Smiling, he strode gracefully toward Ubbe and Sheila. “Ah! Herr Doctor Ubbe! Are you seeking me?”
Ubbe bowed obsequiously. “I am, my lord, though perhaps not for the reason you assume.”
“By all means tell me what you wish!” Aubergine’s smile grew wider and even brighter, prompting Sheila to wonder how many teeth a man could possibly possess.
“My wizardly expenses have grown of late. I find myself in need of funds to complete various important projects.”
Aubergine actually frowned. “You wish a loan?”
“No, no, no, dear sir!” Ubbe uttered a fruity chuckle. “I wish only to solicit your partnership in a mutually profitable venture.”
“I’m interested.” Aubergine’s smile returned and the sun shone again. “My lifestyle entails a great deal of overhead. I welcome additional funds — if no inconvenience is involved.”
“None at all!” Ubbe shook his head. “None — merely a day’s jaunt in the country.”
“To where?”
“Allow me to elaborate. You are aware that dragons live exceedingly long lives, are you not?”
Aubergine nodded cautiously. “Of course.”
“Well, they often develop irksome maladies — scale rot, throat carbuncles, and the like — for which I have created a curative talisman.”
“Of a magical nature?”
“Of course. It’s miraculously effective in eliminating all dragonish ailments, but I have a delivery problem. Dealings between dragons and wizards have not always been amicable. I need a respected and highly placed person, one such as yourself, to complete the transaction.”
“What’s in it for me?”
“The talisman takes effect immediately, once delivered, but its effects are not long-lasting. For permanent relief, the beast must pay us for an enhancement.”
“How much?”
“Two farm wagons loaded with gold, one for me . . . ”
“And one for me.” Aubergine rubbed his dimpled chin thoughtfully. “Dragons are notoriously touchy. Some, especially the older ones, receive visitors less than hospitably — even noble beings such as I. Might I enquire which venerable dragon with whom you wish me to deal?”
“Certainly!” Ubbe lowered his eyes. “Glaurung the Great.”
Aubergine pursed his lips. “That would be Glaurung the Horrendous?”
Ubbe shrugged. “Some have so named him.”
“Hmmmm.” Aubergine flicked a lock of golden hair off his forehead. “A wagon-load of treasure will not benefit me if I am but a cinder upon the floor of Glaurung’s lair.”
Sheila leaned forward and placed the needle-sharp tip of her hook on Aubergine’s adam’s apple. “No amount of gold will do you much good if don’t fall in with our plans, pretty boy.”
Half a dozen beefy bravos rose from tables nearby. The hiss of their blades sliding out of scabbards stopped all conversation in the tavern.
“Meet my personal guard.” Aubergine gazed mildly at Sheila. “I enjoy my life. Because I appear to be a fop and a fool does not mean that I am unaware of my chosen role’s vulnerabilities.”
Ubbe raised both hands. “Enough, Sheila! There is no need for bloodshed!”
“Indeed.” Aubergine pushed Sheila’s hook away from his throat. “I am not averse to a restructuring of your proposal.”
Sheila sat back. “So what’s your plan?”
“We need a virgin.”
“Good idea!” Ubbe nodded, “Glaurung would certainly allow a young girl to approach him with our talisman.”
Sheila sneered, “You keep girls in a cupboard?”
“Not in cupboard, but I keep one handy.” Aubergine shrugged. “You never know when a virgin might be needed.”
Sheila sputtered, “Show me a virgin and I’ll show you a liar!”
The waiter in pink tights arrived with a tray of goblets and a pitcher of wine. He distributed the goblets, plucked up the heavy pitcher and began to pour. His hand suddenly shook with the effort, and wine splashed on the table.
“Idiot!” Sheila’s hook appeared at the end of the young man’s nose. His eyes crossed staring at its shining tip.
Aubergine motioned, “Just leave the pitcher, Herbert. We’ll serve ourselves.”
White with terror, Herbert bowed, whispering, “As you wish, my lord.”
Aubergine sniffed as Herbert departed, “Not the brightest coal in the evening fire.”
“But a handsome lad, nonetheless,” Ubbe nodded to himself.
Aubergine poured and drank, setting his nearly empty goblet down. “Now, shall we collect our virgin?”
“Let’s bring the simpleton, too.” Ubbe leaned forward. “He could be useful.”
*
“Elspeth, my dear, you can be of great service to us, if you wish.” Aubergine smiled his dazzling smile.
Elspeth, her honey-gold locks flowing in gentle waves over her shoulders, opened her violet eyes wide. “I always try to please, my lord.”
“Of course, you do.”
“Young woman,” Ubbe interrupted. “How old are you?”
Elspeth batted her eyes with lashes that surely created a breeze. “Just eighteen, sir.”
Ubbe frowned. “Perhaps a bit old.”
“Virgins, bah!” Sheila glared at the girl.
Aubergine gestured for her to be quiet. “Wizard, Administer your test.”
“As you wish.” Ubbe produced a flask containing a blood-red liquor. Holding it at eye level, he poured three quick dollops into the teacup in his other hand. He turned to Elspeth, handing her the cup. “Drink this.”
Smiling, she took it and drank. When it was empty, she licked her baby’s blush lips with a pert tongue and looked at Aubergine.
Aubergine looked at Ubbe. “Well?”
“She passed the unicorn blood virginity test.”
Sheila growled, “How do you know?”
“Had she failed, warts would have popped up on her nose and her teeth would have fallen out.”
Sheila peered closely at the girl. “No warts. Lots of teeth.”
“Now that that is settled . . . ” Aubergine turned to Elspeth, “we would like you to accompany us to the Teufelwald.”
“Oh, sir!” Elspeth put a distressed hand to her breast. “I’m ever so fearful of that forest! It’s where beasts and wild men hide!”
“Fear nothing, dear girl! We shall have an invincible escort.” Aubergine leaned close to Ubbe and whispered, “We’ll need some minions.”
“Why?”
“To serve as an escort.”
“Will we have to pay them?”
“I can entice minions.” Aubergine produced a golden coin. “But if they die distracting the dragon, we need not pay them.”
Sheila nodded her agreement. “Let’s plan on it.”
*
Elspeth rode a milk white horse led by Herbert, now dressed in a royal-blue tunic, and pantaloons. Twenty tall men carrying spears — ten in front and ten behind — escorted her, silver helmets and hauberks gleaming.
“They make a brave show.” Sheila squinted at them. “Do they have a chance against the dragon?”
Ubbe shook his head. “None.”
“Are you sure Glaurung will take them out?”
Ubbe, nodding, “It’s likely.”
Aubergine, lines of worry creasing his otherwise pristine forehead, poked Ubbe. “You’re sure we’re safe here?”
“We’re up a hill, hidden among rocks, and a hundred rods distant — as safe as houses.”
Sheila snorted, “What are you jabbering about? I don’t even see a dragon.”
“Look.” Aubergine pointed.
What had seemed to be a hummock at the forest’s edge uncoiled, became Glaurung the Horrendous. He stretched and preened, licking his many-colored scales with a pitch-black tongue.
Elspeth swallowed and then spoke, her voice scarcely louder than a whisper, “Take me to him, Herbert dear.”
Herbert, shivering like a terrified puppy, obeyed, stopping when his toes nearly touched steely blue claws longer than swords. Elspeth lowered her eyes.
“Greetings, oh great one, I bring you a gift.”
“A gift is it?” Glaurung chuckled, a sound like boulders tumbling down a distant mountain. “You reek of magic, girl.”
Elspeth quavered. “It is none of my doing.”
“I know this,” Glaurung chuckled again. “But here you are.”
*
Sheila pushed between Aubergine and Ubbe. “What’s happening?”
Glaurung’s right wing rose into the sky like a red cloud and then descended swiftly, curling around Herbert, horse, and Elspeth. The twenty guards in shining armor belatedly roused themselves and raised their weapons. One flung his spear at the dragon’s spikey head. It bounced harmlessly away, but Glaurung was offended by the assault. Glaring at the offender, he opened wide his mouth, inhaled, and breathed fire. Flames whiter than the hearts of stars engulfed the soldiers.
When the three on the hill could see again, they beheld scorched earth with no trace of the guards.
Shelia muttered, “Won’t have to pay those boys.”
“But did he consume the virgin?” Aubergine craned his neck, trying to catch a glimpse of Elspeth, or even Herbert.
“We’ll know soon.” Ubbe plucked at his beard nervously. “If he swallowed it, the monster’s internal fires will quickly trigger the talisman.”
Glaurung’s midnight tongue snaked across his fangs. He rose then, took a step and staggered, green froth suddenly boiling from his nostrils. Bellowing with rage, he leapt into the air. His wings beat once, twice, and froze. He rolled onto his back and fell into the forest, snapping great pines in half like twigs.
Ubbe’s eyebrows arched high. “It worked!”
“I can’t see him!” Aubergine stood almost on tiptoe, peering at the wall of trees.
Sheila slapped the Viscount on his expensively clad back. “Forget him. He’s croaked like a frog.”
“What,” Aubergine pointed, “is that?”
A golden glow, like the rising of a summery sun, suffused the forest’s edge where the dragon had lain.
“That,” Ubbe sighed, “is Glaurung’s horde.”
“Now it’s ours!” Sheila thrust her hook into the air.
Aubergine gulped. “Summon our bravos, our workers, our wagons and beasts!”
Ubbe snapped his fingers and a rocket, trailing blue sparks, shot into the air behind them. “Consider them summoned.”
*
With Sheila leading, Ubbe, Aubergine and their small army approached the golden glow. They slowed as they entered the flat area in front of the treasure.
Taking in the splendor, Sheila stopped. “We need bigger wagons.”
“Fear not.” Aubergine sucked his teeth. “I’ll hire as many as we require. We may want an extra warehouse for all the silver coins, however.”
Ubbe peered warily beyond the treasure. “We should make sure of Glaurung’s fate before we begin hauling loot away.”
“Bah!” Sheila snorted. “There’s nothing to fear now!”
As if in answer, a savage crackling erupted from the ground beneath their feet. Smoke and dirt puffed into the air as the earth opened and swallowed them all. Silence returned with the settling dust.
Glaurung peeked from between two massive trunks, his golden eyes glowing with anticipation. Elspeth stepped from a cave fashioned in the hill of gold. Herbert, still leading the horse, followed her. She walked to the edge of the deep pit and stopped. The dragon soon joined her. They stared down at Ubbe, Aubergine, Sheila and their retinue of beasts and men — still stunned but mostly uninjured.
“Well,” mused Glaurung. “That worked nicely. My larder will be full for a nice long time.”
Elspeth glanced up. “You’ll keep them alive?”
“Of course.” He studied Aubergine. “Several of them will make most entertaining dinner companions — until the main course is served, that is.” The dragon glanced sideways at her. “You should be careful with that wizard’s bauble.”
“This tiny spear?” She lifted the talisman hanging from her neck by its silver chain.
“Keep it well away from feverish children.”
“Right.” Elspeth made a mou with her lovely lips. “I think I shall be leaving.”
“Not without your well-deserved chest of jewels and gold!”
She glanced up at the dragon’s face. “Might you spare us a sturdy horse?”
“Certainly. I’ll pluck one up in a moment.”
Elspeth looked back at some of the now squirming men. “What will you do when your larder is no longer full?”
Glaurung shrugged massively. “I have other ploys.”
“I see.”
“Though this one is my favorite, it will be at least fifteen years before the dust has settled enough for me to try it again.” The dragon smiled unctuously at her. “Might you have a daughter by then?
Smiling brightly, Elspeth squeezed Herbert’s skinny thigh, “It shouldn’t be a problem.”
Laughter rumbled in the dragon’s belly. “Your mother said that, too.”
The wizard — one Ubbe Grimdark — flicked scarlet drops from his scraggly beard. “I can.”
“So!” Mollified, Sheila looked at the puddle of spilled wine with some regret. “Tell me more.” She quaffed her half-full cup.
“I’ll show you.” Ubbe produced a tiny spear with a silver blade.
Sheila guffawed, spraying wine across the table, again drenching the questionable cheese.
“The secret to killing dragons,” Ubbe again mopped his beard, “is that you must do it from the inside out.”
“I’ll be glad . . .” chuckling like a large pot of boiling soup, Sheila poked him, “to watch you stroll into our dragon’s mouth.”
Ubbe carried on unruffled. “Once the dragon has swallowed it, my spear will enlarge to the size of tree.”
“How will you get it inside him?”
Ubbe pursed his lips. “We need a fool to carry my magical spear talisman and then be ingested.”
“A fool indeed!” Sheila frowned. “There are plenty of fools, but is there one who would be stupid enough to do that?”
“I know such a man.”
“Do you?”
“Come with me to The Unicorn’s Hoof.”
*
Sheila’s eyes wandered uneasily from mauve silk curtains draping entrances to private booths to the approaching waiter wearing pink tights and a burgundy cape. “This isn’t my kind of bar.”
Ubbe held up a dismissive finger. “We won’t be here long.”
“So where’s the fool?”
Ubbe inclined a shaggy eyebrow to his left. “There, by the fire.”
Sheila’s head swiveled casually and then froze in shock. Standing in a half circle of young women was a golden-haired man, the very image of Prince Valiant. He wore a blue silk tunic, white pantaloons, and scarlet slippers. Jeweled rings gleamed on his fingers and a gold chain hung from his collar.
“Him?”
“Viscount Aubergine, the Honorable Richard Hawk of Tewkesbury.”
“But he’s a noble!”
“They make the best fools of all.”
Sheila looked at the wizard. “How’s that?”
“Men like Aubergine believe they are too wonderful to do anything stupid. They’re also insatiably greedy. If we frame our proposal in the right way, he’ll happily march straight into the dragon’s mouth.”
“You’ve had dealings with him before?”
“You could say that,” Ubbe chuckled. “He was beginning to go bald. I enhanced him up top and he’s due a refresher treatment soon. Ah, he’s seen us!”
Aubergine gestured with his right hand, wiggling his fingers slightly, and the young women scattered like leaves on a wind. Smiling, he strode gracefully toward Ubbe and Sheila. “Ah! Herr Doctor Ubbe! Are you seeking me?”
Ubbe bowed obsequiously. “I am, my lord, though perhaps not for the reason you assume.”
“By all means tell me what you wish!” Aubergine’s smile grew wider and even brighter, prompting Sheila to wonder how many teeth a man could possibly possess.
“My wizardly expenses have grown of late. I find myself in need of funds to complete various important projects.”
Aubergine actually frowned. “You wish a loan?”
“No, no, no, dear sir!” Ubbe uttered a fruity chuckle. “I wish only to solicit your partnership in a mutually profitable venture.”
“I’m interested.” Aubergine’s smile returned and the sun shone again. “My lifestyle entails a great deal of overhead. I welcome additional funds — if no inconvenience is involved.”
“None at all!” Ubbe shook his head. “None — merely a day’s jaunt in the country.”
“To where?”
“Allow me to elaborate. You are aware that dragons live exceedingly long lives, are you not?”
Aubergine nodded cautiously. “Of course.”
“Well, they often develop irksome maladies — scale rot, throat carbuncles, and the like — for which I have created a curative talisman.”
“Of a magical nature?”
“Of course. It’s miraculously effective in eliminating all dragonish ailments, but I have a delivery problem. Dealings between dragons and wizards have not always been amicable. I need a respected and highly placed person, one such as yourself, to complete the transaction.”
“What’s in it for me?”
“The talisman takes effect immediately, once delivered, but its effects are not long-lasting. For permanent relief, the beast must pay us for an enhancement.”
“How much?”
“Two farm wagons loaded with gold, one for me . . . ”
“And one for me.” Aubergine rubbed his dimpled chin thoughtfully. “Dragons are notoriously touchy. Some, especially the older ones, receive visitors less than hospitably — even noble beings such as I. Might I enquire which venerable dragon with whom you wish me to deal?”
“Certainly!” Ubbe lowered his eyes. “Glaurung the Great.”
Aubergine pursed his lips. “That would be Glaurung the Horrendous?”
Ubbe shrugged. “Some have so named him.”
“Hmmmm.” Aubergine flicked a lock of golden hair off his forehead. “A wagon-load of treasure will not benefit me if I am but a cinder upon the floor of Glaurung’s lair.”
Sheila leaned forward and placed the needle-sharp tip of her hook on Aubergine’s adam’s apple. “No amount of gold will do you much good if don’t fall in with our plans, pretty boy.”
Half a dozen beefy bravos rose from tables nearby. The hiss of their blades sliding out of scabbards stopped all conversation in the tavern.
“Meet my personal guard.” Aubergine gazed mildly at Sheila. “I enjoy my life. Because I appear to be a fop and a fool does not mean that I am unaware of my chosen role’s vulnerabilities.”
Ubbe raised both hands. “Enough, Sheila! There is no need for bloodshed!”
“Indeed.” Aubergine pushed Sheila’s hook away from his throat. “I am not averse to a restructuring of your proposal.”
Sheila sat back. “So what’s your plan?”
“We need a virgin.”
“Good idea!” Ubbe nodded, “Glaurung would certainly allow a young girl to approach him with our talisman.”
Sheila sneered, “You keep girls in a cupboard?”
“Not in cupboard, but I keep one handy.” Aubergine shrugged. “You never know when a virgin might be needed.”
Sheila sputtered, “Show me a virgin and I’ll show you a liar!”
The waiter in pink tights arrived with a tray of goblets and a pitcher of wine. He distributed the goblets, plucked up the heavy pitcher and began to pour. His hand suddenly shook with the effort, and wine splashed on the table.
“Idiot!” Sheila’s hook appeared at the end of the young man’s nose. His eyes crossed staring at its shining tip.
Aubergine motioned, “Just leave the pitcher, Herbert. We’ll serve ourselves.”
White with terror, Herbert bowed, whispering, “As you wish, my lord.”
Aubergine sniffed as Herbert departed, “Not the brightest coal in the evening fire.”
“But a handsome lad, nonetheless,” Ubbe nodded to himself.
Aubergine poured and drank, setting his nearly empty goblet down. “Now, shall we collect our virgin?”
“Let’s bring the simpleton, too.” Ubbe leaned forward. “He could be useful.”
*
“Elspeth, my dear, you can be of great service to us, if you wish.” Aubergine smiled his dazzling smile.
Elspeth, her honey-gold locks flowing in gentle waves over her shoulders, opened her violet eyes wide. “I always try to please, my lord.”
“Of course, you do.”
“Young woman,” Ubbe interrupted. “How old are you?”
Elspeth batted her eyes with lashes that surely created a breeze. “Just eighteen, sir.”
Ubbe frowned. “Perhaps a bit old.”
“Virgins, bah!” Sheila glared at the girl.
Aubergine gestured for her to be quiet. “Wizard, Administer your test.”
“As you wish.” Ubbe produced a flask containing a blood-red liquor. Holding it at eye level, he poured three quick dollops into the teacup in his other hand. He turned to Elspeth, handing her the cup. “Drink this.”
Smiling, she took it and drank. When it was empty, she licked her baby’s blush lips with a pert tongue and looked at Aubergine.
Aubergine looked at Ubbe. “Well?”
“She passed the unicorn blood virginity test.”
Sheila growled, “How do you know?”
“Had she failed, warts would have popped up on her nose and her teeth would have fallen out.”
Sheila peered closely at the girl. “No warts. Lots of teeth.”
“Now that that is settled . . . ” Aubergine turned to Elspeth, “we would like you to accompany us to the Teufelwald.”
“Oh, sir!” Elspeth put a distressed hand to her breast. “I’m ever so fearful of that forest! It’s where beasts and wild men hide!”
“Fear nothing, dear girl! We shall have an invincible escort.” Aubergine leaned close to Ubbe and whispered, “We’ll need some minions.”
“Why?”
“To serve as an escort.”
“Will we have to pay them?”
“I can entice minions.” Aubergine produced a golden coin. “But if they die distracting the dragon, we need not pay them.”
Sheila nodded her agreement. “Let’s plan on it.”
*
Elspeth rode a milk white horse led by Herbert, now dressed in a royal-blue tunic, and pantaloons. Twenty tall men carrying spears — ten in front and ten behind — escorted her, silver helmets and hauberks gleaming.
“They make a brave show.” Sheila squinted at them. “Do they have a chance against the dragon?”
Ubbe shook his head. “None.”
“Are you sure Glaurung will take them out?”
Ubbe, nodding, “It’s likely.”
Aubergine, lines of worry creasing his otherwise pristine forehead, poked Ubbe. “You’re sure we’re safe here?”
“We’re up a hill, hidden among rocks, and a hundred rods distant — as safe as houses.”
Sheila snorted, “What are you jabbering about? I don’t even see a dragon.”
“Look.” Aubergine pointed.
What had seemed to be a hummock at the forest’s edge uncoiled, became Glaurung the Horrendous. He stretched and preened, licking his many-colored scales with a pitch-black tongue.
Elspeth swallowed and then spoke, her voice scarcely louder than a whisper, “Take me to him, Herbert dear.”
Herbert, shivering like a terrified puppy, obeyed, stopping when his toes nearly touched steely blue claws longer than swords. Elspeth lowered her eyes.
“Greetings, oh great one, I bring you a gift.”
“A gift is it?” Glaurung chuckled, a sound like boulders tumbling down a distant mountain. “You reek of magic, girl.”
Elspeth quavered. “It is none of my doing.”
“I know this,” Glaurung chuckled again. “But here you are.”
*
Sheila pushed between Aubergine and Ubbe. “What’s happening?”
Glaurung’s right wing rose into the sky like a red cloud and then descended swiftly, curling around Herbert, horse, and Elspeth. The twenty guards in shining armor belatedly roused themselves and raised their weapons. One flung his spear at the dragon’s spikey head. It bounced harmlessly away, but Glaurung was offended by the assault. Glaring at the offender, he opened wide his mouth, inhaled, and breathed fire. Flames whiter than the hearts of stars engulfed the soldiers.
When the three on the hill could see again, they beheld scorched earth with no trace of the guards.
Shelia muttered, “Won’t have to pay those boys.”
“But did he consume the virgin?” Aubergine craned his neck, trying to catch a glimpse of Elspeth, or even Herbert.
“We’ll know soon.” Ubbe plucked at his beard nervously. “If he swallowed it, the monster’s internal fires will quickly trigger the talisman.”
Glaurung’s midnight tongue snaked across his fangs. He rose then, took a step and staggered, green froth suddenly boiling from his nostrils. Bellowing with rage, he leapt into the air. His wings beat once, twice, and froze. He rolled onto his back and fell into the forest, snapping great pines in half like twigs.
Ubbe’s eyebrows arched high. “It worked!”
“I can’t see him!” Aubergine stood almost on tiptoe, peering at the wall of trees.
Sheila slapped the Viscount on his expensively clad back. “Forget him. He’s croaked like a frog.”
“What,” Aubergine pointed, “is that?”
A golden glow, like the rising of a summery sun, suffused the forest’s edge where the dragon had lain.
“That,” Ubbe sighed, “is Glaurung’s horde.”
“Now it’s ours!” Sheila thrust her hook into the air.
Aubergine gulped. “Summon our bravos, our workers, our wagons and beasts!”
Ubbe snapped his fingers and a rocket, trailing blue sparks, shot into the air behind them. “Consider them summoned.”
*
With Sheila leading, Ubbe, Aubergine and their small army approached the golden glow. They slowed as they entered the flat area in front of the treasure.
Taking in the splendor, Sheila stopped. “We need bigger wagons.”
“Fear not.” Aubergine sucked his teeth. “I’ll hire as many as we require. We may want an extra warehouse for all the silver coins, however.”
Ubbe peered warily beyond the treasure. “We should make sure of Glaurung’s fate before we begin hauling loot away.”
“Bah!” Sheila snorted. “There’s nothing to fear now!”
As if in answer, a savage crackling erupted from the ground beneath their feet. Smoke and dirt puffed into the air as the earth opened and swallowed them all. Silence returned with the settling dust.
Glaurung peeked from between two massive trunks, his golden eyes glowing with anticipation. Elspeth stepped from a cave fashioned in the hill of gold. Herbert, still leading the horse, followed her. She walked to the edge of the deep pit and stopped. The dragon soon joined her. They stared down at Ubbe, Aubergine, Sheila and their retinue of beasts and men — still stunned but mostly uninjured.
“Well,” mused Glaurung. “That worked nicely. My larder will be full for a nice long time.”
Elspeth glanced up. “You’ll keep them alive?”
“Of course.” He studied Aubergine. “Several of them will make most entertaining dinner companions — until the main course is served, that is.” The dragon glanced sideways at her. “You should be careful with that wizard’s bauble.”
“This tiny spear?” She lifted the talisman hanging from her neck by its silver chain.
“Keep it well away from feverish children.”
“Right.” Elspeth made a mou with her lovely lips. “I think I shall be leaving.”
“Not without your well-deserved chest of jewels and gold!”
She glanced up at the dragon’s face. “Might you spare us a sturdy horse?”
“Certainly. I’ll pluck one up in a moment.”
Elspeth looked back at some of the now squirming men. “What will you do when your larder is no longer full?”
Glaurung shrugged massively. “I have other ploys.”
“I see.”
“Though this one is my favorite, it will be at least fifteen years before the dust has settled enough for me to try it again.” The dragon smiled unctuously at her. “Might you have a daughter by then?
Smiling brightly, Elspeth squeezed Herbert’s skinny thigh, “It shouldn’t be a problem.”
Laughter rumbled in the dragon’s belly. “Your mother said that, too.”