Miss Falfaren and the Missing Troll King

I

The dwarven priest Watson Silverhammer turned to the door. His blue beady eyes watched as his detective friend entered his apartment and removed her plum colored fedora, revealing her pointed ears and long and curly black hair . "Ah Falfaren, what a pleasant surprise," the robust, black bearded dwarf greeted with a smile. "What brings you here?"

Ireniana Farfalen quickly placed her coat on the rack near the door and brushed the dust off of her studded leather tunic. She turned to her friend as he was scratching his chin.  "I am afraid Watson that I will have to keep my visit short," she said in her soft voice.  "I have a new case."
  
A loud whistle sounded off from the kitchen, alerting the dwarf  that his tea was ready.
  
"It's all right Watson," Falfaren said as she gracefully walked over to the wooden rocking chair near the window.  "Grab your tea, and pour me a cup if there is enough."
  
Watson smiled once more then entered the kitchen, grabbed the teapot and two cups, then returned to the living room.  His shoulders rose as he poured as the tea. "The usual amount of sugar and milk." 
  
"You don't I don't like sugar and milk in my tea," Falfaren said as she took her cup. "You wouldn't happen to have any brandy?"
  
"Not since you drank my last glass," the dwarf remarked quiety.  After sipping his tea, he leaned back in his chair.  "So which case are you working on?"
  
"I have decided to take the offer to travel to Manatreese to look for the king," she answered.
  
Watson was not surprised.  For the past week, emissaries from the troll kingdom had attempted to persuade him, and Falfaren to find their missing king in the Manatreese ruins, a place that is said to house demons and other evils 
  
"I would be most happy in going with you to the ruins," Watson said, breaking a moment of silence.  "Providing you don't think of me as a distraction."

Falfaren stood up and placed a warm hand on the dwarf's shoulder.  "My dear Watson nothing would make me happier.  I could use your healing magic and war hammer as you could use my keen skills and sword techniques. Now, let us enjoy our tea and then we will be off."

II

  

And so it was after finishing their tea, the two companions packed their weapons and dressed in lightly weighed mail armor.  They then headed down to the docks and boarded a small wooden vessel called the Blue Shield.
  
"We are making good progress," said the detective in a calm tone as they stood on the Shield's vast upper deck. Watson cast his eyes towards the gray sky, wondering if the ship would be hit with an onslaught of the storm as it moved out of the docks.
  
"I guess now would be as good as time as ever to pray to your Anvilmother," Farfalen commented.
  
The dwarf cast his friend a smirk and shook his head.  Unlike most of the elves, or for that matter the many races of Airway, Farfalen was one of the small percentage of the world's population who did not believe the gods should be involved with mortal affairs.
  
"I apologize Watson," the elf added.  "I should not be jesting about religion."
  
"No you shouldn't," the priest answered.  "Especially if you're lying on the ground bleeding to death because your leg was ripped off by a shark.”
  
As the two friends shared a quiet laugh, a crisp masculine voice called out, "The great Ireniana Falfaren on the same ship as me.  What a small world this is."
  
Watson let out a sigh and turned to face the tall human wearing dull chain mail, underneath his dirty brown trench coat that rested over his white cotton shirt and muscular chest.

Falfaren turned and regarded the human with a tip of her fedora.  "Charlie Hawkshadow, it has been several days since our encounter at the Dark Mare where I saved you from the Mauertain guard."
  
"It is a wonder he is still alive," Watson added with a smirk, looking Hawkshadow in the eye.
  
The human acknowledged the comment with a low whistle.  "Watson Silverhammer, have you visited Geminshire lately?  I hear Prince Homer's wedding will be spectacular.  Although I’m sure it won’t be as grand as elven weddings of course." The human turned to the detective and added," Which reminds me Ireni, when are you going to settle down?"
  
Falfaren's eyes flickered.  "Sadly there is no man in this world who could match the same satisfaction that I get when I solve a case. There was one, but I fear that may be too late."

Hawkshadow ran his left hands through his crew cut style brown colored hair.  Looking at the dwarf, he said," Well my dear, at least some of us have the sense to continue our family name."

The detective let out her high-pitched cackle that was her laughter as Watson's cheeks flushed red.  "Damn gossip queen, why are you going to Radamere Isle?" the dwarf asked the bard in a light tone, oblivious to the fact that the Shield was leaving port. 

Hawkshadow pulled a corncob pipe from his jacket, tabbing the bottom to clean out the dry bits of tobacco.  "The same reason Ireni and you are going to the island, Watson.  While the ruins of Manatreese have been the talk of legends where aspiring treasure hunters go to their doom, for the past two weeks, there have been rumors going around that King Orok Stoneclaw has vanished in the ruins. Two nights ago I was approached by emissaries who asked if I could provide my services in helping find their king, or at least a piece of his corpse and some of the jewels he wore.  They were particularly insistent I bring back Orok's crown and his sword."
  
Both the human's friends watched in silence as he blew a perfectly shaped ring of smoke.  "Unusual for trolls, even ones who are civilized, to ask elves for help," he added.

"Is that why you took the case?" asked the dwarf.  “To help find the missing king?”
  
Falfaren smiled as he leaned her back up against the ship's wall.  "It sounds like that the emissaries are more concerned with the troll king's possession than his well being."
  
Watson exchanged quick glances with Hawkshadow and Falfaren.  "You think they had something to do with King Orok's disappearance?"

"Not exactly how I would put it my dear Watson," Falfaren said walking in a circle.  "We will start searching for clues when we get to Radamere Isle.  For all we know, Orok could have went a night on the town and have gotten lost."

"True, but do you think there is a chance Orok's government will come to the island?" Watson asked.
  
“Yes Watson I do,” she answered in a calm voice as she finished smoking her pipe.  “But the question is, will they come to keep track of our progress, or to hinder it?”

III

The three companions spent the next two days aboard the Blue Shield. Falfaren had kept to herself during the day while at night, sparking up the occasional conversation with the passengers, while Hawkshadow and Watson found themselves helping the ship's crew, by tending to the sick and entertaining the crew with stories of their adventures.
  
At the end of the first day, Falfaren and Hawkshadow approached the dwarf on the Shield’s deck, both of them holding a glass of Stoddarvale Merlot.  “Watson,”  the detective began after taking a sip of her drink.  “I may have just learned of some information from one of the ship’s cooks.  You know, the stout lad with the graybeard and pretty eyes.”
  
“You mean Rhodis?” Watson asked, glancing at her drink.  “Is this about Orok?”
  
Falfaren nodded.  “He told me and Charlie that he recently stayed at the RedTooth Salmon inn.  The same inn where King Orok was eating before he disappeared.”
  
“I have heard the Salmon is one of the most famous eateries on the island,” Watson commented with eagerness in his voice, “The salted pork and potatoes are said to be the finest this side of Airway.”  Noticing the disapproval on Falfaren’s face, and the hungry look on Hawkshadow's face as he began to reminisce about my favorite foods, Watson continued,” So Rhodis claimed to have seen Orok at the restaurant before he vanished?  Was he with anyone?”
  
A smirk crossed Hawkshadow's face.  “Do you know of any kings who go out in public by themselves where death could come at them from any direction?”  Falfaren swiftly drank the last of her wine in one large gulp while the bard finished.  “According to the cook, Orok was with two very muscular body guards, his advisor, and a morlun emissary from the Adamerech foot hills.  According to the Rhodis, Orok and the emissary brought up the name Obidiah Sternfist in their conversation more than once.”
  
Watson scratched his beard as Falfaren set her glass on top of a barrel.  “Near Adamerech lies the Surtus kingdom.”
  
“Surtus is home to the largest population of morluns in Airway,” Falfaren said, crossing her arms.  “I’m sure you know quite a bit about them.”
  
The priest nodded.  It was written in the Anvilmother’s scripture that the morluns were once a race similar to dwarves, both in appearance and in their passion for mining and craftsmanship.  However, during the Great Seduction by the titan Lucian, the morluns because greedy and paranoid of their dwarven cousins, eventually hiding themselves underground for hundreds of years.  When they did emerge, the morluns became creatures that resembled moles.

“This sounds like it’s going to turn into much more than just a missing person’s case,” Watson commented from under his breath, just loud enough for Falfaren and Hawkshadow to hear.

IV

The Blue Shield arrived at Radamere’s short moments after sunrise.
  
Watson stepped off of the ship and breathed in the crisp air while observing the tropical green trees and bushes. Hawkshadow stood next him, dressed in his gear. Stretching his arms, he said.  "Welcome to Radamere Isle home to dangerous ruins, missing monarchs, and possibly the place where we will meet our impending doom.  Where do you think we should start our search for King Orok?"
  
"Eager to begin are we?" Watson asked as he tightened the belt around his priestly robes.
  
The human shrugged his shoulders.  "I figure since we have a couple of leads, we should follow them."
  
"You mean the lead about Orok staying at the Salmon," the dwarf guessed as Falfaren approached them, wearing her leathers but no fedora.
  
"The Salmon does sound like the place to start our investigation."  She said as she took three steps forward.  "Besides, I am hungry for some breakfast."

V

  

Watson let out a sigh and pushed away the empty plate as his belly expanded from underneath his robes.  He glanced at Falfaren as she finished the last bite of her potato flapjack then guzzled down her glass of Daemonbuckle wine as if it was watered down ale.
  
"I haven't ate that well in days," Hawkshadow said, pushing his chair away from the table.  "Who would have thought gnomes how to intergrate fish so well in an omelette."
  
"What surprises me is that Matilda Brushplate is able to remember every customer who comes in here," Falfaren said as the chipper, ginger haired waitress Matena took our plates. "We can be thankful the innkeeper has such a good memory."
  
"You are very welcome," Matena said in a high toned voice.  "Is there anything else you need?"
  
"The check please," Watson said as he leaned back in his chair.
  
"Also I would like to once again speak with the owner of this fine establishment," added Falfaren.  She notcied the grim look on the waitress' face  and added," It's not you my dear.  My friends and I just need to ask some more questions."
  
Matena's face brightened as she bowed.  "I will have Auntie Matilda bring you the check herself then."
  
As our server walked away, Watson glanced at his two friends.  "So which of us is going to pay this time?"
  
"I didn't know we were keeping score with our meals," responded the human.  He pulled out a coin purse that was no smaller than my fist.  "I will pay for all three of us this time."
  
Watson raised an eyebrow and asked," Where did you get that money?"
  
"I did some work on our way to the island Watson," Hawkshadow answered.
  
"I didn't know you couldn't make that much whoring youself out in that short of time," the dwarf said with a laugh. "I'm quite impressed."
  
The human pointed his finger his friends.  "I was singing and telling stories.  You saw me performing on that ship."
  
A sly smirk crossed Falfaren's face. "If Charlie wants to whore himself out for the money and use said money to buy us all breakfast than I see no reason why we should nag at him for it. I might just have to buy your services sometime Charlie and I will not be subjected to some kind of discount just because we are friends." 
  
Hawkshadow's face turned a deep shade of red, not just from Falfaren's words, but also the realization that the other patrons in the restaurant were listening to the conversation.
  
Falfaren chuckled, then looked at the gray haired gnome approaching our table.  "Ah Matilda, thank you for joining us.  And thank you for this delicious meal."
  
Matilda Brushpate nodded and place the check on the table.  When she reached out to grab the coin purse, she notcied the look on Hawkshadow's face.  "Are you all right son?"
  
"I am fine," was all the human answered as he stared down at the table. Watson dug my fingernails into my palms to keep myself from erupting in a fit of laughter.
  
"Good then," the co-owner said as she looked at Falfaren.  "I take it you wanted to speak to me about the trolls that were in the Salmon that night."
  
"You might want to take a seat," Watson said, pulling out a chair for her.
  
Matilda nodded her thanks and sat down.  "It's like I told you before, the troll and his men were gracious.  The shorter of the trolls, who introduced himself as Orok, was astonished that we were able to run this place with a gnome-only staff."
  
Watson glanced at Falfaren and said.  "I guess this defeats the theory of the king getting drunk and wandering the city."
  
"Oh I am sure he was drunk," interrupted the owner with a wide smile on her face.  "He spent over seventy gold on the alcohol he bought for himself, his men, and everyone else that night.  We had to close the place the next day because we were out of ale, and one thing I learned from my mother and father is that you can not run an eatery without alcohol."
  
"A wise woman your mother must have been," Falfaren said with a grin.  "Tell me this, did Orok and his men give any reason why they were in Manatrese?"
  
Matilda shrugged.  "It was the subject of conversation between the trolls for about five to then minutes.  Then Orok declared that it was their mission to get 'her' back safely."
  
After a moment of silence, Matilda continued," He also asked me if I knew anything about the Silverblade that supposedly is hiding in the Manatrese Ruins."
  
The dwarf's eyes lit up.  "The Silverblade?  It's here in Radamere?"
  
Both sets of female eyes looked the dwarf's way.  "Watson, do you know what the Silverblade is?" asked Falfaren.
  
Watson took a deep breath, trying to remember his lessons during his days as an acolyte.  "From what I was told, the Silverblade was forged by the Anvilmother herself during the final days of the Titan Crusade.  How does a troll gain that kind of knowledge about the Silverblade, unless the Deadeye Marshes are populated by trolls who are decendants of the trolls who betrayed the Titans after the Second Seduction."
  
"He probably gained it the same way the bards did," Hawkshadow said with a sterness in his voice.  "Research.  Questioning.  Maybe even some torture.  I learned of the Silverblade and of it's location, three months ago from a pain maiden, who was the priestess of the Titan, Lucian.  When I heard King Orok was interested in the location, I went to him and gave him the information, for a price of course."
  
Falfaren and Watson exchanged glances.  "Why didn't you speak of this before?" demanded the detective.
  
"Other than to forget the memories of my time with the Pain Maiden Watson, I didn't think Orok would be that foolish to go after it," replied the human, grabbing his coat.  "When I heard he was going to Radamere, I knew I had to board the next ship here.  The one thing I did not expect was I would be traveling with you two."
  
"What else are you not telling us Charlie?" Falfaren asked, her eyes staring deeply into the human's.
 
"That Watson snores really loud, and that you Miss Falfaren have a hard time accepting that the Gods are intertwined in our destinies."
  
Watson smiked while Falfaren rolled her eyes.  She then turned to Matilda and asked," How far are the ruins Matilda?"
  
"Not very far," answered the Salmon's owner as she tapped her fingers on the table.  "We have adventurers go there just about every other week."
  
The detective nodded once more.  "Thank you Lady Matilda that will be all."
  
The gnome rose from her seat while Falfaren put on her coat.  "Gentlemen, I believe this is where we depart."
  
"At least there is no conspiracy against the king of the Deadeye Marshes," Watson commented as I walked towards the door.  "But there are still a couple of questions"
  
"You mean like who is the 'she' that Orok and his trolls are trying to find?" Hawkshadow inquired.  "And she did not mention Obidiah Sternfist."

"It could have been that she did not hear the name," Falfaren said as she headed out the door.
  
Before we followed Falfaren, Watson tapped Hawkshadow's shoulder.  "When you read through the stories about the Silverblade, did you read anything about any creatures that supposedly guard the weapon?"
  
The human stared up for a moment.  "I think I read something about the sword being guarded by a dragon.  But then again the Manatrese ruins are one of the least explored ruins in all of Airway.  For all we know there could be devils within those walls."
  
As they walked outside, they saw a faint cloud of dust in the air, as if someone was running after something.  Looking down, the dwarf noticed two sets of footprints, one belonging to our elven companion, while the other appeared to a size similar to his feet.
  
"You know, I had a feeling we were being watched," Hawkshadow said, drawing his weapon.  "Do you think she will kill whatever was listening to us before we catch up?"
  
The dwarf shook his head.  "No.  She's only had one drink this morning."

VI

When they had caught up with Falfaren, she was standing over a stringy gray haired morlun in a dark brown robe.
  
"You are lucky my friends have arrived, otherwise I would have crushed your throat," Falfaren declared in a loud voice as her heel dug into the lower base of the morlun's neck.  She turned to her friends and winked," Watson, Charlie.  I would like for you to meet the spy.  Watson, could you assist me for a moment.  My fluency in the dwarven tongue is not as natural as yours."
  
Watson walked over to the creature, his stone hammer hanging over his shoulder.  The moment his eyes locked with his beady black orbs, the creature spat a string of curses and insults directed towards Watson's family.
  
Watson dropped my weapon and mounted the morlun, pummeling his face with his left hand repeatedly until Falfaren and Hawkshadow pulled him away.
  
Before the creature could make it to his feet, Falfaren put the tip of her sword at his neck.  "You are lucky we are merciful," Watson began as he spoke in the dwarven dialect.
  
The morlun spat out a bloody tooth and replied in the same language.  "Only because that is the decree of your bitch goddess.  You are barbaric as the rest of your brethren."
  
Watson shook his head, trying to ignore his insults while the faint sound of Hawkshadow's singing filled the air.  "Who are you and who sent you?," the dwarf asked," And before you give me that bull excise of 'I don't have to answer to you' keep in mind that each one us could snap your throat with our bare hands."
  
The creature let out a shriek, then stared into the distance.  Speaking in a monotone voice, he began with," My name is Sketezy.  I was sent here by my master Obidiah Sternfist."  He stopped for a second and I noticed his eyes widen and body stiffen.  "We have the troll king and his men cornered in the ruins below.  We will make him pay for making us wait so long for the Silverblade.  We will make him watch as we kill his bride in front of him."

The morlun closed his eyes as the singing finished. Watson circled and faced the human.  Bards, or those with bardic abilities, had the power to produce magic through song and dance movements.  The dwarf shook my head at the human.  "Not bad Hawkshadow."  He turned back to the morlun as Falfaren walked past him.  While five trolls, especially those who were perhaps the strongest in their city, were a force to be reckon with, morluns were a race that traveled in packs when it came to battle.  They were also a race that were known to use foot soldiers, as well as warriors who specialized in explosive chemicals."

 

VII

  
The three companions followed a narrow dirt trail for fifty feet, then entered a thick patch of tropical forest, cutting through vines and bushes until we came across what appeared to be an enterance to the ruins.  Two stone columns stood on each side of the doorway.
  
Falfaren and Hawkshadow stared at the runes that were drawn on both of the columns.  "These almost look like troll runes," Hawkshadow said in a soft voice.
  
Falfaren glanced back at the dwarf, silently telling him to examine the runes on the column she was standing near.  He traced his fingers over the smoothly cut circular lines.  Smiling, he said," I must warn you both, these ruins are dedicated to the Titans."
  
"To a specific titan, or just the titans in general?" inquired a curious Hawkshadow.
  
Watson continued to study the runes, finding one common link between the different sets on both columns.  "They both mention Lucian the Deceiver and that everyone should uphold his glory."
  
"Of course, this was a temple at one time," Falfaren said as her eyes lit up.  "The demons lurking below are in service to Lucian the titan, as are the morluns.  In fact, I bet there are vile orks, and trolls also walking the ruins."
  
It took a moment for the dwarf and the bard to realize that the detective was expressing her sarcasm.  Seeing their face, she shook her head.  "Come now Watson, just because I do not enjoy the subject like you or Charlie, does not mean I am ignorant to it.  Like Charlie's knowledge of troll affairs, I gained my knowledge by basic reading in my youth.  After all, you know my reason for disliking the gods and their ways of using mortals do to their bidding and serve them. We mortals can do things for ourselves."
  
A sigh escaped the dwarf's breath as he braced himself for Falfaren's speech on her vendetta against religeon.  Thankfully, the human broke into the conversation by asking," Is there any reference to the Silverblade?"
  
Falfaren and Watson looked at one another, almost forgetting about the troll king and the ruins.
  
Watson shook his head. "There doe not appear to be any references to the sword."  Before he could say more, a loud explosion came from within the ruins.  Falfaren and Hawkshadow drew their weapons while Watson brought out his hammer once more.  They raced down a small set of stone stairs, into the Manatrese ruins.
  
When they reached the bottom, they had entered a pitch black room.  Watson's eyesight adjusted to the conditions of the room, he could hear Brunhilda's voice, which for some reason sounded like our waitress, echoing in the back of my mind.  He saw the faint white outlines of the walls and floors around them. His ears picked up the sound of Falfaren's breathing. 
  
"Watson, are we walking the right way?" asked Hawkshadow, who seemed to be moving farther away from the dwarf.
  
The dwarf looked back, seeing the human standing two steps away from the wall.  He was about to tell him to step forward, when he turned left and ran into the wall.
  
Both Falfaren and Watson burst into laughter as the human cursed and stumbled forward.  "Damn the eyes of dwarves," he said as Falfaren took his hand and moved him towards the dwarf.
  
After five minutes of moving in the dark, we managed to find a small room lit by candles mounted on the walls.  Rubbing the dry blood from his face, the human asked Falfaren," Ireni, how were you able to stay close to Watson but also find me?"
  
"The ears my dear Charlie," she responded as she wiggled her ears.  "Between Watson's loud footsteps and you hitting your face on the wall, I had no trouble finding my away around in that room.
  
"Don't forget about that laughter of yours," Watson said, crossing his arms.  "If there are demons inhabiting this place, they must know of our presence."
  
Seeing the look of fear on both of his companions' faces, the dwarf realized they were not alone.  Turning around, he saw six large winged creatures, with canine heads, jaws full of sharp teeth, and ape-like torsos.
  
Three of the demons flew at them. Watson channeled the divine energy of his goddess and raised his hands.  White fire shot from his fingertips, engulfing one of the demons. 
  
Falfaren stepped next to the dwarf and slashed her sword across one demon's face, causing the creature to fall to the floor.  In a movement of grace and quickness, she dove the tip of her sword through the fallen demon's skull, pulled out her blade, then attacked the third demon with several swift stabs at its chest.
  
As the dwarf unleashed another round of holy fire into his enemy's face, melting both of its eyes, Hawkshadow moved past them and drove his sword through the throat of one demon.  As the beast dropped to the floor, he began reciting a hymn in what sounded like the ancient druidic language.  As his baritone voice grew louder, a yellow-green flame sprouted around his blade.
  
Inches away from the bard, Watson continued to sidestep the attacks of his blind foe.  After dodging two more swipes from the demon's massive claws, he reached into his belt and drew two small papers that had anvils drawn on both sides, then quickly tossed them at the demon and watched as it vanished in a flash of white light.
  
Watson looked back to Falfaren, whose face was bleeding from what he guessed was a well-placed hit from the demon she was fighting.  The creature was about to go for another hit, when the detective ducked the demon's arm and brought her blade upward, driving it through the creature's chin, all the way through its skull.
  
Unable to watch Falfaren dispatch her enemy, Watson looked over at Hawkshadow, whose singing now filled the room.  He brought his glowing sword across the remaining demon's chest.  The beast let out a horrible screech as its chest split open.  The human wasted no time in plunging his weapon into the exposed chest cavity, turning the creature's organs and bones to ash.
  
"Ah damn," shouted Hawkshadow as his the demon's lifeless body crashed to the floor.  He covered his mouth as the stench of burned organs and death filled the air.
  
Watson smiled at he looked at the bard, covering his face.  "Where did you learn that?"
  
"Some druids taught it to me," Hawkshadow answered in a muffled voice.  "It is the song of the Earthmother." 
  
They had both expected words from Falfaren, but she merely passed them.

VIII

  

They continued through the Manatrese Ruins for what seemed like hours, cutting through enemies who foolishly crossed our path.  Although they had killed an assortment of demons, while sustaining minor injuries, they had yet to find any sign of King Orok, morluns, or the Silverblade.
  
Falfaren had them stop at on open field.  Watson propped myself up against a large stone a foot taller than him while Hawkshadow lay on the sharp hay colored grass.  "It feels good on the back," he said with a yawn before slipped into a nap. 
  
Watson was about to delve head first into a nap, when Falfaren called him from several feet away.  Resisting the urge to fall asleep, the dwarf walked over to her.  His eyes widening at the site she had discovered.  "Is that King Orok?" he asked, pointing to the decaying troll corpse that lay at their feet.
  
"Hardly," Falfaren answered, kicking gently at the broken armor the troll had worn to his death.  Turning him over, she pointed to the blackened hole in his chest and the soot that covered his face and midsection.  "My guess Watson is that our friend here met his death from the morluns patrolling these parts."
  
"But we have not come across any morluns," the dwarf said, glancing at the troll's sword that was a foot away.
  
"No, not in the open Watson," Falfaren stated as she pointed at her eyes and ears.  "However, I have listened to their footsteps and snickers during our journey through the ruins.  They are waiting for the right time to attack, perhaps when each of us is alone."
  
"Obviously, since the three of us have been cutting through demons like cornstalks," the dwarf said with a laugh.
  
"That is when I would have made my move," added Falfaren with a smile as footsteps approached us.  "We left Charlie alone didn't we?"

Before he could answer, three large trolls stepped in front of them, each of them armed with a sword that was taller than Falfaren and wider than Watson.  The troll with the thickest head of hair stepped forward.  "Ireniana Falfaren, Watson Silverhammer, our liege would be honored if you would both have a word with him."

IX

  
King Orok Stoneclaw was a muscular troll and had dark green skin. To the suprise of Falfaren and Watson, he was at two inches shorter than his men.  He  sported a thick mane of black hair and almond shaped blue eyes.  As they watched him engage in a conversation with Hawkshadow, Falfaren and Watson noticed the steel breastplate over his body and the silver medallion draped around his neck.
  
King Orok's eyes looked over at the detective and the priest and said in a voice that was low and graceful  "An honor to meet the great Ireniana Falfaren, and Watson Silverhammer.  Charlie here tells me you were sent by some of my advisers and that you thought they might be involved in some type of conspiracy.  I can assure you that there is no conspiracy amongst my advisers," Orok continued as Falfaren and Watson sat across from him.  "However, we had to keep my mission a secret from my people."
  
Falfaren, squinted, seeing the king's jawline and cheek bones which told her that part of Orok's heritage was human, which would explain his shorter stature.
  
"As for the true reason why my men and I came to these ruins," Orok continued," We are searching for the sword and will exchange it for the safety of my betrothed Dromedea."
  
"Dromedea?" Falfaren asked as she scratched her chin.  "Isn't she a member of the royal family of the Adamerech Foothill trolls?"
  
Orok crossed his arms.  "Yes she is Miss Falfaren.  When she journeyed to Radamere a month ago, she was captured by those tunnel digging rats.  Her uncle, the monarch of Adamerech received the ransom, which was to ally with the morluns and attack the dwarven city of Geminshire.  Once I had heard of the ransom two weeks after Dromedea's disapeerance, I decided to journey to these ruins and rescue my beloved.  We were approached by Obidiah Sternfist, who bargained with us.  If we were to bring him the Silverblade, he would release Dromedea.  It was then I remembered Charlie telling me about the sword."
  
The troll king took a deep breath and continued," So far we have found no sword, and have lost two members of our party, one being an old friend of mine, and the other an emissary from Adamerech, whose life was lost after a skirmish with the morluns."
  
Falfaren closed her eyes.  "I am sorry for your loss.  That must have been the body Watson and I were examining when your men found us."
  
The young king balled his left fist.  "Not to worry Miss Falfaren.  Their deaths will be avenged as soon as we free Dromedea and kill every last damned morlun within these walls."
  
Watson crossed his arms and looked at the king's men. "Although I am a fan of beating morluns like any other dwarf, I'm curious as to why you are hiding here."
  
"That's because we never stay in one place for more than a night," King Orok replied.  "We also conjure as much light as possible to keep the morluns away.  For the last two nights we have been formulating a plan to rescue Dromedea.  There is a specific place where Obidiah wants us to exchange Dromedea for the Silverblade."
  
Watson raised an eyebrow while Hawkshadow joined them.  "You have not found it?" he asked.
  
Falfaren put a hand up to pause the king from speaking.  "Remember Watson, you, Charlie, and I have spent hours down here and the only magical sword we have found seems to be the Charlie is wielding, but that is only magical because of your singing.  If we group together, we should be able to overpower this Obidiah and his dogs."  She set herself up against the wall.  "I am beginning to formulate a plan, but I need some time to think on it."
  
As Falfaren closed her eyes, King Orok shook his head.  "It seems Charlie was telling the truth about her. You should all rest before we attack."
  
Both Watson and Hawkshadow nodded as they laid their backs on the ground.

X

The group left Orok's makeshift sanctuary after some rest and food, and proceeded down a long set of stone steps, guided by troll king's torch light.  "The morluns do their best to stay deep within the ruins," Orok explained.  "The demons that have overrun this area have some reason granted the rats safe passage."
  
"If there are any demons left," Hawkshadow boasted in a proud voice.  "Between us, Orok's men, and other adventurers that might be down here, do you think there are any demons left?"
  
"Yes I do," Watson answered.  "But remember, a dozen morluns have the capabilities of doing as much devastation as two or three demons, perhaps even more."
  
He stared straight ahead at the young monarch.  "He's determined to rescue his beloved, even if it means putting us all in danger," the dwarf added.
  
"She is a princess after all," said Falfaren, who had drank two pints of the troll's alcohol, was in a somewhat intoxicated state.  "And his bride to be.  I know the is pretty much done, but I doubt you could drag him out of here right now, even with Charlie and me helping you."
  
Hawkshadow nodded.  "True, and the alliance between the troll kingdoms made because of this marriage could be helpful to other parts of the world."  The bard shook his head and added," What strikes me odd is that demons would allow morluns to come down here and pretty much take charge of these ruins."
  
"Demons are diabolical creatures, but they can be bargained with," the dwarf said as they reached the bottom of the stairs and turned left at a corner."  If the demons see something that will greatly benefit them, such as the heads of two ruling powers."
  
Silence filled the air as the group entered a vast open circular room.  In the center was a large stone well.  King Orok drew his sword and slowly walked into the room.  "Obidiah, I have come at last," he shouted.  "Release my betrothed at once."
  
Falfaren and Hawkshadow watched as six morluns emerged from the shadows.  The tallest of them wore jet black robes and sported a thick head of black hair that looked like it hadn't been washed in weeks.  The other morluns were covered from head to toe in gray armor.  "Have you brought the Silverblade Orok?" asked the tall morlun, who she realized was Obidiah Sternfist.
  
Orok placed his sword at his side while Falfaren and Hawkshadow stepped forward, ready to portray their roles in the detective's plan.  "I hope this works," the human whispered as he drew his sword and waved it in the air.
  
Ignoring her friend's concern, Falfaren looked at the group of morluns and said," I have the sword Obidiah, but we will not give it to you unless you show us Dromedea is safe."
  
The morlun's mole-like face followed the blade's movement.  He then waved his arm.  Two more morluns appeared, holding a tall femal troll with short auburn hair and dark green skin.  "You see the troll, now bring me the sword Ireniana Falfaren."
  
A proud smile crossed her face as she and Hawkshadow approached the creatures.  "So you knew who I was the entire time."
  
"Actually, I believe I heard Orok and his men refer you by your name," Sternfist answered as he stared as the detective and the bard stood inches away from him.
  
A soft set of laughs escaped the trolls and Watson as a look of disappointment cross the detective's face. 
 
When Sternfist's stubby fingers reached for the sword, Hawkshadow moved the blade out of his reach.  "The sword must be activated by means of song," Falfaren announced, loud enough for everyone to hear.  "Charlie here will sing it for you."
  
Orok looked back at Watson and said," Let us hope this plan of her's works." 
 
At that moment Hawkshadow began his the Earthmother song, causing the flame to spiral around his sword.  Before Sternfist could shout to his men that they were being deceived, Falfaren drew her own sword and cut the morlun's head from his shoulders.  Next to her, Hawkshadow spun in quick semoi-circle and slashed his sword through the chests of two other morluns.
  
As Orok called for the rest of us to charge, the head of Sternfist let out an ear-splitting scream," Kill them all!  Kill them all!" 
  
After stabbing through the chest of another morlun, Falfaren scooped up the severed head and tossed it down the well.
  
Running past the trolls companions, Watson stepped towards the first morlun in crushed the front of his helmet with his hammer.  Two more morluns came at him, only to be impaled by the swords of Orok's guards.
  
Behind him, the priest heard Orok's sword rip through one of the morluns, followed by the shouting and grunts of what I guessed was his Dromedea speaking in the troll language.
  
On the other side of the room,  Falfaren cut through another morlun, six more emerged from opposite sides of the room.  She could hear Watson's boots coming towards her, followed by an explosion that launched him into the air.
  
After landing inches away from the well, Watson strugged to keep my balance, his ears picked up the sound of a growl coming from the well.  He quickly peeked down and saw red glowing eyes the side of potatoes staring back at him.  Pulling his head back, he heard Falfaren's laughter, which was followed by another explosion that shook the room.
  
Six feet away, Hawkshadow watched Watson step away from the well. When he saw sheet of thick red and orange flames shot into the air, he saw, Dromedea's yellow eyes stare at the well as she began shouting," Drake-diab!  Drake-diab!"
  
While Orok attempted to console his bride, Watson ran over to the bard and asked. "What does Drake-diab mean?"
  
"It means devil dragon," Hawkshadow responded as the room began to shake once more, causing the morluns to flee.  "I think they have the right idea."
  
With no objections, Orok and his companions left the room.  When Falfaren reached the door, she looked back, watched the enormous reptilian beast burst though the floor, its bat-like wings beating against the ceiling while molten lava dripped from his jaw.  Protruding from the center of its back was a sword that was glowing silver.
  
Falfaren looked to her left and saw Watson holding three sheets of paper from my belt pouch. She grabbed his arm and quickly pulled him away from the room.  "Watson, now is not the time to play the role of holy dragon slayer."
  
Watson shook his head and looked up at her.  "The Silverblade.  It is in the dragon's back."
  
"So it would seem," Falfaren said as they heard the dragon's roars echo from the room.   "Not a word to Charlie or Orok until we leave the place.  I do not want to chase after all of you.  After all, Orok saved his maiden without the use of that sword."
  
Watson nodded, coming to his senses.  "In a way the dragon provided some help  Besides, it will not be long before the morluns regroup.  That is if the dragon does not make them repair the damages to the floor first."
  
As they caught up with the remainder of the group, both Falfaren and Watson wondered if that the morluns were groveling before their master, or if they were perhaps waiting for them somewhere in the ruins, waiting for the opportunity to avenge their fallen comrades.

XI

  
They arrived at the inn at nightfall and stayed an extra two days. 
  
On the first night the companions had a lavish dinner and toasted to our fallen comrades.  Although the presence of the trolls was not as profitable as the first time Orok and his men came, the king compensated the gnomes by extra rounds for the guests who did come to the inn.
 
Watson had told Hawkshadow about the Silverblade that night at dinner, to which he responded with various proposals throughout the next day to go back to the ruins and slay the dragon.
  
"It is like I said to Watson," Falfaren explained the morning of their departure.  "We have done our job. We rescued Orok, who in turn rescued his bride.  If it so happens that a case comes up where I have to get the sword, then maybe I will kill the dragon and retrieve it."
  
Hawkshadow shrugged his shoulders.  "From the description Watson gave me of that dragon, we would probably have to recruit between twenty to forty others.  But if I have you and Watson with me, I'm sure we could overcome those odds."
  
When they turned to look at Watson, he stroked his beard and said.  "What if there is a case where one of the gods wants you to find the sword for him?"     

Falfaren finished her ale and stared at the dwarf. "I would give you my response, but I believe there are children present and they should not be subjected to my foul language."

**