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side story [The Tale of the Soup-maker]
appendix [a]
gallery [duma] [dale] [dale 2] [beryl] [ugarit] [ugarit 2] [ugarit 3]

Part Sixty-seven

Kato found the inn on his own, the bird having since gone off to warn Beryl of the Halfling's whereabouts. Kato entered the Hart of the Hills and went immediately to the bar to call up an order to the barkeep. It took some time, as the Man tending the bar was not entirely accustomed to serving Halfling and did not know from where Kato's voice called.

Kato reached up to take his pint of ale in his small hands and then made his way to a table in that part of the room well-lit by firelight from the large smoky hearth. The smoke in the room came also from pipes and Kato packed his and then struck a match against his tiny Wizard-made tinderbox to give it a light. He was sitting enjoying his drink and smoke when he felt a knife tip against his back.

"So, what are you doing back here alone, drinking and smoking so calmly?" Duma demanded. "Did you deliver your message?"

"That hurts a little. I thought we were friends."

"It is strange your coming here alone and settling down with a pint, with no word about what has happened to Dale or Beryl…

Kato craned his neck and turned his head a bit, so that he could see Duma behind him. He was wearing a cowl that covered his ears and hair and cast his eyes in shadow, though Kato had not known him to own such a garment. "I expected to find you in the warmest part of the room, and so here I am."

Duma scowled. "Had you looked very closely at the trophies these Men bring back from their hunts?"

Kato had looked before, but he looked more intently now and made out squared-off Orc blades, hair clumps and pieces of spiked armor on the walls amid the horns, heads and hides. That explained why Duma had hidden himself. Men in simple towns might easily mistake him for a full Elf, but Kato was certain the Men here were more savvy and war-hardened. They would know an Orcish creature and be as certain to kill it.

Duma moved around the table and sat across from Kato, as he moved, Setsugekka came also from behind Kato and stood beside their table.

"Was this person bothering you, Master?" a Man asked. There was another beside him.

Kato looked up and smiled at them. "No, no, he is an acquaintance of mine. No trouble here. I thank you for your concern."

Duma clacked the barbell in his tongue softly against his teeth.

When the Men left, Kato said to Setsugekka, "You may sit if you like."

Duma growled and the girl merely glanced to the floor and then remained standing. "The floor and furnishings are not to her liking," Duma explained.

Kato gave a slow nod. He did not really understand. He did notice that the girl was also hidden in some new garment, or rather some dirty old garment that she had not possessed before. The cloak hid her hair and much of her face, but the ornate fabric of her long sleeves and the hem of her robes were yet quite visible.

"Where are they?" Duma asked, idly carving the wooden tabletop with his drawn knife. The table seemed to have seen similar use in the past. "What was the message?"

"I do not know."

"Do not know…which?"

"I do not know where the others are at present, nor can I give you a satisfactory answer regarding the message."

"What's that mean?"

Kato tsked at the manner of speech Duma seemed to have learned from Dale. "I suppose I could tell you the message now. It is strange…I feel…differently about it…rather suddenly, I think. I would sing it for you, but I do not think it would really tell you what you wish to know. I do not understand the message."

"How can you deliver a message that you do not understand?" Duma hissed.

"I memorized the sounds of it."

"I understand one thing: you were correct that I would not be satisfied. You may have told someone how to make all the Orcs sick, and you sit with your pipe…"

"Perhaps we should not speak of it here."

Duma glanced from side to side. "We can go upstairs."

"I never had an Orc before." Kato covered his mouth quickly with one hand, just as Duma growled at him. Kato laughed. "The air of this room is getting to me," Kato said and then more softly he added, "I have made a bargain with a very harsh master."

Duma believed that he understood very well about Kato's present situation, but it was not very interesting to him and so he did not wish to hear about it.

"What speaks the Little Man?" Setsugekka asked.

"It is not something fit for a Lady's ears," Duma said rather pleasantly, too pleasantly.

"I do think it remarkable that one of your race has learned such courtly manner in such a short time."

"We have been traveling with females," Duma said plainly.

"Yes, I mean to say," Kato laughed softly before continuing, "there are males of other races that are married and not so mannerly to their wives."

Duma chortled a laugh. "That is something I have learned; males are never so pleasant to females that belong to them as they are to those that belong to others. No other male is likely to cross him if he becomes rude to his own females!"

Kato laughed, but then, he thought that in the past he had likely been quite crude in the presence of various females and Beryl would probably say this subject was rather distasteful and that it was cowardly and dishonorable to only show manners when one feared a female had some kin or escort nearby to defend her. It did not seem it took courage to mistreat someone who was weak or undefended.

"Though, I think it makes me sad to say that is true," Duma said quietly. "There are some females who cross a male on their own behalf if they do not find they are treated as they wish. There are some males who are treated poorly because they are not strong enough to resist. It seems most smart and safe to treat others well. I think you were trying to call me weak just then!" Duma's voice became accusatory. "You were saying I was so weak that the females could train me like some pet!"

Kato laughed rather nervously. "No, no. It was just I was impressed by your ability to be so mannerly. You are a credit to your race. It was likely as you say. You were smart enough to see the advantage in it, and not so weak as to be made a pet."

"Laurel and Lenaduiniel are very powerful and smart. It is only smart to consider what they suggest. They are females that can kill many Orcs if they wish it. It is not weakness…it is diplomacy."

"Aye, diplomacy. It is at that." Kato laughed merrily. "You are a very good student."

"It is smart to learn what others who are smart know. Let us go upstairs now. I feel these Men watching us."

Kato Duma and Setsugekka went upstairs to one of the rooms and spoke there, and shortly Beryl found them, bringing Dale and Tsuki with him. Beryl took Kato to the second room they had arranged for and Dale spoke then to Duma. "We have reason to believe that were given orders under false pretenses."

"I do not understand."

Dale drew in a slow breath and faced Duma, who was seated on the floor. He said, "I, or rather, Tsuki and I both, had some suspicions before now that there was something not quite right about our assignment, but we agreed that until wrongdoing had been proven, we must trust our superiors and continue. Now, well, I cannot say the fact is proven without doubt, but it is true that we have seen further evidence that gives us cause to believe we have been manipulated. It may be that we have enabled Kato to deliver a message to one who is our enemy, and it may be that that message contained information that will be used against Orcs."

Duma was confused. This matter had frustrated him for some time, but he was not sure how to react. Dale's confession still did not prove that he was certainly ally or enemy to Orcs. If it did happen to be true that Dale had, by his actions, aided others who may be enemies in their efforts, but without knowing what he did, was his failure to know proof that he was an enemy, or was it all just accident, as when the intended target of an arrow moved, or the bow was not held steady and as result some other was struck and injured.

Should Duma now set himself to killing his father, or should he consider whatever now befell the Orcs unavoidable tragedy and argue Dale's innocence to Marduk? Duma wondered if there was some other course of action he might take, some thing that would make things better or more clear.

Dale, Tsuki, and Setsugekka as well could see that Duma was troubled. Dale did not know what to say. He was rather confused himself.

"We need to learn the contents of the message, to know for certain," Tsuki said quietly.

"How?" Duma demanded. "I tried to make him tell me. I tried, and Kato himself does not know what he revealed." He shook his head in frustration. "He was made to learn some gibberish or foreign language."

"Duma, that is why we have left the other room to Beryl and Kato…"

"I did not really wonder at their being alone with each other," Duma whispered.

"I am quite certain Kato has long been under a spell of compulsion. I know something of such spells, and apart from seeming evidence that Wizards are behind some part of this plot, compulsion spells are not something easily broken. It cannot be done by force, not by any normal person. The ensorcelled one must break their mind free of the spell, and this can only be done by the strong of will with subtle encouragement from others. Beryl has attempted some helpful enchantment and perhaps Kato is breaking the hold of the spell, but we cannot force him to tell us, whether the message be in foreign tongue or not. All we can do is wait."

"That is not all," Dale said, "it is only all we can do about learning from Kato. We are also coming to suspect other parties and means strongly. There has been some interference with Ranger communications. We now cannot be certain whether orders or messages from any Rangers or those superior to them are true or just."

There was a silence in the room and then Tsuki suggested they get some rest while they may. None of them undressed entirely, and though they might have considered Setsugekka's presence, their reason was concern that they may have to rise quickly to meet danger. They took what restful positions they would on the beds or floor, but none slept.

Instead they spoke of their suspicions. Dale said that he believed he could trust Marduk, though he did not like him, because Marduk was a direct and forceful creature and it was not within his nature to be involved in a deceitful plot. Thus, Dale believed the account that the Blue Wizards had been in some location in the north, had recruited Orcs there, had developed something that had the effect, whether intended or not, of sickening Orcs.

Tsuki told Duma how they had met with a particular Ranger in Eldsbridge whose squad all seemed more creatures disguised as Elven Rangers than actual Elven Rangers and that he now believed that the Rangers had been infiltrated by some foreign agents and that such disguised messengers were in some way connected to the Blue Wizards and had been responsible for delivering false messages to the Rangers, and it was these false Elves and Rangers that the Orc scouts had sighted and which had caused the Orcs to then track and even attack true Rangers, who may have unknowingly carried false messages.

They were not certain where the Blue Wizards were now, but as their message had come from and been delivered to suspicious characters, it could only mean that these Wizards had gone against their order, all the Order was now set against the Rangers, or that the Wizards remained good while the Rangers holding power were evil and only the false Rangers did good. Tsuki did not believe that the established Rangers were evil, and he certainly did not believe he was evil, and so he concluded that The Blue Wizards, at least, had turned against their previous mandate, or…

"Could the Wizards believe they do good and yet have reason to use such mysterious agents?"

"They may believe what they do is ultimately right," Dale said, "I would easily believe Wizards to have such self-centered beliefs; but they must know that not all would consider their work good, as they are acting in secret. If they know not all consider their work good, then they should be wise and question what they do, but it would seem history has shown that when Wizards sway from their mandate they fail in wisdom."

"It would seem."

"It was not a personal attack," Dale said flatly, though he knew Tsuki was offended. "Wizards are powerful. They must be absolutely pure of heart or else the temptation to use that power for some evil or personal gain consumes them, and all suffer."

"Does any of that tell us who or what is in the Silver Wood, slaying Elves and Orcs alike. There are some 'others' there. I saw one of them. This girl knows of them, I think."

Setsugekka looked calmly at Duma, knowing from his gestures that he had spoken of her. She did not know what he had said as he spoke the Common Speech of the west.

"We do not know for certain that there is any relation between the deaths in the wood and Kato's mission," Tsuki said.

"No, perhaps we do," Dale whispered, even though Setsugekka would not
understand. "This girl has spoken of a 'master' and it is evidently some person with Wizard made devices to supply her and one who has been to the east, most likely, and one who would dared venture into the ark Lord's realm looking for
magic devices among the debris. She brought that seeing stone to us."

Tsuki made a slow nod as he considered Dale's words. "You suggest then that one of the Blue Wizards is this girls Master."

"When she fainted," Dale continued to whisper, "it seemed like some reaction to resisting a spell of compulsion, as we have previously seen in Kato and yourself. We know it is not the Brown, and as you visited with the present White and history tells us of much of his activity, and we know your Previous master is dead and the Dark Lord destroyed, it would seem that one of the Blue must be warden to this girl."

"It is not proof, but it would seem likely, given all that you mention. It was said the Blue went into the east and were there until recent times. They may have both been in the north, but then one at least may have departed that location and traveled south to prepare some plot."

"Kato could have delived his message to the Wizard, Duma said, "we did not see who he gave the message to, correct?"

"Yes. We did not see. We saw only the one who escorted him to the place where he was to deliver his message, and not the one Kato spoke to. It could have been a Wizard, though we do not yet have proof of it."

"Maybe Beryl will hear it from him soon," Dale supposed.

"If it was one of the Blue," Tsuki said, "then it would seem they had reason to send a message from the place something was developed into this region. Perhaps the thing that was developed cannot easily be made in the north or else cannot easily be moved after making, and if that is true, it's intended use would be in this region."

"Or, perhaps they need some material that is here to make it?" Dale offered.

"We do not really have enough information to know for certain," Tsuki said firmly, "but we have no more obvious suspect. Wizards are powerful, that is true. If some Wizard-made device or plot is to be begun or deployed in this area, we are all in great peril, whatever our race. I would question Setsugekka, but as we have already discussed, it is unwise to press those under compulsion."

"It is likely just as wise to trust them," Dale said. "Maybe she can be made to repeat all we say to her master, even if she does not understand what she says."

"She believes I am her lord," Tsuki said. "That belief is causing her to resist the compulsion. The closer she stays, the more she will resist and perhaps become useful to us. I feel we must take this risk and act with trust toward her. Rejecting her may only make her our enemy."

"It is not only a Wizard. The Wizard is not slaying Elves in the Wood. These others may be allied with him, or acting in their own interest, but they are there, and like Elves, but not."

"As are those who infiltrated the Rangers," Dale added.

"Yes. Then perhaps, the Blue Wizards did what they were rumored to have attempted. They went into the east and brought the Dark Elves out of that land."

"Dark Fire burn us all if one line of Elves is made to war against another," Dale whispered.

"Elves are content to war against Orcs, and Orcs were long ago Elves," Duma said, "Elves do not often admit it, but they know. I am certain you all know, and that is why you find Orcs so terrible."

"I am not really the Elf who needs to hear such things," Dale said irritably, nearly at a warble, "but all the same, it is not only that Elves have found Orcs terrible and hated them for waylaying Elven Ladies in their travels, but because Orcs served the Dark Lord. There is a small chance such ways will change, now that one is defeated. A small chance."

"Whatever these creatures out of the east are, if they mean to kill us, then they are our enemies," Duma said firmly.

"Yes," Dale said slowly, "if we find these strange ones you have seen are those who have attacked Orcs and Elves, then they are enemies to you and I, and perhaps to all other Elves and Orcs alike."

"And if they act against their will?" Tsuki asked.

"What do you mean?"

"If these Dark Elves, if they be such, act only under the direction of some Wizard, are they then still deserving of death, or of pity and mercy?"

"Were Orcs deserving of mercy when they were slaves to the Dark Lord?" Dale demanded.

"Perhaps they were. Perhaps they were always Elves twisted by sorcery and we all too weak and fearful of such things to show them mercy."

"How can you show mercy to something that is about to take your head?" Dale demanded.

"I do not say these are easy questions to answer, but, Elves found means to take you captive and inspire you to change, and Duma has learned much since the day he joined us. I have seen change in Ugarit and even Dog, and even in Marduk."

"Marduk would kill us still if given the opportunity!"

"But will he stand and negotiate if shown some display of trust?"

"I-I suppose he would."

"And if the Dark Lord lived, could he?"

"I am not certain."

"What are you saying, Tsuki?" Duma asked. "Are you saying we should not kill these ones who attack us? They killed two good Elves already and Galadhiel came close to death and also those two Lain and Loriol. They hurt Dog also, and other Orcs reported things in this region that killed Orcs. How do we negotiate with things that spring from shadows to kill us and shoot darts and arrows from concealment?"

"I am saying that to remain good ourselves we must make the attempt. We must be prepared for war, and yet at the same time, prepare ourselves to show mercy at any time it can be afforded. That is the only way to be righteous. To simply declare them enemies without knowing their nature and origin, is to deny the lessons people such as Dale and yourself have taught us. No Elf wants a kinslaying, and I do not think Orcs truly want another enemy when they have not yet made peace with Dwarves, Elves, or Men as a people."

"We have not made peace with Halflings, even."

"True."

"What do we do, now?" Dale asked. "How do we seek those we suspect and confirm their plots against us?"

"I am not yet certain how we may proceed, but I am thinking on it," Tsuki promised. "I will repeat to Setsugekka what we have said. Perhaps if she is not questioned, but told our suspicions, it will trigger some reaction that will be telling, yet not harmful to her."

Tsuki then moved closer to Setsugekka and began to relate to her much of what had happened. He told her how he and Dale had begun a journey with Kato and that they suspected he was a messenger for a Wizard, perhaps on in blue robes. He explained how they had crossed the path of Orcs, come to know Laurel, and Fei, and fought with witches, been joined by Beryl and Galadhiel and two Elves already known to them, and also how they had come to know individual Orcs, such as Duma, who was Dale's child, and also, Ugarit, Marduk and Dog. Tsuki said that they knew she had helped Dale recover after their river crossing and were grateful for this. He told Setsugekka how they had finally come to the wood, and learned of the attacks upon Elves and Orcs and that many Orcs had sent drum signals and now were amassed within the northern parts of the Silver Wood. He said that their group suspected some plot or device had been developed by Wizards and would soon be made or used, perhaps against the Orcs and that the Rangers had been infiltrated. Tsuki then told Setsugekka that the people he was allied with wished for peace and only fought to defend themselves and others when there was no other option and that they did not wish to have war. He said that Duma had seen some strange person with Setsugekka and that they suspected some people like that one were responsible for attacking Elves and Orcs alike. Tsuki said then, "If any are being controlled or have been mislead, we would be willing to aid them and negotiate peace with them, but if we are attacked in such force or stealth that sparing lives of our attackers would mean our own peoples lives are lost, then we will kill, though we do not prefer to do so."

Setsugekka understood all that Tsuki said, as he spoke her people's language well enough, and she had knowledge of much of the plots he described. Unlike Kato, Setsugekka had not been compelled to forget, she was only prevented from telling others what she knew. And even as she struggled to help Tsuki and find some way to tell her newly-found Lord that he was correct to fear and that she feared the Romendar would be too slow to make a peace, even if she wished they might, her stammered attempt to form words was drown out by shouting from outside their room.

Tsuki rose and drew his swords as Dale and Duma also readied their weapons. "It's Beryl! He and Kato are in trouble!" Dale said.

Dale and Duma went to the door before Tsuki, as Tsuki remained long enough to instruct Setsugekka to remain in the room and to guard herself. He promised to return as soon as was possible.

In the hallway, they could hear Beryl's shouts just as clearly, and the sounds of melee. Some other guests of the Inn were in the hall, though none attempted to enter the nearby room. Some were going down the stairs in a panic.

Dale tried the door, as he reached it first, but found it locked. Beryl seemed in earnest peril and so Dale stepped back to throw all his weight into breaking the door. He succeeded in several tries and the door fell in.

Tsuki moved to catch Dale from falling onto the broken door as Duma slipped past, into the room, with a knife in each hand. The first thing Duma or Tsuki noticed was that there were about six black clad figures battling Beryl. The second thing kept them from joining the battle immediately, as they stood stunned inside the doorway.

"Why is Beryl dressed like a pet?" Duma asked loudly.

Beryl found a second to glare at Duma one-eyed, from beneath swinging hair as he spun to dodge a small thrown blade. Dale scampered to the wall and wrenched free the blade that had nearly missed Beryl's arm. "They throw stars, they do."

At that, Tsuki gave a shout and went on the offensive. No longer fighting half a dozen opponents on his own, Beryl gained ground and drove the attackers across the bed to the other side of the room, while Tsuki advanced and drove them into one corner. Duma had meant to help, but had been struck in the head by a baton-like weapon by one of the hooded and masked attackers and fallen unconscious.

Dale looked for Kato.

Quickly, the attackers withdrew, stealing out the window and carrying their fallen with them. Tsuki rushed after then to the window. "Quickly, we might still catch them!"

"They left. Not a good sign," Dale said then.

"Caerig!" Beryl called.

There was a faint cry from beneath the bed.

Dale was already crouched and threw himself forward then to put a hand into the space under the bed. "Kato. Kato, come out. Are you badly injured?"

Kato was drawn out, curled in on himself and wearing remnants of what seemed a wizard costume. Dale's hand was slicked with blood where Kato had grasped it.

"Let me see the wound!" Beryl demanded, falling to his knees, his sword dropped bloodied to the floorboards.

"No. It is not so bad. I have to tell you now. Let me tell you. The message. They did not want me to remember and tell you. Listen to me now and then I will be treated."