With my bag packed, the wine carefully tucked away, and my fancy jacket on my back, and fast travel boots on my feet, I looked around the tavern and smiled at my humble little establishment. A sense of dread tried to sneak in when I considered the fact that I'd soon be in charge of two taverns. My impulsiveness might someday be my downfall, but today was not that day. I'd purchased the Shadow's Respite with barely a clue about how I would be able to run it. I'd purchased the Wandering Boar with the intention of helping out the Baron, expanding my business, and also due to that pesky impulsiveness I just mentioned.

  My mug of coffee sat cold on a tabletop. I took a seat and stared at the spot my ghost friends normally occupied. It was empty because they were off doing ghost stuff, I guessed. Did they haunt people?

  Today was the big wedding day. I had a gift for the king, and another for Elixander. I hoped I could get a quiet moment of his time to explain the situation with Baron Swiftwood's wife, present him with the wine, and then ask him something very important.

  The king had barely mentioned his bride-to-be. Or if he had, I must have zoned out at our luncheon. All I knew about her was that she was a princess of the house Dawnchaser, and her family ruled over the Radiant Lands. Princess Elowen was, in King Alister's words, an attractive woman. However, he only had eyes for Kara. This was a marriage of convenience.

  I downed the last of my cold coffee, rose to my feet, and headed for the front door.

  "Bye, Lady Churl!" I yelled toward the open trapdoor in the floor.

  "Yeah. Yeah. Have a good ride. Reckon I'll stay here and keep the place runnin'."

  "Thanks, Lady Churl. Make sure you don't go chasing anyone into strange portals this time."

  Lady Churl was silent for a moment before she cackled and popped her head out of the floor. "Got me good, boss. Got me good."

  I smiled as Lady Churl, still chortling, disappeared back into her space.

  Once I had rounded up Frostfire and asked her to return me to the capital, we set out with her wings beating mightily at the morning air. As we rose, the dragon sang a song in a language I didn't know. It was in a trilling tone with a lot of nuance to the words as they rose and fell. Someone was satisfied this morning. That made me think of Kieran and his claims that he had been 'broken', which set off a round of laughter.

  Frostfire stopped singing and asked, "What is so funny, friend Varix?"

  "You," I shouted over the wind. "It sounds as if you had a good night."

  The dragon chuckled before saying, "I heard the bard sing. That was enough for me."

  I laughed at the image and quickly shoved it away. No sense in dwelling on that peculiar relationship.

  The flight to Crownforge was spectacular. The sun blazed overhead in a cloudless sky. Far below us, the patchwork fields of green and yellow stretched out. Small villages dotted the landscape. Rivers cut blue ribbons through forests and meadows. I'd been over this terrain a number of times, but it never failed to leave me awestruck.

  I held tight to Frostfire with the magically enhanced sticky rope Kara had given me. Despite a few buffeting wind bursts, it kept me from tumbling off the dragon's back.

  The journey passed quickly. We soared over mountains and valleys. Birds scattered at our approach. A few brave hawks circled us before veering away. Soon, the capital appeared on the horizon.

  Frostfire banked over the massive walls of Crownforge. The city spread below us, but something was different. Colorful banners hung from every tower. Garlands of flowers were draped across streets. Workers scurried about, setting up stands and decorations. Dwarven craftsmen hammered away at elaborate archways. Merchants rolled carts laden with food and drink. Guards in polished armor patrolled in formation.

  Frostfire winged toward the familiar rooftop we had departed from, and landed with a tremendous thump that shook the stones beneath her claws.

  I cracked the sticky rope and slid off her back, careful to cradle the wine bottles in my bag. I had wrapped them in rags to keep them safe and secure for the journey.

  Instead of Kara, an armored dwarf appeared through the doorway on the rooftop, his beard braided with silver clasps. He was older than most of the other dwarves I had met at the capital, which probably explained why he carried himself with such confidence. He swaggered toward us, eyes locked on my face, and not on the dragon’s.

  "Good day, Lord Commander," he said with a bow. "Welcome back to Crownforge. I'm Gleamworth."

  "Thanks, Gleamworth," I replied. "I appreciate the welcome. I normally see Kara. Is she well?"

  "Aye, but it's a big day. She's busy watching after the king and his new bride to be."

  "That makes sense." I nodded.

  "I'll escort you to your quarters unless you know the way. I wouldn't presume to tell a Lord Commander how to go about his day or his business, but Kara mentioned you might need a little assistance."

  A line of sweat leaked its way down his forehead toward his nose.

  "It is much appreciated, Gleamworth. I've only been here once, and I'm afraid I would get lost." I studied him. "Is everything alright?"

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  Gleamworth's eyes darted between me and the dragon. He licked his lips once. "Aye. ‘Tis alright."

  "She's a very nice dragon, Gleamworth. I consider her a close personal friend. She's not going to do anything to you."

  Gleamworth turned toward Frostfire and his posture stiffened. The dragon swung her huge blue head toward him and pulled her lips back in what passed for a dragon's smile.

  "Greetings, Master Dwarf," she said warmly. "It's a pleasure to meet you. You are a stout fellow, aren't you?"

  Gleamworth stepped back, then straightened his shoulders. "Forgive me," he said, eyes still moving between me and my big blue friend. "This is my first encounter with a dragon. Truly, I thought they were creatures of legend. I…" he stuttered. "I didn't know how to approach you."

  "Ah, Gleamworth. You are a very nice dwarf," Frostfire said. She lifted her head, gave it a shake, and tiny ice crystals burst forth, dancing in the air around us.

  The dour dwarf's face changed. He smiled and reached out to catch a few crystals on his palm. "Beautiful," he whispered.

  "Thank you, Gleamworth. I've had a long and tiresome night. I must depart and locate a source of food sufficient for my belly. If you would like a ride later, you have but to ask," Frostfire said.

  "Truly?"

  "Truly. Do you have family? There's a saddle around here somewhere. I'd be happy to take them for a trip to the skies over the capital."

  "I…" the dwarf sputtered again. "I would be honored, frie… er. Friend dragon."

  "Anytime, friend Dwarf."

  I motioned for Gleamworth to back up toward the door.

  Frostfire's wings beat powerfully against the air. She surged upward, climbing higher and higher until she became a speck against the blue sky, then disappeared.

  "Thank you for your help," I told Gleamworth. "I would probably get lost without guidance."

  "Happy to assist, Lord Commander." He paused. "Is she truly safe to be around? I hesitate to even ask, but it's my family."

  "She's safe, as long as none of them are bards," I told him.

  "Pardon?"

  "Nothing. They'll be just fine. She's one of the good ones, Gleamworth."

  "That is reassuring. Thank you, sir."

  We moved through the door and down several winding staircases. The corridors twisted and turned until we entered near the kitchen. As we walked through the dining area, one of the cooks slammed through a door, stomping out with a scowl. He shook his head and planted his hands on his hips in obvious frustration.

  I recognized Warren Stonekettle from my tour of the kitchen. "What's wrong?" I asked.

  The dwarf looked up, surprised. "Ah. Lord Vel'Naris. I apologize for my outburst. Two of our cooks haven't arrived yet. Probably caught up in the street celebrations. The streets are full. Nay, packed with revelers. They should have known better." He tugged at his beard. "No idea how we'll prepare the king's lunch without them. The Dawncatcher family is joining them, so it's a right feast."

  I stopped and considered his problem. "I can help," I offered. "Let me put my things in my room, check in with my girlfriend, and I'll come right back. Give me fifteen minutes."

  The dwarf's mouth fell open. His face froze in shock.

  "It's okay, Warren. I'm a cook," I reminded him. "I run a tavern."

  His expression shifted from surprise to disbelief to uncertainty. "I cannot accept help from someone of your station, Lord Commander."

  I smiled. "It's no problem."

  "No. No." He violently shook his head. "I can't accept the help of a lord. Next thing you know, the king will be in the pantry helping to slice bread."

  "He probably would if you asked him nicely enough."

  Gleamworth sputtered laughter.

  "I cannot allow it, Lord Vel'Naris. I do thank you kindly for the offer."

  I shook my head gently and nodded at Gleamworth, who turned and led me down a series of corridors. The stone walls looked familiar after a few turns.

  "I think I remember this hallway," I said.

  Gleamworth chuckled. "The palace confuses even those who've lived here for decades. These halls twist and turn like a maze. The dwarves who built it added secret passages, as well."

  "For defense?" I asked.

  "Aye, and for the servants to move about without disturbing the nobles." He pointed to a small door almost hidden in an alcove. "That one leads straight to the kitchens."

  We rounded another corner and stopped before a wooden door with iron bands.

  "Here we are, Lord Commander. Your quarters." Gleamworth bowed. "Will you need anything else?"

  "No, thank you for your help."

  "Have a pleasant day, sir." He turned and marched back down the hallway.

  I knocked lightly on the door and waited a moment. No response. I pushed it open a crack.

  "Honey, I'm home," I called out.

  Silence greeted me. I opened the door fully and stepped inside. The bed sat neatly made with its covers pulled tight. The room looked tidy and clean. There was no sign of Seraphina.

  I walked to the dresser where a folded piece of paper waited. I picked it up and unfolded it to reveal Seraphina's elegant handwriting.

  My dearest Varix,

  I hope your journey back to Crownforge was pleasant. I had to rise early for wedding preparations. The royal stylists insisted on doing my hair and nails. Then there was makeup to apply and a new dress to find for the ceremony.

  The palace bustles with activity. You should see the decorations in the grand hall!

  I'll meet you before the ceremony. Look for me.

  All my love,

  Seraphina

  P.S. I missed you very much.

  "I missed you, too," I whispered. I smiled and set the letter down and turned to place my bag on the bed.

  A gentle knock interrupted me. "Come in," I called.

  The door opened, and Elixander stepped into the room. He wore a flowing white robe adorned with silver and gold thread. Intricate patterns decorated the sleeves and collar – some in Elvish script, others in dwarven runes. The fabric shimmered as he moved.

  "Ah, Varix," he said. "I had hoped to find you here. We haven't had a chance to speak since I learned of your elevation to Lord Commander. That is quite the accomplishment. I have known you for only a short time, but your actions speak louder than any words I could muster forth. That is my way of saying that this is well deserved."

  "Thanks, Elixander, although I don't want the title. I just want to run my taverns."

  Elixander's eyebrow went up.

  "Long story. Actually, I'm glad you're here. There are matters to discuss."

  Elixander's face brightened with curiosity. "Oh? What matters require my attention?"

  I took a deep breath. "Well, I have a favor to ask, a gift to present, and a very important question."

  "Intriguing." Elixander moved to a finely carved chair near the desk and sat down. "You have my full attention."