Dragonvein Book Four Read Free Page B

was not an unusual sight. Many human merchants had built up the courage to come seeking trade of late. But these humans were not merchants. These were soldiers. Or at least, they were armed. Only a few of them wore full armor.
    “It would seem as if the humans want to fight with us,” Keira remarked.
    Halvar shook his head. “I can't allow that. They will be a liability.”
    “How so?”
    “Look at them. These are not trained warriors. Farmers and townsfolk is my guess.”
    “A stout heart and a willing spirit are surely all that one needs,” Keira pointed out.
    The king shot her a sideways glance. “And what if they are spies?”
    She had no instant answer to that.
    Halvar grunted. “I will not allow Shinzan to infiltrate our ranks.”
    They walked on a few paces in silence before Keira responded to this. “I’m afraid that may be a chance we must take. Otherwise, we cannot risk having any human allies at all. The fact is, all of Shinzan’s soldiers are human. Our only hope is that there are many others who will be willing to fight with us against their own kind.”
    “Could you?” asked Halvar. “Fight against your fellow elves?
    Her mouth tightened. “If it meant saving Lumnia...yes.”
     
    They found the mayor waiting for them in the tent erected specifically for his visits. Halvar had ensured that this was furnished with reasonably comfortable chairs and a small table. Also, that a good stock of dwarf whiskey was on hand.
    Yelin was a thin man in his late forties with short, salt and pepper hair. His narrow eyes and thin lips, together with a mustache that was waxed and pointed at the ends, gave him an odd, almost comical appearance. Fond of elegant clothing and always dressed in the finest silks and linens, he was sipping a glass of whiskey as they entered. He looked up at the two monarchs with a smile uncharacteristic of their past meetings.
    “Ah. There you are,” he said, rising to his feet. “I hope this isn’t a bad time.”
    Forcing a smile in return, Halvar gave him a polite bow. “Not at all. We are always happy to see you visiting us.”
    Yelin laughed and gestured for them to sit. He then poured them both a glass of whiskey, which they completely ignored.
    “I know you have been irritated by my presence in the past,” he began. His hand shot up before there could be any denial. “And I understand that you are preparing for war. So the petty concerns of a small town mayor are not high on your list of priorities.”
    “On the contrary,” said Keira. “Your needs and concerns are very important to us. If we have made you think otherwise –”
    “You and your people have done nothing but show us kindness,” he said, cutting her short. “In fact, with the additional trade you bring, we already have enough wealth to see us through the next winter. Had I known, I would have approached you long ago.”
    “The wealth you speak of comes from the dwarves,” Keira said. “I’m afraid elves do not possess very much in the way of gold and jewels.”
    “True. But your craft is amazing. The blankets and bows you make are far superior to anything we have. In truth, they have become quite prized items.”
    She couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride swelling in her chest. “Thank you. It is good to know that our industry is appreciated.”
    “Indeed it is,” Yelin said. “But I didn’t come here to talk of trade. I assume you noticed the newcomers in your camp.”
    “We did,” replied Halvar. “They looked as if they have come to fight.”
    “Yes. And they are not alone. Word has spread throughout Al’ Theona. People are pouring in from all parts to join the uprising.”
    “You seem pleased about that,” observed Halvar.
    Any trace of the mayor's earlier good humor fell away. “Pleased? Not in the slightest. I think you will be slaughtered. That is why I am here.” His voice became firm. “I want you to leave. Moreover, I want you to turn away any human seeking to fight with