Party at Castle Grof Read Free Page B

Liana in such familiar terms…” he flinched and fell off his crate as Aranok launched himself at him.
    Ariana sighed and grabbed her brother. “Aranok, don’t get carried away again.”
    “But…” Aranok let her pull him away from the trembling mage who had scrambled to hide behind Grald.
    “I know. It’s your duty. Behave yourself or do you want to end up in a cell?” Ariana swung back to glare at Shilir and Grald. “Now, tell us what in the Healing Lady’s name you are going on about.”
    “Look. I’ll be honest with you. Grald won’t go into the Dungeon of Doom my employer found without a full party…”
    Aranok blinked and scowled at the mage.
    “A Dungeon of Doom?” Ariana looked troubled. “The Guild said something about that. Who is your employer that he can afford the Guild of Mages intervention?”
    “Lord Harnez has the king’s backing as well as a lot of money. There is something particular that the Guild wants from the Dungeon though.” Shilir’s eyes looked hunted. “That was how I got involved with the quest.”
    “Quest?” Aranok said.
    “Shilir, let’s take them to see Lord Harnez,” Grald suggested. “He’s the one who wants me to go into the Dungeon and he’d be the best one to explain exactly what is going on.”
    “Wonderful idea, Grald.” Shilir’s voice held a slight sneer. “Didn’t think you had such intelligence in you.”
    Grald still recovering from the fight, didn’t catch the second half of Shilir’s comment and frowned. “What? Oh, never mind.” He turned to Ariana. “Will you come to see Lord Harnez at least?”
    She bit her bottom lip. We really ought to be restocking and getting back home. Mother will be getting worried. “I don’t know. We’ll have to talk it over.”
    “How much information do you need?” Shilir burst out. “You’re adventurers aren’t you? This wouldn’t be any different to what you do normally.”
    Aranok’s eyes narrowed. “Actually, I’m Ariana’s Mage Protector. We don’t normally travel far from Alethdariel. If my sister wants to discuss with me whether or not we should even be talking to your employer, then I am not going to gainsay her. Besides, I don’t like your tone.”
    Shilir threw up his hands and stalked away muttering.
    Grald grinned. “For someone who came close to death on his last trip into a dungeon, he’s not particularly cautious. I understand why you’d hesitate. We’ll be over here when you come to your decision.” He joined Shilir. “I’ll make sure he doesn’t eavesdrop this time.”
    Ariana turned her back on the barbarian and mage.
    “Aranok, mother will be getting worried. We were only supposed to be bringing Lady Eliethor’s report to the Mage’s Guild, nothing more.”
    “The Dungeons of Doom are big trouble and if the Guild is trying to retrieve something from the treasure room of one, then the whole of Quargard could end up in danger.” Aranok pulled himself upright.
    “Aranok, those places have been quiet for at least a hundred years. I’m sure the Guild can handle any problems. They don’t need us.” Ariana could see logic wasn’t swaying her brother. “Besides, Liana will be waiting for you. You have to get back to her.”
    “Liana would understand. Mother would understand and the Queen would expect us to get involved.” Aranok raised an eyebrow at her. “What’s the real reason you don’t want to go?”
    “I don’t trust them. They’ve already brought us a great deal of trouble,” she said, watching Grald and the mage with narrowed eyes.
    “That brawl? I’ve been in worse during the Midwinter Festival at home.” Her brother laid a gentle hand on one arm. “Let’s go and hear what this Lord Harnez has to say. It would be better to make a decision based on more information anyway.”
    “Ok, fine. But I still don’t trust them,” Ariana muttered, rubbing the back of her arms. What is wrong with me? Normally I’d be as interested as Aranok. There’s