The Orb of Truth (The Horn King Series) Read Free Page B

of the ebony wood, imbuing it with a sense of importance.
    “What does this have to do with your dream?” Dulgin asked.
    “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”
    “Try me. It can’t be any worse than the tall tales Amazing Stubby tells me all the time.” Spilf gave Dulgin another glare and slightly shook his head.
    “It came from my dream,” Bridazak blurted.
    There was silence as his friends digested his statement. Dulgin placed the pipe tip back into his mouth; bright red embers came to life as he breathed in the tobacco. He walked toward the window. It was late at night. The fragrance of his pipe filled their small cottage.
    “You’re right, I don’t believe you,” Dulgin finally responded.
    “Spilf’s never seen anything like it. Can you tell me where it came from then?” He paused, then continued, “I want to find out what this thing is, but I need your help.”
    “So let me get this straight, you want us to help you uncover the mystery of this box that supernaturally appeared out of your dream?” asked Dulgin.
    Bridazak looked up at him, nodding in agreement.
    Spilf reached his hand out to touch the container, but it strangely pushed away from him the closer he came to it. He retracted his hand in fear and the other two looked on in amazement. His legs suddenly became wobbly. Bridazak lurched and grabbed hold of his friend to stabilize him.
    “Are you alright?”
    “Yeah, did you see that?” Spilf slowly asked. “Dulgin, try touching it. There was a strange sensation that I felt when I reached for it. I can’t explain it.”
    Dulgin scoffed, “This is ridiculous!”
    “Bridazak, have you tried knocking on the box? You seem to be the only one who can touch it,” Spilf spoke, still watching the oddity, but now with a sense of fear.
    “Yes, I’ve knocked. I’ve tried everything.”
    “Someone is playing a practical joke on you, Bridazak. They snuck in here and placed this, whatever it is, in your hands and then left. They are probably laughing at us right now,” Dulgin placed his pipe back into his mouth for another tug.
    “No one sneaks up on Bridazak,” Spilf defended his friend. Then Spilf caught his Ordakian brother’s glint in his eye, “Bridazak, you have that look on your face that I have not seen for quite some time.” Dulgin ignored them and walked back to his chair. He leaned again, and rested his head against the wall.
    “What look?”
    “The look you have when you’re making a plan.”
    Bridazak paused, “Matter of fact…”
    “I knew it!”
    “Hold on Spilf, it’s not a plan, just an idea.”
    “Yes, and?” A smile of anticipation froze on his face.
    “I think we have been cooped up too long in Gathford. Thule and his goons are getting on our nerves. Plus, we will have Lady Birmham on our tail. It is time for us to move on to bigger and better things; to get out of here, onto the open road, and start adventuring again. Roam the land and be our own kings.” Bridazak knew wanderlust called out each of their names.
    “Finally! I’m ready to break into some serious coin for once, and stay out of these treasureless, small towns,” Spilf said, already on board.
    The Ordakians peered over to the quiet, stubborn Dwarf.
    “You don’t know what you are talkin’ about.”
    Bridazak slid, bare-footed, on the smooth wooden floor. He leaned in and whispered, “Did I forget to mention gold?”
    Dulgin didn’t flinch, but his right-eye shot wide open and glared into Bridazak’s teal eyes. “How much and where?”
    “That box on the table is highly magical and probably rare. Worth more than you can possibly carry, I’m sure of that.”
    “I’m in, as long as it doesn’t involve any of those damn Horn Kings. These humans are leaving a bad taste in my mouth that I would love to be rid of.”
    Spilf then asked, “How much do you think we can sell it for?” he pointed at the mysterious item.
    “Yes, about that,” Bridazak hesitated. “We are going to need to