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Part 6: The Finale

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I began to dream. In my mind the goddess Myerl appeared before me radiant in a costume of cloud wisps, She was statuesquely beautiful, ivory white with her features delicately pencilled in. I knew not whether it was her own, as goddesses have the power to wear any face.

She began to speak softly to me, using the same silken tones that had directed me in the treasure room.

“Pall, my warrior, you have served me well, and you shall be rewarded generously for it. Let it be known to you that Gursval was my ancient foe, and in banishing him from your plane great good will come unto you.”

“My lady,” I said, bowing my head reverently as I found the courage to speak for the first time, “how is it that I have exiled him? What was in that box?”

She smiled slightly before answering, “The dragon emblazoned upon the box represents Hraiten-Shu, everlasting emperor of all the planes. My husband takes a dim view of any blasphemy towards his image. Gursval realised this, but Pujkl his steed did not. Siiol provides a perfect focus for the emperor’s power, which is why all images of him are made out of it. Anyway, my husband brought Gursval and Pujkl back to our plane to be punished. This is why I could not help you overtly. My husband wanted Gursval left to his own devices, but I realised that this would be disastrous for the species of your area so I was forced to find a way to get him into trouble. You see, Gursval is my son.”

“What?” I cried.

“Yes, it’s true. You see, even if he is a god, he is still a child. He has to learn wisdom, ‘burn his own fingers’, so to speak. But he is so monstrous and you are so beautiful! How could he possibly be related to you?”

“You forget, Captain Rochefort, that we may change our forms at will. I could just as easily look demoniac, but this form suits me. He took that form because it fitted his purpose.”

“What about the beast? Where did that foul thing come from?”

She laughed again, “That is his pet. It too is a shape-shifter. Anyway, I must leave you know, as people approach you upon your plane. Farewell, hero!”

Then her presence was gone from my consciousness and I felt myself being shaken awake by some large hands. When I opened my eyes I was dazzled by the light, but after they adjusted I was able to make out the features of Hervac, my second-in-command, Warlord of Rondar. I waved him away but he was persistent.

“Captain,” he said quickly, “the Druids wish to see you.”

“Okay, I’ll be there in a minute.” I looked into his sweat-streaked face. “Hervac, when does the battle start? I must be ready.”

“Ha!” he laughed good-humouredly, “the battle is ended. Since you floated down through the sky you have been asleep.”

“How did it go?” I asked, gripping his arm tightly.

“‘Twas not much of a fight, my liege. As you had slain all their leaders they lost heart, and surrendered. A few held out in isolated groups, but they were soon overcome. “You say that I killed all their leaders, yet I killed not the druid Malthor.”

“Well, we know that he wasn’t around when we got in. We found many treasures inside the castle, and you have been allotted one-tenth of them all. The rest will stay in the coffers of Castle Ramir, for those who choose to make a new home there.”

I gasped in amazement, and would have taken a step back had I not been lying on the floor. One-hundredth of the riches I had seen there would make me richer than I had ever imagined. I tried to comprehend it all, but then I decided that I would not take any of it. Mine would always be an adventurer’s life, one in which money was only a burden to be quickly squandered on wine and women. I did not really want it.