Embers by Paul J Bennett

Author:Paul J Bennett [Bennett, Paul J]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Paul J Bennett

* * *

Belgast stood outside the dilapidated building. The place hadn’t changed in decades, still the run-down ruin he remembered. He knocked three times, paused, then knocked twice more, waiting for a count of three between each one. The door opened to reveal a somewhat lanky Dwarf.

“Who’s there?” he demanded.

“Belgast Ridgehand, here to see Lofgrim. He’s still in charge, isn’t he?”

“He is,” replied the Dwarf, “but I doubt he’ll see the likes of you.”

“Tell him,” said Belgast, “that I’ll forgive him his loan.”

The door shut in his face and he chuckled. He could well imagine his old friend's response to such a message. Sure enough, moments later, the door reopened to a familiar face.

“Belgast!” the Dwarf called out. “Well, I’ll be an Elf’s ear. By Gundar's Forge, how are you?”

“I’m well,” he responded. “It’s been a long time, old friend.”

“So it has,” said Lofgrim. “Not like in the old days, eh? We both were so much thinner back then.”

“Speak for yourself,” said Belgast, “I’m as trim as I’ve ever been.”

Lofgrim looked him up and down, breaking into a grin. “If you say so, old friend, but my eyes haven’t gotten that bad yet. I know what I see.”

“Are you going to stand there insulting me all day,” asked Belgast, “or invite me in?”

“Of course,” Lofgrim replied, “come inside and sit down. We’ll have a drink and reminisce about old times.”

They entered the building, making their way through a rough and unkempt hallway. His host opened the door at the far end, revealing a nicely furnished room filled with very expensive furniture, most seats covered in pillows.

“I see you’re doing all right for yourself,” said Belgast.

“I do what I can,” said Lofgrim. “Tell me, how is that cousin of ours? What was his name again?”

“Dagle,” said Belgast. “He was murdered, unfortunately. That’s part of the reason I’m here.”

“Murdered, you say? By whom?”

“We’re still trying to work that out,” said Belgast, “but it appears to be some powerful and influential people.”

“You say 'we’re'? Who’s working with you?”

“A mage couple,” explained Belgast. “Trustworthy people, I can assure you.”

“I’m sorry to hear of your predicament,” said Lofgrim. “What can I do to help?”

“We’re looking for someone,” said Belgast, “a Human, to be exact.”

“Good luck with that,” noted Lofgrim. “The whole city’s overflowing with them, in case you hadn’t noticed. What’s his name?”

“Tamrin Schoenbach,” said Belgast. “We believe he’s been trying to sell the location of a discovery he’s made.”

“Schoenbach?” said Lofgrim. “That name sounds familiar. Do you know his profession?”

“No,” said Belgast, “but he discovered something in the Orc lands. We need to know what it was he found.”

“Hold on a moment,” said Lofgrim, digging into the pillows beside him to extract a somewhat worn-looking notebook. He untied the binding, then flipped through the pages. “Schoenbach,” he said, “Scho-En-Bach. Ah, yes, here he is.”

“You found him?” asked Belgast.

“I did,” replied his host. “I’ve dealt with him in the past. He’s more of an information broker. Reliable, well worth the cost if you’re hiring.”

“Do you

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