Finder's Bane (Lost Gods) by Kate Novak & Jeff Grubb

Author:Kate Novak & Jeff Grubb [Novak, Kate]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
ISBN: 9780786964086
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast Publishing
Published: 2012-10-16T00:00:00+00:00

Ten

JOURNEY TO THE LOST VALE

Joel awoke to Jedidiah’s gentle shaking of his shoulder.

“We’ve made port,” the old priest said. “Time to kiss the earth, as the sailors say.”

The sun was just rising over the Dagger Hills. Jedidiah was smiling, but he looked tired.

Joel sat up and wiped the sleep from his eyes. “Did you get any sleep?” he asked. “Someone should have awakened me to take a watch.”

Jedidiah shook his head. “I couldn’t have slept here anyway, and it was my turn to take the watch. Besides, there wasn’t anything really to watch for. The banelich has made his deal. There aren’t too many creatures about to fight a ship in the sky.”

Joel stood up and looked around. The ship sat at the base of a magnificent waterfall. The water’s flow was not great, but it fell over a hundred feet, sparkling in the sunshine. It would join with several other streams to become the River Ashaba. Holly and Jas were leaning over the railing, watching the water with obvious pleasure. Walinda was seated in her chair, watching the bard.

“That woman gives me the shivers,” Jedidiah muttered. He turned and bowed low to Walinda. “Until we meet again, lady,” he addressed her.

“Are you sure you wouldn’t rather stay?” she asked, her eyes still fixed on Joel.

“Certain,” Jedidiah replied.

“I wasn’t addressing you, old man,” the priestess snapped.

Jedidiah transformed his expression into the comically crestfallen look worn by mimes in Westgate. Joel was unable to keep himself from chuckling.

Jedidiah patted Joel on the back. “It’s up to you,” he said with a shrug. Then he whispered, “But I’d have another look at those teeth if I were you.”

Joel met Walinda’s gaze. The priestess smiled, showing her teeth. They were small, white, and perfect. They reminded Joel of doll teeth … unnatural. The bard shuddered. “I have to go,” he said. He made a hasty bow and joined the others at the ship’s rail.

From her chair, Walinda called out, “Four days, old man. Don’t keep me waiting.”

“Cat’s Gate. I’ll be there,” the old priest called back. Beneath his breath he muttered, “Nag, nag, nag.”

Holly giggled and even Jas smiled. The paladin unrolled a rope ladder down the side of the ship and began to climb down. Jedidiah followed as Jas fluttered into the air and settled near Holly. Joel climbed on the railing and looked back at Walinda. The priestess still sat in her chair, facing forward, soon to be left alone on a ship piloted by an undead priest of a dead god.

“Do you ever get lonely?” Joel asked.

Walinda turned her head to face the Rebel Bard. “I know you will return to me, Poppin,” she answered.

Joel scrambled down the ladder.

The moment the bard’s feet were on the ground, the great ship rose into the sky and disappeared behind the mountain.

“Worst inn I’ve ever slept in,” Jedidiah said. “Can’t think why Volo would recommend it.”

“I can still sense the banelich,” Holly said. “They’re not too far off.”

“No doubt they’ll try to follow us from the air,” Jedidiah said.

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