The Odyssey of Gilthanas (Dragonlance Reader's Companion) by Douglas Niles

Author:Douglas Niles [Niles Douglas]
Format: epub
Published: 2010-10-03T04:00:00+00:00

"I'll show you savagery," growled Lethagas, stepping forward, clearly ready to wring a gnome's neck. He continued to mutter, "Imprisoning me in a cell for years ... feeding me with foul slime ... leaving your fellow gnomes to rot on the floor around us...."

Gilthanas placed a calming hand on the younger elf's shoulder. "Perhaps we can talk a bit," he said to the gnomes. "Are there more of your people here?"

"There were lots," chirped the male. "There've been a few accidents, though."

"And there'll be more, you old fool!" snorted Drussi. "As if you could do anything right, Spudderapakoosongrandsonfatherianricktillation-"

"How about we just call you 'Spudder?'" Gilthanas interjected. "Now, do I take it you are the only two gnomes left here?"

"For now," admitted Spudder.

"I came here on a quest," the elf continued. "I'm seeking a dragon of silver, and I learned that she was coming to help gnomes in a tower. I think she came here. Did you see her?"

"Silvara?" asked Drussi. "Of course we did!"

"How long ago?" Gilthanas's heart quickened, and he scarcely breathed as he waited for her answer.

"Not long ... a few years, at the most."

"But she was here! Where did she go? Did you talk to her?"

"Only to tell her we didn't need any help. She got kind of huffy, and then she left."

"To where?" cried Gilthanas, feeling his hopes slipping away.

"She wouldn't tell us—or rather, we didn't ask," said Drussi. "Now, if you'll forgive us, we've got work to do ..."

"Not so fast!" Lethagas declared. "First, you'll see that we can get out of here!" Gilthanas was sagging with defeat, barely listening to the debate as the other elf finally persuaded the two gnomes to see them out of the tower. Drussi and Spudder led them down the stairs until they reached a cavernous room that was apparently underneath the base of the tower.

"My griffins?" Leth asked. "Have you seen them?"

"They're still out there, flying around. Probably waiting for you," Drussi sniffed. "How do we get out?" he asked.

Spudder pointed to a large machine: a wheeled mechanism with a studded drill mounted on the front. "This is our digger. It will take you through the wall."

"You have to dig your way out?" Gilthanas asked in disbelief.

"Us? No! You're the ones who want to leave!"

"Do you have any rope?" he pressed. "I think I'd rather take my chances climbing down from the tower or going out the door."

"If you insist," muttered Spudder, adding an epithet for 'coward' under his breath. The elves ignored the taunt and convinced the gnomes to climb with them to the top of the tower. Although both gnomes insisted the lift worked just fine, going up at least, the elves preferred to trust their feet. Finally, they stood beneath the trapdoor, each elf wrapped in a heavy coil of rope. Remembering that this portal had been the one part of the tower unblemished by any sort of machine, Gilthanas reached upward to push the door open.

"Wait!" gasped Drussi, too late.

A blade slashed out of the ceiling, slicing down to gash Gilthanas's hand as he snapped it back.

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