Dragons of the Dwarven Depths by Margaret Weis

Author:Margaret Weis
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9780786954445
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast Publishing
Published: 2006-07-24T22:00:00+00:00

3

Faith. Hope. And Hederick.

he refugees trekked through the narrow pass. The going was slow and wearisome, for they had to pick their way among the rocks and crags, always keeping one eye on the gray and cloud-choked sky above them. They could see no dragons, but they could feel their constant presence. The dragonfear that radiated from the beasts was not strong, for the dragons flew high overhead, hidden by the clouds, but the fear was an added weight on their hearts, an added burden on their souls and slowed the people down.

“The pass is too dangerous for the dragons to enter. Why should they bother?” Riverwind said to Elistan, “They have only to wait for us to emerge from this pass, which we must do sooner or later, for we do not have the supplies to remain here long. Once we move out into the open, they will attack us, and we have no idea how far we are from Thorbardin, or even if there will be a refuge for us when we get there.”

“I feel the fear,” Elistan replied, “like a shadow over my heart, yet, my friend, shadows are caused by sunlight behind them. Other eyes look down on us and watch over us. It might be well to remind the people of that.”

“Then you’d first better remind me,” Riverwind said. “My faith in the gods is being sorely tested. I admit it.”

“Mine, as well,” said Elistan calmly, and Riverwind regarded the cleric in astonishment.

Elistan smiled. “You seem surprised to hear me say that. Faith in the gods does not come easily, my friend. We cannot see them or hear them. They do not walk beside us, like overprotective parents, coddling and cosseting us, holding us by the hand lest we trip and fall. I think we would soon grow angry and rebellious if they did.”

“Isn’t it wrong to doubt them?”

“Doubt is natural. We are mortal. Our minds are the size of this small pebble compared to the minds of the gods that are as large as all heaven. The gods know that we have no way to comprehend their vision. They are patient with us and forbearing.”

“Yet they hurled a fiery mountain down on the world as punishment,” said Riverwind. “Thousands died and thousands more suffered as a result. How are we to account for that?”

“We cannot,” said Elistan simply. “We can feel sorrow and anger. That is perfectly natural. I am angry when I think back on it. I do not understand why the gods did this. I question them constantly.”

“Yet you remain faithful to them.” Riverwind marveled. “You love them.”

“When you have children, will they never grow angry at you? Never doubt you or defy you? Do you want your children to be meek and submissive, always look to you for answers, obey you without question?”

“Of course not,” said Riverwind. “Such weak children would never be able to make their own way in the world.”

“Would you love your children if they defied you, rebelled

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