Galen Beknighted: Heroes, Book 6 (Dragonlance: Heroes) by Michael Williams

Author:Michael Williams [Williams, Michael]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
ISBN: 9780786963164
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast Publishing
Published: 2012-05-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER XIV

“No,” the lady of the castle declared musically as she stepped into their presence, draped in a gray wool cloak, her high cheekbones and deep brown eyes bathed suddenly in candlelight as Raphael stepped apologetically out from behind her.

With her also was the Lady Marigold, large arms crossed over her ample bosom. Her glowering look made even Brandon step back. Marigold saw the young Knight shy away from her, and her glower softened.

The big woman was ready for adventure, it seemed. She carried two enormous bags, one of which bristled with brushes and combs and netting, along with machines and devices foreign to all of the men. The other was tied tightly, heavily laden, and smelled of sausage and cheese. Marigold’s hair was tiered and woven with flowers. Long-stemmed irises perched on the back of her neck, and the flora changed from nape to forehead, where dainty pansies and namesake marigolds adorned her brow.

“She looks like a wandering hothouse!” Brandon Rus exclaimed beneath his breath. Coyly Marigold winked and kissed the air. He flushed and sank into his armor.

Enid was, as usual, breathtaking. The old men thought of elf-women, of goddesses.

Bayard, on the other hand, knew she was from anywhere but the heavens. Enid glared at him angrily and took Raphael’s candle into her hand.

“No, dear Father, dear Husband. No to any of you, for that matter. I am not ‘getting back’ anywhere.”

“But this is no place—” Brandon began, then stopped himself in midfoolishness as Enid’s eye caught his.

Sir Robert snorted, turned, and walked to the far side of the room, his ceremonial armor clattering. Bayard closed his eyes in dismay.

It was like being in the eye of a hurricane. Skittering sounds echoed through the darkness. Even the rats were leaving the vicinity.

“ ‘No place for a woman,’ you were going to say, dear boy?” Enid di Caela began sweetly.

The other Knights coughed, cleared their throats, looked at their feet. Only Bayard stood firm and attentive, half smiling as he stared levelly at his wife.

“Well, let us just take stock of this ‘no place’ verdict, Sir Brandon. I see five males in this cellar—not counting, of course, any of the standard underground fauna. Of these five males, I believe I can say that you alone are capable of serious exploration. Look at your companions. Raphael is a boy. My husband has been waylaid by natural disaster and has a leg that rough terrain will ruinate.

“Of the three remaining, you are all marvelous gentlemen, with over two hundred years of experience among you. Those years, though, will become heavier as the climbs grow steep and the tunnels long. But I am not here to discourage anyone from a little jaunt, in which you can eat things that are bad for you and get your armor dirty.”

Bayard looked at Brandon in amused consternation. It seemed they had forgotten all provisions.

“Indeed,” Enid continued, “something should be done to determine what damages we have suffered in quake and deluge. However my two beloved men may preen and brandish and plan their adventures, I am the Di Caela.

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