Land of the Minotaurs (Dragonlance Lost Histories, Vol. 4) by Richard A. Knaak

Author:Richard A. Knaak [Knaak, Richard A.]
Format: epub
Publisher: wizard of the coast
Published: 2010-10-03T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

A Kender Captured

Kaz caught sight of the soldiers as they were carrying Delbin's limp form out of the corridor and into the streets. The high priest wanted Delbin alive and unharmed, which meant that at the most the minotaur's friend was unconscious. Still, he intended the captors to pay for what they had done. The corridor smelled of fire, smoke, and some other odor that made the minotaur's nostrils twitch. He started after the guards. He had to stop them before they left the shadow of the arena. Anywhere else, and an attack would be too conspicuous. The other minotaurs, busy with their charge, did not notice as he slipped out the entrance after them. Kaz counted only two. A good number. Two he could take with ease.

He was suddenly seized by strong arms that tore the axe from his grip, secured him, and covered his muzzle before he could speak. The minotaurs with the kender did not even notice the swift and silent scuffle behind them. There was no one now who could save Delbin from becoming the high priest's prisoner.

A hard female voice whispered in his ear, "Kaziganthi, you are summoned before your patriarch." Patriarch?

He had been captured by his own clan? Kaz felt like a fool. Of course they would have been in the audience. Possibly even the patriarch himself.

"Give your word of honor and we shall let you walk. Refuse and we shall be forced to bind you hand and foot and drag you. We haven't much time, so you'd better make up your mind fast." She meant what she said, especially about dragging Kaz. The clan of Orilg did not make empty threats. Kaz quickly nodded.

The minotaurs relaxed their grips, though at least one blade grazed his back. Kaz glanced around him. The others were all young, strong, and lean. He could have taken two, possibly three captors, but the clan had surrounded him with six, which was something of an honor, he supposed. Able to speak again, Kaz said, "Listen to me! There is a kender with those two! It's important that we rescue him! The high priest must not get his hands on that—"

"We've orders concerning only you, Kaziganthi. The patriarch saw you flee the arena and desires to speak to you."

"The kender is my—"

"Your word's been given. Resist and we'll have to act accordingly, Kaziganthi." He had no real choice. Kaz glanced at the receding figures. It was already too late. The State Guard had carried Delbin off into the crowds. It was fortunate that only his clan had so far caught up with Kaz.

I'll get you out, Delbin, he silently promised. I'll teach Jopfer to regret his scheming. Another thought occurred to him. Ganth and the others. As far as he knew, they were still inside. He turned back to the female. "The others—"

"We've been ordered only to bring you. Now move on before someone notices who you are. If they recognize you, we can't help you."

He almost laughed. He had escaped, only to be captured just outside the circus.

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