The Dragons of Krynn (Dragonlance Universe) by Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman

Author:Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman [Weis, Margaret & Hickman, Tracy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Anthologies, Adventure
ISBN: 9781560768302
Amazon: 1560768304
Goodreads: 362786
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
Published: 1994-03-01T00:00:00+00:00

"Your rathers do not count, " said the old baron waving the wand absentmindedly at Fool's Gold. "We will hold your possessions as a sign of good faith. "

"Possessions?"

"Your ale-swilling hound, " said the old baron with a tight, paper-dry smile.

"Were I half the warrior you think I am, I could slay you now. "

"Perhaps. And at the cost of your own life, perhaps. Or that of your companion. " He motioned again toward the dog. Fool's Gold growled as Jengar reached down a hand to shush him. But Jengar wasn't quick enough, and the creature leapt toward the petty lord.

"Observe and learn, " said the old baron, pointing his wand at the hound and muttering something under his breath. Fool's Gold never completed his leap. The dog froze, midway between the warrior and the dais, and hung there, trapped within a sphere of softly scintillating color.

"Pretty, no?" said the old baron with a smile. "This toy was found long ago in what is now the gnome's lighthouse. Watch further. " Another mutter, another wave of the wand, and the sphere began to contract from all sides. Fool's Gold shrank as well, diminishing until he was half his original size. The dog gave a whine that was half surprise, half fear.

The old baron leaned forward. "Do I have your promise you will rid the village of this gnomish threat?"

Jengar frowned. "I cannot promise, " he said with annoyance verging on anger.

The old baron chuckled. "Yes, you can. That's what makes you ideal for this task. Others I sent, cowards and wastrels all, were bought off with high ideals and a little tea. You can promise, and you must keep your promise. "

"Those that disappointed you in the past were shrunk to nothingness, "

surmised Jengar.

"You said that, not I, and you always speak the truth. " A third mutter, and Fool's Gold and the glowing globe floated to the base of the dais, the frightened dog spinning within, looking for an outlet.

"The bodily functions are slowed within the globe, but starvation and suffocation do occur eventually, " said the old baron in an offhand manner, then added in a half whisper, "One bravo lasted two full weeks, a record.

"I want the gnome and his little industry gone from my barony, " the old baron continued, his voice rising with surprising strength. "If you do not so promise, I fear for both you and your pet. "

Jengar was silent.

"If you need to think about it, " said the old baron sweetly, "take a walk around the village. I'll be here. So will the dog. "

Jengar knelt and looked at the dog in the sphere. Fool's Gold had calmed and now was seated, tongue lolling out, looking as though he were waiting for dinner. "It's all right boy, I'll get you out. "

Looking at the old baron, Jengar added, "Give me time to think. "

"Take your time but return before nightfall. I retire early, and I would hate to see something happen to your prize possession while you dithered.

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