Dwarven Ruby (3 page)

“You don’t sound convinced,” Tanya said softly.

“I’m not convinced,” admitted Jenneva. “How does aging affect someone who is thousands of years old? One would think that if he were to have gradual memory loss that it would be spread out over a longer timeframe. His life span is unlike anything we are used to, but his senility has progressed rapidly. Have you talked to him recently about your earliest memories?”

“I tried to,” frowned Tanya. “He does not really remember much about me.”

“But he can remember ancient things like the Breastplate of Alcea,” nodded Jenneva. “It does not make sense. I would quickly say it was the last fight he had with the demon, Alutar, if Prince Midge had not informed us that there had actually been no fight.”

“Why would a fight with Alutar cause his memory loss?” asked Tanya.

“I am not sure why,” admitted Jenneva, “but it happened to him before. When he fought Alutar a thousand years ago, he lost so much of his memory that he did not know his own name.”

“What brought his memory back?” queried Tanya. “How did he finally remember things?”

“He regained some his memory gradually,” replied Jenneva. “Still he did not know who he was until we went through a Junction to another Universe. That was when he rediscovered who he was.”

“Do you mean he walked through the Junction and his memory suddenly returned?” questioned Tanya.

“Not exactly,” Jenneva answered as she invoked another healing spell. “He was confused and terrified when he came through the Junction. He passed out.”

“How do you know he was terrified?” asked Tanya.

“That was the first time that I mind-probed him,” frowned Jenneva. “His fear was quite tangible. It gripped my mind. I actually saw Alutar in his mind. He was fairly quiet about it when he awoke. Several days later he mysteriously disappeared. We did not see him again for some time. When we did, he seemed to remember everything. That is when we learned about the Ancient Prophecy. He came back to warn us to prepare for these days.”

“If going through a Junction can aid him then can’t we do that again?” suggested Tanya. “Surely you know how to create one.”

“I do,” admitted Jenneva, “but we cannot do that. Alutar might escape through a Junction. It is far too dangerous to the world for me to attempt it. Alutar might seek revenge enough to destroy the only Universe left. I cannot comprehend what would be left if he did that.”

“It is hard for me to accept that Master Khatama does not remember me,” sighed Tanya. “How can you accept his not remembering you?”

“I focus on his well-being,” replied Jenneva. “Even if he does not remember me, I still care for him so much that it seems more important that he get better than remember me. I suspect it may be harder on you because of your youth. Do you have fond memories of your earliest years?”

“Very much so,” Tanya smiled warmly. “He was the only family I have ever known, but I do treasure those memories. I doubt he was my real uncle, but that matters little to me. He could not have been kinder and gentler if he had been.”

“I, too, was brought up by an uncle who was not a real relative,” nodded Jenneva. “Uncle Hasra still meant the world to me. I still miss him after all these years. Did Master Khatama have memory problems in your early years?”

“Some,” Tanya offered after a moment of thought. “Not anymore than everyone else though. I think the first time I ever saw him confused about a memory was when I was five or six. Somehow we got on the subject of my parents. It was a subject that always gave him pause, but at that time I think he looked bewildered. As if he should know more than he could remember. Master Khatama was such a good a parent that I do not think his silence bothered me much. I really could not have asked for more. He indulged my every whim.”

“Did he ever reveal anything about your parents?” pressed Jenneva.

“Not really,” replied Tanya. “I had the very strong feeling that he knew them though.”

“Do you think they still live?” asked Jenneva as she cast another spell.

“I doubt it,” frowned Tanya. “At first I thought our traveling was designed to find them. Master Khatama would often alter our course on a moment’s notice as if he had a thought of where to look for something, or someone. I do think he was searching for someone, but I now realize that it was not my parents he was searching for. I think it all had to do with the Ancient Prophecy. He does seem to be tied to it somehow.”

“And all of the training he gave you,” inquired Jenneva, “was that meant to satisfy your whims, or was he preparing you for some part in the Ancient Prophecy?”

“I don’t know,” Tanya replied as a puzzled frown grew over her face. “I mean I certainly wanted the training. I begged for it in most cases. But sending me off to travel with you has always puzzled me. I wanted very much to remain with him instead. Here in Barouk I offered to leave the Rangers and return to him. I thought he needed my help. He dismissed my desire instantly. Now it is as if he does not remember me. I know he needs help.”

“You have become an integral part of the Rangers,” smiled Jenneva. “I do not know how the Rangers would fare without you, but I would support your desire to be with him if you want me to.”

“I would prefer that we all travel together,” responded Tanya. “I feel very much at home with the Rangers, and yet I fear for Master Khatama.”

As Jenneva cast another healing spell, Master Khatama’s eyes opened and he groaned. Jenneva and Tanya held their breath as the old merchant struggled to sit up. He stared at Tanya for a moment and then turned to look towards the wagon.

“I appear to have missed my bed by a fair distance,” quipped the old mage. “What day is it?”

“You have not been out that long, Master Khatama,” smiled Jenneva. “Perhaps a normal night’s sleep had you retired early enough in the evening. How do you feel?”

Boris stared at Jenneva for a moment and then turned his attention back to Tanya. His face held a puzzled frown as if he wanted to ask a question but feared to.

“Shall we help you to bed, Uncle Boris?” asked Tanya.

Slowly a smile spread across the old man’s face. Jenneva sensed Master Khatama’s predicament and intervened.

“Tanya and I would be pleased to help you to your bed,” offered Jenneva.

“Tanya,” echoed Boris as he continued to stare at his niece. “Yes, perhaps that would be a good idea.”

Tanya and Jenneva helped Master Khatama to his feet and led him to the wagon. When they had him in his bed, he shooed them away without further conversation. Jenneva led the way towards the Ranger campsite and halted on the trail through the bushes.

“At least he is alive and healthy,” Jenneva offered.

“I cannot leave with you in the morning,” sobbed Tanya. “I had hoped that his memory would come back when he awoke, but he still did not remember me. Someone has to help him and that is my job.”

“I will not argue with you,” consoled Jenneva. “Let us get some sleep before dawn arrives. We will discuss the problem with all of the Rangers and see if we can come up with a plan that both protects Master Khatama and also moves us out of this city.”

“Thank you,” smiled Tanya. “I am glad that you love him as much as I do.”

The two mages walked back to the campsite and settled in for the night. It seemed like they had just closed their eyes when Tanya awoke to smell of frying fish. The sun was already visible and she bolted upright. Everyone was sitting around the campfire where Bin-lu was cooking the morning meal. Tanya rubbed her eyes and joined the rest of the Rangers. She prepared herself for the sharp barb that she would receive from Tedi for oversleeping, but it never came. Everyone simply nodded to her as she sat down, and Bin-lu handed her a plate of fish.

“I am sorry for holding everyone up,” Tanya said softly. “It won’t happen again.”

“It is not you that is delaying us,” smiled Alex. “We are all concerned about Master Khatama, and I figured you could use the extra rest. We were trying to convince Master Khatama to travel with us for a while at least. So far he has refused, but he has demanded that we do not leave until he arrives here. I think it is too dangerous for us to dally, so I just sent Niki to inform him that we are leaving within the hour. Take your time with your food.”

“Thank you, Alex,” Tanya smiled warmly. “Is there no way we can force him to travel with us for a day or two?”

“He may be losing his memory,” frowned Jenneva, “but he has not lost any of his stubbornness. If he decides to stay, the Rangers will not be able to force him to do anything.”

Tanya looked up as Niki sauntered into the campsite. The young redheaded magician smiled and sat down.

“Master Khatama will be along shortly,” Niki announced. “He is in good spirits this morning and begs your indulgence for the short delay.”

“Does he remember you, Niki?” asked Tanya.

“Of course he remembers me,” Niki declared. “Why shouldn’t he? I am his favorite student.”

“Is he still feeling well enough to go to Ongchi?” Tedi asked anxiously.

“I am feeling fine, Tedi Markel,” replied Master Khatama as he entered the campsite. “Quite well enough to travel to Ongchi.”

“How do you plan to rescue Tedi’s mother?” asked Alex. “I wouldn’t mind hearing your plans before we leave Barouk.”

“There is no reason for your party to dally,” Boris replied to Arik instead of Alex. “I suspect that you are headed to Dorgun. I can provide directions to Tedi when we leave Ongchi. He will catch up to you.”

“I would like to go with you,” Tanya said as she stood and faced Master Khatama. “The skills you taught me might come in handy.”

A puzzled frown fell over Master Khatama’s face as he stared at Tanya. Slowly he shook his head.

“We cannot accommodate another member in our group,” Boris declared. “We leave immediately. Do you have a horse Tedi?”

“Bin-lu brought him down this morning,” nodded Tedi. “I am ready to go.”

“Good,” nodded Master Khatama. “Come, Niki. Bin-lu, give a hand to Tedi and lead him to my wagon.”

Master Khatama turned and strode off towards his wagon. Jenneva and Tanya stood shaking their heads. Alex restrained himself from going after the old mage.

“I want you to be very vigilant, Tedi,” warned Alex. “I understand your need to do this, but I am worried about your safety. Keep your wits about you and remember our training.”

“And practice daily,” added Arik. “You know we have not been very good at remembering that. I want you safe as well as your mother. Promise me.”

Tedi walked over to Arik and hugged him. “I promise,” Tedi said softly. “I don’t want to leave you, but I must. I promise I will be back before you even miss me.”

Tedi turned abruptly and followed Niki and Bin-lu out of the campsite. He heard Alex ordering the Rangers to mount up as soon as he left the campsite. He resisted the urge to turn around and rejoin the Rangers. He quickly realized how close he had become to all of them. He pushed the thoughts out of his mind and focused on thoughts of his mother. By the time he reached Master Khatama’s wagon, Niki, Bin-lu, and Boris were already seated. He walked around to the back of the wagon and untied his horse. He mounted his horse, and the wagon started to roll towards the city gates. Tedi followed the wagon through the city gates. Officer Tang-shei and the rest of the gate guard bowed low as Master Khatama passed by.

Once they were outside the city, Tedi rode next to the wagon. He ignored the conversation the others were having. His thoughts drifted to memories of the times he had had with the Rangers. After several hours, Master Khatama pulled the wagon off the road for a meal break. Tedi tied his horse to a tree and joined the others as Master Khatama passed out fresh bread, cheese, and small strips of cooked meat.

“You are a quiet one, Tedi Markel,” Boris said as he interrupted Tedi’s thoughts.

“I am sorry, Master Khatama,” responded Tedi. “I guess my thought are still with the Rangers. I miss them.”

“You will be back with them soon enough, lad,” smiled Master Khatama. “Are you sure that is all that is bothering you? I know some of your group was thinking that I am crazy. Are you worried that they may be right?”

Tedi’s first reaction was to feign ignorance of the Rangers’ concerns and he started to shake his head. Suddenly he turned and locked eyes with Master Khatama.

“I would be not be truthful if I said I did not have concerns,” declared Tedi. “I mean no disrespect Master Khatama, but it is known that you are becoming senile.”

Niki gasped, but Tedi ignored her as he continued, “None of the Rangers think you are crazy. In fact, they all have a great deal of respect for you. They are concerned about your memory loss, and frankly, I am too. If this plan leads to my death, then so be it, but I cannot endanger my mother’s life with an ill-conceived plan. Why were you not willing to discuss it with the Rangers?”

“How dare you speak to Master Khatama that way,” shouted Niki. “I should fry you where you stand.”

Master Khatama waved his hand towards Niki in a calming fashion and chuckled. “You speak your mind, lad,” smiled Master Khatama. “I find no disrespect in your words. I am sure that your mother is very precious to you, and you are right to fear for her safety. The fact that you are willing to expend your life for hers is noble and shows your love for her.”

Boris turned and scanned the hillside adjacent to the road. He walked to the back of the wagon and pulled out a staff. He ran a rag over the staff and then motioned for Tedi to join him.

“Let us take a short walk up this hill,” suggested Master Khatama. “Do you know how to use a staff? I see that you carry one on your horse.”

“I know the staff fairly well,” stated Tedi. “In fact, I should probably practice it with Bin-lu when we stop for the night. It is good to keep in practice.”

“Any skill worth possessing must be practiced constantly,” nodded Boris. “Are you a fearful boy?”

“I like to think that I am not,” replied Tedi, “but in truth there I times when I struggle to overcome my fears. I will do what is necessary to free my mother. I can promise you that. Whatever role you have for me in this plan, I accept it.”