“And you’ll fail,” Caramon said. “Is that what you want? Are you going just to find a way to die that will end your guilt? If so, I can offer you my sword right now. But if you truly want to free Laurana then you’re going to need help.”
“The gods have reunited us,” Goldmoon said gently. “They have brought us together again in our time of greatest need. It is a sign from the gods, Tanis. Don’t deny it.”
The half-elf bowed his head. He could not cry, there were no tears left. Tasslehoff’s small hand slipped into his.
“Besides,” said the kender cheerfully, “think how much trouble you’d get into without me!”
19
A single candle.
The city of Kalaman was deathly silent the night after the Dark Lady issued her ultimatum. Lord Calof declared a State of War, which meant all taverns were closed, the city gates were locked and barred, no one allowed to leave. The only people permitted to enter were families from the small farming and fishing villages near Kalaman. These refugees began arriving near sundown, telling fearful tales of draconians swarming over their land, looting and burning. Although some of the noblemen of Kalaman had been opposed to such a drastic measure as a declared State of War, Tanis and Gilthanas-united for once-had forced the Lord to make this decision. Both of them painted vivid and horrifying pictures of the burning of the city of Tarsis. These proved extremely convincing. Lord Calof made his declaration, but then stared at the two men helplessly. It was obvious he had no idea what to do in regard to the defense of the city. The horrifying shadow of the floating citadel hovering above had completely unnerved the lord, and most of his military leaders were in little better shape. After listening to some of their wilder ideas, Tanis rose to his feet.
“I have a suggestion, my lord,” he said respectfully. “You have a person here, well-qualified to take over the defense of this city-”
“You, Half-Elf?” interrupted Gilthanas with a bitter smile.
“No,” said Tanis gently. “You, Gilthanas.”
“An elf?” said Lord Calof in amazement.
“He was in Tarsis. He has had experience fighting the draconians and the dragons. The good dragons trust him and will follow his judgment.”
“That’s true!” Calof said. A look of vast relief crossed his face as he turned to Gilthanas. “We know how elves feel about humans, my lord, and-I must admit-most humans feel the same about elves. But we would be eternally grateful if you could help us in this time of peril.”
Gilthanas stared at Tanis, puzzled for a moment. He could read nothing in the half-elf’s bearded face. It was almost, he thought, the face of a dead man. Lord Calof repeated his question, adding something about “reward,” apparently thinking Gilthanas’s hesitation was due to a reluctance to accept the responsibility.
“No, my lord!” Gilthanas came out of his reverie with a start. “No reward is necessary or even wanted. If I can help save the people of this city, that will be reward enough. As for being of different races”-Gilthanas looked once more at Tanis- “perhaps I have learned enough to know that doesn’t make any difference. It never did.”
“Tell us what to do,” Calof said eagerly.
“First, I would like a word with Tanis,” Gilthanas said, seeing the half-elf preparing to depart.
“Certainly. There is a small room through the door to your right where you may talk in private.” The lord gestured.
Once inside the small, luxuriously appointed room, both men stood in uncomfortable silence for long moments, neither looking at the other directly. Gilthanas was the first to break the silence.
“I have always despised humans,” the elflord said slowly, “and now I find myself preparing to take on the responsibility of protecting them.” He smiled. “It is a good feeling,” he added softly, looking directly at Tanis for the first time.
Tanis’s eyes met Gilthanas’s and his grim face relaxed for a moment, though he did not return the elflord’s smile. Then his gaze fell, his grave expression returned.
“You’re going to Neraka, aren’t you?” Gilthanas said after another long pause.
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