and a keg of ale (provided by William), the wagon was enough for Raistlin to sleep and travel inside. It also held the multi-colored, striped tents in which the others would live.
Tanis glanced around at the strange sight they made, shaking his head. It seemed that – in the midst of everything else that had happened to them-this was the most bizarre. He look at Raistlin sitting beside his brother, who drove the wagon. The mage’s red-sequined robes blazed like flame in the bright win sunlight. Shoulders hunched against the wind, Raistlin stared straight ahead, wrapped in a show of mystery that delighted the crowd. Caramon, dressed in a bearskin suit (a present of William’s), had pulled the head of the bear over his own, ring it look as though a bear drove the wagon. The child cheered as he growled at them in mock ferocity.
They were nearly out of town when a draconian command stopped them. Tanis, his heart caught in his throat, rode forward, his hand pressed against his sword. But the command only wanted to make certain they passed through Bloodwater where draconian troops were located. The draconian had mentioned the show to a friend. The troops were looking forward to seeing it. Tanis, inwardly vowing not to set foot near the place, promised faithfully that they would certainly appear.
Finally they reached the city gates. Climbing down from their mounts, they bid farewell to their friend. William gave them each a hug, starting with Tika and ending with Tika. He was going to hug Raistlin, but the mage’s golden eyes widened so alarmingly when William approached that the innkeeper backed away precipitously.
The companions climbed back onto their horses. Raistlin and Caramon returned to the wagon. The crowd cheered and urged them to return for the spring Harrowing celebration. The guards opened the gates, bidding them a safe journey, and the companions rode through. The gates shut behind them.
The wind blew chill. Gray clouds above them began to spit snow fitfully. The road, which they were assured was well traveled, stretched before them, bleak and empty. Raistlin began to shiver and cough. After a while, he said he would ride inside the wagon. The rest pulled their hoods up over their heads and clutched their fur cloaks more closely about them.
Caramon, guiding the horses along the rutted, muddy road, appeared unusually thoughtful.
“You know, Tanis” he said solemnly above the jingling of the bells Tika had tied to the horses’ manes, “I’m more thankful than I can tell that none of our friends saw this. Can you hear what Flint would say? That grumbling old dwarf would never let me live this down. And can you imagine Sturm!” The big man shook his head, the thought being beyond words.
Yes, Tanis sighed. I .can imagine Sturm. Dear friend, I never realized how much I depended on you-your courage, your noble spirit. Are you alive my friend? Did you reach Sancrist safely? Are you now the knight in body that you have always been in spirit? Will we meet again, or have we parted never to meet in this life-as Raistlin predicted?
The group rode on. The day grew darker, the storm wilder. Riverwind dropped back to ride beside Goldmoon. Tika tied her horse behind the wagon and crawled up to sit near Caramon. Inside the wagon. Raistlin slept.
Tanis rode alone, his head bowed, has thoughts far away.
The Knights trials.
“And-finally,” said Derek in a low and measured voice, “I accuse Sturm Brightblade of cowardice in the face of the enemy.”
A low murmur ran through the assemblage of knights gathered in the castle of Lord Gunthar. Three knights, seated at the massive black oak table in front of the assembly, leaned their heads together to confer in low tones.
Long ago, the three seated at this Knights Trials-as prescribed by the Measure-would have been the Grand Master, the High Clerics, and the High Justice. But at this time there was no Grand Master. There had not been a High Clerist since the time of the Cataclysm. And while the High Justice-Lard Alfred MarKenin-was present, his hold on that position was tenuous at best. Whoever became the new Grand Master had leave to replace him.
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