we fled to this place, knowing that it had long been
abandoned. The mage and I could have escaped, but he
said that, for his honor, he must turn and fight. For his
honor,” she repeated bitterly. Her blue eyes stared into the
shadows of the hall as though she could still see what had
transpired there so long before. “Within these walls, he
challenged the knight to battle and they fought – one with
his sword, the other with his magic. They fought, for their
honor!
“And I came to realize as I watched, helpless to
prevent their quarrel, that neither loved me nearly so
much as each loved his own misbegotten pride.
“When they were dead, I stood over their bodies and
prayed to the gods that all men bound up in their own
pride should come here and be held enthralled. Then I left
this place and went forth into the world. I found a man
who loved me truly enough to live for me, not die for me.
I was blessed with a rich, full life, surrounded by love.
After my death, my spirit returned to this place and has
been here since, waiting for one who loved enough to
ignore the voices” – her gaze went to Caramon – “and for
one wise enough to break the spell.
“And now, young mage, you have freed them and you
have freed me. I will go to my rest at the side of my
husband who has waited patiently for me throughout the
years. But first I would ask one thing of you. How was it
that you saw and understood the truth?”
“I could say that I had a shining example of false pride
before my eyes,” said Raistlin, with a sidelong glance at
the knight. Sir Gawain flushed and bowed his head. The
mage, smiling slightly, added, “But it would be more
truthful to say that it was mostly due to the curiosity of a
kender.”
“Me!” gasped Earwig, struck by this revelation.
“That’s me he’s talking about! I did it! I lifted the curse! I
TOLD you it had to be a knight, a mage, AND a kender!”
The young woman’s image began to fade. “Farewell,” said
Raistlin. “May your rest be undisturbed.” “Fare you well,
young mage. I leave you with a warning. Very nearly you
succumbed. Your wits and your will saved you. But unless
you change, I foresee a time when this doom you have
now avoided will drag you down at last.” The blue eyes
closed, and were seen no more. “Don’t go!” wailed
Earwig, rushing around and grabbing at the empty air with
his hands. “I’ve got so many questions! Have you been to
the Abyss? What’s it like being dead? Oh, please . . .”
Caramon came forward cautiously, his eyes on the
place where the spirit had been, fearful that she might
suddenly burst back to life. His big hand rested on his
brother’s shoulder.
“Raist,” he said worriedly, “what did she mean by that?”
“How should I know?” Raistlin snapped, pulling himself
free of his brother’s touch. He began to cough violently.
“Go find wood to build a fire! Can’t you see I’m freezing
to death!”
“Sure, Raist,” said Caramon gently. “C’mon, Earmite.”
“Earwig,” said the kender automatically, trudging after
the big warrior. “Wait until Cousin Tas hears about this!
Not even Uncle Trapspringer – the most famous kender of
all time – ever ended a curse!”
Gawain remained standing in silence until Caramon
and the kender had left the keep. Then, slowly, sword in
hand, he approached the mage.
“I owe you my life,” he said grudgingly, awkwardly.
“By the Oath and the Measure, I owe you my allegiance.”
He held the sword – hilt first – out to the mage. “What
would you have me do?”
Raistlin drew a shuddering breath. He glanced at the
sword and his thin lip twisted. “What would I have you
do? Break your Oath. Burn your Measure. As the maiden
said, live for those you love. A time of darkness is coming
to the world, Sir Knight, and love could well be the only
thing that will save us.”