I want to tell you about Gorek and the Pie, but before I do, I have just had the most incredible conversation with Karak that I need to write down so that I don’t forget it.
We had travelled to Vallaki and made our way to the Bluewater Inn, right in the center of this open, airy town. Festooned as it was with bunting and flags everywhere, it looked a little creepy to my eyes. After some fun and games in the town, (Lunae spotted someone following us,) we split up, Karak, Ireena and I went into the tavern to get rooms, whilst the holy men, the druid and their tail went to pay their respects at the local temple. (Well, the holy men did, the stranger followed them, not Karak and me, and Lunae was keeping tabs on him.)
After sorting the rooms and some well-deserved refreshment out, Ireena, Karak and I sat down to relax.
The Dragonborn leaned over the table and in a quiet voice asked me if I would like to be reimbursed for the price of the rooms. I had paid them without thinking, because the place was busy, and it seemed like the right thing to do.
“Maybe half the cost?” I countered, not really thinking.
Karak reached into a pocket in the fold of his robes, pulled out 1 gold piece and a golden ring and handed it to me. I don’t know much about rings, but it looked expensive. I think my expression must have betrayed my wonder at this gift.
“I can assure you,” smiled Karak, “it is no longer cursed.”
My hand froze halfway across the table. “What do you mean no longer?” I stammered.
“I took it from the Durst house.” He answered. “Ga’ahze has many powers and he has granted me this after a long ritual. I still don’t fully understand,” he continued, “but I am sure I will find out soon.”
“Is it magic?” I asked a little dumbfounded.
“I do not believe so.” His deep voice rumbled across the table. “But maybe worth something to you in trade or sale.”
I was amazed, not only at the gift, but at the fact that this was the longest we had ever spoken to each other, other than conversations that consisted of sentences such as; “Move over there and shoot it!” I had overheard him telling someone he got irritated when I told the story about Berad and the search for my Pappa, so I leaned over quietly to him and said. “I really did meet a dragon once. I didn’t make it up.”
His face fell, maybe he thought I was making fun of him.
“I like you.” He said seriously. “I have not seen many of your kind before. Do not trifle me with your jokes.”
I gulped, not quite sure how to proceed, so I forged ahead, determined to make sure he didn’t think I was being disrespectful.
“Honestly, I was tricked by a dark cleric, who took me to a temple on the other side of the world and I met a Silver Dragon, who gave me a gift.” As I spoke, I pulled the silver dragon skull out of my pocket and showed it to him.
“A Silver Dragon you say?” He looked at me intently. “Perhaps it has a name. May I see your trinket for a moment?”
I was nervous, had I offended him? Was he going to throw my most treasured item in the fire? My hands trembled a little as I handed it over. The Dragonborn turned it in his scaled hands for a minute looking it over.
“I do not know if it has magical properties.” He said finally. “But it is a great gift nonetheless.” He handed it back to me and smiled again. I felt a sense of warmth for this quiet giant.
“Do you fear me?” He asked gently.
“My race doesn’t feel fear,” I said carefully, “but some things make us feel uneasy. I do think you are very powerful though and that deserves respect.”
“And now, in the tradition of my people, may I show you something?” He asked. “You must keep it to yourself.”
Karak stood up and walked to sit closer to me. As he sat down, he pulled a small piece of parchment and unrolled it in front of me. He didn’t offer for me to take it, so I sat immobile, watching him handle the paper with the utmost reverence. As he turned it toward me, I could see that there were two words written on it, glowing purple in the dim light of the tavern. ‘Obey Ga’ahze’.
“I don’t know much about magic.” I said, “but that seems to be very important.”
“It is bound to me.” He rolled the parchment up and replaced it into his robes. “I cannot let it leave my person.” I felt something open up inside me.
“If I can ever help you, you must let me know.” I said as solemnly as I could. “I will make sure that you are able to keep that oath.”
Karak looked at me seriously. “I wasn’t always like this; this power is fairly new to me.” He sighed. “I was a former follower of the Morning Lord, but since this parchment came into my possession, I found that I have no interest in such delusions.”
“Well,” I said quietly, “I don’t know much about faith and gods either, but I do know that shiny gems and gold pieces come and go, but the bonds of friendship, though they may be tested from time to time, last forever.”
That seemed to please him, he visibly relaxed, a small smile forming on his draconian features. I raised my cup in a toast to friendship. Karak responded by raising his cup of water. Then, abruptly and without a word he left the table. I was worried that had I had inadvertently said the wrong thing when he returned a minute later with a carafe of a wine he called ‘Red Dragon Crush’.
“The lady behind the bar said this was the best wine in the house.” He poured me a cup. “To friendship.” He said, raising his cup once more before slipping into his usual silence.
