- Chapter 14 -
Allies Meet
©2000 Kilnamar
The small Toad stepped quietly into the Toadstool Emporium. Trying to appear casual, he began to browse among
the wooden shelves of goods. Absently, not really seeing it, he picked up a tightly wrapped bundle of dried Algrad
Flies and pretended to appraise it.
The young Toad turned casually at the sound of another entering the small building. That must be her. She bore the
sign. Acting disappointed, The Toad set the package of flies down and made his way farther back among the
shelves.
"Well met, friend," he said softly, as the Salamander passed by slowly, peering at the goods on the opposite shelves.
"Well met," she replied, keeping her back to him.
"You may have already guessed that Killy could not come. His quest has led him elsewhere. I was sent in his
stead." Slowly, he made his way around the shelf the Salamander browsed until he was directly across from her.
"Do you have the gem with you?"
"Yes," she replied, "and glad I am to finally pass it on to you. I tell you, this stone is unnerving."
"That must be expected. The Egar Gems are renowned for not staying with one master for long."
The Toad watched as the Salamander inconspicuously removed a tiny wrapped bundle from her pocket. Feigning
interest in a crate of pressed lilies before her, she leaned closer and set the precious package on the shelf. With a
shaking hand, he reached for it.
As soon as it was in his hand, the images came. In an instant his mind was filled with unknown scenes: Toads
fighting Toads. Toads fighting other Amphibians, Reptiles and other creatures. Always fighting. And over all, a
shadow.
The Toad shuddered at the scenes of carnage. How grateful he was for the dulling effect of the gem's wrapping.
With a great effort, he dropped the carefully placed the stone deep in his pack. "Now the burden is mine," he
managed to say faintly. "Thank you, friend. Thank you for this grand task you have done."
"This I would do and more for the good of the Land. It's beauty can not pass. We mustn't let it."
"Peace be with you then," he said, choking on his emotions, "for the Land may yet need your services again."
And with those final words, the small Toad made his way from the store. WhyKnot followed a few minutes later,
after purchasing something to satisfy her empty stomach.
*****
Azchel, the Shadow-man smiled. At least as close to a smile as his chaotic features would allow. Things were going
just as planned. Lawboy was firmly back under his influence, despite the ceaseless efforts of his magical friend to
break through to him. She would be a troublesome one, but he had not the time to deal with her now.
Far off to the east he felt it--one of the Egar Gems had been found by these pathetic creatures. Perhaps by chance,
but perhaps not. In any case, he couldn't risk that they knew of the stone's true power or, worse, that they should
find the other gems.
Returning to his shadow form, Azchel paused only to be certain that his spells remained secure on Earth's
ambassador, then disappeared into the night.