Terry Brooks - Allanon's Quest

The storm clouds scudded across the night sky in roiling clumps that blotted out the halfmoon and stars and enveloped the land beneath in heavy shadow. The woods surrounding the village of Archer Trace, fifty miles north and east of the city of Arborlon, stirred uneasily. The trees swayed, and their leaves shivered with a metallic rustling as wind tore at the branches in sharp gusts and rain pattered heavily against the leaves. A drop in the temperature had already announced the storms arrival, the air damp, chilly, and raw. Intricate patterns of lightning flashed, and bursts of thunder rumbled from across the eastern edge of the Sarandanon.

Allanon pulled his black robes tighter and his hood closer as he entered the Elven village, passing the first of the outlying buildings and making his way along the empty pathways. Candlelight burned in the windows of a few cottages and huts, flickering behind glass panes or through open shutters, and this small light was sufficient to guide him on his way. But most of the buildings were entirely dark. The residents had either gone to bed in anticipation of an early rising or down to the taverns that provided the main source of entertainment for the village.

Had anyone been looking through windows or shutters, or had he been careless enough not to disguise his coming, he might have been observed. But Allanon was not the careless sort, and he had used his Druid skills to change his appearance sufficiently that he seemed little more than another of the nights shadows. To anyone looking, he simply wasnt there. It was a Druid trickone he had perfected during his early years, when he was just learning his craft. Bremen, who had taught it to him, was already gone by then, so he had mastered it on his own, expanding on his existing skills.

But while Archer Trace was the sort of miserable place where inhabitants and visitors alike made it a point to watch one another closely, there was little vigilance on this night. The foul weather did not invite the monitoring of those abroad, and the pleasures of the taverns provided a more attractive lure. So Allanon passed into the village relatively unseen, traveling along its single roadway to a cluster of ragged buildings that were illuminated by torches wedged down in iron brackets beneath their weather shields, fighting bravely to stay lit against the onslaught of wind and rain.

Slowing, he looked for the sign that would identify his destination and quickly found it: THE DRUNKEN FOOL. Big, bold lettersno doubt a reference to its patrons. But if it could provide him with the information he needed, what did the nature of the business or its patrons matter to him? He had come all the way from Arborlon on this slim hope of success because time and opportunity were growing short. And rumor alone was enough to send him on what others might have dismissed as a fools errand. Lives were being snuffed out, and all that mattered might soon be gonesomething that would prove disastrous to the Four Lands. If even one of those he sought could be saved, he had to do whatever it took to make that happen. There was more at stake here than his discomfort and risk.

He cast aside the magic that let him remain unseen as he pushed his way through the taverns heavy door and into the smoky interior, then looked about. The room was crowdedmore so than he would have expected, given the size and condition of the village. Most of the taverns denizens were Elves; no surprise therethis was their homeland. But it appeared as if everyone who lived in Archer Trace or might even have been passing through had gathered. A few heads turned to look at him, but most turned quickly away. A man seven feet tall and possessed of rough features and a dark scowl did not draw many extended looks. He ignored the few looks he received and waited for the barkeep to acknowledge him. When the man gave him a nod of recognition, the Druid turned his attention to a small table in the back of the room and the two men who occupied it. A moment later, both men rose, having suddenly decided that it was time to leave although neither could have said why.

He gave it a moment, then crossed to the table the men had vacated and sat down.

After a few minutes, the barkeep wandered over.

Long trip? He was a large, heavyset man with big features and a dour look. For an Elf, he looked downright sullen. I know everyone in the village, he added. Youve come from somewhere else.

Allanon nodded. A cold tankard of ale would ease my weariness.

The barkeep nodded and wandered off, and Allanon looked around at the rooms patrons, his gaze moving from face to face, making sure that nothing seemed out of place and no one appeared to be a threat. By the time he had finished, the barkeep had returned.

Anything else? He set the tankard of ale down and waited. Something to eat, maybe?

The Druid shook his head. Do you know where I can find a man called Derrivanian?

Might. Whats your business?

My business is my own.

Maybe so, but I dont like sending trouble to other peoples doorsteps. Trouble finds them quick enough without my help.

I intend no trouble. Allanon brushed the rain from his shoulders and sat back. He is an old friend. I knew him when he served as record keeper for the Elessedils.

Oh, you know of that? So maybe you are a friend. But wheres the proof? Whats to say you arent here to collect a bill or cause some other sort of mischief?

Allanon gave him a look. Derrivanian is an old man with an old wife and an old dog, and he hasnt got much of anything to give and no history of ever having done anyone harm. Why dont you just tell me where he lives?

The barkeep shook his head. I need something more than your word before I tell you anything. I dont much like the look of youall in black, darkfaced, and grim. Youre a big man used to getting his way. Well, Im a big man, too, and Im not afraid of you.

Allanon went very still. It isnt me you should fear, barkeep. He locked eyes with the man. Ask yourself this. Are you sure enough of yourself that you would risk a meeting with some who might not ask any questions but simply tear the information from you? Would you risk a meeting with those they call Skull Bearers?

The barkeep paled. Do not speak that name in here!

What name should I speak, then? I gave you Derrivanian. Should I give you another? The Warlock Lords name, perhaps? Or is there another you would prefer me to speak?

The barkeep backed away. I want you out of here! Take your business elsewhere and seek your answers from another.

Allanon shook his head. I have no time for asking others. I have chosen to ask you, and I will have my answers now. Look at me. Where will I find Eldra Derrivanian?

The barkeep tried to back away, but suddenly his strength failed, and he found himself rooted in place. His face tightened with his efforts to free himself, and it was clear he saw something new in the Druids eyes that made him realize what he was up against.

Answer me, Allanon ordered.

Take the road west out of the village. The barkeep was speaking in a different voice, one dredged up from the dark places you hide when you are very afraid. Go about five hundred yards. Look for a fence and a wooden gate inset with the carved image of a rooster. He can be found there.

Allanon nodded. My thanks. Now forget you ever saw me. Forget this conversation. Forget everything but your purpose in coming to my table with my tankard of ale. He paused. What was it you wanted to ask me again?

The barkeeps eyes, which had lost focus, suddenly seemed clear again. Something to eat, maybe?

When the barkeep had left the table, Allanon took a few minutes to finish the tankard of ale, relishing the cold liquid flowing down his throat and the fire it brought to his belly. He stopped examining the patrons and the room and delved deep into his own thoughts, musing on the Druid abilities he had developed since leaving Bremen to his fate at the Hadeshorn all those years ago. Sometimes, it seemed like a dream to him. He could still see the old man walking out onto the glistening black rock of the Valley of Shale to the edge of the lakes waters and into the arms of the Shade of Galaphile, then being carried beyond into the mists. He could still remember standing alone afterward and wondering how he could manage what he had been charged with doing.