The Howl of Avooblis Page 16

  “It’s like one of your personal ones,” Dagdron said.

  “What is it?”

  “I’ve never pickpocketed a king before, so I decided I better this year.”

  Earl ripped Dagdron’s hood from his head.

  “Yes, you have. You stole from my dad!” Elloriana said.

  “No, I didn’t,” Dagdron said.

  “You are not pickpocketing at the carnival,” Earl said. “You’re a third-year student at the Adventurers’ Academy. You can’t pickpocket for fun.”

  “Good luck trying to stop me,” Dagdron said. “King Fortigroff is going to pay for everything he and Byron have done.”

  Earl and Elloriana continued arguing with the rogue, but Dagdron, pulling his dagger out to practice slitting pockets and pouch strings, ignored them as they trekked down the mountainside.

  Chapter 17: Richy Changes

  In spite of Earl’s incessant worry about Dagdron’s self-proclaimed quest to pickpocket King Fortigroff, he was filled to the brim with excitement on the opening day of their third Winter Carnival. On the trail down to Bodaburg, Earl pulled Dagdron’s hood off his head at least five times as he gave one last lecture about being honorable. Dagdron remained silent, replacing his hood each time.

  The carnival was all abuzz when they reached the gate. Earl looked around in amazement but still pulled Dagdron aside before entering the village.

  “I know there’s nothing I could ever say or do to really convince to abandon your carnival quest,” Earl said, “but promise me that we’ll be able to eat at the tavern together with our families. I really want to spend our last Winter Carnival together.”

  “It’s not our last one,” Dagdron said. “Wendahl’s come the last two years and he’s ninety. You have lots left.”

  “He’s not that old, but even if I could have fifty years of carnivals in Bodaburg, I would consider myself lucky.” Earl kept looking at Dagdron until his friend gave a twitch of a nod.

  “I have to scope out the guards and everything around Byron’s richy dad anyway, so I’m sure we’ll spend time together since you’re still going to try to stop me.”

  Earl smiled and laughed as he draped his arm around Dagdron’s shoulder and escorted him into Bodaburg, where a huge group of people were waiting for them. Earl flung Dagdron by his cloak into the mix of the entire Valorington family, Dugan, Lita, and Mr. and Mrs. Valk, who had come to the festival for the first time. Earl greeted everyone with a hug, and then, somehow, Dagdron found himself being hugged as well, including a bone-crushing embrace from Lita’s mom. After Dagdron escaped the other parents, Dugan took the opportunity to hug his son, so Dagdron poked his father in the side with his dagger.

  As the group started along the main street, Dagdron noticed what a close eye not only Earl but his father as well were keeping on him. Dagdron had no idea how Earl had snuck off without him realizing it, but he must have let his dad know about his plans to rob King Fortigroff. This was going to be a bigger challenge than he had expected, Dagdron thought.

  Earl’s joy about the Winter Carnival was tenfold its normal level as he narrated about the vendors and performers the group passed. Seeing the excitement and awe of his parents, siblings, and Mr. and Mrs. Valk made him enjoy the festival even more.

  Dagdron thought about slipping away but decided it was better to stick with the group, lulling Earl and his father into a comfort zone. He could keep a watch for the Fortigroffs, getting an idea about the amount of protection they had, and then make an attempt to pickpocket the king in a later day of the carnival. Still, Dagdron thought, he didn’t want his skills to get rusty, so he used the size of the group as an excuse to bump into other people, snatching coins and jewels from their pockets or grabbing recent purchases from bags. With the jostling of the crowd, it was nearly impossible for Earl and Dugan to stop this form of stealing, so Dagdron ended up with a modest take that first morning.

  In the afternoon, Dagdron spotted a hoe moving up and down above the heads of the crowd. The farm tool, shooting magenta sparks in the air, made its way toward them, until Wendahl appeared.

  “There you are,” Wendahl said excitedly. He put an arm around Dagdron and Earl and pulled them away from the group. “If you two would like to make a surprise appearance during my magic act again this year, you’re more than welcome.”

  “No,” Dagdron said.

  “We’d love to,” Earl said, drowning out Dagdron’s voice.

  “Perfect,” Wendahl said. “I’m off to do more advertising. The buildup is going to be spectacular.” The magenta-robed enchanter headed back into the crowd, pistoning his hoe up and down like a marching baton.

  When they paused to watch a performance of a jongleur, who was singing as he juggled knives and lit torches, King and Queen Loftloomburg and Elloriana stopped nearby. Earl and Countess Solloughby and Grady were with them. Elloriana sighed as she heard the rowdy applause and cheers Earl and the Valoringtons were making as they watched. She felt envious because, compared to her parents, so formal and proper, Earl’s family members were enjoying themselves boisterously. Elloriana slowly edged away from her parents.

  “Dagdron,” Elloriana whispered.

  Dagdron glanced at her but didn’t respond.

  “I need help slipping away from my parents,” she continued.

  “What?” Dagdron said.

  “I need your help.”

  “No, you don’t,” Dagdron said. “There’re people everywhere. It’s easy to disappear.”

  “I’m not a rogue,” Elloriana said. She glanced to her right because Grady was looking at her. “I have to get away from Grady. He’s flirting with me.”

  “As soon as the show ends, let the crowd swallow you up,” Dagdron said.

  “Where are you going to be?”

  “Why?”

  “You know why!” Elloriana whispered, annoyed. “I want to meet up with you guys.”

  “Stay with your richy family.”

  “Where?” Elloriana seethed quietly.

  “We’re going to end up at Grizzard’s alley and the tavern.”

  “Sounds good,” Elloriana said, scooting closer to her family.

  Dagdron didn’t think anything sounded good about it.

  “What was Elloriana asking you about?” Earl said when they left the show.

  “Who knows? I don’t understand the wench,” Dagdron said.

  Dagdron and Earl’s group continued moving through the carnival, enjoying the sights, smells, and sounds. Dagdron perked up a little too much when they finally passed the Fortigroffs, and Earl was put on high alert, steering him to the other side of the street to a candy vendor. Dagdron stole a few pieces of sugar candy as the others in the group looked over the wares. The rogue normally would have been annoyed at himself for showing such emotion, but he was excited to steal from King Fortigroff. The Broodavian tyrant deserved payback for jailing his father, and no matter what Earl, Dugan, or anyone else tried, Dagdron was going to fulfill his personal quest. At least Dagdron knew he would have to deal with six guards to get to the king.

  When evening time was approaching, the group headed toward the Bodaburg Tavern. Grunts of exertion echoed from Grizzard’s alleyway as they passed, and the ancient rogue rushed out moving faster than any of them had ever seen him move before.

  “Headed to the tavern, sonny?” Grizzard said.

  Dagdron nodded.

  “Don’t mind if old Grizzard joins you. I’ve been invaded.” Grizzard pointed with his thumb over his shoulder to where Egon was vigorously practicing his sword fighting, making masculine sound effects in time to his movements.

  When Egon saw Grizzard talking to the group, he gave one final thrust with his sword and walked to the edge of the alley but didn’t step out onto the street.

  “Get out of Grizzard’s alley,” Dagdron said.

  “The rogue needs to learn to share,” Egon replied, wiping the sweat from his brow. “I must tone my muscles and skills so they are in tiptop shap
e for my sword performance in a couple of days. People are expecting a great exhibition and that’s what they’ll receive. I need to practice in an out-of-the-way place so I don’t have a run-in with King Fortigroff before my show. This alleyway serves the purpose perfectly.”

  “I thought swords weren’t for show,” Dagdron said.

  “This isn’t for show,” Egon said without hesitation. “This is about inspiring people. They need to know that the skills of adventurers are sufficient to help them in time of need. And that’s exactly what my sword abilities will prove.”

  Dagdron jabbed his dagger into Earl’s side as he saw his warrior friend beam at Egon. Grizzard, usually cackling from his mostly toothless mouth, let out a guttural growl.

  “Be out of old Grizzard’s alley after dinner, or else,” Grizzard said threateningly.

  The entire group, including Dagdron, looked at Grizzard. Although Dagdron knew that Grizzard had been an adventurer in his younger days, he had always seemed a more jovial type of rogue. But, hearing the dark tone now, Dagdron knew Grizzard was able to threaten and intimidate as well as any other rogue.

  Egon stared at Grizzard for a minute before turning back into the alley and resuming his sword practice.

  Grizzard growled again before leading everyone to the tavern. The pub was crowded and thundering with conversation and mugs being banged on tables. Even over the noise, the bartender caught sight of the group entering his establishment and rushed over to kick the occupants out of the back corner table before forcing the patrons to stand up in the one next to it. The square-headed bartender pushed the second table over himself, lining it up with the corner table, and then carried the benches over as well. Earl couldn’t contain his grin. He and Dagdron had rid the tavern of Kemp Balin during their first year at the academy. The arrogant warrior had been a big nuisance to the pub and its patrons, so the bartender was grateful to Earl and Dagdron. And, although he never treated the two boys nicely at any other time, during the Winter Carnival he gave them and their families the royal treatment and allowed them to eat for free.

  The bartender waited until the entire group was squashed along the two tables before ramming his way through the crowd and vaulting over the bar. Grizzard was at the end of one table and, being away from Egon, his chipper demeanor returned. He cackled as he told the group about random fights and events he had witnessed at the Bodaburg Tavern over the years.

  Just as the bartender was lugging over the enormous tray filled with meat pies and game hens, a lull in the ruckus fell over the tavern. Everyone looked toward the door to see Elloriana stride across the pub and squish herself in between Dagdron and Grizzard.

  “Sorry I’m late,” she said, ignoring the shocked expressions she was receiving, especially from Earl and the Valoringtons. Dagdron turned to look at her as she fixed her hair and breathed in through her nose and out through her mouth to calm her heart rate. “It was not as easy as you made it sound,” she mumbled to Dagdron.

  “Quiet, wench,” Dagdron said. “You’re wearing richy shoes and clothes.”

  Elloriana didn’t respond as she searched the table for a napkin. She uncovered one beneath the platter of meat pies. The cloth napkin was covered with grease stains, and Elloriana looked at it with disgust before dropping it back on the table.

  “Richy wench,” Dagdron muttered.

  Elloriana tightened her lips in a scowl but then grabbed the napkin and spread it over her lap and then dished herself up a game hen.

  After the napkin episode, Dagdron noticed that Elloriana behaved herself, even if she did eat her food a little too daintily. But, surprisingly, the princess joined in the lively conversation with Mr. Valorington, Earl, and Grizzard about the history of Bodaburg and the changes that had occurred over the years. Lita and her parents ate heartily, listening to the conversation, while Dugan and Dagdron remained silent. Throughout the dinner, Dagdron noted that Mrs. Valorington was quiet as well. In years past, she hadn’t completely approved of the greasy atmosphere of the tavern, but her expression wasn’t one of disapproval this time. She kept glancing in the direction of the bar. Dagdron, finally curious, discreetly turned his head. He didn’t see anything out of the ordinary, just the bartender filling up mugs of ale and mead from the casks built into the wall of the tavern.

  When the meal was over and everyone started standing up from the tables, Mrs. Valorington stood up and held out her hands.

  “Wait!” she said. Her voice was so urgent everyone turned to look at her. “Sweetheart, I think you should do it.”

  Mr. Valorington looked confused for a moment, but then excitement spread across his face and he took a deep breath as he patted his belly.

  “I think you should drink a mug of Goblin’s Bile,” Mrs. Valorington said.

  “Mom!” Earl exclaimed.

  “Your father has mentioned it since you started the academy, and I was against it at first, but this past year has been one of a lot of change, as you all know. This is your final year, and it might be our last Winter Carnival, so I think now is the time for your father to do it.”

  “Mom, we’re still going to come to the Winter Carnival. A lot of adventurers come back,” Earl said, but his face was filled with enthusiasm as well, as Evan and Eran patted Mr. Valorington on the back.

  “I’m doing it,” Mr. Valorington said. And, before he or anyone else could change his mind, he pushed his way through the pub.

  The rest of the group followed until they were all crowded around the bar. Earl jostled Dagdron with his elbow while they waited for the bartender.

  “Can you believe it?” Earl said. “My dad’s really going to drink the Goblin’s Bile.”

  “Who cares?” Dagdron said, wondering why he had joined everyone at the bar.

  “You and I do,” Earl said. “This will be a chance for us to see the Goblin’s Bile up close before we drink a mug after graduation.”

  Dagdron scowled at Earl. His friend had always talked about drinking a mug after their third year, but the rogue definitely didn’t plan to.

  “One mug of Goblin’s Bile,” Mr. Valorington announced boisterously.

  A stiff smile crossed the bartender’s face, and he grabbed a mug before turning to the cask with the goblin’s head stuck to it. The thick greenish-yellow liquid smoked as it ran into the mug. The bartender slammed it down on the counter with approval.

  Mr. Valorington licked his lips for a minute as he stared at the mug, but then he lifted it to his lips and guzzled every last drop of the Goblin’s Bile without taking a breath. He slammed the mug back down on the bar and then lurched backward as his face turned red and smoke shot out of his ears. He tilted his head back, and steam billowed out of his mouth. He lurched again, this time back toward the bar, and then he stabilized himself on his feet and lifted his arms triumphantly.

  “We have a man!” the bartender yelled.

  Grizzard led the celebration as he cackled loudly and began to clap. Roars of approval sounded from around the tavern as Mr. Valorington, keeping his arms raised, climbed up on a stool for more adulation.

  “It’s official,” Dagdron said to Earl.

  “What is?” Earl asked.

  “I think this finally makes your family officially nonrichy.”

  “We were never—” Earl began, but then stopped. “Thanks, Dagdron,” he said instead, smiling at his friend.

  Dagdron let a smile cross his face, but then he was distracted by a tug on his cloak. It was Elloriana.

  “Don’t touch me, wench,” Dagdron said.

  “I’ve decided I’m going to help you with your quest,” Elloriana whispered.

  “I don’t need your help.”

  “King Fortigroff has six guards around him. How are you going to get past them? Magic can serve as a distraction.”

  “What do you really want?” Dagdron glared at the enchantress.

  “It’s just like Mrs. Valorington said. It’s been a year of a lot of change, and I figure it’s time I help teach t
he Fortigroffs a lesson for all the trouble they’re causing.”

  Dagdron was silent for a minute and then he said, “Wear different shoes, wench.”

  Elloriana smiled before looking back at Mr. Valorington, who was now doing a jig on the bar counter. Earl’s father stopped dancing as he saw his wife gazing up at him proudly. He extended his hand, and Mrs. Valorington took it so that her husband could assist her in climbing up on a stool and then to the bar counter. Mr. Valorington wrapped her in his arms and kissed her soundly as the bartender led the entire tavern in a cheer of approval, Earl’s rising above the rest.

  Chapter 18: Enchanter Versus Warrior, Rogue Versus King

  Dagdron and Elloriana feigned good behavior over the following few days of the festival. Dagdron reserved his stealing to the occasional food or sweetbread and gave no visual sign to Earl that he was planning on robbing King Fortigroff. Elloriana, having survived the fury of her parents for disappearing the first day of the carnival, withstood the unadventurous times with them, along with putting up with Grady’s flirtations, so she would be free to sneak off again on the day Dagdron planned on carrying out his quest to steal from a king.

  Dagdron wasn’t sure why he kept allowing Elloriana to take part in the quests and other activities, but each time he caught sight of the Fortigroffs, he reminded himself that a distraction could really help him fulfill his personal quest. While Elloriana created a diversion, Dagdron felt confident that he could sneak up behind King Fortigroff and steal the bulging pouch he had seen hanging from the royal belt each time he passed the richy ruler.

  On the final day of the Winter Carnival, when Dagdron considered everyone properly lulled into a false sense of honorable behavior, the young rogue was easily able to slip away from the Valoringtons, Valks, and his father as they watched a pair of troubadours playing flutes and dancing merrily.

  Dagdron knew his absence would be quickly noted, but he darted through the crowd until he reached Grizzard’s alleyway. Grizzard was cackling gleefully, sitting around a mountain of crumpled parchments.