Siren's Song Chapter 15

Waynew paced in front of Daylon’s massive chamber doors. His back hunched and his withered hands wringing in front of him. His brow wrinkled in concentration as his stringy white hair hung around his face.1

From behind the closed door came the baritone voice, “stop pacing Waynew and come in here.” Startled he muttered under his breath and opened the heavy doors.2

A fire crackled in the hearth casting a warm glow on the floor and shelves of worn books. Daylon sat pouring over old tomes on a well-used table. A dinner of elk stew and fresh bread sat untouched to the side, while a Torith glass bottle of Northland wine held only a quarter left.3

Waynew shuffled over, “Sir, you must eat.” He started shutting books and moving papers around.4

Daylon sighed heavily as he folded his meaty hands over his wide girth. “What seems to be the trouble?”5

Waynew stopped and glanced down at his wrinkled hands to avoid looking at his leader. “What makes you say there’s trouble?”6

Sighing again, tired of this game already he replied. “You were pacing beyond the door and now you’re fiddling with the books I need to look over.”7

After a pregnant silence, he started. “You’re right,” Waynew replied finally holding his head up. “There is trouble or will be trouble. As of now there is no trouble, my Lord.”8

“Out with it!” Boomed Daylon, startling the hound snoring in front of the hearth.9

“Oh, oh sorry. I’m doing it again aren’t I? The short version is there are Swamp Trolls camped outside of town.”10

For a long time only the crackle of the fire was heard. The shadows danced on the walls behind the broad back of the Leader throwing odd shapes against the grain. The smell of roasted meat tantalized Waynew’s nose and started his stomach rumbling reminding him he hadn’t eaten yet. 11

Daylon sat pondering the implications of what the Trolls were doing near town. What if it had to do with the company of men and women that had left earlier tonight? Finally not coming to any conclusion he said, “ Waynew find me Commander Gothgo, First Minister Fenswith, and Captain Ravenlocke’s second.”12

“Yes sir.” He glided silently out of the room as Daylon sat staring at the blazing fire not feeling the heat that radiated out of the hearth. Outside the rain fell like a gentle spray, shrouding the town in a hazy mist. Lights flicked from inside the houses and taverns as the town wound its way from day to night. A few dogs could be heard barking in the distance and the crickets taking up their nightly symphony.13