Free Kazin's Quest: Book I of The Dragon Mage Trilogy by Carey Scheppner Page B

I’m not going anywhere.”
    Zylor reluctantly agreed and left in search of the plants.
    “By the way,” called Harran after him as loudly as he dared, “keep those leaves away from me. I’m allergic.” Then in undertones added, “That’s what got me into this whole mess in the first place.”
    Zylor knew the dwarf was telling the truth. Not only about staying put—the dwarf was honour bound to do so—but also about the sight-giving ability of the wildhorn plants. As young minotaurs, he and several of his friends would play in the dark. They would chew the leaves and be able to see as if it was still twilight. No doubt the guards in the area were using these leaves to heighten their own vision. He and Harran would have to be careful, even under the cover of darkness.
    When Zylor returned, he found the dwarf in the same position, still drawing. “How big is this map you’re working on, anyway?”
    “It’s not really all that big,” said Harran. “There are only seven levels to it. I’m not finished yet because I like to put in some of the finer details. Call it my trademark, if you like.”
    Zylor groaned. Seven levels. It was going to be a long journey. “We should have some dried meat,” said Zylor, changing the subject.
    “Good idea,” agreed Harran, folding the maps and putting them away. “I can finish this later.”
    After they had eaten, Zylor looked at the nearly dark mountainside. “It should be safe to travel any time now.”
    “Agreed,” said Harran. “Let’s get packed.”
    The two unlikely travelling companions began their trek up the mountainside. Even in the darkness, the dwarf guided the minotaur unerringly up the mountain, never missing a step. They crossed two small streams, the result of spring thaw, and stopped only briefly to fill their water skins. When they finally reached the cave, the mountain was shrouded in darkness, almost as dark as the cave entrance itself. Only the stars were visible. An owl hooted in the distance.
    Harran pulled the light stone from his pack and placed it in an oddly shaped sconce. It glowed with a dim blue-green hue. “Well,” he muttered. “Let’s go.” He cautiously entered the cave.
    Zylor began to follow but remembered something. He quickly opened a bag containing his collection of wildhorn leaves and put one into his mouth. Chewing intently, he entered the cave. After a few steps, he bumped into the dwarf, dropping his bag of leaves. The dwarf turned to reprimand the minotaur for his clumsiness but instead his eyes widened. The minotaur’s night vision was just beginning to work when he realized his mistake.
    The guards in the nearest guard tower were playing a game of dice when they heard it. They both jumped to their feet and knocked over their table, the dice bouncing out of the tower and into the darkness below.
    “What the hell was that?” asked one, the hair on his neck standing on end.
    “I don’t know,” said the other, “but it sounded big and mean!”
    “Aren’t you going to investigate?”
    “Are you kidding?”
    Throughout the mountainside creatures ran, took to flight, or shuddered where they stood, as Harran’s sneeze reverberated off into the night.

Chapter 8
    S ince leaving the mountain’s surface, the companions made good time, (after Zylor hurriedly gathered the spilled wildhorn leaves and tucked them safely away).
    The minotaur was able to keep up with ease due to his improved sight. Harran stopped only a few times along the way to give Zylor the basics on map reading. Otherwise, it was a quiet journey.
    The companions travelled for some time before Harran called a halt. They had reached a widening portion of the tunnel with several small alcoves to one side. Harran held the light stone aloft, scanning the area for danger. Finally he grunted in satisfaction. “We’ll camp here for the night,” he said, indicating one of the alcoves with a wave of the sconce. This resulted in a fluctuation of shadows which