Meric the Storyman: Rega and the Dragonstones
Chapter 26: The Last Stone

Rega awoke feeling totally disoriented. The last thing he remembered was being caught by Brolo, and then a blinding flash appeared. Now, he had no idea where he was.

He saw Dexir and Lobaki stirring. Doman was sitting up. The halflings were still soundly asleep, snoring even. As Rega began to get his senses back, he realized that Prina wasn’t with them. Then he noticed the brownies in the room. He also noticed a strange man get up from the chair he had been sitting in and leave the room.

He looked around at his surroundings. The room seemed to be a study of some sort. There were several candles placed near desks. There were paper and writing instruments. Arcane writing decorated the walls. There were no windows and only one door out.

“This must be the room the apprentices here in the Wizard’s Guild use when transcribing spells into their spell books.” said Lobaki, while walking over to Rega. “It is just like how Nomis described it to me.”

“So we are in the Wizard’s Guild.” said Rega. “I suspected just as much.”

“Well at least this is one less thing we need to worry about.” joked Dexir, stretching and then quickly checking and finding Akrun safely in his scabbard. He then continued, “With the research we have already done, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy getting in. Someone just went and helped us out.”

“Yeah, but who is that someone.” replied Rega.

As if on cue, the door opened. In walked an old man in robes. The sleeves were trimmed in arcane writing, similar to what adorned the walls.

“Thank you, Eric.” the old man said to the man Rega had seen just moments before. “Please go get yourself something to eat.” He then turned to Rega and said, “I see you have begun to wake.” said the old man. “Good, we have much to discuss.”

“Not trying to sound rude, but who are you? What do we need to discuss?” asked Rega.

The old man answered, “I am Fokar...”

“...High-Wizard of the Wizard’s Guild.” finished a surprised Lobaki.

Fokar looked at the apprentice and said, “You know of me. Good.” He then looked back to Rega and answered, “We will be discussing your mission to get all of the Dragonstones. First, let me provide you with refreshments as well.”

As he turned to summon a servant, he paused when he saw the sword at Dexir’s side. “So this is the mighty Akrun. Guard that sword well, warrior. There is not a finer warrior weapon in the entire world.”

The servant was summoned. Fresh fruit, bread, cheese and juice was brought in for them. The halflings awoke the moment the food was brought in. They started piling up more than enough of everything, but a growl from Doman stopped that.

Rega did have a moment to comment to the half-orc, “Even though it sounds like he is going to help us, I still don’t trust this place. Keep focused and have your entangle spell ready.”

Doman nodded in agreement.

Soon, they were summoned to an audience with the High-Wizard.

The room they were led to was obviously designed for large meetings. A table that could seat thirty people was placed in the center of the room, with more chairs placed along the walls. Fokar sat at the head of the table. He motioned for them to sit near him.

“Is everyone feeling refreshed?” he asked. After getting nods from everyone, he continued. “To begin with, as I said earlier, I know of your mission. I know that you already have the other four stones. I also know about your meeting with Soliat. Councilor Colnhe and I have had a lengthy discussion. But don’t worry, I am not about to hinder your quest.”

“Does that mean you will be freely giving us the last Dragonstone, the diamond?” asked Rega.

“The Guild is willing to help you, but under one condition.” answered Fokar.

“What may that be?” asked Rega, waiting for the catch.

“The Guild would like be able to see all five Dragonstones. They represent the ultimate in magic...the goal that those of us here at the Guild are striving to attain.” said Fokar, and then seeing the look of concern on Rega’s and Lobaki’s faces, he continued, “But, don’t worry. The stones will be safe during the display. I will personally see to it.” He then added, “You may also be present, just to be sure.”

After talking it over with Lobaki, Doman and Dexir, Rega agreed.

“At least that means I won’t need to break into here.” said Rega jokingly to Fokar.

The old wizard questionably raised an eyebrow in response.

An audience was called with all master-wizards, wizards and apprentices currently at the Guild. Rega took out his miniature bag of holding (which was also a hit with the wizards and apprentices) and placed the four Dragonstones on the table.

Fokar was led by a small procession of master-wizards. In his hands he held the last Dragonstone. He placed it next to the other four. Many gasps filled the hall. Curiously, Barg chose this time to return to Lobaki. How he got in the hall was unknown. He was just there.

So there on the table they lay. There was the Ruby which had been taken from the Dwarven King’s crown. There was the blue Sapphire, given to them from the elves in Estu, after fighting Eraston. The Emeraldstone, sparkling wildly, was next, a “gift” from the halflings. The most recent acquisition, the Topaz, followed. Finally, there was the Diamond just placed there by Fokar. The sight was spectacular, even for the non-magicians.

The wizards then formed a line to look at the gems. In all, seventy-six master-wizards, wizards and apprentices passed by them. Fokar beamed throughout the review. In the wizard community, he would be remembered as the one responsible for getting all five Dragonstones together, even though Rega was the one who had actually acquired the first four.

For a second, Fokar had a flashing thought that he had seen a wizard in the back of the room that he didn’t recognize, but the amazement of the gems overwhelmed it. He looked over at Rega and smiled.

After the last apprentice had his chance to look at them, Rega collected all five of the stones and placed them into the bag of holding. He then hid the bag in his clothes. The main part of his mission was over. Now he had to get them to Soliat and the other dragon leaders.

“Did you get any information on why they were here?” asked Cirrick.

“No. I was just about to get out with Rega and his friends when I was stopped by that fool, Brolo.” said Kiram. “Then, a strange man just appeared in the room. The next thing I know is waking up. Rega had disappeared.”

“Well. I have a contact at the Wizard’s Guild.” said the Guild of Illustrious Thieve’s leader. “It sounds like the wizards are involved in this somehow. If that is true, we will know soon.”

“What about Brolo?” asked Kiram.

“His days are numbered.” was the answer.

“I have one last favor to ask, Fokar.” said Rega. “As you know, I am not on best of terms with the local thieves guild. You didn’t make it too secretive when you rescued us, so I’m sure they already know the Wizard’s Guild is involved.”

The old wizard nodded.

Rega continued. “My friends and I need a way out of the city without being spotted. Fortunately, you had the halfling’s wagon and the brownies brought here from the inn.”

The High-Wizard thought a few moments before he answered, “I’ll get back to you in a little bit. I have a plan that needs some research.”

“Dragonstones...huh?” said Cirrick to the wizard. “So, Rega is the one who has been gathering them all. Do you have any idea where he plans to go next?”

“All I heard was the High-Wizard mention something about the Council of Dragonlair.” was the man’s response.

“You did well. If you would wait in the other room, I’ll have you usual payment brought to you. Mandrake root and a vial of virgin’s blood?”

“Yes.” said the wizard and left the room.

“Kiram.” called Cirrick. When she entered, he continued. “Did you hear everything?”

“Yes I did.” she answered.

“Good. Take five of your best people with you. Don’t let Rega leave the city without someone following him.”

“Very well.” said Kiram.

Cirrick thought about what he had been told. He knew people who would pay excellently for just one of the Dragonstones.

“Once you leave, do not turn back.” said the High-Wizard. “It will be very dangerous having an invisible stalker behind you, but the other master-wizards and I felt it was the best choice available.”

Rega knew there would be danger involved when he accepted the job. “We will be careful.” he said.

“Good.” said Fokar. “Anyone following you will have to deal with the stalker first. You should have no problem getting away from Makloran. From there, you will need to hurry to the desert.”

“Thank you.” said Rega.

“May luck be with you.” said Fokar.

The High-Wizard then went to the room set up for casting the spell.

“You may begin.” he said to the spellcaster.

“Lobaki, just what is an invisible stalker?” asked Rega, while walking to their horses.

“From what Nomis told me, it is a creature from a different plane of existence. If I remember correctly, the Plane of Air. It is about eight feet tall, strong and very intelligent. While it is in our plane, it is invisible.” answered Lobaki. She then added, “It takes an extremely powerful wizard to summon one.”

They walked the rest of the way in silence.

After Rega’s group had left, Fokar went in search of Eric Torrel. He found him playing cards with several of the newer apprentices. The apprentices quickly left once Fokar showed up.

“Now we need to discuss your situation, young Mr. Torrel. As we have connections with the Lalloran Wizard’s Guild, word reached us many moons ago about you getting away from your father. You were a topic of conversation in that side of the continent for quite a while.”

Eric, gathering what winnings he had managed to get, replied “I left because I have four older brothers all interested in my father’s barony. I was feeling trapped and grew bored of learning about dignitary functions. I felt this was how I could see the world and make a name for myself.”

To Eric’s surprise, Fokar understood what he was saying. The old wizard nodded and after thinking for a moment had a possible answer.

“You may want to consider talking to the Order of the Silver Rose. They can always use more to help in protecting the people of the land. I’m sure you will find that more rewarding than your visits to the local drinking establishments.”

As soon as the idea was suggested, Eric realized it was a good one. He had visited the Order’s keep near his home on many occasions, talking to them about their travels.

“Thank you, Fokar. I think that is a wonderful suggestion.” said Eric.

“A pleasure to be of service.” answered Fokar. “Besides, I cannot afford to have my young apprentices corrupted so easily. I need them to be focused in their training. But, I must be off. I have to get prepared for war.”

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