Page 34 of The Night Prince

He said that because he knew King Hein Greatfall’s descendant, none other than Declan’s boss, Helgrom Greatfall, who had told him it wasn’t true.After reading the first in theBlacksmiths and Godsseries, he had immediately gone to Helgrom to quiz him, but the dwarven tavern owner had laughed at Neldor’s claim.

“Just like an Aravae to want to tear down the Kindreth, even if it means raising up another species other than themselves!”Helgrom had let out a great, bitter laugh.“No, Finley, the Blood Weapons–and most enchanted weapons that anyone wields, even the blessed Aravae–areKindreth-make.And don't let anyone tell you differently.We dwarves make brilliant weapons, don’t get me wrong.But the Blood Weapons are not forged out of metal and fire.They are made from blood and pain. Those are the Kindreth’s specialty.”

But even if Finley had not spoken to Helgrom and trusted the dwarf’s understanding of the matter, he knew it from his own reading. It was to this scholarship that he referred when he spoke next.

“Because King Vex’s most powerful Blood Weapon–the greatsword, Doomshadow–was mentioned in a far earlier history,Blood at the End of the World, by Ion Rizur, as having beenbroughtto the Under Dark,” Finley explained with a surprisingly crisp, cold delivery.“So you see, Vex already had a Blood Weapon before the Kindreth ever met the Draesiwen.Hence, Blood Weapons have nothing to do with dwarves or their part in Vex’s subsequent conquest of the Under Dark.”

There were long moments of silence as Neldor and Finley had a staring match.The affront that had fueled his speech to Neldor started to crack as time stretched.How badly had he offended the Glass Scholar?Had it been worth it to attack in order to salvage his pride?

But it wasn’t just my pride.He went after Gemma.Assuming we’d need picture books for us to understand anything!That could not stand.

Finally, Neldor’s eyes left his and went to the book.“I see.Well, I… Did someone read those books to you–”

“He reads Katyr.Fluently,” Gemma got in.“And he’s teaching me.”

That was true.And she was picking it up rather quickly.Well, when she cared to set her mind to it.But he had a feeling she would certainly do so now.

“We want permission to check out books from the Anthenaeum,” Finley said then added tightly, “Please.”

“And what are you interested in studying here?”Neldor asked.

Gemma opened her mouth, likely to speak of pride about his game and his need for information on Xelroth Vex.But it occurred to him that maybe knowing too much about the Night King wouldn’t sit so well with the Glass Scholar.He put a hand on her shoulder to stop her.

“The history of conjuration magic,” he lied.Well, it wasn’t a complete lie.He would look for books on that, too.

Neldor smiled uncertainly.“Well, that is a worthy topic and quite extensive.”

“It’s also on the admissions exam to the Academy,” Finley found himself saying.

Neldor’s eyes sharpened on his.“Yes, it is.”

Again, they locked gazes.

“I see,” Neldor said as Finley said nothing more.

And Finley wondered if he did.

Fifteen minutes later, clutching the thick cardstock that represented his library card, Finley wondered if he had just burned all of his hopes and dreams of being close to the Glass Scholar down.But, then again, maybe it wasNeldorwho had done that with his prejudice against humans.

“Finley,” Snaglak’s voice brought Finley out of his reverie again, “Declan’s been gone a long time.”

“W-what?”Finley blinked and focused on the massive orc.

His pitcher of beer was nearing its bottom.Again.That was likely why he noticed that Declan wasn’t behind the bar.But no, that was unfair.The truth was that Snaglak was very attentive to him and Declan at all times.He just liked his beer.A lot.

“Oh, well, I’m sure he’s just in the back–”

“No,” Snaglak interrupted.“He went outside.”

For a moment, Finley felt a wash of cold go through him and then a prickling heat.He was up from his chair before he thought of rising.“Outside?!”

Snaglak blinked at him innocently.“Yeah.To pour out the honey brew, I think.”

“How long has he been gone?”Finley couldn’t help but think about Declan’s earlier near-collapse on the street due to exposure to sunlight.“Oh, it doesn’t matter!Come with me!We’ve got to go get him!”

But Finley didn’t get five steps before the door to the Sudden Dawn burst inwards and the Sun King Aquilan Fairlynn himself swept through it.In his arms, seemingly unconscious or worse, was Declan.

Bloodless

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