“Then if not banishment, what would you suggest?”

“I can think of nothing else that would keep Otho from breaking his word, except perhaps the threat of being turned back into an ox.”

“The threat is there, but I will not be here to carry out such a punishment if it is needed,” said Alex.

“Then it shall be as you ask,” Osgood agreed. “I see that you have considered this matter far more than I ever have.”

“Perhaps, as a stranger, I can see things more clearly.”

“I hope Otho has not put you off,” Osgood added. “I mean to say, that I hope you will return to our city in spite of my foolish son.”

“I would like that very much,” said Alex. “I have many friends here in your city, and in Norsland as well.”

“Then you will surely hear if Otho breaks his oath.”

“I will,” said Alex. “A fact you may wish to remind Otho of from time to time.”

“When would you like the apology and oath to take place, Master Taylor?”

“Tomorrow, I think,” said Alex. “Talk this over with Otho; even as an ox he will be able to understand you. If he agrees to my demands, bring him to the square tomorrow, one hour before the midday meal.”

“It shall be as you wish,” said Osgood.

Alex and Osgood shook hands, and Alex thanked him for coming. Osgood was in much better spirits when he left the tavern than he had been when he arrived. Alex watched him go and hoped that this ordeal had not been too hard on the old magistrate.

That night at dinner, Alex told everyone what Osgood had agreed to. Lilly and Indigo looked relieved, Tayo simply nodded, but it was Skeld who put into words what most of them were thinking.

“You couldn’t leave him with a tail, could you?” Skeld chuckled. “Might do him some good, and—”

Skeld’s words suddenly turned into a hacking cough as Lilly elbowed him sharply in the ribs. Alex grinned, glad to see that Skeld had met his match in Lilly.

The next morning, the square in front of the Dragon’s Keep was overflowing with people. Alex guessed that most of the city had heard about what he had done to Otho, and they had all turned up to see him change Otho back into his normal self. Alex also guessed that most of the people wanted to hear Otho’s apology and oath.

As Alex walked out of the tavern, the crowd parted in front of him. Osgood had arranged for a raised platform to be erected so everyone would be able to see Otho take his pledge. Alex was quick to notice that Andy was standing next to Kate in the crowd; she was wearing the brooch Andy had bought from Elwig.

Osgood seemed to be in good spirits and greeted Alex like an old friend. Otho, the ox, was standing close by and looked as if he wanted to run away when Alex approached. Alex tried to look stern, leaning forward to speak to Otho in a lowered voice.

“I’m only changing you back because of your father,” Alex said firmly. “If I ever hear that you’ve dishonored him in any way, or broken the oath you take today, I will return and change you into something far worse than an ox.”

Alex stood up and focused his thoughts. He had never actually changed a human before, or at least not this way, and he was hoping for Osgood’s sake that he could do it. With a wave of his hand and a loud popping noise, Otho suddenly appeared where the ox had been standing.

As soon as the change happened, Otho took several steps away from Alex, stumbling and falling backward into a water trough. The crowd roared with laughter, but Alex was unmoved. He simply indicated that Otho should proceed to the raised platform to make his apology and take his oath, dripping wet.

Once the conditions Alex had insisted on had been fulfilled, Osgood came forward and shook Alex’s hand again. Alex bowed to Osgood and thanked him for everything he had done. Osgood turned to his son, who, because it wasn’t yet springtime in Norsland, was covered in a growing layer of ice.

“Come,” Osgood commanded. “We have a great deal to talk about.”

“A pity,” said Skeld, stepping up beside Alex. “He did make a fine-looking ox.”

“Don’t insult oxen,” Alex answered.

That night they had their farewell feast, which Bregnest had arranged for. They all joked and talked as they ate, but there was a bit of sadness mixed with the laughter. When the feast was over, there were many sad good-byes to be said. Alex noticed that Andy said his good-byes quickly and left the inn in a hurry. He knew that Andy had another good-bye to make, and he felt happy for his friend.

They left Oslansk the next morning as planned, and Alex was happy to see that almost everyone they passed in the streets waved and wished them good luck. He liked Oslansk, and he hoped that he would be able to return here someday.

Chapter Sixteen

Alusia

The journey back to the great arch was a short one, and the company remained in good spirits as they traveled. Bregnest told them that they would be staying in Telous for three days, once they’d left Norsland, so he could arrange for them to travel to Alusia. Plus, that would give them time to divide the treasure from the Tower of the Moon.

Alex was pleased with the short stay. He wanted to find out if Val had an heir or any family as soon as he could.

They arrived in Telous in time for their midday meal, and after they had eaten, Bregnest hurried off to arrange for their journey to Alusia. Alex and his friends had the afternoon unexpectedly free, and Alex visited the bag maker in order to modify his library to expand as needed. He also added a second treasure room to his bag. Sadly, he also learned that the bag maker didn’t know about any heir to Val’s bag.

That night the company ate together at the Golden Swan, and Bregnest looked grim as they took their seats. Bregnest told them that he had received word that the situation in Athanor had grown worse.

“There have been some fights in the streets, and several disputes about land rights, but no open fighting,” Bregnest explained. “Not yet.”

“We can’t move any faster,” Halfdan observed. “But we have recovered the Horn and that will prove your kinsman’s right to be king.”

“It may be beyond the Horn’s power to do so now,” Bregnest answered grimly. “It seems that open war is not far off in Athanor.”

“Then we will aid your kinsman in retaining his crown,” said Sindar. “We are still in his service and will defend him and his throne if we must.”

They all agreed with Sindar’s words and pledged to defend the rightful king of Athanor, whatever the cost. Bregnest did not comment, but he nodded his understanding of their pledge, a grateful expression on his face.

After they had finished their meal, Alex followed Bregnest to a large room at the back of the tavern. He retrieved the treasure he had taken from the Tower of the Moon, which he had already sorted, and then bowed to Bregnest.

“A sizable treasure,” Bregnest commented, looking around the room. “I see how most of your winter in the enchanted woods was spent.”

“There was little else to do,” said Alex. “I thought it might save time, and I was looking for the Horn anyway. I’m sure you will want to check my sorting, however, as I may have miscounted.”

“Nonsense. I am sure you have sorted fairly. In the morning, I will divide the shares.”

Alex wanted to say something hopeful, but the possibility of war in Athanor had him worried. This adventure had seemed so simple when he’d first heard about it, but it wasn’t just about returning the Horn—not anymore. Now it looked as if he and his friends would have to help fight in a real war.

And if war started in Athanor, there was no telling where it might spread to. It had to be stopped before it got out of hand.

In the morning, before the others woke, Alex took some time to write to Whalen about the possible war and his fears that it might spread. He mentioned his own pledge to defend the rightful king of Athanor and explained that he knew that it was not required for adventurers to defend the people who were paying for their adventure, but that this felt like the right thing to do.