Dragonlance 04 - Time of the Twins by Margaret Weis Page B

was peering out at them from beneath the wooden bar. "Bring us a pitcher of ale and some mugs, wine for Lady Crysania, some spiced potatoes—”

    Tanis paused. The confused gully dwarf was staring at him, round-eyed, his mouth hanging open in confusion.

    "Better let me get it for you, Tanis," Dezra offered, smiling. "You'd probably end up with a pitcher of potatoes if Raf went after it."

    "Me help!" Raf protested indignantly.

    "You take out the garbage!" Dezra snapped.

    "Me big help . . .." Raf mumbled disconsolately as he shuffled out, kicking at the table legs to relieve his hurt feelings.

    "Your rooms are in the new part of the Inn," Tika mumbled. "I'll show you . . .."

    "We'll find them later," Riverwind said sternly, but as he looked at Tika, his eyes were filled with gentle sympathy. "Sit and talk to Tanis. He has to leave soon."

    "Damn! My horse!" Tanis said, starting up suddenly. "I asked the boy to bring it around-"

    "I will go have them wait," Riverwind offered.

    "No, I'll go. It'll just take a moment—”

    "My friend," Riverwind said softly as he went past him, "I need to be outdoors! I'll come back to help with—” He nodded his head toward the snoring Caramon.

    Tanis sat back down, relieved. The Plainsman left. Crysania sat down beside Tanis on the opposite side of the table, staring at Caramon in perplexity. Tanis kept talking to Tika about small, inconsequential matters until she was able to sit up and even smile a little. By the time Dezra returned with drinks, Tika seemed more relaxed, though her face was still drawn and strained. Crysania, Tanis noticed, barely touched her wine. She simply sat, glancing occasionally at Caramon, the dark line appearing once again between her brows. Tanis knew he should explain to her what was going on, but he wanted someone to explain it to him first.

    "When did this—” he began, hesitantly.

    "Start?" Tika sighed. "About six months after we got back here." Her gaze went to Caramon. "He was so happy—at first. The town was a mess, Tanis. The winter had been terrible for the survivors. Most of them were starving, the draconians and goblin soldiers took everything. Those whose houses had been destroyed were living in whatever shelter they could find— caves, lean-to hovels. The draconians had abandoned the town by the time we got back, and people were beginning to rebuild. They welcomed Caramon as a hero—the bards had been here already, singing their songs about the defeat of the Queen."

    Tika's eyes shimmered with tears and remembered pride.

    "He was so happy, Tanis, for a while. People needed him. He worked day and night—cutting trees, hauling timber from the hills, putting up houses. He even took up smithy work, since Theros was gone. Oh, he wasn't very good at it." Tika smiled sadly. "But he was happy, and no one really minded. He made nails and horseshoes and wagon wheels. That first year was good for us—truly good. We were married, and Caramon seemed to forget about . . . about . . ."

    Tika swallowed. Tanis patted her hand and, after eating a little and.drinking some wine in silence, Tika was able to continue.

    "A year ago last spring, though, everything started to change. Something happened to Caramon. I'm not sure what. It had something to do with—” She broke off, shook her head. "The town was prosperous. A blacksmith who had been held captive at Pax Tharkas moved here and took over the smithy trade. Oh, people still needed homes built, but there was no hurry. I took over running the Inn." Tika shrugged. "I guess Caramon just had too much time on his hands."

    "No one needed him," Tanis said grimly.

    "Not even me . . .." Tika said, gulping and wiping her eyes. "Maybe it's my fault—”

    "No," said Tanis, his thoughts—and his memories—far away. "Not your fault, Tika. I think we know whose fault this is."

    "Anyway"—Tika drew a deep breath—"I tried to help, but I was so busy here. I suggested all sorts of things he could do