Now that they had defeated this latest group of monsters, Owen could answer Primus’s question about his profession.

‘I am a travelling businessman and philanthropist,’ he said.

‘A fill-ant-row-what?’ asked Silvia.

‘Philanthropist,’ said Primus, ‘It means he has money, which he uses to help people, in order to make more money.’

‘Correct,’ said Owen. ‘I had business in Vishay, where I have a variety of stakes in different merchant enterprises and in the local inn. I had been visiting in order to check up on my investments and see my clients, and following that I was seeking a means of transport to get to Whitehall, where I have other investments and where I am seeking to expand my business further. At first it was quite irritating to have to make this temporary detour to the Frozen Waste. However, now that I have your story, Rossalento, I count it fortunate. Your story really is quite remarkable. I would like to offer my financial help, whatever use it may be to you, in assistance of your goal. If this “Clarent Sword” really exists, and by it there is a chance to end the terror of Braxia.’

‘Goodness,’ said Ross. ‘That is most generous of you, Master Owen. I will gladly accept whatever help you are able to offer me. Thank you.’ His eyes found Primus, and gave him a stare heavy with meaning. ‘In fact, if any of you were able to offer your assistance to me in my search for the Clarent Sword, I would be most grateful. I may be from a different part of the world, but I am not foolish. It is not difficult to guess that you and your party seek the Clarent Sword also. Why else would a band of magic-using adventurers journey so far North to the Waste together, where the land is uninhabited, uninhabitable, and there is nothing else of interest

‘What we are doing here is our own bus–’ Olivia began to say.

‘Never mind that anymore, Granddaughter,’ Primus said, holding up a hand to cut her off. ‘It is no use trying to hide what is now in plain sight. Yes, Ross, we seek the Sword, as do you. It may well make sense for us to join forces in our quest for it. In fact, I think we may already have.’

Wow, Primus accepting someone into the party without a fuss? thought Horatio. That makes a pleasant change! The only catch was that this time he wasn’t so sure that he wanted Ross in the party himself…

‘What I cannot guarantee, though,’ Primus went on, ‘is that you will be the one to wield the blade. That we will have to work out once we find it.’

‘That is fair enough,’ conceded Ross. ‘And I do not think it matters much. As well as finding the Sword, I am sure we also share the common goal of seeking to overthrow Braxia. When we have found it, we will be able to do that, whoever it is that holds it.’

‘If we find it,’ said Primus. ‘It may well be that it is only the Sword itself that will chose who it is that is to wield it. What I am more concerned about at this point is who else might be looking for the sword. These “rumours” you spoke of…how exactly did you come to hear of the Sword?’

‘Rumours…a gloss on the truth, I am afraid. One of my people, a prophetess of great power, on her deathbed beheld a vision of the Sword hidden in the Northern Wastes, and related it to me.’

‘Ah,’ said Primus. ‘We came by our knowledge of the Sword in a similar fashion.’ He smiled at Olivia. ‘That only confirms we are on the right path. But if we have learned of it through these means, there may be others who know of its location similarly. We must make for the sword as swiftly as possible, together.’

‘Well, won’t this be a fine tale to tell my grandchildren, eh, lads?’ Antonio said mockingly to his crew once it became clear that this esoteric exchange had concluded. ‘A group of misfits questing for a legendary mythical blade!’

‘Think what you like, sea captain,’ Ross said to him. ‘In fact, it is probably better if you are sceptical about the existence of the Sword. If you weren’t, and you told others about it, I might be forced to kill you, or at least cut out your tongue, to stop you telling others of it.’

The captain roared with laughter. ‘Good one, foreigner!’ he said when he had calmed down a bit. ‘I’d like to see you try! Come on, men,’ he said to his crew, ‘story-time’s over now; look lively! Back to work! We’re almost at our destination!’

The ship drew closer to the Waste, and now that Ross had finished telling his tale, the party went to the rail and watch for it. There was only one more group of monsters that attacked them before they reached it.

Battle 4