Dugan walked past the wizard and nodded with satisfaction. Moments later Mendel appeared ahead of Dugan between two large glass shelves. The dwarf did not remember the wizard passing him up. Mendel tapped his staff with impatience as he waited for the dwarf to catch-up to him. Dugan soon caught up to Mendel and together they winded down a maze of hallways. The dwarf could not comprehend that such passages existed within such a small shop. The wizard halted in front of a large wooden door and proceeded to knock upon it.
“Yes, who is it?” a voice responded.
“Mendel, I have with me a dwarven gentleman who seeks your council.” Mendel looked back at Dugan.
“Do come in, I rather prefer not chatting with a door.” The voice inside responded.
Mendel opened the door. He motioned for Dugan to enter, and the dwarf walked in with a strut. The office of Robin Fairborn was quite large. It appeared too great to fit within the shop’s structural size. Every inch of room's walls seemed covered in hundreds of scrolls and books. Strange arcane objects hung from the ceiling or sat upon small tables all about the room. Robin’s desk was in the exact center of the room. It was here Robin Fairborn stood dressed in a strange many pocketed, long sir coat. The dwarf could hardly believe his eyes.
Robin for all appearances looked like a young man. Dugan himself had heard the tales of Robin Fairborn and his adventures when he was a young dwarf. The dwarf pulled fragments of the tales he had heard as a child and measured them against the real Robin. He noted that Robin’s ice-blue eyes did show intelligence and ancient wisdom. His impish grin did hint of a mischief. While his slight pointed ears which poked out of his mop of blond curls was proof his rumored fairy blood. Dugan pulled himself to the present. He noticed that Robin was waiting for him to say something.
“My pardon, Master Robin, I am grateful you have allowed me this audience.” Dugan said with haste.
“Please have a seat good dwarf, “Robin indicated a nearby chair, “How may I assist you this day?”
Dugan allowed his host to sit behind his desk before he began. “Well, it’s a matter of most importance and might hold some danger.”
“Then you should be speaking with the Elite Elvin Police Squad. They handle such dangerous matters.” Robin smiled and began to rummage through a few scrolls on his desk.
“The EEPS, you must be joking. Those good for nothing law spouting fools.” Dugan growled. He proceeded to brush his vest to calm his nerves. He did have the habit of losing his temper when things did not go his way. He saw another smile pass over his host’s childlike face; the dwarf chuckled and continued.
“Master Fairborn, I need someone to handle a very perilous task and the EEPS did not quite grasp the severity of it.”
“Perilous you say. What exactly are you speaking of?” Mendel had appeared behind Robin, a look of suspicion draped upon his face.
The dwarf retrieved an envelope from his coat pocket and placed it upon Robin’s desk. His host picked up the letter, opened it and read its contents. After a few minutes he put the letter down and looked at Dugan with a fascinated look.
“The letter states you are to hand over the Gems of Galdafax or suffer grave consequences. Might I enquire who sent you this letter? “Robin leaned back in his chair.
“That is a question I can’t answer. The letter arrived at my room in the Frawlworth Inn this morning. I sought out the innkeeper and inquired its origin. He responded to having no knowledge of its arrival.”
“What are the Gems of Galdafax?”
“They are a family heirloom. Discovered by Galdafax Burrow an ancient relative of mine, a well-known adventurer. I have brought them with me to display in the Centaurian Museum.”
“I see, from what I read Galdafax was a thief and tomb robber.” Mendel stated with a dry tone.
“How dare you insult my departed relative, you spell monger” Dugan barked and stood his face beet red.
“Please sir, Mendel meant no offense he sometimes let his tongue get the better of him.” Robin stated to calm the boiling dwarf.
“Yes, please forgive me.” Mendel bowed and to Dugan seemed genuine in his apology.
“So, you’ve received an anonymous threat from an unknown party requesting that you hand over you gems.” Robin leaned forward upon his desk. “How exactly does this matter of yours, demand my help...Dugan Burrow-Vann? “
“Are you not an investigator for hire?” Dugan inquired.
“Yes, I have uncovered mysteries, so what is your offer?”
“I showed the letter you read to Captain Treeharp of the EEPS, and he brushed it off as a prank and nothing more. I assure you this letter is no joke, and my life and family heirlooms are in grave danger. My offer is this, discover who is trying to steal my gems and seeks my harm.”
“Very well, I will take you request under consideration and contact you with my answer. Mendel, please see Dugan to the door and get his contact information.”
“Thank you, Master Fairborn, I will await your response and your required fee. It has been an absolute pleasure to meet you in person, and I know you will resolve this matter.” Dugan stood and outstretched his hand. Robin reached across and shook it with a smile.
Robin watched the dwarf leave and his mind churned with questions. He scratched his chin and looked about at the shelves lining his office. It was time he researched Dugan Burrow-Vann and his Galdafax Gems. There was more at play than a simple jewel heist. Robin felt that a certain crime lord, named Drake Leone, was involved, in this matter. No crime went without his touch within the city of Belbognia. But open murderous threats were not his style. Robin walked over to the nearest bookshelf and began to look for answers.
© Cathalson – 2008 / CANNOT BE USED WITHOUT PERMISSION.