“She’s in the mountains?” Zollin asked, looking into the distance.
“Under the mountains, in the deep caverns,” Babaz said.
“There were once dwarves in those mountains,” Hammert added, “but they mined too deep and were destroyed by the Bollark and his demon hoard of Groslings.”
“Oh, no,” Zollin said.
“I will lead you there,” Jute said.
“I will be flying there on Ferno,” Zollin said. “I cannot wait.”
“I understand,” Jute said, looking uncertain. “But I will not be deterred. Brianna gave her all to rescue us. I can ride on a… dragon for her.”
“I have news as well. Evil has spread into the caverns you call home. Many of the dwarves have suffered and died. I was able to help Grenda defeat a hive of Oremites and the survivors are gathered in the Hall of Cronin.”
“You have seen the sacred halls?” Babaz asked in surprise.
“I have, and I have helped all I could. I will always be a friend of the dwarves.”
Zollin spent the next three hours healing the dwarves as best he could. Jute’s arm was mending on its own, but Zollin sped the process along. Once the dwarves had been seen to, Zollin flew to Selphon City. It was a risk to be seen in such a populated city with an active shipping harbor. News of the new king’s search for Zollin could have already reached the port city at the southernmost portion of the coast of Yelsia, but it was a risk he felt he needed to take. Selphon City had the supplies the dwarves desperately needed and they were just as anxious to get home to their caverns under the Northern Highlands as Zollin was to find Brianna.
He bought two wagons, and filled them both with supplies. Food, blankets, ale, and wine. Even though Zollin had healed the dwarves, many were weak from malnourishment and long days of walking through the mountains. Zollin knew the dwarves could distribute most of the supplies and let the weaker dwarves ride in the wagons.
It was dark by the time Zollin returned, and the dwarves had built several fires. The food and supplies were well received, but Zollin didn’t stay. Instead he and Jute packed their own supplies and said their good-byes.
“Good luck getting home,” Zollin told Babaz and Hammert. “I’m sorry for the hardship I have caused your people.”
“You have been a friend of the dwarves,” Hammert said. “You will always be welcome in the Jaq clan.”
“We own our decisions,” Babaz added. “None of us could have known how this journey would end, but we are returning home now. We can rebuild thanks to your help.”
“No matter what happens,” Zollin said, “I will always be your friend. And if I can help you in any way, all you need to do is ask.”
“Hold on here,” Zollin told Jute. “And stay close to Ferno, it is cold high in the air.”
“This is a bad idea,” Jute grumbled. “I only have one hand to hold on with, you know.”
“Yes, I have a thought about that.”
Zollin pulled out a small vice with an adjustable lever. Zollin held it out toward the dwarf, who looked at the tool with surprise.
“What’s this?” Jute asked.
“Your new hand,” Zollin said with a smile. “Let’s go, Ferno!”
Author’s Note
Thank you so much for taking the time to read the Five Kingdoms novels. I never imagined that Zollin’s story would encompass so many books, but there are plenty more to come. Please take a moment and leave a review on Amazon so that more people can discover and enjoy the world of the Five Kingdoms. And be sure to check out The Vault Of Mysteries, the first book in my new Young Adult epic fantasy series The Marshyl Stories.
Learn More About Toby’s Books at
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
* * *
Chapter 32