Albrek's Tomb, стр. 90
“He is,” said Alex in a definite tone, turning to rub Dar Losh’s neck. “He seems as tame as any horse I’ve ever seen.”
“Tame to you,” said Jonathan. “I swear no man has ever been able to catch him or befriend him as you have. Is this some magic? Have you put some spell on this horse to make him follow you?”
“No.” Alex laughed. “I called to him from across the stream, and he came. I didn’t know he was following me until Whalen pointed it out.”
“Then I think you have found a very good friend,” Whalen said thoughtfully. “What do you think, Jonathan? Would any other man be able to handle this horse?”
“No, I’m sure they would not,” said Jonathan. “If Master Taylor wishes this horse for his own, I am authorized by the king to make it so.”
“In that case,” said Alex with a smile, “I accept Dragon Fire, or Dar Losh, as you call him, as my own horse. I also accept this house. How much is the king asking for it?”
“The king asks only that you keep it in peace,” said Jonathan. “He said the house and the lands about it are to be yours for as long as you wish them to be.”
“The king is most kind,” said Alex. “I will accept Trion’s goodwill and send a message of thanks to him as soon as I can.”
“Very well,” said Jonathan with a smile. “I welcome you to the lands of Resprin. If you need anything, please let me know.”
“Thank you,” said Alex. “And if I can be of service to the people of Resprin, or to King Trion, please let me know.”
“You are most kind,” said Jonathan with a bow. “And now, I must go about my duties. I must inform the citizens of Resprin that you have agreed to stay. I would not want them to be surprised by your presence.”
“Thank you,” Alex said again.
“Yes, thank you, Jonathan,” Whalen added.
Jonathan bowed once more and left them, his eyes turning back to look at Dragon Fire and Alex several times before he rode out of sight.
“Your legend grows again,” Whalen said. He looked at Alex’s new horse. “He seems well named, does he not?”
“As if I’d chosen the name myself,” said Alex, rubbing Dragon Fire’s forehead again.
“Well, now that you are here and have accepted Trion’s generous gift, I should be on my way.”
“Already?” Alex asked in surprise. “I thought you’d stay the night at least.”
“No, I’ve spent enough time here already. I must be going, but I’ll leave you with one last piece of advice. Stay true to your friends, and stay true to yourself.”
“That’s two pieces of advice,” Alex pointed out.
“Is it?” Whalen asked with a smile, and then rode away.
Alex watched Whalen until he was out of sight, and then he turned and looked at his new home. It was a beautiful house, really, and he felt happier than he could ever remember feeling before.
Dragon Fire nudged his shoulder gently. Alex absently rubbed the horse’s nose and then turned to look at his new friend.
“Go,” Alex said softly. “Run free across the land. I will call you when I need you.”
Dragon Fire whinnied in response and galloped off across the grasslands. Alex watched him for a while, running like the wind across the low hills of Alusia. Finally he walked back to the house and went inside. It was time to get settled in, time to put things in order, and time to get ready for his next adventure, whenever it might come.
Discussion Questions
1. The first part of Alex’s adventure is spent in the library and archives of Benorg. How can a library be a good place to start an adventure?
2. While traveling toward the Isle of Bones, Alex and his friends hear rumors about trouble on the road. Kat says that the trouble with rumors is that you never know what to believe. Have you ever heard a rumor that made you unsure what to believe? What did you do about it?
3. The dragon Salinor lost control and destroyed the dwarf on the Isle of Bones after they attacked him. Have you ever lost your temper and done something you felt sorry about? Is there anything special you do to keep from losing your temper?
4. When Kat first tries to enter the empty tower, Alex stops her and reminds her of her duty to the company. Have you ever had to give up something you wanted because you’d made a promise to someone else?
5. When Alex creates the monument for Shahree, he writes the words, “A True Friend” on it. Why do you think he chose those words? What do you think makes a “true friend”?
6. The dwarf Nethrom learned things that other people had forgotten, but he wasn’t willing to share what he learned. In the end, the secrets and his unwillingness to share his knowledge destroyed him. Why do you think that is? Have you ever kept a secret that has gotten you into trouble?
7. We learn that Nethrom isn’t really evil, but he was being controlled by an evil spirit. Could something like that happen to real people? Could people have bad habits that, like the evil of the necromancer, control them?
8. After Alex gives Kat the oracle’s crystal, she says that he has formed her destiny around her like a cage. What does she mean? Do you ever feel like people are building your future around you?
9. Near the end of the story, King Thorgood tells Illius, “The people make the king. The king does not make the people.” What do you think he means by that? Who is more important—the king or the people?
10. While traveling to Alex’s new home, Whalen Vankin tells Alex, “You are what you do.” What do you think he means by that?
11. Whalen’s final piece of advice to Alex is, “Stay true to your friends, and stay true to yourself.” Alex says that it’s two pieces of advice, but is it?
