The Maulber and the Amulet
Sequel to Poor Sick Dwarf
Introduction
Slowly and carefully, Sillamon walks along the rough paved road occasionally feeling the edge with worn end of his staff. As he passes the library, he gives his tin cup a firm shake hoping to arouse the attention of a generous soul or two. The cheerful cry of a friendly kikiri is returned but nothing else. Today the town feels somewhat empty, a bit quieter than it usually is. He thinks to himself "perhaps today I'll be blessed with something to eat: a steaming roast with gravy, fresh greens and some aged wine. If not today then perhaps tomorrow. Xiosia will provide."
He proceeds onward towards the gate but turns right towards the secret garden. Feeling the wall with his left hand, he slowly strolls forward until he feels the opening. He faces the garden and bows his head reverently while whispering silently. He waits motionless for a moment or two and then smiles serenely before stepping into the sacred space.
Before the ruqua tree, Sillamon lowers himself to the ground and lays in a bare spot, careful not to crush the flowers that live in its shade. The scent of fresh grass and soil and the gentle rubbing of the sacred tree's leaves relax him. He closes his eyes and begins to drift towards sleep soothed by a gentle breeze.
Half-awake, Sillamon groggily ponders a recent ailment which left him coughing, sneezing and pleading for help as the sickness almost claimed his life. The bitter memory causes his eyes to wince and stomach to grumble as he tumbles on the ground unable to comfort himself. Something similar to a dream begins to unfold in his mind.
A great Maulbernaut with a barbed chain collar about its neck growls sorrowfully, as the barbs dig into its thick furry neck. Dark paths of blood can be seen beneath the sharp steel barbs, and an amulet of sorts can be seen dangling from it. The collar is bound to a large granite boulder by a very thin silver chain. The chain looks as if it could be snapped by a child though. It does not make sense.
The image fades from Sillamon's mind and a new one begins to emerge. This one is even stranger. An obese Maulbernaut is crouching in the tall grass growling and moaning in agony as it strokes and rubs its swollen belly with its wrists. It looks at Sillamon tearfully and wails with a thick Dwarven brogue, "Help meh brodr ! I labor in vain"
Sillamon leaps from the ground in shock as the panicked words tug at his heart. His hands tremble and dampen, and his heart pounds painfully as if its about to explode. He throws himself upon the ground prostrate before the tree and begins to beg Xiosia for guidance and strength, horrified and upset by the dream-like images.
"Why must I see such horrible things Xiosia ? Why do you punish me with such nightmares ? Do I offend you dear goddess ? What have I done to anger you ?"
For the remainder of the day Sillamon laid before the image of the goddess. Night fell and the dwarf slipped into a deep sleep. He awoke the next day feeling refreshed and focused. He felt a sense of duty, of obligation to the goddess. Something was out of balance and needed to be put right. He did not know how but he was determined to find out what this dream meant and to fix whatever was wrong. He felt as if he was being called upon to serve. Surely, he would not let the goddess down.
