My Sparkling Misfortune (The Lakeland Knight) Read Online Free PDF Page B

what you're doing, you're murderous!"

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Chapter 4

    Hard as it was, I had to give up on the gormack and accept the fact that I would not capture one, at least not in the next five years. After the insufferable sparkling had thwarted my third attempt, I began to think of yet another new plan.
    I needed to establish myself. I needed money, warriors, weapons, a well protected castle, at least a basic collection of poisons, and many other things a respectable villain must have at their disposal--none of which I could count on Jarvi for. That meant I had to take care of it myself, tricking him into any kind of help I could get out of him. And I would no longer be so foolish as to tell him my plans.
    "Jarvi, I need to know more about this land," I told him one morning. "It looks like I'll have to live here for a while, and I need to decide what to do. Go, investigate, and bring me detailed information about the nearby kingdoms, their rulers, enemies, troubles--everything. Do it quick. Use up a miracle if you have to."
    He looked at me with some suspicion, probably wondering what I was going to do in his absence.
    "Well, if I am allowed to use a miracle, I do not need to go anywhere. I can dive in the spiritual realm and find it all out in a second."
    I had no problem with that.
    "Even better. Do it."
    The sparkling lit up in bright orange and disappeared with the familiar loud crack. In a moment, the sound repeated, and he was back.
    "That was fast indeed," I remarked. "Are you sure you got all I want?"
    "Of course."
    Jarvi sat down on the floor in front of me, as he often did. His glow was fading.
    "The nearest kingdom is called Ulkaria," he began. "We are right on its border. It is a peaceful and prosperous country, ruled by King Osmund."
    "What is he like?"
    "Honest and just."
    Good. I prefer to deal with honest folks, they are easier to manipulate, and you always know what to expect.
    "What has he got for an army?"
    "Six hundred swords, and a thousand more scattered around the borders."
    Ouch. That was no trifle.
    "Is he himself a good warrior?"
    "He was, but he has not fought for many years."
    "Would he stand against me?"
    The sparkling sighed.
    "No. You are much stronger, Lord Arkus."
    Well, that was nice to hear, especially coming from him. Had this been a human, I would suspect him of flattery, but Jarvi spoke only the truth.
    "I'd never think I would say it, but there are some things I like about you, Jarvi."
    He did not care for the compliment. There was deep sadness in his eyes as he looked at me.
    "I hope you are not planning to invade King Osmund's land, Lord Arkus."
    Not yet, my friend. I am not crazy.
    "Of course not, how can I possibly do that? I have no warriors, except yourself, and even though you might be worth a whole army, I have no way to make you fight a war of conquest... Isn't that right?"
    Jarvi smiled.
    "That is correct, Lord Arkus. I am very glad that you understand."
    "Well then, don't be saying silly things. I am just gathering information."
    "I'm sorry."
    "You should be. Now, go on. You said King Osmund has not fought for a while, how come? Doesn't he have any enemies?"
    "None big enough to start a war, only occasional trouble here and there, which his warriors handle well."
    "Are there any villains in the land?"
    "Nothing serious. A clumsy witch whose spells tend to backfire, a couple of robbers, and a toothless old werewolf who no longer hunts."
    So I had no competition. Excellent.
    "Ulkaria's main danger," Jarvi continued, "comes from being so close to Silky Lake . Sometimes gormacks make mischief."
    "I see."
    I took some time to think. Until I had an army, military actions were out of the question, no matter how tempting of a target such a relaxed peaceful kingdom was. In order to hire an army, I needed gold. As to obtaining gold, there were several options. I could find out when King Osmund received tribute from his subjects, trace delivery routes, and intercept a load or two.