{\rtf1\ansi\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fswiss\fcharset0 Arial;}}
{\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;}
\viewkind4\uc1\pard\cbpat2\li1810\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\b\f0\fs30 David Gemmell \par
Winter Warriors\par
\b0\i\par
Chapter One\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri5\sb475\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The night sky over the mountains was clear and bright, the stars like diamonds on sable. It was a late winter \expndtw-3 night of cold and terrible beauty, the snow hanging heavy \expndtw0 on the branches of pine and cedar. There was no colour here, no sense of life. The land lay silent, save for the occasional crack of an overladen branch, or the soft, whispering sound of fallen snow being drifted by the harsh north wind.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 A hooded rider on a dark horse emerged from the tree \expndtw0 line, his mount plodding slowly through the thick snow. Bent low over the saddle he rode on, his head bowed against the wind, his gloved hands holding his snow-crowned grey cloak tightly at the neck. As he came into \expndtw-4 the open he seemed to become a focus for the angry wind, \expndtw0 which howled around him. Undaunted he urged the \expndtw-2 horse on. A white owl launched itself from a high treetop \expndtw0 and glided down past the horse and rider. A thin rat scurried across the moonlit snow, swerving as the owl's talons touched its back. The swerve almost carried it \expndtw-7 clear.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\fs21 Almost.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 In this frozen place \i almost \i0 was a death sentence. Everything here was black and white, sharp and clearly \expndtw-1 defined, with no delicate shades of grey. Stark contrasts. \expndtw0 Success or failure, life or death. No second chances, no \expndtw-9 excuses.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 As the owl flew away with its prey the rider glanced \expndtw-1 up. In a world without colour his bright blue eyes shone \expndtw0 silver-grey in a face dark as ebony. The black man touched heels to his tired mount, steering the animal towards the woods. 'We are both tired,' whispered the rider, patting the gelding's long neck. 'But we'll stop \expndtw-2 soon.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta looked at the sky. It was still clear. No fresh snow tonight, he thought, which meant that the tracks they were following would still be visible come dawn. Moonlight filtered through the tall trees and Nogusta \expndtw-2 began to seek a resting place. Despite the heavy, hooded \expndtw0 grey cloak and the black woollen shirt and leggings he \expndtw-1 was cold all the way to the bone. But it was his ears that \expndtw-2 were suffering the most. Under normal circumstances he \expndtw0 would have wrapped his scarf around his face. Not a \expndtw-4 wise move, however, when tracking three desperate men. \expndtw0 He needed to be alert for every sound and movement. \expndtw-1 These men had already killed, and would not hesitate to \expndtw-3 do so again.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Looping the reins over his pommel he lifted his hands to his ears, rubbing at the skin. The pain was intense. Do \expndtw0 not fear the cold, he warned himself. The cold is life. Fear should come only when his body stopped fighting the cold. When it began to feel warm and drowsy. For death's icy dagger lay waiting within that illusory \expndtw-2 warmth. The horse plodded on, following the tracks like \expndtw0 a hound. Nogusta hauled him to a stop. Somewhere up ahead the killers would be camped for the night. He sniffed the air, but could not pick up the scent of \expndtw-2 woodsmoke. They would have to light a fire. Otherwise \expndtw-3 they would be dead.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li62\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta was in no condition to tackle them now. Swinging away from the trail he rode deeper into the\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li34\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 10\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 woods, seeking a sheltered hollow, or a cliff wall, where \expndtw-2 he could build his own fire and rest.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 The horse stumbled in deep snow, but steadied itself. \expndtw-3 Nogusta almost fell from the saddle. As he righted him\-self he caught a glimpse of a cabin wall through a gap in \expndtw-1 the trees. Almost entirely snow covered it was near in\-\expndtw0 visible, and had the horse not balked he would have ridden past it. Dismounting Nogusta led the exhausted \expndtw-1 gelding to the deserted building. The door was hanging \expndtw-2 on one leather hinge, the other having rotted away. The \expndtw-3 cabin was long and narrow beneath a sod roof, and there \expndtw-2 was a lean-to at the side, out of the wind. Here Nogusta \expndtw0 unsaddled the horse and rubbed him down. Filling a feedbag with grain he looped it over the beast's ears, \expndtw-2 then covered his broad back with a blanket.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 Leaving the horse to feed Nogusta moved round to the \expndtw0 front of the building and eased his way over the snow \expndtw-2 that had piled up in the doorway. The interior was dark, \expndtw-1 but he could just make out the grey stone of the hearth. \expndtw0 As was customary in the wild a fire had been laid, but \expndtw-4 snow had drifted down the chimney and half covered the \expndtw0 wood. Carefully Nogusta cleaned it out, then re-laid \expndtw-3 the fire. Taking his tinder box from his pouch he opened \expndtw0 it and hesitated. The tinder would burn for only a few seconds. If the thin kindling wood did not catch fire \expndtw-4 immediately it might take him hours to start a blaze with \expndtw0 knife and flint. And he needed a fire desperately. The \expndtw-1 cold was making him tremble now. He struck the flint. \expndtw0 The tinder burst into flame. Holding it to the thin \expndtw-3 kindling wood he whispered a prayer to his star. Flames \expndtw0 licked up, then surged through the dry wood. Nogusta settled back and breathed a sigh of relief, and, as the fire flared, he looked around him, studying the room. The cabin had been neatly built by a man who cared.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 ii\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The joints were well crafted, as was the furniture, a bench table, four chairs and a narrow bed. Shelves had been set on the north wall. They were bare now. There \expndtw-3 was only one window, the shutters closed tight. One side \expndtw0 of the hearth was filled with logs. An old spider's web \expndtw-3 stretched across them.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi168\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The empty shelves and lack of personal belongings \expndtw-2 showed that the man who had built the cabin had chosen \expndtw0 to move on. Nogusta wondered why. The construction \expndtw-1 of the cabin showed a neat man, a patient man. Not one \expndtw0 to be easily deterred. Nogusta scanned the walls. There \expndtw-3 was no sign of a woman's presence here. The builder had \expndtw0 been a man alone. Probably a trapper. And when he had finally left - perhaps the mountains were trapped out - he had carefully laid a fire for the next person to \expndtw-3 find his home. A considerate man. Nogusta felt welcome \expndtw0 in the cabin, as if greeted by the owner. It was a good \expndtw-10 feeling.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li34\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta rose and walked out to where his horse was patiently waiting. Removing the empty feedbag he \expndtw-2 stroked his neck. There was no need to hobble him. The \expndtw0 gelding would not leave this place of shelter. The stone \expndtw-1 chimney jutted from the wooden wall of the cabin here, \expndtw-3 and soon the fire would heat the stones. 'You will be safe \expndtw-1 here for the night, my friend,' Nogusta told the gelding.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li48\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Gathering his saddlebags he returned to the cabin and \expndtw0 heaved the door back into place, wedging it against the \expndtw-2 twisted frame. Then he pulled a chair up to the fire. The \expndtw-4 cold stones of the hearth were sucking almost all the heat \expndtw0 from the fire. 'Be patient,' he told himself. Minutes passed. He saw a woodlouse run along a log as the flames licked up. Nogusta drew his sword and held \expndtw-1 the blade against the wood, offering the insect a way of \expndtw0 escape. The woodlouse approached the blade, then\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li48\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 iz\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 turned away from it, toppling into the fire. 'Fool,' said Nogusta. 'The blade was life.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The fire was blazing now and the black man rose and removed his cloak and shirt. His upper body was \expndtw-1 strongly muscled and heavily scarred. Sitting down once \expndtw0 more he leaned forward, extending his hands to the blaze. Idly he twirled the small, ornate charm he wore around his neck. It was an ancient piece, a white-silver crescent moon, held in a slender golden hand. The gold was heavy and dark, and the silver never tarnished. It remained, like the moon, pure and glittering. He heard his father's voice echo down the vaults of memory: 'A \expndtw-1 man greater than kings wore this magic charm, Nogusta. \expndtw0 A great man. He was our ancestor and while you wear it make sure that your deeds are always noble. If they remain so you will have the gift of the Third Eye.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ts that how you knew the robbers were in the north \expndtw-1 pasture?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'Yes.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'But don't you want to keep it?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It chose you, Nogusta. You saw the magic. Always \expndtw-4 the talisman chooses. It has done so for hundreds of years. \expndtw-2 And - if the Source wills - it will choose one of your own \expndtw-3 sons.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 If the Source wills . . .\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 But the Source had not willed.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta curled his hand around the talisman, and stared into the fire, hoping for a vision. None came.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 From his saddlebag he took a small package and \expndtw-2 opened it. It contained several strips of dried, salted beef. \expndtw-3 Slowly he ate them.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Adding two logs to the fire he moved to the bed. The blankets were thin and dusty and he shook them out. Away from the blaze he shivered, then laughed at\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 himself. 'You are getting old,' he said. 'Once upon a time \expndtw0 the cold would not have affected you this way.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Back at the fire once more he put on his shirt. A face came into his mind, sharp featured and with an easy, friendly smile. Orendo the Scout. They had ridden together for almost twenty years, serving first the old king and then his warrior son. Nogusta had always liked \expndtw-1 Orendo. The man was a veteran, and when you gave him \expndtw0 an order you knew it would be carried out to the letter. And he had a heart. Once, several years back, Orendo had found a child lost in the snow, unconscious and half dead from the cold. He had carried him back to camp, then sat with him all night, warming blankets, rubbing the boy's frozen skin. The child had survived.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta sighed. Now Orendo was on the run with two other soldiers, having murdered a merchant and raped his daughter. She too had been left for dead, but \expndtw-2 the knife had missed her heart, and she had lived to name \expndtw0 her attackers.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Don't bring them back,' the White Wolf had told him. 'I want them dead. No public trials. Bad for morale.' Nogusta had looked into the old man's pale, cold eyes.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Yes, my general.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li29\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You want to take Bison and Kebra with you?' asked \expndtw-2 the general.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No. Orendo was Bison's friend. I'll do it alone.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li34\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Was Orendo not your friend also?' said Banelion, \expndtw-3 watching him closely.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li240\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You want their heads as proof that I killed them?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No. Your word is good enough for me,' said \expndtw-1 Banelion. That was a source of pride to Nogusta. He had \expndtw-2 served Banelion now for almost thirty-five years - almost \expndtw0 all his adult life. The general was not a man given to praise, but his men served him with an iron loyalty.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li48\sb187\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 14\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta stared into the fire. It had been more than a surprise when Orendo had betrayed him. But then Orendo was being sent home. Like Bison and Kebra. \expndtw-2 And even the White Wolf himself.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The king wanted the old men culled. The same old men who had fought for his father, saving the Drenai when all seemed lost. The same old men who had \expndtw-1 invaded Ventria, smashing the emperor's armies. Paid off \expndtw0 and retired. That was the rumour. Orendo had believed it, and had robbed the merchant. Yet it was hard to believe he had also taken part in the rape and attempted murder of the girl. But the evidence was overwhelming. She said he had not only been the instigator of the rape, \expndtw-1 it had been he who had plunged the knife into her breast.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta stared moodily into the fire. Had the crime shocked him? A good judge of men he would not have thought Orendo capable of such a vile act. But then all those years ago he had learned what \i good \i0 men were \expndtw-1 capable of. He had learned it in fire and blood and death. \expndtw0 He had learned it in the ruin of dreams and the shatter\-\expndtw-2 ing of hopes. Banking up the fire he moved the bed closer \expndtw-1 to the hearth. Pulling off his boots he lay down, covering \expndtw0 himself with the thin blankets.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Outside the wind was howling.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He awoke at dawn. The cabin was still warm. Rising from the bed he pulled on his boots. The fire had died down to glowing embers. He took a long drink from his canteen, then put on his cloak, hefted his saddlebags, and went out to the gelding. The back stones of the hearth were hot, the temperature in the lean-to well above freezing. 'How are you feeling, boy?' he said, stroking the beast's neck. The gelding nuzzled his chest. 'We'll catch them today, and then I'll take you back to that warm stable.' Back in the cabin he put out the\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri24\sb197\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 15\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 remains of the fire, then laid a fresh one in its place, ready for any other weary traveller who came upon it. \expndtw-1 Saddling the gelding he rode out into the winter woods.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri14\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Orendo stared gloomily at the jewels, purple amethysts, \expndtw0 bright diamonds, red rubies, sparkling in his gloved hand. With a sigh he opened the pouch and watched them tumble back into its dark interior.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I'm going to buy a farm,' said the youngster, Cassin. \expndtw-1 'On the Sentran Plain. Dairy farm. I've always loved the \expndtw0 taste of fresh milk.' Orendo's weary eyes glanced up at \expndtw-1 the slim young man and he said nothing.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What's the point?' countered Eris, a thickset bearded \expndtw-3 warrior with small dark eyes. 'Life's too short to \i buy \i0 hard \expndtw-5 work. Give me the whorehouses of Drenan and a fine little \expndtw-4 house high on the Sixth Hill. A different girl every day of \expndtw-3 the week, small, pretty and slim hipped.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 A silence grew among them, as each remembered the \expndtw0 small, pretty girl they had murdered back in the city of \expndtw-1 Usa. 'Looks like we're clear of snow today,' said Cassin, \expndtw-3 at last.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Snow is good for us,' said Orendo. 'It covers tracks.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Why would anyone track us yet?' asked Eris. 'No-one \expndtw0 saw us at the merchant's house, and there's no roll-call until tomorrow.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'They'll send Nogusta,' said Orendo, leaning forward to add a chunk of wood to the fire. It had been a cold night in the hollow and he had slept badly, dreaming awful dreams of pain and death. What had seemed a \expndtw-4 simple robbery had become a night of murder and shame \expndtw-2 he would never forget. He rubbed his tired eyes.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li43\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'So what?' sneered Eris. 'There's three of us, and we're not exactly easy meat. If they send that black bastard I'll \expndtw0 cut his heart out.' Orendo bit back an angry retort.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li43\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 16\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Instead he rose and stepped towards the taller, heavier \expndtw-8 man.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'You have never seen Nogusta in action, boy. Pray you \expndtw0 never do.' Stepping past the two younger men Orendo walked to a nearby tree and urinated. 'The man is uncanny,' he said, over his shoulder. 'I was with him \expndtw-2 once when we tracked four killers into Sathuli lands. He \expndtw-1 can read sign over rock, and he can smell a trail a hound \expndtw0 would miss. But that's not what makes him dangerous.' Orendo continued to urinate, the water coming in slow, rhythmic spurts, sending up steam from the snow. He had endured trouble with his bladder for over a year now, needing to piss several times a night. 'You know \expndtw-2 what makes him dangerous?' he asked them. 'There is no \expndtw0 bravado in him. He moves, he kills. It is that quick. \expndtw-3 When we found the killers he just walked into their camp \expndtw-1 and they were dead. I tell you it was awesome.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I know,' came the tomb-deep voice of Nogusta. 'I was there.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Orendo stood very still, a feeling of nausea flaring in his belly. His water dried up instantly and he retied his \expndtw-5 leggings and turned very slowly. Eris was lying flat on his \expndtw0 back, a knife through his right eye. Cassin was beside him, a blade in his heart. 'I knew they'd send you,' said Orendo. 'How did you find us so fast?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'The girl lived,' said Nogusta.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I thank the Source for that,' said Orendo, with a sigh. \expndtw-2 'Are you alone?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Yes.' The black man's sword was sheathed, and there \expndtw0 was no throwing knife in his hands. It does not matter, thought Orendo. I don't have the skill to best him.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I'm glad. I wouldn't want Bison to see me now. Are \expndtw-2 you taking me back?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'No. You will remain here, with your friends.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb197\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 17\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi216\li5\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Orendo nodded. 'Seems a shame to end a friendship \expndtw-3 this way, Nogusta. Will you take back our heads?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'The White Wolf told me my word was good enough.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Orendo felt a trickle of hope. 'Look, man, I was only \expndtw0 the look out. I didn't know there was going to be \expndtw-5 murder. But it happened. There are enough jewels in that \expndtw0 pouch to give us a life \expndtw27 ...\expndtw0  a real life. We could buy a \expndtw-4 palace with them, you and me.' Nogusta shook his head. \expndtw0 'You could just tell them you killed me. And keep half \expndtw-5 the jewels.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'That is what I will tell them. For you will be dead. You were not the look out,' said Nogusta, sadly. 'You raped the girl, and you stabbed her. You did this. \expndtw-2 You must pay for it.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi163\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Orendo moved to the fire, stepping over the bodies of \expndtw-2 his companions. 'They were sending me home,' he said, \expndtw-1 kneeling down and pulling off his gloves. The fire was \expndtw0 warm and he held his hands out to it. 'How would you feel? How does Bison feel?' He glanced up at the tall \expndtw-1 warrior. 'Ah, it is different for you, isn't it? The cham\-\expndtw0 pion. The blade master. You're not quite as old as us. No-one's told you you're useless yet. But they will, Nogusta. The day will come.' He sat down and stared into the flames. 'You know, we had no intention of \expndtw-2 killing the merchant. But he struggled and Eris stabbed \expndtw-4 him. Then the girl ran in. She had been sleeping, and she was wearing a transparent shift. I still can hardly believe \expndtw-3 it happened. The room went very cold. I remember that, \expndtw0 and I felt something touch me. Then I was filled with \expndtw-1 rage and lust. It was the same for the others. We spoke \expndtw-3 about it last night.' He looked up at Nogusta. 'I swear to \expndtw-2 you, Nogusta, that I believe we were possessed. Maybe \expndtw0 the merchant was a sorcerer. But there was something \expndtw-5 evil there. It affected us all. You know me well. In all the\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 18\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 years we have fought together I have never raped a \expndtw-6 woman. Never.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'But you did three nights ago,' said Nogusta, moving \expndtw-4 forward, and drawing his sword.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Orendo lifted a hand. 'If you will permit me I will do \expndtw-7 the deed myself?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Nogusta nodded and squatted down on the other side \expndtw0 of the fire. Orendo slowly drew his dagger. For a \expndtw-5 moment he considered hurling it at the black man. Then \expndtw-4 the image of the girl came to his mind, and he heard her \expndtw-2 voice begging for life. Swiftly he drew the sharp blade \expndtw-3 across his left wrist. Blood flowed instantly. 'There is a \expndtw-4 bottle of brandy in my saddlebag. Would you get it?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Nogusta did so and Orendo drank deeply. 'I-am truly \expndtw0 sorry about the girl,' said the dying man. 'Will she \expndtw-8 recover?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I don't know.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 Orendo drank again, then tossed the bottle to \expndtw0 Nogusta. The black man took a deep swallow. 'It all went wrong,' said Orendo. 'Never put your trust in kings. That's what they say. It was all so glorious in \expndtw-7 those early days. We knew where we were. The \expndtw0 Ventrians invaded us and we fought back. We knew what we were fighting for.' Blood was pooling on the \expndtw-3 snow now. 'Then the boy-king convinced us we should \expndtw-4 invade Ventria, to force the emperor to end the war. No \expndtw-3 territorial ambitions, he said. Justice and peace were all \expndtw0 he wanted. We believed him, didn't we? Now look at \expndtw-6 him! Emperor Skanda, would-be conqueror of the \expndtw-1 world. Now he's going to invade Cadia. But he has no \expndtw0 territorial ambitions. Oh no \expndtw27 ...\expndtw0  the bastard!' Orendo \expndtw-7 lay back and Nogusta moved around the fire to sit along\-\expndtw0 side him. 'You remember that boy I saved?' asked \expndtw-9 Orendo.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-245\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'Yes. It was a fine deed.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri24\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'You think it will count for me? You know \expndtw23 ...\expndtw0  \expndtw-4 if there \expndtw-3 is a paradise?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-245\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I hope so.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri24\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Orendo sighed. 'I can't feel the cold now. That's a \expndtw-4 good thing. I've always hated the cold. Tell Bison not to \expndtw-3 judge me too hard, eh?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-245\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I am sure that he won't.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 Orendo's voice was slurring, then his eyes flared open. \expndtw0 'There \i are \i0 demons,' he said, suddenly. T can see \expndtw-2 them. There are demons!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 He died then, and Nogusta rose, collected the pouch \expndtw-4 of jewels and walked to his horse.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri14\sl-254\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 He glanced up at the sky, which was blue, clear and \expndtw-3 bright. Not a trace of cloud.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Stepping into the saddle he gathered the other three \expndtw-3 mounts and headed back for the city.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\ri10\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 There were demons in the air over the city of Usa, shroud-pale and skinny, their talons long, their teeth sharp. Ordinary eyes could not see them, and they \expndtw-3 seemed to pose no threat to ordinary folk.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi163\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 Why then are they here, thought Ulmenetha? Why do \expndtw-7 they hover close to the palace? The large priestess pushed \expndtw-2 her thick fingers through her short cropped blond hair. \expndtw-1 Rising from her bed she poured water into a bowl and \expndtw-6 washed her face. Refreshed she silently opened the \expndtw0 connecting door and stepped through into the queen's bedroom. Axiana was asleep, lying on her back, one \expndtw-4 white slender arm curled around a satin pillow. \expndtw-6 Ulmenetha smiled. Only a few years before that arm had, \expndtw-1 in the same manner, cuddled a stuffed toy - a woollen \expndtw-7 lioness with only one glass eye.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li250\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 Now Axiana was a child no longer.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li43\sb173\qc\cf1\lang1033\f1\fs18 zo\cf0\lang2057\f0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha sighed. Despite her bulk the priestess moved silently across the royal bedroom, casting an affectionate look at the pregnant Axiana. The queen's face shone in the moonlight, and, in sleep, Ulmenetha could just discern the child she had grown to love. 'May your dreams be rich and joyful,' she whispered.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Axiana did not stir. The fat priestess reached the window balcony and stepped out into the moonlight. Her white-streaked blond hair shone like silver beneath the stars, and her voluminous nightdress of white cotton shimmered, as if turned to silk. There was a marble-topped table set on the balcony, and four chairs. Easing herself down she untied her rune pouch and placed it on the table. Ulmenetha gazed up at the night sky. All she could see with the eyes of her body were the stars, \expndtw-1 shining bright. To her left a crescent moon seemed to be \expndtw0 balancing precariously on the uppermost tower of the \expndtw-1 Veshin temple. Closing the eyes of her body, she opened \expndtw0 the eyes of her spirit. The stars remained, brighter and clearer now, robbed of the twinkling illusion caused by human astigmatism and the earth's atmosphere. Tall mountains could clearly be seen on the far-away face of \expndtw-1 the crescent moon. But it was not the night sky \expndtw-2 Ulmenetha wished to see.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Above the palace three scaled forms were hovering.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 For weeks now their malevolent presence had kept her \expndtw0 chained to her flesh, and she longed to fly free. But the \expndtw-1 last time she had tried they had come for her, screeching \expndtw-2 across the sky. Ulmenetha had barely made it back to her \expndtw-6 body.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Who had summoned them, and why?\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Closing her eyes she loosened the draw-string of her rune pouch and reached inside, her fingers stroking the stones within. They were smooth and round and flat,\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri24\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 2.1\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 and for a while she continued to stir them. At last one stone seemed to call for her, and she drew it from the \expndtw-3 pouch. Painted upon it was a cracked goblet. Ulmenetha sat back.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 The Broken Flagon was a stone signalling mistrust. At \expndtw0 best it warned of caution in dealings with strangers. \expndtw-2 At worst it signalled treachery among friends.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 From the pocket of her white dress she produced two \expndtw0 leaves. Rolling them into a ball she placed them in her mouth and began to chew. The juices were acrid and \expndtw-2 bitter. Pain lanced into her head and she stifled a groan. \expndtw-4 Bright colours danced now on the edge of her vision, and \expndtw0 she pictured the Broken Flagon, holding to the image \expndtw-3 and freeing her mind of conscious thought.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 A silver serpent slithered up and around the flagon, slowly crushing it. The flagon suddenly shattered, the \expndtw-3 pieces exploding outward, ripping through the curtain of \expndtw0 time. Ulmenetha saw a tree-shrouded hollow and four \expndtw-3 men. Axiana was there. Ulmenetha saw herself kneeling \expndtw-2 beside the queen, a protective arm around her shoulder. \expndtw0 The four men were warriors, and they had formed a circle around Axiana, facing outward ready to fight off some unseen threat. A white crow was hovering over \expndtw-4 them all, his wings beating silently.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi163\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Ulmenetha sensed a colossal evil, about to sweep over \expndtw0 the hollow. The vision began to fade. She struggled to \expndtw-3 hold the image, but it collapsed in upon itself and a fresh \expndtw0 scene unfolded. A camp-fire beside a dark frozen lake \expndtw-1 stretching between high mountains. A man - a tall man \expndtw0 - sitting with his back to the lake. Behind him a dark, \expndtw-3 taloned hand reached up through the ice, then a demonic \expndtw-1 form pulled itself clear. It was colossal and winged and \expndtw-3 stood blinking in the moonlight. The great wings spread \expndtw0 wide and the demon floated closer to the man at the\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\sb206\qc\cf1\lang1033\b\fs14 2.Z\cf0\lang2057\b0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 camp-fire. It extended an arm. Ulmenetha wanted to cry out, to warn him, but she couldn't. The talons rammed into the back of the seated man. He reared up and \expndtw-1 screamed once, then slumped forward.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 As Ulmenetha watched the demon began to shimmer, his body became black smoke, which swirled into the bloody wound in the dead man's back. Then the demon was gone, and the body of the man rose. Ulmenetha could not see his face, for he was hooded. He turned towards the lake and raised his arms. Through the surface of the ice a thousand taloned hands rose up to \expndtw-3 salute him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Once more the vision faded and she saw an altar. Upon it, held with chains of iron, was a naked man with a golden beard. It was Axiana's father, the murdered emperor. A voice spoke, a soft voice, which she felt she should recognize, but it was blurred somehow, as if she were listening to a distant echo. 'Now,' said the voice, 'the day of Resurrection is at hand. You are the first of the Three.' The chained emperor was about to speak when a curved dagger sliced into his chest. His body \expndtw-4 arched.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Ulmenetha cried out - and the vision disappeared. She \expndtw0 found her gaze focused now only on the bare, moonlit wall of the royal bedchamber.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The visions made no sense. The emperor was not \expndtw-1 sacrificed. Having lost the last battle he had fled with his \expndtw-2 aides. He had been slain, so it was said, by officers of his \expndtw0 own guard, men disgusted by his cowardice. Why then \expndtw-2 should she see him sacrificed in this way? Was the vision \expndtw-8 symbolic?\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 The incident at the lake of ice was equally nonsensical. Demons did not live below ice.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 And the queen would never be in a wood with a mere\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sb259\qc\cf1\lang1033\b\fs14 2-3\cf0\lang2057\b0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 four warriors. Where was the king and his army? Where were the royal guards?\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'Dismiss the visions from your mind,' she told herself. 'They are flawed in some way. Perhaps your preparation \expndtw0 was at fault.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Axiana moaned in her sleep and the priestess rose and \expndtw-1 moved to the bedside. 'Be still, my pet,' she whispered, \expndtw-4 soothingly. 'All is well.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 But all was not well, Ulmenetha knew. Her \i lorassium \expndtw-1\i0 visions were certainly mysterious, and might indeed be \expndtw-6 symbolic. They were, however, never false.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 And who were the four men? She summoned their \expndtw-5 faces to her mind. One was a black man, with bright blue \expndtw-2 eyes, the second a huge bald man, with a white, droop\-\expndtw-4 ing moustache. The third was young and handsome. The \expndtw-2 fourth held a bow. She remembered the white crow and a shudder went through her.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 This was one sign she could read without interpret\-\expndtw-5 ation.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 The white crow was Death.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 Kebra the Bowman dropped a small golden coin into the \expndtw0 palm of the outraged innkeeper. The fat man's anger \expndtw-2 faded instantly. There was no feeling in the world quite \expndtw-4 so warming as that of gold against the skin. The seething \expndtw0 anger at the thought of broken furniture and lost business receded into minor irritation. The innkeeper \expndtw-3 glanced up at the bowman, who was now surveying the \expndtw0 wreckage. Ilbren had long been a student of human \expndtw-5 nature, able to read a man swiftly and accurately. Yet the \expndtw-3 friendship of Kebra and Bison remained a mystery. The bowman was a fastidious man. His clothes were always \expndtw0 clean, as were his hands and skin. He was cultured \expndtw-1 and softly spoken, and he had a rare talent for creating\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li34\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 2,4\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 space around himself, as if he disliked crowds and the \expndtw-5 closeness of bodies. Bison, on the other hand, was an un\-\expndtw0 cultured oaf and Ilbren despised him. The sort of man \expndtw-4 who would always drink two more flagons of ale than he \expndtw0 could handle, and then became aggressive. Innkeepers \expndtw-2 loathed such customers. Bison's saving grace, however, \expndtw-1 was that to reach the last two flagons he could drink an \expndtw0 inn dry, and would make every effort to do so. This naturally created large profits. Ilbren wondered how \expndtw-3 Kebra could tolerate such a friend.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'He did all this?' asked Kebra, shaking his head. Two \expndtw-2 long bench tables had been smashed, and several chairs \expndtw-1 were lying in pieces on the sawdust-covered floor. The \expndtw0 far window had been smashed outward, and shards of broken glass still clung to the lead frame. An un\-conscious Ventrian officer was being tended by the \expndtw-2 window, and two other victims, common soldiers, were \expndtw0 sitting near the doorway, one still bleeding from a \expndtw-4 gashed cheek, the other holding his bandaged head in his \expndtw-6 hands.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'All this and more. We have already swept away the broken crockery and two bent pots, which cannot be \expndtw-4 used again.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Well, at least no-one is dead,' said Kebra, his voice \expndtw-2 deep and sombre, 'so we must be grateful.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The innkeeper smiled and lifted a flagon of wine, \expndtw-2 gesturing the grey clad bowman to join him at a nearby \expndtw-5 table. As they sat down he looked closely at Kebra's face. \expndtw-6 Deeply lined, as if carved from stone, Kebra looked every \expndtw0 inch his fifty-six years. The bowman rubbed his tired eyes. 'Bison's like a child,' he said. 'When things go \expndtw-3 against him he loses control.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I do not know how it started,' said Ilbren. 'The first 1 \expndtw0 knew of trouble was when I saw that officer flying\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri24\sb269\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\b\fs14 2-5\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\b0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 through the air. He hit that table there, and cracked it \expndtw-2 clean through.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Two Ventrian soldiers came in carrying a stretcher. Tenderly they lifted the unconscious man onto it, and \expndtw-1 carried him out. A Drenai officer approached Kebra. He \expndtw0 was a veteran, and well known to the bowman as a fair \expndtw-1 man. 'You'd better find him fast!' he warned Kebra. 'The \expndtw0 wounded man is an officer on Malikada's staff. You know what the penalty will be if he dies.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I know, sir.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Gods, man! As if we haven't enough trouble with the \expndtw-1 cursed Ventrians as it is, without one of our men crack\-\expndtw0 ing the skull of one of their officers.' The Drenai swung to the innkeeper. 'No offence meant, Ilbren,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Oh, none taken I am sure,' replied the Ventrian, with \expndtw-1 just a trace of sarcasm. The officer wandered away.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I am sorry for the trouble, Ilbren,' said Kebra. 'Do \expndtw-1 you know where Bison went?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I do not know. He is old enough to know better than \expndtw-2 to wreak such . . . such devastation.' The innkeeper filled \expndtw-1 two goblets, passing one to Kebra.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'This has not been a good day for him,' said Kebra, softly. 'Not a good day for any of us.' He sipped the wine, then laid the goblet down.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ilbren sighed. 'I heard of the king's decision. We all \expndtw-1 have. For what it is worth I shall miss you.' He smiled. 'I \expndtw0 will even miss Bison.' He stared at the white-haired \expndtw-2 archer. 'Still, war is for young men, eh? It is way past the time when you should have settled down with a wife and raised sons.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kebra ignored the comment. 'Which way did Bison\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li29\sb5\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-16\fs21 go.-\super 1\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\nosupersub\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sb14\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I did not see.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sb10\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kebra moved away, stepping past the injured men in\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 2.6\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 the doorway. 'It was just a bad joke,' said the soldier \expndtw-1 with the bandaged head. 'Then he went berserk.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Let me guess,' said Kebra. 'Something about his age, \expndtw-2 was it?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The young soldier looked suddenly sheepish. 'It was \expndtw-1 just a joke,' he repeated.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Well, I'm sure Bison didn't take it too seriously.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'How can you say that?' stormed the second soldier. 'Look what he did to my face.' Blood was still seeping \expndtw-4 from his swollen cheekbone, and his right eye was closed \expndtw-3 tight, purple swelling distending the eyelid.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I can say it because you are still alive, boy,' said \expndtw-2 Kebra, coldly. 'Did anyone see where he went?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Both men shook their heads and Kebra stepped out \expndtw-3 into the fading winter sunlight. Across the square market \expndtw0 traders were packing up their wares, and children were playing by the frozen fountain, scooping snow and \expndtw-2 fashioning balls which they hurled at one another. A tall \expndtw0 black man in a long dark cloak moved through the crowd. The children stopped to watch him. Then one \expndtw-4 child moved silently behind him, a snowball in his raised \expndtw-6 hand.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Not a wise move, child,' said the black man, without \expndtw-1 looking back. 'For if you throw it I shall be obliged to -' \expndtw0 suddenly he swung around '- cut off your head!' Terrified the boy dropped the snowball and sprinted \expndtw-1 back to his friends. The black man chuckled and strode \expndtw-2 on to where Kebra waited.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li24\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I take it he was not at the barracks,' said Kebra. \expndtw-2 Nogusta shook his head.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'They have not seen him.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The two men made an incongruous pair as they \expndtw-3 walked off together, Nogusta black and powerful, Kebra \expndtw0 wand slim, white-haired and pale. Cutting through the\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb264\qc\cf1\lang1033\f1\fs13 2-7\cf0\lang2057\f0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 narrow streets they reached a small eating house over\-looking the river. They took a table by the fire and ordered a meal. Nogusta removed his cloak and the \expndtw-2 sheepskin jerkin he wore below it and sat down, holding \expndtw0 his hands out to the blaze. 'I, for one, will be pleased to say farewell to this frozen country. Why is Bison so \expndtw-3 depressed? Does he not have three wives waiting for him \expndtw-2 back home?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'That's enough to depress anyone,' replied Kebra, with \expndtw-5 a smile.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 They ate in companionable silence and Nogusta added \expndtw0 another log to the fire. 'Why is he depressed?' he asked \expndtw-6 again, as they finished their meal. 'There must come a time \expndtw-2 when a man is too old for soldiering, and we are all way past that. And the king has offered every soldier a pouch \expndtw-3 of gold, and a scrip to give them land when they return to \expndtw-2 Drenan. The scrip alone is worth a hundred in gold.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Kebra thought about the question. 'There was a time,' \expndtw0 he said, 'when I could outshoot any archer alive. Then, as the years went by, I noticed I could no longer see quite as clearly. When I turned fifty I could no longer read small script. That was when I began to think of going home. Nothing lasts for ever. But Bison is not a thinker. As far as he is concerned the king has just told \expndtw-1 him he is no longer a man. And he is hurting.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'There is some pain for all of us,' said Nogusta. 'The White Wolf will be leading almost two thousand men \expndtw-1 home. Every one of them will feel some sense of rejec\-\expndtw0 tion. But we are alive, Kebra. I fought for the king's father - as you did - and I have carried my sword through thirty-five years of warfare. Now I am tired. The long marches are hard on old bones. Even Bison must admit to that.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li240\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kebra shook his head. 'Bison admits to nothing. You\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 should have seen his face when they called the roll. He \expndtw0 could not believe he had been chosen. I was standing beside him. You know what he said? "How can they \expndtw-2 send me back with all the old men?" I just laughed. For \expndtw0 a moment I thought he was joking. But he wasn't. He \expndtw-4 still thinks he's twenty-five.' He let out a soft curse. 'Why did he have to hit a Ventrian? And what if the man dies?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'If he dies they will hang Bison,' said Nogusta. 'Not a pleasant thought. Why did he hit the man?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'He made a joke about Bison's age.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'And the others?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I have no idea. We'll ask him when we find him. The \expndtw-3 officer was one of Malikada's men.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'That makes it worse,' said Nogusta. 'He might \expndtw-2 demand a hanging, regardless. He's a hard man.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'The White Wolf would never allow it.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Times are changing, Kebra. The White Wolf is being \expndtw-1 sent home with the rest of us. I doubt he has the power \expndtw-2 to oppose Malikada.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'A pox on Bison,' snapped Kebra. 'He's always been trouble. You remember when he and Orendo stole that pig . . . ?' The bowman's voice faded away. 'I'm sorry, \expndtw-3 my friend, that was crass.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta shrugged. 'Orendo took part in a rape and a murder. It saddens me that he is dead, but he was the \expndtw-3 victim of his own actions.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'Strange, though,' said Kebra. 'I am a fair judge of men \expndtw-5 and I would never have believed Orendo capable of such \expndtw-2 an act.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'Nor I. Where shall we look for Bison?' asked Nogusta, changing the subject.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kebra shrugged. 'He was drunk when he thrashed \expndtw-2 those men. You know Bison. After a fight he'll look for \expndtw0 a woman. There must be two hundred whorehouses\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 within walking distance. I do not intend to spend the \expndtw-1 night scouring them.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta nodded, then he gave a wide grin. 'We could try just one, though,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi216\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'For what purpose? The odds against finding him are enormous.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta leaned forward and placed his hand on his friend's shoulder. 'I was not thinking of \i finding \i0 Bison,' he said. 'I was thinking of soft skin and a warm bed.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kebra shook his head. 'I think I'll return to the barracks. I have a warm bed there.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta sighed. 'Bison refuses to get old, and you \expndtw-2 refuse to stay young. Truly, you white men are a mystery \expndtw0 to me.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Life would be dull without mysteries,' said Kebra.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 After Nogusta had gone he ordered another flagon of \expndtw-1 wine, then made the long walk back to the barracks. The \expndtw0 room he shared with Nogusta and Bison was cold and empty. Bison's bed was unmade, the blankets in a heap on the floor beside it. The Senior Cul no longer made inspections, and without the threat of punishment Bison \expndtw-1 had reverted to slovenly behaviour.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta's bed was tidily made, but he had left a tunic \expndtw-1 upon it.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kebra's pallet was immaculate, the blankets folded into a square, topped by the pillow, the undersheet pulled tight, the corners overlapped with a perfect horizontal fold. Kebra moved to the hearth and lit the \expndtw-2 fire. He had cleaned out the ash and re-laid it that morn\-ing, the kindling placed with perfect symmetry.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li43\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Just about now Nogusta would be lying beside a fat, sweating whore. He would be, perhaps, the twentieth man she had opened her legs for that day. Kebra\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li48\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 shuddered. It was a nauseating thought.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri72\qr\cf1\lang1033\fs21 /\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li34\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 30\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Silently he padded out to the bath house. The boilers had not been lit and the water was cold. Even so Kebra \expndtw-3 undressed and immersed himself, scrubbing at his body \expndtw0 with soap. There were no clean towels on the rack. \expndtw-5 Angry now he searched through the large laundry basket and dabbed at his cold body with the cleanest of the used \expndtw-10 towels.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The collapse of discipline unnerved the bowman. Carrying his clothes he returned to the room and sat, \expndtw-2 shivering, in front of the fire. Then he took a nightshirt \expndtw-1 from his chest and slipped it on. It was crisp and clean and he could smell the freshness of the cotton. It eased \expndtw-7 his mind.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ilbren's words haunted him. 'It is way past the time when you should have settled down with a wife and \expndtw-4 raised sons.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Kebra felt the weight of the words, like a stone on his \expndtw-5 heart.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Most of Palima's customers thought of her as a whore with a golden heart. This was a view she cultivated, especially as she grew older, with age and the laws of \expndtw-3 gravity conspiring to ravage her features. The truth was more stark: Palima's heart \i was \i0 like gold, cold, hard and \expndtw-7 well hidden.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 She lay now on her bed, staring at the hulking figure \expndtw-6 by the window. Bison was well known to her, a generous \expndtw-3 giant, unhindered by imagination or intellect. His needs \expndtw-5 were simple, his demands limited, his energy prodigious. For a year now - ever since the Drenai had taken the city \expndtw-3 - he had come to her at least once a week. He paid well, \expndtw0 never troubled her with small talk or promises, and \expndtw-6 rarely outstayed his welcome.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 This night was different. He had come to her bed and\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 had cuddled her close. Then he had fallen asleep. Bison \expndtw-1 usually paid with a single silver coin upon leaving. Yet \expndtw0 tonight he had given her a gold half \i raq \i0 just after he arrived. Palima had tried to rouse him - not usually a \expndtw-5 difficult feat. But Bison was in no mood for sex. This did \expndtw0 not concern Palima. If a man wanted to pay for a hug with gold she was more than happy to oblige. He had slept fitfully for two hours, holding her close. Then he \expndtw-1 had dressed and moved to the window. Bison had been standing there in the lantern light for some time now, a \expndtw-5 huge man, with great sloping shoulders and long, power\-\expndtw0 ful arms. Idly he tugged at his bristling white, walrus moustache and stared out at the night dark square \expndtw-11 below.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Come back to bed, lover,' she said. 'Let Palima work \expndtw-4 her magic.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Not tonight,' he told her.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'What is wrong?' she asked. 'You can tell Palima.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 He turned towards her. 'How old do you think I am?' \expndtw-4 he asked, suddenly.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Sixty-five, if you're a day, she thought, staring at his \expndtw-1 bald head and white moustache. Men were such \expndtw-2 children. 'Maybe forty,' she told him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 He seemed satisfied with the answer, and she saw him \expndtw0 relax. 'I'm older than that, but I don't feel it. They're \expndtw-2 sending me home,' he said. 'All the older men are going \expndtw-5 home.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Don't you want to go home?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'I was one of the first to join the White Wolf,' he said. 'Back when Drenan was beset on all sides and the king's \expndtw-1 army had been all but destroyed. We beat them all, you \expndtw-4 know. One after another. When I was a child my country \expndtw0 was ruled from afar. We were just peasants. But we \expndtw-2 changed the world. The king's empire stretches for -' he\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 seemed to struggle for a moment with the math\-\expndtw-3 ematics. '- thousands of miles,' he concluded lamely.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'He is the greatest king who ever lived,' she said, \expndtw-2 softly, hoping that was what he wanted to hear.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'His father was greater,' said Bison. 'He built from \expndtw-1 nothing. I served him for twenty-three years. Then the boy-king for another twenty. Twenty-six major battles \expndtw-3 I've fought in. There. Twenty-six. What do you think of \expndtw-1 that?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'It's a lot of battles,' she admitted, not knowing where the conversation was leading. 'Come back to bed.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'It's a lot of battles, all right. I've been wounded eleven \expndtw0 times. Now they don't want me any more. Eighteen \expndtw-3 hundred of us. Thank you and goodbye. Here's a bag of \expndtw0 gold. Go home. Where's home, eh?' With a sigh he moved to the bed, which creaked as his huge frame \expndtw-1 settled upon it. 'I don't know what to do, Palima.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You are a strong man. You can do anything you \expndtw-3 want. Go anywhere you want.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'But I want to stay with the army. I'm a front ranker! \expndtw0 That's what I am. That's what I want.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\fs21 Sitting up she cupped his face in her hands. 'Sometimes \expndtw-3 - most times - we don't get what we want. Rarely do we \expndtw-5 even get what we deserve. We get what we get. That's it. \expndtw0 Yesterday is gone, Bison. It will never come again. \expndtw-1 Tomorrow hasn't happened yet. What we have is now. \expndtw0 And do you know what is real?' She took his hand in \expndtw-4 hers and lifted \i if \i0 to her naked breast, pressing his fingers to her flesh. \i ''This \i0 is real, Bison. \i We \i0 are real. And at this \expndtw-3 moment \i we \i0 are all there is.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 His hand fell away, then he leaned down and kissed her cheek. He had never done that before. In fact she couldn't remember the last time a man had kissed her \expndtw-4 cheek. Then he rose. 'I'd better be getting back,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb202\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 33\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li24\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Why not stay? I know you, Bison. You'd feel better \expndtw-3 afterwards. You always do.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Aye, that's true. You are the best, you know. And I \expndtw-2 speak from a lifetime of having to pay for it. But I have to go. I'll be on charges. The Watch is probably looking \expndtw-4 for me.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'What have you done?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Lost my temper. Tapped a few soldiers.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Tapped?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Well, maybe more than tapped. One of them laughed \expndtw0 at me. Ventrian scum! Said the army would be better off without the greybeards. I picked him up and threw him like a spear. It was really funny. But he landed on a table and broke it with his head. That upset the Drenai soldiers who were eating there. So I tapped them all.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'How many were there?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Only five or so. I didn't really hurt no-one. Well, not \expndtw0 badly.' He grinned. 'Well, not \i very \i0 badly. But I'll be on \expndtw-4 charges.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'What kind of punishment will you get?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 T don't know . . . ten lashes.' He shrugged. 'Twenty. No problem.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Palima climbed from the bed and stood naked before \expndtw-2 him. 'How did it feel when you were \i tapping \i0 them?' she \expndtw-8 asked.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'It was . . . good,' he admitted.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'You felt like a man?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Yes. I felt young again.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li29\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Her hand slid down over his leggings. 'Like a man,' \expndtw-3 she whispered, huskily. She felt him swell at her touch.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'And how do you feel now?' she asked him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 He let out a long sigh. 'Like a man,' he said. 'But they \expndtw-1 don't want me to be one any more. Goodbye, Palima.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\sb187\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 34\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri67\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Without another word he walked out into the \expndtw-5 night.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri62\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Palima watched him from the window. 'A pox on you and all your kind, Drenai,' she whispered. 'Go away and \expndtw-3 die!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Banelion, the legendary White Wolf, gathered his maps \expndtw0 and carefully placed them inside a brass bound chest. Tall and lean, his long white hair tied at the nape of the \expndtw-3 neck, the general's movements were swift and precise, as \expndtw0 he packed the chest with the expertise of a lifetime soldier. Everything neatly in its place. The maps were stacked in the order they would be needed during the 1400 mile journey to the western port. Alongside them were notes listing the names of tribes and their chief\-tains, way stations, fortresses and cities along the route\sub x \nosupersub As with everything else he undertook the journey home \expndtw-2 would be planned meticulously.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri53\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Across from the broad desk a young officer in full armour of gold and bronze stood watching the general. The old man glanced up and gave a swift grin. 'Why so \expndtw-1 sad, Dagorian?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri53\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The young man took a deep, slow breath. 'This is \expndtw-1 wrong, sir.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Nonsense. Look at me. What do you see?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\ri48\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian stared at the white-haired general. Leathered by desert sun and winter winds, the White \expndtw-1 Wolf's face was seamed and wrinkled. Beneath bristling \expndtw-3 white brows his eyes were pale and bright - eyes that had \expndtw0 seen the fall of empires, and the scattering of armies. 'I \expndtw-3 see the greatest general who ever lived,' said the younger \expndtw-10 man.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li34\ri58\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Banelion smiled. He was genuinely touched by the officer's affection, and thought momentarily of the\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri53\sb197\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 35\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 boy's father. The two were so unalike. Catoris had been \expndtw0 a cold, hard man, ambitious and deadly. His son was infinitely more likeable, loyal and steadfast. The only virtue he shared with his father was courage. 'Ah, Dagorian, what you should see is a man two years past seventy. But you are looking at what was, boy. Not what is. I will be honest with you, I am disappointed. Even so I do not believe the king is making a mistake. Like me the soldiers who first marched against the \expndtw-3 Ventrian Empire are growing old now. Eighteen hundred \expndtw0 men over fifty. Two hundred of those will not even see sixty again. The king is only thirty-five, and he wants to cross the Great River and conquer Cadia. All reports suggest that such a war will last five years or more. The army will have to cross deserts and moun\-tains, wade rivers thick with crocodiles, hack their way through jungles. Young men will be needed for such an enterprise. And some of the older men are yearning for \expndtw-1 home.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian removed his black and gold helm, and absently brushed his hand over the white horsehair plume. 'I don't doubt you are right about the older men, \expndtw-1 sir. But not you. Without you some of the battles would \expndtw0 have been . . .' The White Wolf raised his finger to his \expndtw-2 lips, the movement sharp and swift.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'All my battles have been fought. Now I will go home \expndtw-1 and enjoy my retirement. I will breed horses, and watch \expndtw-3 the sun rise over the mountains. And I will wait for news \expndtw-4 of the king's victories, and I will celebrate them quietly in \expndtw0 my home. I have served Skanda, as I served his father. Faithfully and well, and to the best of my considerable abilities. Now I need a little fresh air. Walk with me in \expndtw-1 the garden.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li250\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Swinging  a  sheepskin  cloak  around  his  shoulders\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li38\sb173\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 36\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Banelion pushed open the doors and strode through to \expndtw0 the snow-covered garden. The paved path could no longer be seen, but the statues that lined it pointed the \expndtw-5 way. Crunching the snow underfoot the two men walked \expndtw0 out past the frozen fountain. The statues were all of \expndtw-3 Ventrian warriors, standing like sentries, spears pointed \expndtw0 towards the sky. The older man took Dagorian's arm and leaned in close. 'It is time for you to learn to curb \expndtw-5 your tongue, young man,' he said, keeping his voice low. \expndtw0 'Every whisper spoken inside the palace is reported to the king and his new advisers. The walls are hollow, and listeners write down every sentence. You under\-\expndtw-1 stand?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 They even spy on \i you? I \i0 cannot believe it.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Believe it. Skanda is no longer the boy-king who \expndtw-3 charmed us all. He is a man, ruthless and ambitious. He \expndtw0 is determined to conquer the world. And he probably \expndtw-3 will. If his new allies are as trustworthy as he thinks.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'You doubt the Prince Malikada?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Banelion grinned and led the young man around the \expndtw0 frozen lake. 'I have no reason to doubt him. Or his wizard. Malikada's cavalry are superbly disciplined, and his men fight well. But he is not Drenai, and the king puts great faith in him.' On the far side of the lake they came to a stone arch, beneath which was a bust of a handsome man, with a forked beard, and a high sloping brow. 'You know who this is?' asked \expndtw-7 Banelion.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'No, sir. A Ventrian noble of some kind?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'This is the general, Bodasen. He died three hundred \expndtw0 and fifty years ago. He was the greatest general the \expndtw-2 Ventrians ever had. He it was - with Gorben - who laid \expndtw-4 the foundations of their empire.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 The old man shivered and drew his cloak more tightly\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sb197\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 37\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 about him. Dagorian stared hard at the white stone of \expndtw-1 the bust. 'I have read the histories, sir. He is described as \expndtw-2 a plodding soldier. Gorben was said to have led the army \expndtw0 to victory.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Banelion chuckled. 'As indeed has Skanda. And in the \expndtw-3 months to come you will hear the same of me. That is the \expndtw0 way of the world, Dagorian. The victorious kings write the histories. Now let us go back, for this cold is eating into my bones.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Once back inside Dagorian banked up the fire and the \expndtw0 general stood before it, rubbing his hands. 'So tell me,' \expndtw-1 he said, 'have they found Bison yet?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'No, sir. They are scouring the whorehouses. The man \expndtw0 with the cracked skull has regained consciousness. The \expndtw-1 surgeons say he will not die.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'That is a blessing. I would hate to hang old Bison.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'He's been with you from the first, I understand.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Aye, from the first, when the old king was merely a young prince, and the kingdom was in ruins. Days of blood and fire, Dagorian. I would not want to live them \expndtw-2 again. Bison is - like me - a relic of those days. There are \expndtw0 not many of us left.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What will you do when we find him, sir?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Ten lashes. But don't tie him to the post. That'll hurt \expndtw-1 his dignity. He'll stand there and hold to it. His back will \expndtw0 bleed, and you'll not hear a sound from him.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I take it you like the man.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Banelion shook his head. 'Can't stand him. He has the strength of an ox, and the brains to match. A more irritating, undisciplined wretch I have yet to see. But he \expndtw-2 symbolizes the strength, the courage and the will that has \expndtw-1 brought us across the world. A man to move mountains, \expndtw-3 Dagorian. Now you best get some rest. We'll finish in the \expndtw-2 morning.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li34\sb173\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 38\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Yes, sir. Can I fetch you some mulled wine before you \expndtw-1 retire?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Wine does not sit well with me these days. Warm milk \expndtw0 and honey would be pleasant.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li197\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian saluted, bowed and left the room.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\sb7440\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 39\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li197\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\i\fs30 Chapter Two\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri10\sb475\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Regimental discipline was observed in ritual fashion. Every one of the zooo men of the regiment, in their armour of black and gold, stood in a giant square around the barracks ground. At the centre the twenty \expndtw-1 senior officers waited, and, seated on a dais behind them \expndtw0 was the White Wolf. He wore no armour, but was \expndtw-4 dressed in a simple tunic of grey wool, black leggings and \expndtw0 boots. Around his shoulders was a hooded sheepskin \expndtw-5 cloak.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The morning was bright and clear as Bison was led out. The lumbering giant had been stripped to the waist, and Dagorian suddenly understood the man's bizarre nickname. His head was totally bald, but thick, curling \expndtw-1 hair grew from his neck and over his massive shoulders. More like a bear than a bison though, thought Dagorian. \expndtw-2 The young officer's dark gaze flickered to the men walk\-\expndtw0 ing with Bison. One was Kebra, the famed bowman, who had once saved the king's life, sending a shaft through the eye of a Ventrian lancer. The other was the blue-eyed black man, Nogusta, swordsman and juggler. Dagorian had once watched the man keep seven razor \expndtw-3 sharp knives in the air, then, one by one send them flash\-\expndtw0 ing into a target. They walked straight and tall. Bison \expndtw-1 cracked a joke with someone in the first line.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li240\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Silence!' shouted an officer.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Bison approached the whipping-post and stood beside\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\sb168\qc\cf1\lang1033\f1\fs18 40\cf0\lang2057\f0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 the lean, hawk-faced soldier who had been ordered to complete the sentence. The man looked ill at ease, and \expndtw-2 was sweating despite the morning cold.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You just lay on, boy,' said Bison, amiably. Til hold \expndtw-3 no grudge for you.' The man gave a weak, relieved smile.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Let the prisoner approach,' said the White Wolf. \expndtw-2 Bison marched forward and saluted clumsily.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Have you anything to say before sentence is carried \expndtw-1 out?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'No, sir!' bellowed Bison.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Do you know what is special about you?' asked the \expndtw-6 general.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No, sir!'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Absolutely nothing,' said the White Wolf. 'You are an \expndtw-3 undisciplined wretch and the clumsiest man ever to serve \expndtw0 under me. For a copper coin I'd hang you and be done with it. Now get to the post. This cold is chilling my bones.' So saying he lifted the sheepskin hood over his head and pulled the cloak around him.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Yes, sir!' Bison spun on his heel and marched back to \expndtw0 the post, reaching up and taking hold of the wood.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The man with the whip untied the thong binding the \expndtw-1 five lashes and cracked it into the air. Then he shrugged \expndtw0 his shoulders twice and took up his position. His arm \expndtw-5 came back.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Hold!' came a commanding voice. The soldier froze. Dagorian turned to see a small group of men striding onto the barracks ground. They were all Ventrian officers wearing golden breastplates and sporting red \expndtw-1 capes. At the centre was the Prince Malikada, the king's \expndtw0 general, a tall, slender nobleman, who had been chosen \expndtw-4 to replace the White Wolf. Beside him was his champion, \expndtw0 the swordsman, Antikas Karios. A fox and a cobra, \expndtw-2 thought Dagorian. Both men were slim and graceful, but\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Malikada's power was in his eyes, dark and brooding, \expndtw-1 gleaming with intelligence, while Antikas Karios \expndtw0 radiated a physical strength, built on a striking speed \expndtw-1 that was inhuman.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Malikada strode to the dais and bowed to the general. His hair was jet black, but his beard had been dyed with streaks of gold, then braided with gold thread. Dagorian \expndtw-4 watched him closely.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Greetings, my lord Banelion,' said Malikada.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'This is hardly the time for a visit,' said Banelion. 'But \expndtw-3 you are most welcome, Prince.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'It is \i exactly \i0 the time, General,' said Malikada, with a \expndtw0 wide smile. 'One of my men is about to be disciplined \expndtw-4 incorrectly.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'One of \i your \i0 men?' enquired the White Wolf, softly. Dagorian could feel the tension in the officers around \expndtw-3 him, but no-one moved.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'Of course one of my men. You were present when the \expndtw-3 king - glory be attached to his name - named me as your \expndtw-4 successor. As I recall you are now a private citizen of the \expndtw-1 empire about to head for home and a happy retirement.' \expndtw-2 Malikada swung round. 'And this man has been accused \expndtw-3 of striking one of my officers. That, as I am sure you are \expndtw-2 aware, under Ventrian law, is a capital offence. He shall \expndtw-3 be hanged.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 An angry murmur sounded throughout the ranks. \expndtw-4 Banelion rose. 'Of course he shall hang - if convicted,' he \expndtw0 said, his voice cold. 'But I now change his plea to not \expndtw-3 guilty and - on his behalf - demand trial by combat. This \expndtw0 is \i Drenai \i0 law, set in place by the king himself. Do you wish to deny it?' Malikada's smile grew wider, and Dagorian realized in that moment that this was exactly \expndtw-4 what the Ventrian wanted. The swordsman, Antikas, was \expndtw-7 already removing his cloak and unbuckling his breastplate.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li38\sb197\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\f1\fs18 42-\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\f0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'The king's law is just,' said Malikada, raising his left arm and clicking his fingers. Antikas stepped forward, drew his sword and spun it in the sunlight. 'Which of your . . . former . . . officers will face Antikas Karios? I \expndtw-3 understand your aide, Dagorian, is considered something \expndtw-1 of a swordsman.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Indeed he is,' said Banelion. Dagorian felt fear rip into \expndtw0 him. He was no match for the Ventrian. He swallowed \expndtw-1 down the bile rising in his throat, and fought to keep his \expndtw0 emotions from his face. Glancing up he saw Antikas Karios staring at him. There was no hint of a sneer, or \expndtw-1 mockery of any kind. The man simply stared. Somehow \expndtw0 it made Dagorian feel even worse. Rising from his seat Banelion gestured for Nogusta to come forward. The black man approached the dais, saluted, then bowed. \expndtw-3 'Will you defend the honour of your comrade?' asked the \expndtw-5 White Wolf.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'But of course, my general.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian's relief was intense, and he reddened as he saw a slight smile appear on the face of the Ventrian \expndtw-5 swordsman.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'This is not seemly,' said Malikada, smoothly. 'A \expndtw-3 common soldier to face the finest swordsman alive? And \expndtw0 a black savage to boot? I think not.' He turned to a second Ventrian officer, a tall man with a long golden beard, crimped into horizontal waves. 'Cerez, will you \expndtw-3 show us your skills?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The man bowed. Wider in the shoulder than the whip \expndtw-3 lean Antikas, Cerez had the same economy of movement \expndtw0 and catlike grace found in all swordsmen. Malikada \expndtw-1 looked up at Banelion. 'With your permission, General, this student of Antikas Karios will take his place.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'As you wish,' said Banelion.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Nogusta stepped forward. 'Do you wish me to kill the\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sb197\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 43\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 man, or merely disarm him, General?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'Kill him,' said Banelion. 'And do it swiftly. My break\-\expndtw-2 fast is waiting.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri24\sb5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Both men removed their armour and upper clothing and strode out bare-chested into the centre of the barracks ground. Nogusta lifted his sword in salute. Cerez attacked immediately, sending out a lightning thrust. Nogusta parried it with ease. 'That was dis\-courteous,' whispered Nogusta, 'but I will still kill you \expndtw-6 cleanly.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Their blades clashed as Cerez charged forward, his \expndtw-4 curved sword flashing with bewildering speed. But every \expndtw0 thrust or cut was parried by the black man. Cerez dropped back. Dagorian watched the contest closely. The Ventrian was younger by thirty years, and he was fast. But there was not an ounce of fat on Nogusta's \expndtw-1 powerful frame, and his vast experience enabled him to \expndtw-2 read his opponent's moves. Dagorian flicked a glance at \expndtw0 Antikas Karios. The champion's dark, hooded eyes missed nothing, and he leaned in to whisper something \expndtw-1 to Malikada.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi163\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 The two warriors were circling one another now, seek\-\expndtw-1 ing an opening. The action had been fast, and the black \expndtw0 man, though skilful, was visibly tiring. Cerez almost caught him with a sudden riposte, the blade slashing \expndtw-3 close to Nogusta's cheek. Suddenly Nogusta appeared to \expndtw-1 stumble. Cerez lunged - and in that moment realized he \expndtw-2 had been tricked! Nimbly spinning on his heel, all signs \expndtw0 of fatigue vanished, Nogusta swayed away from the blade, his own sword slicing through his opponent's golden beard and biting deep into his throat. Cerez stumbled forward, falling to his knees, blood gushing \expndtw-4 from the wound. Dropping his sword he tried to stem the \expndtw-2 rush of life from his severed jugular. Slowly he toppled\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb206\qc\cf1\lang1033\f1\fs18 44\cf0\lang2057\f0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 forward, twitched once, then was still. Nogusta strode back across the barrack-square and bowed to the White Wolf. 'As you commanded, Lord, so was it done.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ignoring the furious Malikada the White Wolf rose. 'The prisoner is not guilty,' he said, his voice clear and \expndtw-3 firm. 'And since this is my last moment among you all, let \expndtw0 me thank you for the service you have given the king, while under my command. Those among you chosen to \expndtw-1 retire will find me camped on the flat ground to the west \expndtw0 of the city. We will be ready for departure in four days. \expndtw-1 That is all. Dismissed!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 As he stepped from the dais Malikada moved in close. \expndtw0 'You have made an enemy this day,' he whispered. The White Wolf paused, then met the prince's hawk-eyed \expndtw-8 gaze.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'An infinitely better prospect than having you for a friend,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 The king's birthday was always celebrated with extrava\-\expndtw0 gant displays; athletics competitions, boxing matches, horse races, and demonstrations of magic to thrill the \expndtw-2 crowds. Spear-throwing, archery, sword bouts, and \expndtw0 wrestling were also included, with huge prizes for the winners in all events. This year promised even greater extravagances, for it was the king's thirty-fifth birthday, a number of great mystical significance to Drenai and Ventrian alike. And the event was to take place in the Royal Park at the centre of Usa, the ancient capital of the old Ventrian Empire. The city was older than time, and mentioned in the earliest known historical records. In myth it had been a home for gods, one of whom was \expndtw-2 said to have raised the royal palace in a single night, lift\-\expndtw0 ing mammoth stones into place with the power of his \expndtw-14 will.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sb197\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 45\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Hundreds of huge tents had been pitched in the \expndtw-3 meadows at the centre of the thousand-acre Royal Park, \expndtw0 and scores of carpenters had been working for weeks \expndtw-4 building tiered seating for the nobility.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 The tall towers of the city were silhouetted against the \expndtw0 eastern mountains as Kebra the Bowman leaned on a new fence and stared sombrely out towards where the archery tourney would be held. 'You should have entered,' said Nogusta, passing the bowman a thick \expndtw-4 wedge of hot pie.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'To what purpose,' answered Kebra, sourly, placing \expndtw-2 the food on the fence rail and ignoring it.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'You are the champion,' said Nogusta. 'It is your title \expndtw-3 they will be shooting for.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 Kebra said nothing for a moment, transferring his gaze \expndtw-3 to the snow-topped peaks away to the west. He had first seen these mountains a year ago, when Skanda the king, \expndtw-2 having won the Battle of the River, had ridden into Usa \expndtw0 to take the emperor's throne. Cold winds blew down \expndtw-5 now from these grey giants and Kebra shivered and drew \expndtw-1 his pale blue cloak closer about his slender frame. 'My \expndtw-3 eyes are fading. I could not win.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'No, but you could have taken part.' The words hung \expndtw0 in the cold air. A team of thirty workers moved to the king's pavilion and began to raise wind-shields of stiffened crimson silk around it. Kebra had seen the pavilion constructed on many occasions, and recalled, \expndtw-3 with a stab of regret, the last time he had stood before it, \expndtw0 receiving the Silver Arrow from the hand of the king \expndtw-6 himself. Skanda had given his boyish grin. 'Does winning \expndtw-3 ever get boring, old lad?' he had asked.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li43\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'No, sire,' he had answered. Turning to the crowd he \expndtw-5 had raised the Silver Arrow, and the cheers had \expndtw-3 thundered out. Kebra shivered again. He looked up into\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\fs21 46\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 the black man's pale, unreadable eyes. 'I would be humiliated. Is that what you want to see?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta shook his head. 'You would not be humiliated, my friend. You would merely lose.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kebra gave a tired smile. 'If I had entered most of the Drenai soldiers would have bet on me. They would lose their money.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'That would be a good reason to decline,' agreed Nogusta. 'If it were truly the reason.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What is it you want from me?' stormed Kebra. 'You think there is a question of honour at stake here?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No, not honour. Pride. False pride, at that. Without \expndtw-3 losers, Kebra, there would be no competitions at all. There \expndtw0 will be more than a hundred archers taking part in the \expndtw-4 tourney. Only one will win. Of the ninety-nine losers more \expndtw-2 than half will know they cannot win before they draw the \expndtw0 first shaft. Yet still they will try. You say your eyes are \expndtw-1 fading. I know that is true. But it is distance that troubles \expndtw-4 you. Two of the three events require speed, skill and talent. \expndtw-1 Only the third is shot over distance. You would still be in \expndtw0 the top ten.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kebra stalked away from the fence. Nogusta followed him. 'When the day comes that you don't wish to hear the truth from me,' he said, 'you merely have to say.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The bowman paused and sighed. 'What is the truth here, Nogusta?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The black man leaned in close. 'You demean the championship by refusing to take part. The new cham\-pion will feel he has not earned the title. In part, I fear, \expndtw-1 this is why you have declined.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'And what if it is? He will still earn a hundred gold \expndtw-1 pieces. He will still be honoured by the king, and carried \expndtw0 shoulder high around the Park.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'But he will not have beaten the legendary Kebra. I\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sb221\qc\cf1\lang1033\f1\fs18 47\cf0\lang2057\f0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 seem to recall your delight fifteen years ago when you took the Silver Arrow from the hands of Menion. He \expndtw-1 was as old as you are now when he stood against you in \expndtw0 the final. And you beat him finally only when it came to the distant targets. Could it be that his eyes were \expndtw-4 fading?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Bison strolled over to where they stood. 'Going to be a great day,' he said, wiping crumbs from his white moustache. 'The Ventrian sorcerer, Kalizkan, has promised a display no-one will ever forget. I hope he conjures a dragon. I've always wanted to see a dragon.' The bald giant looked from one man to the other. 'What \expndtw-1 is it? What am I missing here?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Nothing,' said Nogusta. 'We were just involved in a \expndtw-1 philosophical debate.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I hate those,' said Bison. 'I never understand a word. \expndtw-1 Glad I missed it. By the way I've entered the wrestling. I \expndtw0 hope you two will be cheering for me.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta chuckled. Ts that big tribesman taking part \expndtw-1 this year?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Of course.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'He must have thrown you ten feet last year. It was \expndtw-2 only luck that you landed head first, and thereby avoided injury.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Bison scowled. 'He caught me by surprise. I'll take him \expndtw0 this year - if we're matched.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'How many times have you entered this competition?' \expndtw-3 asked Kebra.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I don't know. Almost every year. Thirty times, \expndtw-4 maybe.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You think you'll win this time?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Of course I'll win. I've never been stronger.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Nogusta laid his hand on Bison's massive shoulder. 'It \expndtw0 doesn't concern you that you've said the same thing for\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-10\fs21 48\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 more than thirty years? And yet you've never even \expndtw-1 reached the quarter-finals.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Why should it?' asked Bison. 'Anyway, I did reach the \expndtw0 quarters once, didn't I? It was during the Skathian campaign. I was beaten by Coris.' He grinned. 'You remember him? Big, blond fellow. Died at the siege of \expndtw-4 Mellicane.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi216\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You are quite right,' said Nogusta. 'Coris was beaten \expndtw-2 in the semifinal. I remember losing money on him.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I've never lost money on the king's birthday,' said Bison, happily. 'I always bet on you, Kebra.' His smile \expndtw-1 faded and he swore. 'This will be the last year when you pay off all my winter debts.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Not this year, my friend,' said Kebra. 'I'm not \expndtw-2 entered.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I thought you might forget,' said Bison, 'so I entered \expndtw-4 you myself.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Tell me you are joking,' said Kebra, his voice cold.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I never joke about my debts. Shouldn't you be out \expndtw-2 there practising?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The crowds were beginning to gather as Dagorian \expndtw-1 strolled out onto the meadow. He was uncomfortable in full armour, the gilded black and gold breastplate hang\-\expndtw-3 ing heavy on his slim shoulders. Still, he thought, at least \expndtw0 I don't have to wear the heavy plumed helm. The cheek guards chafed his face and, despite the padded cap he \expndtw-1 wore below it, the helm did not sit right. Once when the \expndtw0 king called out to him Dagorian had turned sharply and \expndtw-1 the helm had swivelled on his head, the left cheek guard \expndtw-4 sliding over his left eye. Everyone had laughed. Dagorian \expndtw0 had never wanted to be a soldier, but when your father was a hero general - and, worse, a dead hero general -\expndtw-2 the son was left with little choice.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sb192\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 49\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 And he had been lucky. The White Wolf had taken \expndtw-3 him on to his staff, and spent time teaching the youngster \expndtw0 tactics and logistics. While Dagorian did not enjoy soldiering he had discovered he had a talent for it, and that made a life of campaigning at least marginally \expndtw-4 tolerable.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The preparations for the king's birthday were com\-plete now, and within the hour the crowds would begin to surge through the gates. The sky was clear, the new \expndtw-3 day less cold than yesterday. Spring was coming. Only in \expndtw-2 the evenings now did the temperature drop below freez\-\expndtw0 ing. Dagorian saw the three old warriors talking by the \expndtw-1 fence rail. He strolled across to where they stood. As he \expndtw0 approached, Kebra the Bowman strode away. He looks angry, thought Dagorian. The black swordsman saw \expndtw-1 Dagorian approach and gave a salute.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Good morning to you, Nogusta,' said the officer. \expndtw-2 'You fought well yesterday.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'He does that,' said Bison, with a wide, gap-toothed grin. 'You're the son of Catoris, aren't you?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Yes.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Good man,' said Bison. 'You could always rely on the \expndtw-1 Third Lancers when he was in command. He was a hard \expndtw0 bastard, though. Ten lashes I got when I didn't salute fast enough. Still, that's the nobility for you.' He swung to Nogusta. 'You want more pie?' The black man shook \expndtw-3 his head and Bison ambled away towards one of the food \expndtw-6 tents.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li34\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian grinned. 'Did he just praise my father, or \expndtw-2 insult him?' he asked.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li240\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'A little of both,' said Nogusta.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li245\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'An unusual man.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Bison or your father?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li250\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Bison. Are you entered in any of the tournaments?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li43\sb187\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 5\'b0\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'No,' said the black man.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 'Why not? You are a superb swordsman.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 'I don't play games with swords. And you?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'Yes,' answered Dagorian. 'In the sabre tourney.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 'You will face Antikas Karios in the final.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\fs21 Dagorian looked surprised. 'How can you know that?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 Nogusta lifted his hand and touched the centre of his \expndtw-6 brow. 'I have the Third Eye,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'And what is that?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\fs21 The black man smiled. 'It is a Gift - or perhaps a curse \expndtw-2 - I was born with.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 'Do I win or lose?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'The Gift is not that precise,' Nogusta told him, with a smile. 'It strikes like lightning, leaving an image. I can neither predict nor direct it. It comes or it. . .' His smile faded, and his expression hardened. \expndtw-3 Dagorian looked closely at the man. It seemed he was \expndtw0 no longer aware of the officer's presence. Then he \expndtw-1 sighed. 'I am sorry,' he said. 'I was momentarily dis\-tracted.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 'You saw another vision?' asked Dagorian.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 'Yes.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'Did it concern the sabre tourney?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\fs21 'No, it did not. I am sure you will acquit yourself well. Tell me how is the White Wolf?' he asked, suddenly.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'He is well, and preparing plans for the return home. \expndtw-7 Why do you ask?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\fs21 'Malikada will try to kill him.' The words were spoken \expndtw-5 softly, but with great authority. The black man was not venturing an opinion, but stating a fact.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 'This is what you saw?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'I need no mystic talent to make that prediction.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'Then I think you are wrong,' said Dagorian. \expndtw-4 'Malikada is the king's general now. Banelion does not\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sb202\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 5*\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\ri38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 stand in his way. Indeed he will be going home in three days, to retire.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Even so his life is in danger.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri43\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Perhaps you should speak to the general about this?' \expndtw-2 said Dagorian, stiffly.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta shrugged. There is no need. He knows it as well as I. Cerez was Malikada's favourite. He believed \expndtw-1 him to be almost invincible. Yesterday he learned a hard lesson. He will want revenge.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li24\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'If that is true will he not seek revenge against you \expndtw-5 also?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Indeed he will,' agreed Nogusta.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You seem remarkably unperturbed by the prospect.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Appearances can be deceiving,' Nogusta told him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\ri5\sb240\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 As the morning wore on Nogusta's words continued to haunt the young officer. They had been spoken with such quiet certainty that the more Dagorian thought of them, the more convinced he became of the truth they \expndtw-1 contained. Malikada was not known as a forgiving man. \expndtw-2 There were many stories among the Drenai officers con\-\expndtw0 cerning the Ventrian prince and his methods. One story had it that Malikada once beat a servant to death for ruining one of his shirts. As far as Dagorian knew there was no evidence to support the tale, but it highlighted the popular view of Malikada.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li29\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Such a man would indeed nurse a grudge against \expndtw-8 Banelion.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi163\li38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 With at least another two hours before the start of his duties Dagorian decided to seek out the general. He \expndtw-1 loved the old man in a way he had never learned to love \expndtw0 his own father. Often he had tried to work out why, but the answer escaped him. Both were hard, cold men, addicted to war and the methods of war. And yet with\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Banelion he could relax, finding words easy and conver\-\expndtw0 sation smooth. With his father his throat would tighten, his brain melt. Clear and concise thoughts would travel from his mind to his mouth, appearing to become \expndtw-1 drunken on the way, spilling out - at least to himself - as \expndtw-3 stuttering gibberish.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Spit it out, boy!' Catoris would yell, and the words \expndtw-2 would dry up, and Dagorian would stand very still, feel\-\expndtw-4 ing very foolish.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 In all his life he could only recall one moment when his \expndtw0 father had shown him affection. And that was after the duel. A nobleman named Rogun had challenged Dagorian. It was all so stupid. A young woman had \expndtw-1 smiled at him, and he had returned the compliment. The \expndtw0 man with her stormed across the street. He slapped \expndtw-2 Dagorian across the face, and issued a challenge.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 They had met on the cavalry parade-ground at dawn the \expndtw0 following day. Catoris had been present. He watched \expndtw-1 the fight without expression, but when Dagorian \expndtw-2 delivered the killing stroke he ran forward and embraced \expndtw0 him clumsily. He remembered the incident now with regret, for instead of returning the embrace he had angrily pulled clear and hurled his sword aside. 'It was all so stupid!' he stormed. 'He made me kill him for a \expndtw-6 smile.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'It was a duel of honour,' said his father, lamely. 'You \expndtw0 should be proud.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I am sick to my stomach,' said Dagorian.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The following day he had entered the monastery at \expndtw-2 Corteswain, and pledged his life to the Source.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 When his father died at Mellicane, leading a charge that saved the king's life, Dagorian had known enormous grief. He did not doubt that his father loved \expndtw-2 him, nor indeed that he loved his father. But - apart from\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sb202\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 53\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 that one embrace - the two of them had never been able to show their affection for one another.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Shaking off the memories Dagorian approached the gates, and saw the crowds waiting patiently outside. They parted and cheered as the Ventrian sorcerer, \expndtw-1 Kalizkan, made his entrance. Tall and dignified, wearing \expndtw-2 robes of silver satin, edged with golden thread, the silver-\expndtw0 bearded Kalizkan smiled and waved, stopping here and there to speak to people in the throng. Six young \expndtw-1 children stayed close by him, holding to the tassels of his \expndtw0 belt. He halted before a young woman, with two children. She was wearing the black sash of the recently widowed, and the children looked thin and under\-nourished. Kalizkan leaned in close to her, and lifted his hand towards the cheap tin brooch she wore upon her ragged dress. 'A pretty piece,' he said, 'but for a lady so sad it ought to be gold.' Light danced from his fingers, and the brooch gleamed in the sunlight. Where it had sat close to the dress the sheer weight of the new gold made it hang down. The woman fell to her knees and kissed Kalizkan's robes. Dagorian smiled. Such deeds as this had made the sorcerer popular with the people. He had also turned his vast home into an orphanage in the northern quarter and spent much of his free time touring the slum areas, bringing deserted children to his house.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian had met him only once - a brief introduction at the palace, with twenty other new officers. But he \expndtw-2 liked the man instinctively. The sorcerer gave a last wave \expndtw-1 to the crowd and led his children into the park. Dagorian \expndtw0 bowed as he approached.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Good morning to you, young Dagorian,' said Kalizkan, his voice curiously high pitched. 'A fine day, and not too cold.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The   officer   was   surprised   that   Kalizkan   had\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li29\sb187\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 54\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 remembered his name. 'Indeed, sir. I am told you have prepared a wondrous exhibition for the king."\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Modesty forbids me to boast, Dagorian,' said \expndtw-2 Kalizkan, with a mischievous grin. 'But my little friends \expndtw-1 and I will certainly attempt something special. Isn't that \expndtw-3 right?' he said, kneeling down and ruffling the blond hair of a small boy.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Yes, uncle. We will make the king very happy,' said \expndtw-4 the child.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kalizkan pushed himself to his feet and smoothed \expndtw-1 down his silver satin robes. They matched the colour of \expndtw-3 his long thin beard, and highlighted the summer sky blue \expndtw0 of his eyes. 'Well, come along, my children,' he said. \expndtw-1 With a wave to Dagorian the tall sorcerer strode on.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Dagorian moved out through the gates, and along the \expndtw-4 highway to where the horses of the officers were stabled. \expndtw0 Saddling his chestnut gelding he rode out to where the White Wolf was camped, west of the city walls. The \expndtw-1 camp itself was largely deserted, since most of the men would be at the celebrations, but there was a handful of \expndtw-2 sentries, two of whom were standing outside Banelion's \expndtw-1 large, black tent. Dagorian dismounted and approached \expndtw-5 the men.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'Is the general accepting visitors?' he asked. One of the \expndtw0 sentries lifted the tent flap and stepped inside. He \expndtw-2 returned moments later.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'He will see you, Captain,' he said, saluting.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The sentry lifted the flap once more and Dagorian ducked into the tent. The White Wolf was sitting at a \expndtw-3 folding table, examining maps. He was looking frail and \expndtw0 elderly. Dagorian hid his concern and gave a salute. \expndtw-2 Banelion smiled. 'What brings you here today, my boy? \expndtw-1 I thought you had duties in the Park.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian quietly told him of the conversation with\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sb202\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 55\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta. The White Wolf listened in silence, his ex\-\expndtw-1 pression unreadable. When the young man had finished \expndtw0 he gestured him to a chair. Banelion sat quietly for a moment, then leaned forward. 'Do not take this amiss, Dagorian, but I want you to forget about the warning. And let us make our goodbyes now, for you must not \expndtw-2 come close to me again.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You think it is true, sir?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'True or false it must not affect you. You are remain\-\expndtw0 ing behind, and will serve Malikada as you served me -with loyalty and honour.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li19\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I could not do that if he was responsible for your \expndtw-2 death, my general.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I am no longer \i your \i0 general. Malikada is!' snapped \expndtw-5 Banelion. His face softened. 'But I am your friend. What is \expndtw-4 between Malikada and myself is for me to concern myself \expndtw0 with. It has no bearing on your dealings with the king's \expndtw-3 general. We are not talking friendship here, Dagorian, we \expndtw-4 are talking politics. More than this we are talking survival. \expndtw-3 I can tolerate an enemy like Malikada. You cannot.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian shook his head. 'You talk of honour, sir? How could I honour the man who murdered my friend?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Try to understand, boy. Two years ago Malikada was leading an army that killed Drenai soldiers. He \expndtw-1 faced the king in two battles and did his best to kill him. \expndtw0 When the last city fell we all expected Malikada to be executed. Skanda chose to make him his friend. And he \expndtw-1 has proved a remarkable ally. That is Skanda's great tal\-\expndtw0 ent. Half the army he leads used to be his enemies. That is why he took the empire, and why he will hold it. \expndtw-1 Three of Skanda's closest friends were killed by \expndtw0 Malikada and his men - including your father. Yet Skanda honours him. If Malikada manages to have me killed it will not matter to the king, for I am yesterday,\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\sb168\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 56\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Malikada is today. Let it not matter to you either.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 The White Wolf fell silent. Dagorian reached out and \expndtw0 took the old man's hand. 'I am not the king. I am not even a soldier by choice. And I cannot think as you \expndtw-1 would wish me to. All I want is to see you live.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Many men have tried to kill me, Dagorian. I am still here.' Banelion rose. 'Now go back to the celebrations.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian moved to the tent entrance and turned. 'Thank you, sir, for all you have done for me.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'And you for me,' said Banelion. 'Farewell.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri14\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Outside the tent Dagorian summoned the sentries to him. Both were older men, their beards flecked with silver. 'The general's life is in danger,' he told them, keeping his voice low. 'Watch carefully for strangers. And if he leaves the camp for any reason make sure \expndtw-2 someone is close to him.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'We know, sir. They'll not get to him while we live,' \expndtw-2 said the first.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian stepped into the saddle and rode back through the city. Leaving his horse at the stables he joined the last of the crowd surging through the open gates. He had been gone for more than an hour, and many of the events had already begun. Threading his way through the throng he made his way to the king's \expndtw-2 pavilion and rejoined the guards.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The wrestling was under way. More than forty pairs of fighting men were grappling, and the crowd was cheering loudly. Dagorian saw the giant Bison hurl an opponent out of the circle. Far to the left the archery \expndtw-2 tournament had also begun. Two hundred bowmen were shooting at straw-filled targets.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian glanced at the nobles seated around the king. Malikada was sitting beside Skanda. The king\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb197\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 57\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 looked magnificent in his armour of polished iron. Unadorned it gleamed like silver. Skanda laughed and \expndtw-1 gestured towards one of the wrestling bouts. Dagorian's \expndtw0 eyes did not follow where the king pointed. His gaze remained fixed on Skanda's profile. The king was a handsome man, his golden hair, streaked now with \expndtw-2 silver, shone in the sunlight like a lion's mane. This was \expndtw0 the man who had conquered most of the world. Beside the powerful figure of Skanda the Ventrian prince \expndtw-1 Malikada seemed almost frail. Both men were laughing \expndtw-8 now.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Two rows behind the king sat the pregnant queen, \expndtw-1 Axiana. Serene and exquisitely beautiful she seemed to have no interest in the proceedings. The daughter of the \expndtw-4 Ventrian emperor deposed by Skanda she had been taken \expndtw0 in marriage to cement Skanda's claim to the throne. Dagorian wondered if the king loved her. A ridiculous \expndtw-3 thought, he chided himself. Who could not love Axiana? \expndtw-4 Dressed in white, her dark hair braided with silver thread, she was - despite the advanced state of her pregnancy - an \expndtw0 arresting vision of beauty. Her gaze suddenly turned to \expndtw-4 Dagorian, and he looked away, guiltily.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 The smell of roasting meats drifted out from the huge \expndtw0 tent behind the pavilion. Soon the tourneys would be suspended for an hour for the nobles to eat and drink. Dagorian moved back to check the guards around the tent. Sixty spearmen were waiting there. They stood to attention as the young officer approached. 'Take your \expndtw-2 places,' he commanded. All but four of the men filed out \expndtw0 around the tent. Dagorian led the last group to the \expndtw-2 entrance behind the pavilion.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Tie your chin strap,' he ordered one of the men.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Yes, sir. Sorry, sir.' Passing his spear to a comrade the \expndtw-2 man hastily tied the thongs.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\sb173\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 58\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Remain silent and at attention until the last of the \expndtw-1 guests return to the pavilion. You are the King's Guards. \expndtw-2 Your discipline is legendary.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Yes, sir!' they chorused.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian stepped into the tent. Food tables had been \expndtw-1 set all around the huge enclosure, and a score of servants waited, bearing trays on which goblets of wine had been \expndtw0 set. Dagorian gestured the servants forward, and they moved in two lines to flank the entrance. Trumpets \expndtw-1 sounded from the Park. Dagorian moved behind the first \expndtw0 line of servants and waited. Within moments the king and queen entered, followed by Skanda's generals and \expndtw-5 nobles.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Immediately the silent tension within the tent dis\-appeared, as wine was served and the guests made their way to the food tables. Dagorian relaxed, and allowed \expndtw-2 himself to gaze on the wonder that was Axiana. Her eyes \expndtw0 were dark blue, the colour of a sunset sky, just after the sun had fallen. They are sad eyes, he thought. In his young life Dagorian had never given much thought to the status of women, but now he wondered just how the \expndtw-1 queen had felt when ordered to marry the man who took \expndtw0 her father's empire. Had she and her father been close? \expndtw-1 Had she sat upon his knee as a child and tugged his long \expndtw0 beard. Had he doted upon her? Pushing such thoughts from his mind Dagorian was about to leave when a young Ventrian officer approached him. The man gave a slight, almost contemptuous, bow. 'The Prince \expndtw-1 Malikada would like a word with you, sir,' said the man.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian eased his way to where Malikada waited. The Ventrian prince was dressed in a black tunic, em\-broidered with a silver hawk at the shoulder, and his beard was now braided with silver wire to match it. He gave a friendly smile as Dagorian approached and\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb192\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 59\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 extended his hand. His grip was firm and dry. 'You were \expndtw-4 Banelion's aide, and I understand you accomplished your \expndtw-3 tasks with dedication and efficiency.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Thank you, sir.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I have my own aide, Dagorian, but I wanted you to know that I appreciate your talents, and that I will bear you in mind for promotion when a suitable position \expndtw-5 arises.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian bowed, and was about to step away when \expndtw-3 the prince spoke again. 'You were fond of Banelion?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi216\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Fond, sir? He was my general,' replied Dagorian, \expndtw-2 carefully. 'I respected him for his great talents.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Yes, of course. In his time he was a formidable foe. \expndtw-3 But now he is old and spent. Will you serve me with the \expndtw-4 same dedication?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian found his heart beating faster. He looked \expndtw-3 into Malikada's dark, cold eyes, and saw again the fierce \expndtw0 intelligence there. There would be no point in trying to lie to this man directly. He would read it immediately. Dagorian's mouth was dry, but his words when they \expndtw-2 came were spoken steadily. 'I am dedicated to the king's \expndtw0 service, sir. You are the king's general. Any order you \expndtw-2 give me will be carried out to the best of my ability.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'That is all one can ask,' said Malikada. 'Now you \expndtw-2 may go. Antikas Karios will take over your duties here.' With that he smiled and swung away.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Dagorian turned, and almost collided with the heavily \expndtw0 pregnant queen. 'My apologies, my lady,' he stuttered. She gave him a distant smile and moved past him. Feeling like a dolt Dagorian left the tent and wandered \expndtw-1 back to the open park.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 Thousands of people were wandering across the grass, \expndtw0 or sitting on blankets and eating prepared lunches. Soldiers and athletes were practising for their events,\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-15\fs21 60\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 horse trainers were running their mounts, stretching them for the races ahead. Dagorian looked around for the king's horse, Starfire. It was always entered in the \expndtw-3 races, and never failed. But, as he scanned the horses he \expndtw0 saw that the giant black gelding was not among the \expndtw-1 mounts being exercised. He strolled to one of the \expndtw-2 handlers and enquired of the horse.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Lung rot,' said the man. 'It's a damn shame. Still he's \expndtw-2 getting old now. Must be eighteen if he's a day.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Dagorian was saddened to hear it. Every Drenai child \expndtw0 knew of Starfire. Bought by the king's father for a fabulous sum it had carried Skanda into all his major \expndtw-3 battles. Now it was dying. Skanda must be heartbroken, he thought.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Relieved to be free of his duties he wandered back to \expndtw-3 the officers' rest area and stripped off his armour, order\-\expndtw0 ing a young Cul to return it to his quarters. Then he strolled out to enjoy the festivities. The prospect of \expndtw-2 becoming Malikada's aide had been an odious one, and he was grateful that the task had been taken from him. I should have gone home with the White Wolf, he \expndtw-4 thought, suddenly. I hate soldiering. While his father had \expndtw0 been a living hero Dagorian had attended the Docian \expndtw-1 Monastery at Corteswain, studying to become a priest. \expndtw-5 He had been happy there, his lifestyle humble and almost \expndtw-11 serene.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Then his father had died, and the world changed.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Moving through the crowd he saw Nogusta sitting on \expndtw-4 the grass, Bison stretched out beside him. The bald giant \expndtw-3 had a swollen eye and a purple bruise on his cheekbone. \expndtw0 Dagorian joined them. 'How are you faring?' he asked \expndtw-14 Bison.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li24\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Quarter-finals,' said the giant, sitting up and stifling a groan. 'This is my year.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sb158\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 61\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 Dagorian saw the vivid bruises and the man's obvious \expndtw-7 fatigue, and masked his scepticism. 'How long before your \expndtw-4 next bout?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Bison shrugged and looked to Nogusta. 'An hour,' said the black man. 'He's fighting the tribesman who \expndtw-3 beat him last year.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I'll take him this time,' said Bison, wearily. 'But I \expndtw-4 think I'll take a nap first.' Lying back the giant closed his eyes. Nogusta covered him with a cloak and rose.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'You saw the general?' he asked Dagorian.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I did.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'He advised you to stay away from him.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'You have a great gift.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Nogusta smiled. 'No, that was just common sense. He \expndtw-2 is a wise man. Malikada is not so wise. But that is often \expndtw0 the way with ambitious men. They come to believe in \expndtw-5 tales of their own destiny. Everything they desire, so they \expndtw-4 believe, is theirs by right. Chosen by the Source.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'The Source is given credit and blame for many deeds,' \expndtw-3 said Dagorian. 'Are you a believer?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I would like to be,' admitted Nogusta. 'It would cer\-\expndtw-3 tainly make life more complete if one could believe in a \expndtw0 grand plan for the universe. If we could be certain that \expndtw-3 evil men would receive judgement. However, I fear that \expndtw-4 life is not so simple. Wise men say that the universe is in \expndtw-2 a state of constant war, a battle between the Source and the forces of chaos. If that is true then chaos commands \expndtw-3 the most cavalry.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'You are a cynic,' said Dagorian.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 T think not. I am just old and have seen too much.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The two men sat down beside the sleeping Bison. 'How is it that a black man serves in the army of \expndtw-4 Drenan?' asked Dagorian.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li240\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I am a Drenai,' answered Nogusta. 'My great-grand-\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 father was a Phocian seaman. He was captured at sea and the Drenai made a slave of him. He was freed after \expndtw-2 seven years and became an indentured servant. Later he \expndtw0 returned to his homeland and took a wife, bringing her back to Drenan. Their first son did the same, bringing \expndtw-1 my grandmother back to our estates in Ginava.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Estates? Your family have done well.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'My people had a talent with horses,' said Nogusta. 'My great-grandfather bred war mounts for the old \expndtw-1 king's cavalry. It made us rich at the time.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'But you are rich no longer?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No. A Drenai nobleman became jealous of our success, and fostered stories about us among the local \expndtw-1 villagers. One night a child went missing. He told them \expndtw-4 we had taken her for an obscene sacrifice. Our house was burned to the ground, and all my family slaughtered. The \expndtw0 child, of course, was not there. It transpired she had wandered into the mountains and fallen down a steep \expndtw-2 slope. Her leg was broken.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'How is it you were not killed with your family?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I went out to find the child. When I got back with her it was all over.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Dagorian looked into Nogusta's strange blue eyes. He \expndtw0 could read no emotion there. 'Did you seek justice?' he \expndtw-3 asked. Nogusta smiled.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Twelve villagers were hanged.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'And the nobleman?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'He had friends in very high places and was not even arrested. Even so he fled to Mashrapur, and hired four swordsmen as his permanent bodyguards. He lived in a house behind high walls, and rarely came out in public.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'So he was never brought to justice?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sb197\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 63\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'What became of him? Do you know?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li24\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Nogusta looked away for a moment. 'Someone scaled his walls, slew his guards and cut his heart out.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li24\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I see.' For \i a \i0 while both men sat in silence. 'Are you \expndtw-1 pleased to be going home?' asked Dagorian.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The black man shrugged. 'I am tired of constant war. What does it achieve? When the old king took arms against the emperor we all felt the cause was just. But now . . . ? What has Cadia ever done to us? Now it is about glory and building an everlasting name. The Ventrian Empire once boasted a thousand uni\-versities, and hospitals for the sick. Now it is bled dry and all the young men want to fight. Yes, I am ready to \expndtw-1 go home.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'To breed horses?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Yes. Many of my father's horses escaped into the high \expndtw0 country. There will be a sizeable herd by now.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'And will Bison go with you?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta laughed aloud. 'He will sign on with a mercenary regiment somewhere.' His smile faded. 'And he will die in a small war over nothing.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 The winter sun was high now, its pale warmth melting \expndtw-1 the patches of snow.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I wanted to be a priest,' said Dagorian. 'I thought I \expndtw-1 heard the call. Then my father was killed and my family \expndtw-6 informed me it was my duty to take his place. From a priest \expndtw0 to a soldier . .. there's a leap!'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Once there were warrior priests,' said Nogusta. 'The \expndtw-1 Thirty. There are many legends of them.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'There has been no temple since the War of the Twins,' \expndtw0 said Dagorian. 'But the order had slipped a long way by \expndtw-1 then. One of my ancestors fought alongside the Thirty at \expndtw0 Dros Delnoch. His name was Hogun. He was a general \expndtw-3 of the Legion.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li29\sb163\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 64\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I only know about Druss and the Earl of Bronze,' \expndtw-2 admitted Nogusta.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'That's all anyone remembers. I sometimes wonder if he even existed at all \expndtw22 ...\expndtw0  Druss, I mean. Or was he just \expndtw-2 a combination of many heroes?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Don't say that to Bison. He swears he is of Druss's \expndtw-4 line.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Dagorian gave a wry chuckle. 'Almost every soldier I \expndtw-4 know claims Druss as an ancestor. Even the king. But the simple fact is that most of the earliest stories tell us Druss \expndtw0 had no children.' Trumpets sounded and Dagorian looked up to see the royal party moving back to their \expndtw-3 seats. Nogusta woke Bison.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Almost time, my friend,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Bison sat up and yawned. 'That was all I needed,' he said. 'Now I'm ready. How's Kebra doing?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'He didn't take part in the elimination event,' said Nogusta. 'As reigning champion he can come in for the final stages, the Horse, the Hanging Man, and the \expndtw-4 Distance.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'He'll win,' said Bison. 'He's the best.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Place no money on him, my friend,' said Nogusta, \expndtw-3 lightly touching the centre of his forehead.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Too late,' said Bison.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian strolled to a food tent and purchased a \expndtw-3 wedge of meat pie, which he ate swiftly, then returned to \expndtw-2 the meadow. He saw Bison engaged in a furious contest with a massive opponent. Bison was bleeding from cuts \expndtw0 above both eyes, and seemed to be suffering. His op\-ponent charged in, ducking to grab Bison's leg and up-end him. But the Drenai warrior skipped back, then dived onto the tribesman's back. Both men rolled, but Bison had a neck lock in place. Robbed of air the tribesman was forced to submit. Bison rose, staggered,\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sb197\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 65\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 then sat down. Nogusta ran to his side, helping Bison from the circle. Men were cheering now, and clapping \expndtw-3 Bison on the back.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian moved forward to offer his congratulations \expndtw-2 when a giant of a man stepped in front of him. 'You will \expndtw0 be easy meat, old man,' he told Bison. 'Look at you! You're exhausted.' Dagorian saw anger in Bison's eyes, but Nogusta half dragged him away. The young officer \expndtw-4 followed them.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Who was that?' he asked Nogusta.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'The Ventrian champion, Kyaps,' said the black man.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I'll. . . whip . . . him too,' muttered Bison.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian moved to Bison's left and between them he and Nogusta half carried Bison to a bench seat. The big man slumped down. 'Semifinals, eh?' he said, spitting blood to the grass. 'Just two more and I'll be champion.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'When is the next bout?' asked Dagorian.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'They are preparing for it now,' said Nogusta, \expndtw-3 massaging Bison's huge shoulders.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I think he should withdraw,' said the officer.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Don't worry about me,' said Bison, forcing a grin. 'I'm just acting like this to fool them all.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'It's certainly fooling me,' said Nogusta, drily.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'Have faith, black man,' grunted Bison, heaving himself \expndtw0 to his feet. The Ventrian champion was waiting for them. He tied his long dark hair into a pony-tail and gave a wide smile as the older man entered the circle. At the sound of the drum Bison surged forward, to be \expndtw-2 met with a kick to the chest that halted him in his tracks. \expndtw-1 A chopping elbow opened a huge cut on his cheek, then \expndtw0 Kyaps ducked down, threw an arm between Bison's \expndtw-1 legs and heaved him high, hurling him out of the circle. \expndtw0 The old man landed hard. He lay still and did not move. Nogusta and Dagorian moved to his side. He\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-8\i\fs21 66\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 was out cold. Nogusta felt for a pulse. 'Is he alive?' \expndtw-2 asked Dagorian.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'Yes.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 After some minutes Bison stirred. He tried to open his \expndtw-2 eyes, but one was swollen shut. 'I guess I didn't win,' he \expndtw-8 mumbled.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'I guess you didn't,' agreed Nogusta. Bison smiled.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'Still, I earned some money,' he said. 'I only bet myself \expndtw-2 to make the semis. Ten to one they offered.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It'll cost you what you won to have your face \expndtw-2 mended,' Nogusta told him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'Nonsense. You can stitch the cuts. They'll be fine. I'm \expndtw-3 a fast healer.' He sat up. 'I should have entered the box\-\expndtw-1 ing,' he said. 'I would have won that.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The two men helped him to his feet. 'Let's go see \expndtw-4 Kebra win,' said Bison.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'I think you should have another nap,' advised \expndtw-5 Nogusta.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Nonsense. I feel strong as an ox.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 As they were about to move off Kyaps strolled across \expndtw-5 to where they stood. He was a full head taller than Bison. \expndtw-1 'Hey, old man,' he said. 'The next time you see me you \expndtw-4 kiss my boots. Understand?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 Bison chuckled with genuine humour. 'You have a big \expndtw-2 mouth, child,' he told him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kyaps leaned forward. 'Big enough to swallow you, \expndtw-4 you Drenai scum!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'Well,' said Bison, 'swallow this.' His fist smashed into \expndtw0 Kyaps' chin, and Dagorian winced as he heard the \expndtw-1 snapping of bone. The Ventrian champion hit the grass \expndtw0 face first and did not move. 'See,' said Bison. 'I should \expndtw-2 have entered the boxing. I'd have won that.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li1699\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\i\fs31 Chapter Three\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sb475\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kebra the bowman was relaxed, his mind focused, his \expndtw-1 emotions suppressed, all thoughts of Bison's actions for\-\expndtw0 gotten. Anger would not be an ally now. Archery required calm concentration and great timing.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He had entered the tourney in the fifth stage with only twenty archers left. The target, thirty paces away, was a straw man, with a round red heart pinned to the chest. Kebra had struck the heart ten times with ten shafts, giving him 100 points. The Ventrian bowman standing to his right had hit nine, and two other men had seven.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li202\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 These four alone moved on to the sixth stage.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The crowd among the competitors was swelling now, and once again Kebra could feel the old excitement coursing through him. He had watched the other three \expndtw-1 competitors, and only the stocky Ventrian posed any real \expndtw0 danger. But the man was being unsettled by the mainly Drenai crowd, who jeered and shouted as he took aim.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi168\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The next event was one of Kebra's favourites. He had always enjoyed the Horse, for it was the closest the tourney could offer to combat shooting. Led by running soldiers four ponies bearing figures of straw tied to the saddle, would pass before the bowmen. Each archer was allowed three shafts. There was a larger element of luck in this event, as the horses would swerve, causing the straw figures to sway in the saddle. But the crowd loved it. And so did the Drenai champion.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 68\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kebra stood waiting, one shaft notched to the string, \expndtw-3 two others stuck in the ground before him. He glanced at \expndtw-1 the four ostlers, watching them eke out the guide ropes. \expndtw0 A trumpet sounded. The men ran forward, exhorting \expndtw-5 the ponies to follow them. Three obeyed immediately, the \expndtw0 fourth hanging back. Kebra drew back on the string, sighting carefully, allowing for the speed of the first \expndtw-5 horse. He loosed the shaft. Without waiting to see it strike \expndtw0 home he ducked down and notched a second arrow. \expndtw-1 Coming up smoothly he shot again at the second target. \expndtw0 An angry roar went up from the crowd. Kebra ignored the impulse to see what had caused it and brought his bow to bear. The last pony, an arrow jutting from its flank had reared up and was fighting the rope. It broke loose and galloped towards the king's pavilion. Kebra \expndtw-2 loosed his last shaft, and watched as it arced towards the \expndtw-5 panic-stricken pony. The arrow punched home in the back \expndtw-2 of the straw man.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Angry jeers turned to a roar of applause at the strike. Several men ran out onto the meadow and gathered the wounded pony, which was led away. The man whose \expndtw-2 arrow caused the wound was disqualified.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Only then did Kebra have a chance to check his score. \expndtw-2 All three shafts had scored. Another thirty points.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The Ventrian archer, a small, chubby man, turned to him. 'It is an honour to see you shoot,' he said. He held out his hand. 'I am Dirais.' Kebra accepted the hand\-shake. He glanced at the scoreboard, held aloft by a young cadet. The Ventrian was ten points behind him. The other archer, a slim, young Drenai, was a further \expndtw-2 twenty points adrift.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 A dozen soldiers moved out onto the meadow, \expndtw0 dragging a wheeled, triangular scaffold, 2.0 feet high, \expndtw-3 across the grass. As they were setting it into place Kebra\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 69\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 saw the king and Malikada striding out from the \expndtw-3 pavilion, coming towards them.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Skanda gave a wide grin and clapped Kebra on the shoulder. 'Good to see you, old lad,' he said. 'That last shot reminded me of the day you saved my life. A fine \expndtw-3 strike.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Thank you, sire,' said Kebra, with a bow. Malikada \expndtw-3 stepped forward.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Your legend is not exaggerated,' he said. 'Rarely have \expndtw-1 I seen better bowmanship.' Kebra bowed again. Skanda \expndtw-2 shook the young Ventrian's hand.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You are competing with the finest,' he told Dirais. \expndtw-4 'And you are acquitting yourself well. Good luck to you.' \expndtw-3 Dirais gave a deep bow.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Malikada leaned in close to the Ventrian. 'Win,' he said. 'Make me proud.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The king and his general moved back and the last \expndtw-2 three archers faced the Hanging Man.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 A figure of straw was hung from the scaffold. A soldier \expndtw-1 dragged the figure back, then released it to swing like a \expndtw0 pendulum between the supports. The young Drenai stepped up first. His first shaft struck the straw man dead centre, but his second hit a support pole and glanced away. His third missed the Hanging Man by a \expndtw-5 whisker.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Next came Dirais, and the Hanging Man was swung \expndtw-2 back once more. It seemed to Kebra that it was given an \expndtw0 extra push by the Drenai soldiers, and was moving at greater speed. And the Drenai soldiers in the crowd \expndtw-2 began again to jeer and shout in an effort to unsettle the Ventrian. Even so the chubby archer hammered his first \expndtw0 two shafts into the dummy. His third also struck a \expndtw-4 support pole.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kebra stepped up. The figure was swung again, this\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb173\qc\cf1\lang1033\f1\fs18 70\cf0\lang2057\f0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 time more sedately. For the first time anger flared in the \expndtw-3 bowman. He did not need this advantage. Even so he did \expndtw0 not complain, and, calming himself, sent three arrows \expndtw-2 into the target. The applause was thunderous. He \expndtw0 glanced towards Dirais, and saw the fury in the man's dark eyes. It was bad enough for him to be facing the Drenai champion without such partisan efforts from \expndtw-4 the officials.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The young Drenai archer was eliminated, and now \expndtw-1 came the final test. Two targets were set up thirty paces \expndtw0 distant. They were the traditional round targets, with a series of concentric circles, each of a different colour, surrounding a gold circle at the centre. The outer rim was white, and worth two points. Within this was blue, worth five, then silver worth seven, and lastly gold for \expndtw-10 ten.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kebra shot first, and struck gold. Dirais equalled \expndtw-1 him. The targets were moved back ten paces. This time Kebra only managed blue. Dirais, despite the increased jeering struck gold once more.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 With only two shafts left Kebra was leading by 175 points to 160. Keep calm, he told himself. The targets were lifted and carried back another ten paces. The colours were a distant blur to Kebra now. He squinted \expndtw-2 hard and drew back on the string. The crowd was silent. \expndtw-1 He loosed, the shaft arcing gracefully through the air to \expndtw-3 thud home into the white. There were no cheers from the \expndtw-1 crowd now. Dirais took aim and struck gold once more \expndtw0 - 177 points to 170, with only one shaft left.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 The targets were moved back again. Kebra could only \expndtw0 dimly make out the outline. He rubbed his eyes. Then, taking a deep breath he took aim at the target he could \expndtw-3 barely see - and let fly! He did not know where the shaft \expndtw0 landed, but heard one of the judges shout: 'White!' He\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 was relieved to have hit the target at all - 179 points to \expndtw-8 170.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dirais would need gold to win. Kebra stepped back. The crowd were shouting now at the top of their \expndtw-9 voices.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Please miss, thought Kebra, wanting the championship \expndtw0 more than he had ever wanted anything in his life. His \expndtw-3 chest felt tight and heavy, and his breathing was shallow. \expndtw0 He glanced at the crowd, and saw Nogusta. Kebra tried \expndtw-2 to force a smile, but it was more like a death's head grin.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dirais stood up to the mark, and drew back on the \expndtw-1 string. He stood, rock steady. Kebra's heart was pound\-\expndtw0 ing now. What were the odds on a man striking three golds in a row? A minor fluctuation in the breeze, a slight imperfection in the shaft or the flights. The gold was no bigger than a man's fist, and the distance was great: sixty paces. During his best days Kebra would have hit only four in five at this distance. And this Ventrian was not as skilled as I once was, he thought. What, three in five? Two in five? Sweet Heaven, just \expndtw-14 miss!\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Just as Dirais was about to loose his final shaft a white \expndtw0 dove flew up out of the crowd in a frantic flurry. His concentration momentarily lost he shot too quickly, his \expndtw-1 arrow punching home into silver. Kebra had won.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Strangely there was no joy. The crowd was cheering \expndtw-2 wildly but Kebra looked at Nogusta. The black man was standing very still. Dirais turned away, offering no con\-\expndtw0 gratulation. Kebra took him by the arm. 'Wait!' he \expndtw-3 commanded him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'For what?' asked the Ventrian.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I want you to shoot again.' Dirais looked puzzled, but Kebra drew him to the line.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'What is happening here?' asked one of the judges.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\sb202\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\f1\fs18 72.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\f0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Someone released that dove deliberately,' said Kebra. \expndtw0 'I have asked Dirais to shoot again.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You cannot ask this,' said the judge. 'The last shaft \expndtw-1 has been fired.' The king moved through the crowd, and \expndtw0 the judge explained what had happened. Skanda \expndtw-2 approached Kebra.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Are you sure this is what you want?' he asked, his \expndtw-2 good humour vanished, his face hard and cold. 'It makes \expndtw-3 no sense.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I have been champion for fifteen years, sire. I have \expndtw-2 beaten every man who stood beside me at the line. I beat \expndtw0 them with skill. The jeering was unpleasant, but a true champion rises above that. The dove, however, is a different matter. Such a sharp and flurried movement would have unsettled anyone. It was a deliberate act to \expndtw-2 sabotage the man's chances. And it succeeded. I ask you, \expndtw0 sire, to let him shoot again.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Suddenly Skanda grinned, and for a moment he looked like the boy-king again. 'Then let it be so,' he \expndtw-6 said.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The king climbed to a fence rail and stood above the crowd. 'The champion has requested that his opponent \expndtw-1 be allowed to shoot one more arrow,' he bellowed. 'And \expndtw0 there will be silence when he does so.' He leapt down \expndtw-3 and signalled Dirais.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The young Ventrian notched his shaft and sent it \expndtw-2 unerringly into the gold.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kebra's heart sank. Ventrian soldiers swarmed for\-ward and hoisted Dirais into the air. Kebra stood by \expndtw-3 silently. The king approached him. 'You are a fool, man,' \expndtw-2 he whispered. 'But the deed was not without merit.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Skanda handed him the Silver Arrow, and Kebra waited until the celebrations had died down. The Ventrians lowered Dirais and the small archer stepped\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb202\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 73\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 up and bowed deeply before Kebra. 'This is a day I shall \expndtw-3 remember all my life,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'As shall I,' Kebra told him, presenting the arrow. The \expndtw-3 little man bowed again.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I am sorry your eyes let you down.' Kebra nodded \expndtw-3 and swung away.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 No-one approached him as he stalked from the meadow.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\ri10\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Stunned and disbelieving Bison watched him go. 'Why \expndtw-2 did he do that?' he asked, dabbing at his wounded cheek \expndtw-1 with a blood-soaked cloth.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'He is a man of honour,' said Nogusta. 'Come, it is time that wound was stitched.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What has honour to do with paying my debts?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I fear it would take too long to explain,' the black man told him. Taking him by the arm he led the be\-wildered Bison to a medical tent. Nogusta borrowed a \expndtw-2 sickle shaped needle and a length of thread and carefully \expndtw0 drew the folds of the cheek wound together. Altogether ten stitches were needed. Blood slowly seeped between them. The cuts above Bison's eyes were shallow, and \expndtw-4 needed no stitches. Already scabs were forming there and the trickle of blood had ceased.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'He really let me down,' grumbled Bison. 'He let us all \expndtw0 down.' Dagorian, who had stood by in silence moved \expndtw-3 alongside the giant.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'You are not being fair on him,' he said, softly. 'It was \expndtw0 an act of greatness. The Ventrian was being barracked and jeered. And someone did release that dove in order to throw his aim.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Of course he did,' said Bison. 'I paid him to do it.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian's expression changed, becoming cold. 'You make me ashamed to be a Drenai,' he said. Turning \expndtw-1 away Dagorian left the two warriors.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb211\qc\cf1\lang1033\f1\fs18 74\cf0\lang2057\f0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What's wrong with him?' enquired Bison. 'Has the \expndtw-4 world gone mad?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'You are an idiot sometimes, my friend,' said Nogusta. \expndtw-2 'Perhaps you should go back to the barracks and rest.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'No. I want to see Kalizkan's magic. There might be a dragon.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You could ask him,' said Nogusta, pointing to a section of open lands between the tents. The silver garbed wizard was sitting on a bench, surrounded by \expndtw-7 children.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I don't think so,' said Bison, doubtfully. 'I don't like wizards much. I think I'll collect my winnings and get \expndtw-2 drunk.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'What about your debts?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 Bison laughed. 'We're leaving next week. They'll never \expndtw-3 follow me back to Drenan.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Is the word \i honour \i0 just a sound to you?' asked Nogusta. 'You have built up credit on trust. You gave \expndtw-4 your word to repay. Now you will become a thief whose \expndtw-2 word cannot be trusted.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'What's put you in such a foul mood?' asked Bison.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'You would not understand if I carved the answer on your simian forehead,' snapped the black man. 'Go and \expndtw0 get drunk. A man should always stick to what he does best.' Leaving Bison he walked across the meadow, \expndtw-3 threading his way through the crowd.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 Antikas Karios approached him as he passed the king's pavilion. The swordsman gave a thin smile. 'Good morn\-\expndtw0 ing to you,' he said. 'That was a clever trick you used against Cerez. I had warned him in the past about \expndtw-3 arrogance. I will not have to warn him again.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li29\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta was about to move on, but the Ventrian stepped into his path. 'The king would like you to entertain his guests before the races.' Nogusta nodded\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb202\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 75\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li29\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 and followed the officer towards the front of the pavilion. Skanda saw him coming and gave a broad \expndtw-2 smile, then turned to say something to Malikada. \expndtw-1 Nogusta approached the king and gave a deep bow. 'My \expndtw0 congratulations on your birthday, sire,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li34\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Skanda leaned forward. 'I have told Prince Malikada \expndtw-1 of your skill with knives. I fear he doubts my word.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi216\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Not at all, majesty,' said Malikada, smoothly. Skanda \expndtw0 clapped him on the shoulder, then rose. 'What can you \expndtw-1 show us today, my friend?' he asked Nogusta. The black \expndtw0 man called for one of the archery targets to be brought \expndtw-2 up. While this was being done a sizeable crowd began to \expndtw0 gather. Nogusta removed five throwing knives from the sheaths stitched to his baldric, then spread the blades in \expndtw-2 his left hand.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Is the target large enough?' asked Malikada, as the 6 foot high target was placed within 10 feet of the black man. The Ventrian officers around him laughed at the \expndtw-8 jest.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I will make it smaller, my lord,' said Nogusta. 'Perhaps you would care to stand in front of it?' \expndtw-1 Malikada's smile froze in place. He glanced at the king.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Either you or me, old lad,' said Skanda.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Malikada rose and walked to the front of the pavilion, \expndtw0 where a soldier opened the gate for him. He strode out to the target and turned, his dark eyes staring intently at Nogusta. 'Do not move, my lord,' said Nogusta.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 The black man spun a razor sharp knife in the air, then \expndtw-1 caught it. He repeated this with the other blades, throw\-\expndtw0 ing each one higher than the last. Then, while one was still in the air, he sent up another, then another, until all five were spinning and glittering in the sunlight. There was absolute silence now as the crowd waited in tense expectation. Still spinning the knives Nogusta slowly\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb192\qc\cf1\lang1033\b\f1\fs18 76\cf0\lang2057\b0\f0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 backed away until he was ten paces from where \expndtw0 Malikada stood at the target.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The Ventrian prince watched the whirling blades. He \expndtw-4 seemed relaxed, but his eyes were narrowed and unblink\-\expndtw0 ing. Suddenly Nogusta's right arm shot forward. One of \expndtw-2 the knives slashed through the air, punching home in the \expndtw0 target no more than an inch from Malikada's left ear. \expndtw-3 The Ventrian jerked, but remained where he was. A bead \expndtw0 of sweat began at his temple, trickling down his right cheek. Nogusta was juggling once more with the four remaining blades. Another knife thudded home along\-side Malikada's left ear. The third and fourth slammed \expndtw-1 into the target alongside his arms.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta caught the last knife then bowed deeply to \expndtw-1 Skanda. Led by the king the crowd burst into applause.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You want to risk the blindfold?' asked Skanda, 'or is that the end of the display?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Let it be as you desire, sire,' said Nogusta.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The king looked across at Malikada. 'What do you \expndtw-4 think, my friend? Would you like to see him throw blind\-\expndtw-3 folded?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Malikada gave an easy smile but stepped away from the target. 'I accept that his skills are remarkable, majesty, but I have no wish to stand before a blind man with a throwing knife.' The crowd laughed and applauded the prince, who returned to the pavilion.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I'd like to see it,' said Skanda, moving down the steps \expndtw0 and vaulting the gate. He strode to the target and stood before it. 'Don't let me down, old lad,' he told Nogusta. 'It's bad luck for a king to be killed on his birthday.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas Karios moved alongside Nogusta. He was holding a black silk scarf, which he folded to create a blindfold. This he tied over Nogusta's eyes. The black man stood for a moment, statue still. Then spun on his\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb226\qc\cf1\lang1033\f1\fs18 77\cf0\lang2057\f0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 heel, making a complete circle. The throwing knife flashed through the air. The crowd gasped. For just a moment they believed it had slammed into the king's throat. Skanda lifted his hand, touching his finger to the ivory hilt which was nestling alongside his jugular. \expndtw-1 Nogusta pulled clear the blindfold. Skanda stepped up to \expndtw0 him. Applause and cheers rang out.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Just for a moment there you had me worried,' said the \expndtw-6 king.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You take too many chances, sire,' Nogusta told him.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Skanda grinned. 'That is what makes life worth living.' \expndtw0 Without another word he turned back to the pavilion. Nogusta gathered his knives and sheathed them, then made his way back through the crowd.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li202\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Three men followed him at a discreet distance.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 As Nogusta had predicted Dagorian won his way through to the final of the sabres, and there met Antikas Karios. The Ventrian was faster in the strike than any \expndtw-2 man Nogusta had ever seen, his blade a shimmering blur. \expndtw0 Three times in swift succession he pierced Dagorian's defences, lightly touching his sabre to the padded chest guard. The contest was short, and embarrassingly one \expndtw-6 sided.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 With the contest over Dagorian waited courteously \expndtw-3 while Antikas Karios received the Silver Sabre then faded \expndtw0 back into the crowd. Nogusta tapped him on the shoulder. 'You fought well,' said the black man. 'Your arm is swift, your eye good, but your narrow stance let you down. Your feet were too close together. When he attacked you were off balance.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Even so he is the most formidable swordsman I have \expndtw-1 ever seen,' said Dagorian.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'He is deadly,' agreed Nogusta.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb173\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 78\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Do you think you could have beaten him?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Not even at my best.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 Dusk was closing in and the crowd began to mill at the \expndtw0 meadow. Kalizkan strode out alone to the centre of \expndtw-4 the field. As the sky darkened he raised his slender arms. \expndtw-2 Bright light shone from his fingers, spraying up into the \expndtw0 air in vivid parallel flashes. The crowd applauded. In \expndtw-3 the sky the lights became a sea of stars, flowing together \expndtw0 to form a male face, crowned with horns. This was the \expndtw-2 Bat-god, Anharat. Other divine faces glowed into view, \expndtw-4 gods and goddesses from Ventrian mythology. The faces \expndtw0 spun in the air, creating a colossal circle of light that filled the sky. Lastly a white horse and rider could be seen, galloping between the stars. It came closer and closer. The rider was a handsome man, his armour glowing, his sword held high. He rode to the centre of \expndtw-1 the circle of gods, and reared his horse. Then he pulled \expndtw-3 off his helm, and the crowd roared to see it was Skanda. \expndtw0 The king of kings to whom even the gods showed \expndtw-4 obeisance. Applause rang out. The image shimmered for \expndtw0 several seconds, then the eldritch stars broke up once \expndtw-2 more, flowing over the heads of the crowd, and lighting the way to the three exit gates.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 The carriages of the nobles had been drawn up outside \expndtw0 the pavilion. The king and Malikada rode together, Skanda waving to the people as the carriage made its slow way to the gates. Then the crowd was allowed to leave. Nogusta bade farewell to the young Drenai and \expndtw-4 wandered away.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Night fell upon the meadow, and workmen moved in to dismantle the tents and the pavilion.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li24\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 A lone wagon pulled up outside the tent of Kalizkan, \expndtw0 and four men climbed from it. Furtively they glanced \expndtw-2 around, to be sure they were not overlooked. Then they\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb192\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 79\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\ri29\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 entered the tent, and removed the blood-drenched bodies \expndtw-3 of six young children.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta was troubled as he made his way through the \expndtw-3 city streets. The crowd was thinning now, many stopping \expndtw0 at ale houses and taverns, or moving through to the lantern lit night markets and the whores who plied their trade there. Nogusta was uneasy - and it was not the three men following who made him so. He had become \expndtw-1 aware of them earlier in the day. No, it was the talisman \expndtw0 he wore. Sometimes a year could pass without a vision. \expndtw-2 Yet today he had experienced three, bright, vivid scenes. The first he had outlined to Dagorian. The second he had withheld, for it showed the young man fallen and bleed\-\expndtw0 ing upon a bridge of stone. But the third was altogether \expndtw-1 more mysterious; he was facing someone wearing black \expndtw0 armour. His enemy was not human, and when their swords clashed lightning leapt up from the blades. And there was something else. The shadow of huge wings descending towards him. Nogusta shivered. He had experienced the vision during Kalizkan's magical dis\-\expndtw-2 play, and wondered if somehow the sorcery had affected \expndtw-1 the talisman, causing a false vision. He hoped so.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He glanced up into the night sky and shivered. The last of the winter could be felt now that the sun had gone down, and the temperature was barely above freezing. Lifting his head he scented the night, the city \expndtw-1 smells, hot food, spicy and rich, smoke from wood fires, \expndtw-3 the musty human scents left by the crowd. The last vision \expndtw-2 had left him on edge. It was like the night before a battle, \expndtw-1 when the air is charged with tension.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Pausing in the Lantern Market he stopped at a stall \expndtw-2 and examined the wares, glazed pottery and necklaces of \expndtw-1 jade. He glanced back the way he had come. Two of the\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-15\fs21 80\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 assassins were engaged in conversation. The third he \expndtw-4 could not see. Swiftly he scanned the crowd. Then he saw \expndtw-1 him, some way ahead, in a shadowed doorway.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta had no wish to kill these men. They were merely obeying the orders of their commander. But it \expndtw-1 would not be easy to evade them. A woman approached \expndtw0 him. She was young and blonde, her face and lips painted. He smiled at her and she took his arm, leading \expndtw-1 him into an alley. A narrow flight of stairs led to a small \expndtw0 room and a grimy bed. Nogusta paid her, then opened the window and stared down. The three assassins were waiting in the shadows.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Is there another way out of here?' Nogusta asked the \expndtw-7 girl.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Yes.' She pointed to a curtain. 'Through there, along the corridor, and down into the back streets. Why?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Thank you,' he said, opening his pouch and tossing \expndtw-3 her a silver coin. He was about to leave when she opened \expndtw0 her dress and lay back on the bed, moonlight gleaming \expndtw-2 from her full breasts, her ivory belly and her pale thighs. Nogusta chuckled. Let them wait in the cold, he thought.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 And moved to the girl.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 An hour later he slipped through the curtain, along the \expndtw0 corridor and out into the night.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 The feeling of unease was still strong upon him, and he \expndtw0 had long ago learned to trust his instincts. He smiled as he remembered the lion. It had been a night like this, cold and bright. He had awoken, nostrils flaring, aware \expndtw-3 of danger. Armed with only a knife the fourteen-year-old \expndtw0 Nogusta had slipped from his room and out into the night. His father's horses had been uneasy, and they stood in a tight group, watching warily. The lion had burst from the undergrowth, and leapt the paddock \expndtw-2 fence. In one movement Nogusta had hurled his knife. It\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb158\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 81\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 slammed into the lion's side. With a startled roar it turned on the boy. Nogusta had sprinted towards the barn, knowing the lion would catch him. But then Palarin, the lord of the herd, a huge black stallion of \expndtw-1 seventeen hands charged the lion, rearing up and lashing \expndtw0 out with his hooves. The sudden attack made the lion swerve, but then he continued after the boy. Nogusta made it to the barn, grabbed a pitchfork, and turned just \expndtw-2 in time. The lion leapt, impaling itself on the twin blades. \expndtw-1 In its dying rage it lashed out, snapping the pitchfork and \expndtw0 slashing Nogusta's chest, breaking three ribs.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He smiled at the memory. Never as good with horses as his brothers he had, for a time at least, been the hero who saved the herd. It was a good memory. Palarin had sired many fine warhorses, and from his line came the king's great war mount, Starfire.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Yet, like me, even he is getting old now, thought Nogusta, with a sigh. And he had been missing from the afternoon races. The rumour was that Starfire was ill. Nogusta decided to seek out the horse tomorrow, and see what treatment had been recommended.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi163\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He moved off into the back streets, enjoyed a meal at a small tavern, then headed for the barracks. He had no doubt the men, having lost him, would be waiting there. How he would handle the situation would depend \expndtw-1 entirely on their skill. If they were clumsy he would dis\-\expndtw0 able them, but if they were skilful he would have to kill them. This thought was not a happy one. In truth Nogusta had seen enough killing in his life, and wanted nothing more than to return to the high mountains and find the descendants of the herd. It would, he thought, at least make some sense of the remainder of his life. His thoughts turned to Skanda. The man was brave and \expndtw-1 adored by his troops. He was charismatic and intelligent.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li29\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 82.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Yet there was something missing in him, some cold empty place untouched by human warmth. Despite this Nogusta liked him. Who could not? The man was capable of immense generosity. Yet equally he could be suddenly vain and jealous, and act with incredible malice. Perhaps all kings are this way, thought Nogusta. Perhaps it is the nature of powerful men.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The sky was clear, the moon and stars bright as he made his way through the back streets. The smell of \expndtw-1 freshly baked bread from the barracks kitchens wafted to \expndtw0 him on the breeze, and he slowed his walk. Some thirty paces ahead the street intersected the Avenue of Light. Across the avenue, past the statues of the emperors was the old barracks building. Nogusta halted. Three men, armed with knives or short swords, were waiting some\-where ahead. Three men he had never met, who had been ordered to kill him. He did not hate them. They \expndtw-1 were merely soldiers obeying orders.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Yet neither was he prepared to die. Taking a deep breath he strode out onto the Avenue of Light. Lanterns \expndtw-1 were placed on tall poles along both sides of the Avenue, \expndtw0 the bronze statues of the emperors gleaming like gold.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta moved out into the open and walked across the broad paved road. As he skirted the statue of the \expndtw-4 ancient king, Gorben, two men sprinted from the shadows. \expndtw0 Both carried knives. Nogusta let them come. As the fastest man approached him Nogusta spun to one side, then launched a kick into the man's kneecap. The strike was not perfect, but the assassin was hurled from his feet. Nogusta ignored him and leapt to meet the second man, knocking aside the knife arm and hammering a right hook to the man's chin. He too spun to the ground, but rolled to his feet immediately. The first man was sitting in the road, unable to stand on his twisted knee.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb197\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 83\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 But he hurled his knife. Nogusta swayed aside from the \expndtw0 blade, which flashed harmlessly by to clatter against \expndtw-1 the base of Gorben's statue. The second assassin \expndtw0 attacked again, this time more warily. Nogusta stood \expndtw-1 very still, encouraging the man to move in close. He did \expndtw0 so with a sudden rush. Nogusta grabbed his wrist and dragged him into a savage head butt which smashed the man's nose. He groaned and sagged against the black \expndtw-1 warrior. Nogusta spun him then slammed the edge of his \expndtw0 palm against the assassin's neck. The man fell without a sound. The third man had not shown himself.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi163\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Nogusta walked on. The barracks gate was only thirty \expndtw0 paces ahead now. Nogusta glanced back. The Ventrian with the injured knee had hobbled to his comrade and was sitting beside him. The black man moved into the shadow of the gate arch. A whisper of movement! Nogusta dived forward just as a knife sliced the air above him. The assassin was fast and leapt upon \expndtw-1 Nogusta before he could rise. Nogusta's elbow slammed \expndtw0 back into the man's ribs, bringing a grunt of pain. The black man swivelled and sent a straight left into the Ventrian's face. The man lashed out, his fist cracking against Nogusta's cheek. Nogusta's head thumped against the stone walkway. Bright stars exploded before \expndtw-2 his eyes and Nogusta felt a wave of dizziness threatening \expndtw0 to engulf him. For a while the two men grappled, and the older warrior felt his strength draining away. The assassin drew a second knife. With the last of his strength Nogusta hit him in the throat with stiffened \expndtw-3 fingers. The man gagged and reared up. Nogusta \expndtw0 grabbed him by his shirt and threw him to one side. Rolling to his feet the black warrior kicked the assassin \expndtw-2 under the chin, catapulting him backwards. He moved in \expndtw-1 for a second strike, but his opponent was unconscious.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 84\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri10\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 Breathless and exhausted Nogusta slumped to a bench \expndtw-3 seat under the arch. It would have been less effort to kill \expndtw-2 them all, he thought.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Hooded and cloaked against the night winds Ulmenetha \expndtw0 walked slowly up the winding path towards the white \expndtw-1 marble temple that crowned the hill. She was tired, her \expndtw-3 calves burning as she reached the open gates. There was \expndtw0 a time, back in Drenan, when she would have run this \expndtw-1 hill for the sheer pleasure of it. In the days of her youth \expndtw0 she had been slim and fast, and physical exertion had \expndtw-2 been a joy that lifted her spirits. Not now. Now it was a \expndtw-1 chore to drag her overweight frame up such an incline. Panting she sat herself down on the steps of the temple \expndtw0 entrance and waited for her hammering heart to slow \expndtw-7 down.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 A young priest in white robes walked by her, bowing \expndtw-5 as he passed.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Heaving herself to her feet she entered the building, curtsying towards the High Altar. Dipping her finger into a stone bowl full of holy water she traced a circle upon her brow then walked to the back of the temple, \expndtw-5 seating herself in an alcove beneath a wreath of elegantly \expndtw-7 carved vines.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Another priest, a tall, balding young man with a prominent nose and a weak chin, saw her there and \expndtw-1 approached. 'What do you seek, mother?' he asked her. \expndtw-2 'The Oracle Voice is not present.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'I need no Voice,' she told him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Then why are you here at this late hour?' He was \expndtw-2 wearing the grey robes of a Senior Brother and his blue \expndtw-4 eyes looked world-weary and bored.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'Are you a Seer?' she asked him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'Sadly, no, mother. I am still a student in such matters.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb202\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 85\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 But I have hopes that one day the curtain will part for \expndtw-6 me. What encouragement do you seek?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li10\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\fs21 'I seek a place without demons,' she told him. Instantly \expndtw-5 his face changed, and he made the sign of the Protective \expndtw-7 Horn.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'Such a word should not be used here,' he admonished \expndtw-7 her, his voice less friendly.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li34\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 She smiled. 'If not here, then where? Never mind,' she \expndtw-1 added, seeing his confusion. 'Is there one among your \expndtw-6 order who is a Seer?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'There was one,' he told her. 'Father Aminias. But he \expndtw-4 died last week. We were all saddened, for he was a fine \expndtw-6 man.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 'Was he ill?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'No. He was attacked while out on his pastoral duties. \expndtw-6 A madman, it seems. He was screeching at the top of his \expndtw-3 voice, and he stabbed poor Aminias many times before \expndtw-5 he was dragged away.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 'And there is no-one else?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li29\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No, mother. Such Gifts are becoming increasingly \expndtw-3 rare, I think.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi216\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\fs21 'And yet they are ever more important,' she said, push\-\expndtw-6 ing herself to her feet.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'You spoke of \expndtw16 ...\expndtw0  \expndtw-3 unholy beings. Why was that?' His blue eyes were suddenly fearful. Ulmenetha shook her \expndtw-12 head.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'You do not have the power to help me,' she said.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Even so, mother, I would be grateful if you would \expndtw-7 enlighten me.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha was silent for a moment. She looked at \expndtw-2 the grey robed priest. Her first impression had been of \expndtw0 a weak man, but as she looked more closely she felt \expndtw-4 she might have mistaken sensitivity for weakness. And \expndtw-7 she desperately needed someone to confide in.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 86\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha took a deep breath, and sat down once more. 'Someone is summoning demons,' she said, at last. 'They are everywhere, and growing in number. I have the eyes to see them, but not the wit to discern their purpose.' The balding priest sat down beside her.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Father Aminias said the same thing,' he told her. 'It was his belief that a great spell was being wrought. But I cannot see these . . . these creatures. And I know not how to combat them. Nor even if I should try.' He gave a wan smile. 'Who are you, mother?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I am the Priestess Ulmenetha, the companion of Axiana the queen.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'And what did you hope to achieve here?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I sought answers. I have had three visions, and can make no sense of any of them.' She told him of the four warriors and the white crow, of the demon in the lake, \expndtw-2 and of the sacrifice of the emperor. He listened in silence.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I have never been blessed with your Gift,' he said, 'but \expndtw0 what I have been given is the Gift of Discernment. Your \expndtw-1 visions are true ones. This I know. You saw three scenes. \expndtw0 Three is a number of great power among mystics, and your experience is not unique. What you saw is called a \i kiraz. \i0 The first scene concerns the \i cause \i0 of the problem. The second illuminates how the problem will \i manifest \i0 itself. The third is more complex. It always reveals the protagonists, but also often reveals a clue to the \i solution \i0 of the problem. Now let us examine them in detail. The Demon of the Lake - the \i cause - \i0 is more of a symbolic vision. It came out of the ice, you say. If I read it correctly the lake is a symbol for a gateway between its world and ours. You say it flowed like smoke into the body of a man. This is a man being possessed. But more than that it is a man being possessed after having been \expndtw-1 slain. What we have is a demon inhabiting a corpse. This\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb221\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\f1\fs18 8?\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\f0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 demon must therefore be a most powerful creature. He \expndtw0 now dwells in the world of men. He it is who has \expndtw-2 summoned the creatures you see over the city. It is his \expndtw-5 purpose that must be discerned.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'As to the emperor being sacrificed . . . this is not a \expndtw-3 symbol. There were many rumours when he was slain, \expndtw0 and the body was never recovered. But the voice you heard was interesting. "The day of Resurrection is at hand. You are the first of the Three." Once again we \expndtw-1 have the number three. But what is to be resurrected? \expndtw-4 And who are the other two? This is the \i manifestation \i0 of \expndtw-2 the problem. Three are to be sacrificed in order for the \expndtw-5 Demon to achieve his purpose. One is already slain.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Now to the scene in the forest. You and the queen \expndtw-3 stand protected by a few soldiers. Three old men and a \expndtw-2 youngster are all that stand between you and a terrible \expndtw-3 evil. The clue here, I believe is the person you are pro\-tecting. Axiana is obviously one of the Three. It makes \expndtw0 sense, since her father was the first. Perhaps there is \expndtw-5 something in the bloodline that the Demon requires.' He \expndtw0 smiled and spread his hands. 'I can tell you no more, \expndtw-8 Ulmenetha.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'Should I try to find these soldiers?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He shook his head. 'What you saw is what will be, \expndtw-3 whether you seek them out or not.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li24\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You did not mention the white crow,' she pointed \expndtw-9 out.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li24\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No,' he said, sadly. 'Nor did I need to. You know \expndtw-3 what that means.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'Aye, I know,' she said, wearily. She gazed around the \expndtw0 temple, unwilling to leave its quiet sanctuary. On the wall above the High Altar was carved the symbol of \expndtw-4 Emsharas, the slender hand holding a crescent moon. 'I \expndtw0 thought this to be a Source temple,' she said. Tt is\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 88\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 unusual to find the crescent moon in such a place.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You perceive Emsharas to be a creature of evil?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Was he not, according to legend, a demon?' she \expndtw-3 asked.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'He was indeed one of the Windborn, a spirit being. The name "demon" is a description devised by man. We have here in this temple many of the oldest scrolls in existence, and even some legends engraved on gold foil. I have studied them over the years. I have come to admire Emsharas, and I believe he was Source driven. Did your studies include the legends of the Demon \expndtw-2 Wars?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Very briefly,' she told him. 'Thousands of years ago \expndtw-1 Emsharas and his brother, Anharat, were enemies. \expndtw0 Emsharas joined the human armies of the Three Kings, \expndtw-1 and banished all demons from the world. That is the sum \expndtw0 total of my knowledge.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'In truth that is probably the sum total of all our knowledge,' he said. 'But you notice the figure three appearing again? It is of great mystical significance. However, he did not merely banish demons from the world. All the creatures of the Windborn vanished as a result of the Great Spell.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'And now they are coming back,' she said.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It would appear so,' he agreed.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Banelion summoned his twenty senior officers soon after \expndtw0 dawn. All were veterans, many of them men who had \expndtw-4 served with him for more than thirty years. They were sur\-\expndtw0 vivors, tough and lean, hard eyed and iron willed. They stood to attention around him, filling the tent. No-one \expndtw-4 could ever have accused the White Wolf of sentimentality, and yet, as he looked into their faces, he felt an acute sense \expndtw-1 of family. These men had been his brothers, his sons. He\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb178\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 89\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 had raised them, and trained them, and led them across \expndtw-5 the world. Now he was taking them home, to a retirement \expndtw-6 few desired, but all deserved.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Banelion rarely looked into mirrors. He had lost that \expndtw-3 vanity at sixty. But now, looking at these men he felt the weight of his years. He could remember them all as they \expndtw-2 had been, bright eyed, fresh of face, their hearts burning \expndtw0 to serve - aye and to save - the country of their birth.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'There will be no easing of discipline,' he told them. \expndtw-2 'We will have eighteen hundred men with us, all private \expndtw-1 citizens now. But I will not lead an unruly mob back to \expndtw-2 Drenan. Every man who travels with us will sign on for \expndtw0 the journey as a soldier, subject to my discipline and \expndtw-1 under my orders. Any who do not wish to do so will be \expndtw0 turned away. The payment will be one half silver per man per month, to be paid out of my own treasury. \expndtw-5 Officers will receive five full silvers. The payment will be \expndtw-2 made upon landing at Dros Purdol. Any questions?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 There were many, and for more than an hour he dis\-\expndtw-3 cussed the logistics of the journey with the officers, then \expndtw-6 dismissed them.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Alone once more he sat down on his pallet bed and spent a further half-hour planning for the problems he expected upon the journey. Satisfied he had covered \expndtw-3 most of the areas of possible delay he finally allowed his \expndtw0 mind to dwell on the immediate danger posed by the \expndtw-1 threat of Malikada.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Despite what he had told Dagorian about the king, \expndtw-5 and his lack of concern over the fate of his oldest general, \expndtw0 the White Wolf knew that Malikada was unlikely to \expndtw-2 send Ventrian assassins to kill him. Such a move would \expndtw0 cause uproar in the army, and affect the king's plan to \expndtw-2 march on Cadia. That march would begin in three days. \expndtw-5 If the White Wolf was murdered Skanda would be forced\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 90\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 to call for an inquiry. No, Malikada's attempt would \i be \i0 more subtle. A Drenai might be paid to kill him, a man \expndtw0 known to harbour resentment against Banelion. And there were plenty of those, common soldiers who had suffered under the lash for minor infringements of \expndtw-1 discipline, junior officers who felt they had been over\-\expndtw-3 looked for advancement, senior officers who had suffered public rebuke. Then there were men stripped of \expndtw-2 their rank for incompetence. Banelion smiled. If \expndtw-5 Malikada offered enough money he could be trampled to \expndtw-2 death under a stampede of men anxious to earn it.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Banelion poured himself a goblet of water. But if the \expndtw0 murderer was taken alive and questioned under torture such a payment would come to light, and that would \expndtw-2 throw suspicion back upon Malikada, no matter who he \expndtw-5 hired to make the transaction. The White Wolf dismissed \expndtw-2 the idea. It was too unsubtle for the Ventrian fox.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 What then? Banelion lifted the goblet to his lips. He hesitated, and stared down at the clear liquid. Poison would be the likeliest answer. Not a cheerful prospect, he thought, putting down the goblet. From now on he \expndtw-4 would eat at the communal kitchen, standing in line with \expndtw-3 the rest of his men.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 Satisfied he had considered every possibility for attack \expndtw-6 he relaxed.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 He was wrong.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-8\i\fs30 Chapter Four\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri14\sb475\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The old barracks building was three hundred years old, built to house the Immortals, the Emperor Gorben's elite \expndtw-1 regiment. At the time of its construction it was one of the \expndtw0 wonders of the world. Famous artists and sculptors had been summoned from all over the empire to paint its ceilings, and sculpt the masterpieces that surrounded it. Now most of the statues had been removed, and shipped to Drenan, or sold to collectors to raise money for the \expndtw-2 king's wars. The painted ceilings and walls were chipped, \expndtw0 cracked and faded. Most of the Drenai soldiers of the king's new army were housed in the north of the city, in \expndtw-1 three new barracks.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Here, off the Avenue of Light, the old building was slowly surrendering to the ravages of time and lack of care. Already there were plans to demolish it, and erect a colosseum. But for now it remained the temporary quarters of the old men being sent home. Discipline was already non-existent, and there were no guards at the gates, no bugle call to announce the dawn, no officers to \expndtw-2 oversee drills or exercises.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li29\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta shivered as he walked across the deserted parade-ground and on into the east wing where he shared a room with Bison and Kebra.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li34\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Once upon a time architects from all over the world visited this barracks, to marvel at its design.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Now it was a dying place, full of decaying memories no-one wanted to share.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Wearily Nogusta climbed the stairs. There were no lanterns here now, the interior lit only by the shafts of moonlight spearing through the high windows of each landing. Slowly Nogusta made his way to the fourth \expndtw-5 floor.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kebra and Bison were sitting in stony silence within \expndtw-1 the room. Nogusta guessed the question of winter debts \expndtw-5 had been discussed. He moved past his comrades \expndtw0 towards a blazing fire in the hearth. Its warmth was \expndtw-5 comforting.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Nogusta removed his black shirt and allowed the heat \expndtw0 to bathe his upper body. The gold and silver charm he wore glittered in the firelight. Something cold touched \expndtw-4 his back, like the whisper of a frozen wind. He stood and \expndtw0 turned, expecting to see the door or the window open. \expndtw-4 But they were closed tight.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Did you feel that breeze?' he asked the silent men. \expndtw-1 They did not answer him. Kebra was sitting on his bed, \expndtw-5 his face stony, his pale eyes glaring at Bison. Suddenly an \expndtw-4 icy chill enveloped the room, the heat from the fire dying away. Nogusta stared at the flames, which were high and \expndtw0 bright. No warmth came from them. The only heat he \expndtw-1 could feel was radiating from the crescent moon charm \expndtw0 upon his breast. It glowed with a bright light. In that moment a terrible fear settled on the black man, for he \expndtw-3 knew why the charm was glowing.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li34\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Bison surged to his feet with a menacing growl. 'You \expndtw0 slagging traitor!' he shouted at Kebra. His huge hand \expndtw-3 snatched his sword from its scabbard. The slender bow\-\expndtw-2 man drew a curved dagger and rose to meet him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No!' shouted Nogusta, leaping towards them. The\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb451\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 93\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 sound of his voice, deep and powerful, cut through the \expndtw-4 tension. Kebra hesitated. But Bison moved in for the kill. \expndtw0 'Bison!' yelled Nogusta. For a moment only the giant hesitated. His eyes were glittering strangely, and his \expndtw-2 mouth was frozen into a snarl.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Look at me! Now!' bellowed Nogusta. Bison paused \expndtw-5 again. The cold was now almost intolerable, and Nogusta \expndtw0 began to shiver uncontrollably. Bison turned towards him, his eyes distant. 'Take my hand,' said Nogusta, \expndtw-4 reaching out. 'Do it for friendship, Bison. Take my hand!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-8\fs21 Bison blinked, and his expression softened for an instant. \expndtw-5 Then his anger blazed again. Tm going to kill him!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Take my hand first, then do what you must,' urged Nogusta. For a fraction of a moment he thought Bison would refuse, but then the big man reached out. Their fingers touched, their hands gripped. Bison let out a \expndtw-1 long, shuddering sigh and fell to his knees. Kebra leapt \expndtw0 at him. Nogusta caught the movement at the last moment. Dragging Bison back he leapt between them, \expndtw-5 his left hand snaking out to grab Kebra's wrist. The bow\-man's face was twisted into an evil grimace, his pale eyes \expndtw0 bulging. Nogusta hung on to the knife wrist. 'Be calm, \expndtw-3 Kebra,' he said. 'Be calm. It is Nogusta. It is your friend, \expndtw-2 Nogusta.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Kebra's twisted face relaxed, the madness ebbing \expndtw0 away. He shuddered and dropped the knife. The room \expndtw-3 grew warmer. Nogusta released his grip on the two men. Kebra sagged to the bed.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I\expndtw23 ...\expndtw0  \expndtw-2 I don't know what came over me,' said Bison. He \expndtw0 stumbled towards Kebra. 'I'm sorry,' he said. 'Truly.' \expndtw-4 Kebra said nothing. He merely sat and stared at the floor.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The glowing light of Nogusta's charm faded, leaving only the simple silver crescent and the golden hand \expndtw-5 which held it.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb187\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 94\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'We have been attacked,' he said, softly. 'You are not \expndtw-1 at fault, Bison. Nor is Kebra.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The white-haired bowman glanced up. 'What are you talking about?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Sorcery. Did you not feel the cold in the room?' Both \expndtw0 men shook their heads. Nogusta pulled up a chair and sat. Kebra and Bison were staring at him now. He \expndtw-1 touched the crescent charm. 'This is what saved us.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Have you gone mad?' asked Kebra. 'It was just rage, that's all. Bison kept on and on about me losing the tournament. We just got angry.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Can you really believe that?' asked Nogusta. 'You \expndtw-3 have been friends for thirty years. Never have you drawn \expndtw0 weapons against each other. I urge you to trust me on \expndtw-2 this, my friends. Orendo told me the same thing. He said \expndtw0 when they were in the merchant's house a terrible cold came upon the room, and they became full of rage and lust. That's when they killed and raped. He said there were demons in the air. I did not believe him. I believe \expndtw-1 him now. Do you remember how you felt when you ran \expndtw-3 at Bison?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I wanted to cut his heart out,' admitted Kebra.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'And you believe now that it was really what you \expndtw-3 wanted?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It felt real \i then,' \i0 said Kebra. He shook his head and wiped his hand across his face. 'What did you mean \expndtw-1 about the charm saving us?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Simply that. It is a "ward charm". A talisman. It has \expndtw-2 been in my family for generations.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It was glowing when you reached out for me,' said \expndtw-1 Bison. 'It shone like a huge diamond.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I saw that,' said Kebra. 'But, gods, man, who would \expndtw-1 want to use sorcery against us?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Malikada perhaps. Had I not been wearing the charm\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb197\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 95\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 my rage would have surged also. We could have killed each other.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Well, let's kill Mahkada,' said Bison.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li10\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Good idea,' said Kebra. 'Then we'll grow our magic \expndtw-1 wings and fly away free over the mountains.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Well, what then?' asked the giant.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'We leave the city,' said Nogusta. 'We won't travel with the White Wolf. We'll head south into the moun\-tains until the army marches on the Cadian border, then we'll join the other returnees.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I don't like the idea of running away,' said Bison.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'As I recall,' said Kebra, drily, 'I once saw you racing \expndtw-1 like a sprinter to get out of the way of a flash flood. And \expndtw-2 are you not the man who had his arse scarred while flee\-\expndtw-1 ing from that lioness outside Delnoch?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 That was different,' argued Bison.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No it wasn't,' said Nogusta. 'Malikada is the king's \expndtw-1 general. We cannot fight him. It would be like fighting a \expndtw-3 storm or, indeed, a flash flood. Pointless. Added to which \expndtw0 we do not know for sure that this was Malikada's work. \expndtw-1 No, the safest and most sensible plan is to leave the city. \expndtw0 In two days the army marches and Malikada will have \expndtw-2 other problems to consider. He will forget about us.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What will we do in the mountains?' asked Bison.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Hunt a little meat, pan for gold in the streams, per\-haps,' Nogusta told him.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Gold. I like the sound of that,' said Bison, tugging on his white walrus moustache. 'We could get rich.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Indeed we could, my friend. Tomorrow I will \expndtw-1 purchase horses and supplies.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'And pans for the gold,' Bison reminded him.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The giant moved to his own bed and pulled off his boots. 'I still say you shouldn't have let that Ventrian shoot again,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li29\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-10\fs21 96\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 Kebra looked up at Nogusta and shook his head. Then \expndtw-2 he smiled. 'I would feel a lot better if I didn't agree with him,' he said. 'I still can't believe I did it.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I can, my friend. It was noble,' said Nogusta, 'and no more than I would expect from you.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb240\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha took hold of the iron chains, leaned back \expndtw-1 upon the swinging wicker chair and gazed out over the \expndtw-5 distant mountains. She could feel them calling to her, like \expndtw0 a mother to a lost child. In the mountains of her home she had known great happiness. There was ancient wisdom there, and serenity radiated from the eternal peaks. These were not her mountains, but they called \expndtw-2 nonetheless. Ulmenetha resisted the pull and turned her attention to her immediate surroundings. The roof \expndtw0 garden of the late emperor's palace was a wondrous place in summer, its terraces \i ablaze \i0 with colour, and filled with the scent of many perfumed flowers. High \expndtw-3 above the city it seemed an enchanted place. In winter it \expndtw0 was less so, but now, with spring but days away, the yellow and purple polyanthuses were flowering, and \expndtw-2 the cherry trees were thick with blossom, gossamer thin \expndtw-5 petals of faded coral. Sitting here alone in the bright sun\-\expndtw-4 shine thoughts of demons seemed far away, like a child's \expndtw-1 dream in a darkened bedroom. Ulmenetha had enjoyed \expndtw-5 her early childhood. Wrapped in love, and full of joy, she \expndtw0 had played in the mountains, living wild and free. The \expndtw-3 memory lifted her, and - just for a moment - she felt like \expndtw0 a child again. Ulmenetha swung the chair around and \expndtw-1 around on its iron chains. Then she let go and watched \expndtw0 the mountains spin before her eyes. She giggled and \expndtw-6 closed her eyes.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li34\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You look foolish,' said Axiana, sternly. 'It does not \expndtw-3 become a priestess to play on a child's swing.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb192\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-12\fs21 97\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha had not heard the queen's approach. She \expndtw-3 leaned forward, her feet thumping to the ground, halting \expndtw-1 the swing. 'Why do you say that?' she asked. 'Why is it \expndtw0 that so many people believe that religion and joy have \expndtw-4 little in common?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Ulmenetha eased her large frame upright and walked \expndtw0 with the pregnant queen to a wide bench seat beneath \expndtw-3 the cherry trees. Already they were rich with blossom of \expndtw-1 coral and white. 'There is no dignity in such behaviour,' \expndtw0 the young woman told her. Ulmenetha said nothing for a moment. Axiana settled herself down, her slender hands over her swollen belly. You never laugh, child, \expndtw-2 thought Ulmenetha, and your eyes radiate sorrow.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Dignity is much overrated,' she said, at last. 'It is a \expndtw-2 concept, I think, devised by men to add gravitas to their \expndtw-3 strutting.' A flicker of a smile touched Axiana's beautiful \expndtw-4 face. But it passed as swiftly as a noonday shadow. 'Men \expndtw-1 are ridiculous creatures,' continued the priestess, \expndtw-2 'arrogant and vain, insensitive and boorish.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi216\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Is this why you became a priestess? To avoid contact \expndtw-3 with them?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha shook her head. 'No, dear heart. I had a \expndtw-1 jewel among men. When I lost him I knew there would \expndtw-2 never be another.' She took a deep breath and stared out \expndtw0 over the southern mountains. She could just make \expndtw-1 out three riders heading into the high country.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I am sorry, Ulmenetha,' said the queen. 'My question brought you sadness.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Not at all,' the priestess assured her. 'It brought me \expndtw-3 remembered joy. He was a fine man. He spent two years \expndtw-4 trying to woo me, and became convinced that if he could \expndtw-2 beat me to the top of Five Rise mountain I would marry \expndtw-3 him.' The queen looked mystified. 'I used to run through \expndtw0 the mountains. I was slimmer then, and I could run for\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 98\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 ever. No man could best me on the longer races. Vian tried for two years. He trained so hard. That's when I grew to love him.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'And did he beat you?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No, but he won me. Good days.' They lapsed into silence for several minutes, enjoying the warmth of the \expndtw-2 morning sun.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'What is it like to be in love?' asked Axiana. \expndtw0 Ulmenetha felt sadness swell in her, not for the love she had lost, but for the lovely young woman at her side. How sad it was that a woman only weeks from giving birth should still wonder about love.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Sometimes it arrives like a flash flood, but at other times it grows slowly until it becomes a great tree. Perhaps it will be that way for you and the king.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Axiana shook her head. 'He thinks nothing of me. I am an ornament of no more worth than any of the other ornaments he owns.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'He is a great man,' said Ulmenetha, aware of the \expndtw-2 shallowness of her response.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No, he is not. He is a great killer and destroyer. Men worship him as if he were a god, but he is not. He is a plague, a cancer.' The words were not spoken with passion, but with a quiet resignation that somehow added to their power.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'He has a good side,' said Ulmenetha. 'His people love \expndtw-3 him, and he is often generous. And I have seen him weep. \expndtw0 When he was younger and it was thought that Starfire \expndtw-1 was lame, he was inconsolable.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Inconsolable?' queried Axiana. 'He did not appear \expndtw-1 inconsolable when Starfire went to the tannery. I under\-\expndtw0 stand they use the hides for furniture, the meat for food, and the hoofs and bones for glue. Is that right?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You must be mistaken, my pet.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb197\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-15\fs21 99\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I am not mistaken. I heard him on his birthday. All the older horses - including Starfire - were sold. The money received went into the war chest. The man is without a soul.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Do not speak this way, dear heart,' whispered \expndtw-2 Ulmenetha, feeling a sudden chill.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No-one can hear us. There are no secret passages in the garden, no hollow walls for clerics to hide behind with their quill pens. Skanda cares only for war, and he will never be satisfied. The world could fall to him and \expndtw-1 he would know only despair, for there would be no more \expndtw0 battles to fight. So, tell me, Ulmenetha, about love.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The priestess forced a smile. 'There is an old legend. I am rather partial to it. In the beginning the old gods created a herd of perfect animals. They had four legs, four arms and two heads. And they were blissfully happy. The gods looked upon this perfection of happi\-ness and grew jealous. So one day the Chief of the Gods cast a mighty spell. And in an instant all the animals were ripped in half and scattered across the world. Now each of the beasts only had one head, two arms and two legs. And they were destined for ever to search the earth for their other halves, seeking that perfect fit.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'That is a vulgar story,' chided Axiana.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 A young, female servant approached them and curtsied deeply. 'You have a visitor, my lady,' she said. 'The Lord Kalizkan.' Axiana clapped her hands together \expndtw-3 in delight.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Send him out to us,' she said.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Moments later the tall wizard made his entrance. He was wearing robes now of sky blue satin, and a match\-\expndtw-1 ing wide-brimmed hat of stiffened silk. Sweeping off the \expndtw0 hat he made an elaborate bow. 'And how is the queen today?' he asked, with a wide, enchanting smile.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li34\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 100\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'I am well, sir. All the better for seeing you.' \expndtw-2 Ulmenetha rose and offered the wizard her seat. He gave \expndtw-3 her a dazzling smile and sat beside the queen. Ulmenetha \expndtw0 moved back to allow them privacy and returned to her seat in the swinging chair. It was a pleasure to see Axiana in such high spirits. Kalizkan was good for her, and Ulmenetha liked him. The wizard leaned in close to the queen and the two talked for some time. Then \expndtw-2 Axiana called out. 'Come here, Ulmenetha, you must see \expndtw-3 this!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The priestess obeyed and stood before the white-bearded wizard. 'What is your favourite flower?' he \expndtw-3 asked her.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'The high mountain lily,' she told him.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'The white lily with blue stripes?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'Yes.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kalizkan reached down and lifted a handful of dirt. \expndtw-5 Then his pale eyes narrowed in concentration. A tiny stem \expndtw-3 appeared in the dark earth, then grew, putting out slender \expndtw-4 leaves. A bud appeared and opened slowly, exposing long \expndtw0 white petals, striped with the blue of a summer sky. Reaching out he offered her the flower. Ulmenetha's \expndtw-4 fingers touched it, and it became smoke, dispersing on the \expndtw-2 breeze. 'Is that not wonderful?' said Axiana.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha nodded. 'You have a great talent, sir,' she \expndtw-6 said.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I have studied long and hard,' he told them. 'But it \expndtw-1 pleases me to bring pleasure to my friends.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Is your orphanage prospering, Kalizkan?' asked the \expndtw-7 queen.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li24\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'It is, dear lady, thanks to the kindness of the king and \expndtw0 your good wishes. But there are so many more children \expndtw-2 living on the streets, close to starvation. One wishes one could help them all.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 101\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-10\fs21 As the two talked on, oblivious to Ulmenetha, the priest\-\expndtw-8 ess found herself once more thinking of the demons in the \expndtw-7 air. Quietly she made her way back to the swinging chair \expndtw-2 and settled her back against the cushions. The sun had \expndtw-7 reached noon and was shining down with painful bright\-\expndtw-11 ness. She closed her eyes \emdash  and a thought came to her.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 Demons had no love of bright light. Perhaps now she \expndtw-6 could soar unobserved.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 With a last look at the chatting couple she took a deep \expndtw0 breath, reaching for the inner calm that precipitated \expndtw-3 flight. Then she released her spirit and fled towards the sun like an arrow. High above the city she floated, and gazed down. The roof garden was tiny now, the size of \expndtw0 her thumbnail, the river flowing through the city no more than a thin web-thread of glistening blue and \expndtw-1 white. No demons were flying now, but she could see \expndtw-6 them in the shadows, under the eaves of buildings. There \expndtw-3 were hundreds of them. Perhaps thousands. They were \expndtw0 writhing over the city like white maggots on rotting \expndtw-6 pork.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Three detached themselves from the shadows of the \expndtw-3 palace, and swept up towards her, their talons reaching \expndtw0 out. Ulmenetha waited, frozen in terror. They closed upon her, and she could see their opal eyes and their sharp teeth. There was nowhere to run. They were \expndtw-5 between her and the safety of her flesh.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\fs21 A shining figure of bright light appeared alongside her, \expndtw-3 a sword of flame in his hands. Ulmenetha tried to look \expndtw-4 into his face, but the brilliance of the light forced her to \expndtw-5 turn away. The demons veered away from him. A voice \expndtw-3 whispered into her mind. It was strangely familiar. 'Go \expndtw-5 now, swiftly!' he urged her.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 Ulmenetha needed no urging. With the demons fallen back she fled for the sanctuary of her flesh.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 102.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 She swept over the roof garden and saw the queen \expndtw-1 sitting beside . . . sitting beside . . .\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The eyes of her body flared open, and a strangled cry burst from her lips. Axiana and Kalizkan moved swiftly to her side. 'Are you well, Ulmenetha?' asked Axiana, reaching out to stroke her friend's cheek.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Yes, yes. I had a bad dream. So stupid. I am sorry.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You are trembling,' said Kalizkan. 'Perhaps you have \expndtw-3 a fever.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I think I will go inside,' she said, 'and lie down.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 She left them there and returned to her own room alongside the queen's apartments. Her mouth was dry and she poured a cup of water and drank deeply. Then she sat down and tried to picture what she had seen in the roof garden.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The image had been fleeting, and she found that the \expndtw-1 more she concentrated upon it the less clear it became.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Silently she returned to the roof garden, pausing in the \expndtw0 doorway, unseen. From here she could see the kindly wizard and the queen sitting together. Closing the eyes of her body she gazed upon them both with the eyes of \expndtw-4 spirit.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Her heart hammered, and she began to tremble once \expndtw-6 more.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kalizkan's face was grey and dead, his hands only partly covered in flesh. Bare bone protruded from the ends of his fingers. And as Ulmenetha looked more \expndtw-1 closely she saw a small maggot slither out from a hole in \expndtw0 the wizard's cheek and drop to the shoulder of his blue \expndtw-2 satin robes.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Backing away she returned to her room, and prayed.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li29\sb250\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian stood in the centre of the small room. Blood had splashed to the white walls, and the curved dagger\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-16\fs21 103\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 that caused the terrible wounds had been tossed to the floor, where it had smeared a white goatskin rug. The body of the old woman had been removed before Dagorian arrived, but the murderer was still sitting by the hearth, his head in his hands. Two Drenai soldiers stood guard over him.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It seems fairly straightforward,' Dagorian told Zani, \expndtw-2 the slender Ventrian official. 'In a rage this man killed his \expndtw0 mother. There are no soldiers involved. No threat to the king. I do not see why you called me to the scene.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You are the Officer of the Watch for last night,' said Zani, a small man, with close cropped dark hair and a pronounced widow's peak. 'We are to report all cases of \expndtw-2 multiple killings.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'There was more than one body?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Yes, sir. Not here, but elsewhere. Look around you. What do you see?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian scanned the room. Shelves lined the walls, some bearing jars of pottery, others bottles of coloured glass. On the low table beside the hearth he saw a set of rune stones, and several papyrus charts of the heavens. 'The woman was a fortune-teller,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Indeed she was - and a good one, by all accounts.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'This is relevant?' asked Dagorian.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Four such people were killed last night in this quarter of the city alone. Three men and a woman. Two were murdered by customers, a third by his wife, and this woman by her son.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian crossed the room and opened the back door, stepping out into the narrow garden beyond. The Ventrian followed him. The sun was bright in the sky, \expndtw-2 the warmth welcome. 'Did the victims know one \expndtw0 another?' asked Dagorian.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li245\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'The son told me he knew one of the dead.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li34\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 104\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li202\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Then it remains coincidence,' concluded Dagorian.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The Ventrian sighed and shook his head. 'Twenty-seven in the last month. I do not think coincidence will stretch that far.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Twenty-seven fortune-tellers?' Dagorian was aston\-\expndtw-7 ished.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Not all were fortune-tellers. Some were mystics, others priests. But their talent was the common factor. They could all walk the path of Spirit. Most could read fragments of the future.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Not very well, apparently,' Dagorian pointed out.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I disagree. Come, let me show you.' Dagorian \expndtw0 followed the small Ventrian back to the door. Zani pointed to recent scratches upon the wood, in the shape of an inverted triangle, with a snake at the centre. 'All the entries to the room bear this sign. It is part of a ward spell, protective sorcery. The old woman knew she was in danger. When we found her she was clutching an amulet. This too was a protective piece.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Protection against \i sorcery,'\super 1\nosupersub  \i0 said Dagorian, patiently. \expndtw0 'But she wasn't killed by sorcery, was she? She was murdered by her son. He admits to the crime. Does he \expndtw-2 claim he was demon possessed? Is that his defence?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No,' admitted Zani. 'But perhaps it ought to be. I have spoken to the neighbours. He was devoted to his mother. And even he no longer knows why his rage \expndtw-2 exploded.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian approached the distraught young man sitting by the hearth. 'What do you recall of the crime?' he asked him. The man looked up.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li24\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I was sitting in my room, and I just got angrier and angrier. The next thing I knew I was here \expndtw25 ...\expndtw0  in this room. And I was stabbing, and stabbing . . .' He broke \expndtw-1 down and hid his face in his hands.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 105\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'What made you angry?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 It seemed at first that the young man had not heard the question, but the sobbing subsided and he wiped his eyes \expndtw0 with the sleeve of his shirt. 'I can't remember now. I \expndtw-1 really can't.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Why did your mother make the ward signs on the \expndtw-3 doors?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'She was frightened. She wouldn't see any customers and she wouldn't come out of the room. We were run\-ning out of money. I think, maybe, that's why I got angry. We couldn't afford fuel, and my room was so \expndtw-1 cold. So terribly cold.' He began to sob once more.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Take him away,' Dagorian told the soldiers. They lifted the man to his feet and marched him from the house. A small crowd had gathered outside. Some of \expndtw-1 them shouted abuse at the prisoner.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'There is something very wrong here,' said Zani.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Send me the details of the other crimes,' Dagorian told him. 'I will look into them.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'You think you will solve the mystery in a day?' asked \expndtw0 Zani. 'Or will you not be marching with the army tomorrow?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I leave tomorrow,' said Dagorian. 'But still I wish to \expndtw-2 see the reports.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 Leaving the house he mounted his horse and rode back \expndtw0 to the new barracks. Once there he waited for the reports, read them carefully, then requested a meeting with his immediate superior, the Ventrian swordsman \expndtw-4 Antikas Karios.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He was kept waiting outside the Ventrian's office for \expndtw-1 an hour, and when he was at last ushered inside, he saw \expndtw0 Antikas walk in from the garden beyond, where he had been exercising. Stripped to the waist he was sweating heavily. A servant brought him a towel. Antikas sat\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 106\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 down behind the broad desk and drank a cup of water. Then he towelled his dark hair. The servant moved behind him with a brush and a jar of oil. Lightly he massaged the Ventrian's scalp, before brushing his hair back and tying it in a pony-tail. With a flick of his hand \expndtw-1 Antikas dismissed the man, then turned his dark eyes on \expndtw-3 Dagorian.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'You wished to see me?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Yes, sir.' Swiftly he told the officer of the spate of murders, and the concerns of the official Zani that some orchestrated campaign of killing might be under way.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Zani is a good man,' said Antikas. 'He has been a city official for fourteen years, and served with distinction. He has a fine mind. What is your opinion?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I have read the reports, sir. In each case the killers have been apprehended, and confessed, without torture. But I do share Zani's concern in one respect.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'And that is?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Twenty-seven mystics in sixteen days. And, according \expndtw0 to the reports, every one of them was living in fear.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li24\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Antikas rose from his desk, crossed the room and took a fresh shirt from a drawer. Shaking the rose petals from \expndtw0 it he pulled it over his head. Then he returned to the \expndtw-1 desk. 'You are a good swordsman,' he said. 'Your moves \expndtw-2 are well executed.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li29\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Thank you, sir,' said Dagorian, confused by the \expndtw-3 change of subject.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It is your footwork that lets you down.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'So Nogusta told me, sir.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Yes,' said Antikas, with a cold smile. 'If he were twenty years younger I would challenge him. He is exceptional.' Antikas sat down and took a second drink from the water cup. 'I see from your dossier that you were training for the priesthood.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li48\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-10\fs21 107\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I was, sir. Until my father died.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Yes, a man must uphold family honour. Did your \expndtw-1 teaching incorporate mysticism?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Only briefly, sir. But no sorcery.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I think you will find that these crimes are based on \expndtw-1 rivalry among petty wizards. Even so, such actions can\-\expndtw0 not be tolerated. Find out which mystics are still alive. The true source of the murders will be one of those.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Yes, sir, I will try, but I cannot do this in a day.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Indeed so. You will remain here. I will send for you when we have crossed the Great River.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Yes, sir. Is this a punishment, sir?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li29\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'No. Merely an order.' Antikas began to shuffle papers \expndtw0 on his desk, but Dagorian stood his ground. 'There was \expndtw-2 something else?' he asked.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li34\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Yes, sir. I was wondering if the Lord Kalizkan could help us. His powers are great, and it would save time.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li29\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'The Lord Kalizkan is busy preparing spells to aid the king in his coming battle with the Cadians. But I will convey your request to him.' Dagorian saluted crisply and took one step back, before spinning on his heel and marching to the door. The Ventrian's voice halted him. 'Trust me, Dagorian, you will never need to \i ask \i0 if I am punishing you. You will \i know.'\cf0\lang2057\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li38\sb240\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian and Zani rode to three addresses in the north of the city, each said to be the home of an astrologer or seer. All were empty. Neighbours were unable to supply information. The fourth address was a house in a rich area called Nine Oaks. The houses here stood in several acres of landscaped gardens, with fountains and walk\-ways meandering through cultivated woodland.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li48\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The two men rode their horses through the woods, coming at last to a tall house, the outer walls faced with\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li29\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 108\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 blocks of green marble. No servant moved out to greet \expndtw-3 them as they made their way to the front of the building. \expndtw0 Dagorian and Zani dismounted and tied the reins of \expndtw-1 their mounts to a hitching rail.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The main doors were locked and barred, the green \expndtw-4 wooden shutters of the windows closed tight. A one-eyed \expndtw0 old man wearing a green patch and pushing a wheel\-\expndtw-1 barrow came into sight, moving slowly across the \expndtw0 garden. He stopped as he saw them. Dagorian approached him. 'We are looking for the master of the \expndtw-2 house,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Gone,' the old man told him.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Gone where?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Just gone. Had all his valuables packed into three \expndtw-1 wagons and left.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'When was this?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Four days ago. No . . . five now.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Zani moved alongside the old man. 'What is your \expndtw-5 name?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I am Chiric, the head gardener. The only gardener now, come to think of it.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Did your master seem troubled?' asked Dagorian.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Aye, that would be one word to describe it. \expndtw-1 Troubled.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What other words might you use?' put in Zani.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 The old man gave a crooked grin. 'I might say terrified.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Of what?' queried Dagorian. Chiric shrugged.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Don't know and don't care. Spring's coming and I've too much planting to do to worry about what frightens \expndtw-2 the likes of him. Can I go now?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'In a moment,' the Ventrian told him. 'Do you live in \expndtw-3 the house?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li29\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'No. Got a small cabin back in the woods. Warm and \expndtw-4 snug. Suits me, anyway.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 109\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Has anything strange happened here recently?' asked \expndtw-3 Dagorian.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 The old man gave a dry, rasping laugh. 'Strange things \expndtw0 happen here all the time. That's the way with wizards. Coloured lights, flashes of fire. Groups of them used to come round. They'd chant late into the night. Then he \expndtw-1 asks me why the hens have stopped laying. Asked me to \expndtw0 join in one night. Said they were one short of some mystic number. No thank you, said I.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What was it that terrified him?' persisted Dagorian.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Do I get paid for all this information?' asked Chiric. \expndtw-2 'If not I've got better things to do than stand around jaw\-\expndtw-1 ing all day.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Zani's anger overflowed. 'You could spend a few weeks in the Watch dungeons,' he said, 'for obstructing officers of the king. How does that sound?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Dagorian stepped in swiftly, dipping his hand into his money pouch and producing a small silver coin. The old \expndtw0 man pocketed it with incredible speed, then cast a surly \expndtw-1 glance at Zani. 'Labourers get paid,' he said. 'That's why \expndtw0 they labour. Anyway, you were asking about his fear. \expndtw-2 Well I was away for a few days last month. My youngest \expndtw0 got wed to a farmer from Captis. When I got back some of the servants had gone. And the master had bought three big black wolfhounds, teeth like knives. Hated the bastards, I did. I asked Sagio about it. . .'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Sagio?' put in Zani.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'My under gardener. Good lad. He quit too - after\-wards! Anyways, he said that the master wouldn't come \expndtw-2 out of the house. Claimed someone had put a death spell \expndtw-3 on him. He spent days and days in his library poring over \expndtw0 scrolls and the like. And always the dogs were padding around the house. Then, last week, the dogs attacked him. Went mad by all accounts. He managed to lock\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\sb168\qc\cf1\lang1033\b\f1\fs18 no\cf0\lang2057\b0\f0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 himself in the library. When he came out the dogs had torn each other to pieces. Blood everywhere. I had to clear it up. Well, me and Sagio had to clear it up. Still, horrible it was. But then if you're going to keep wild dogs you've got to expect trouble, haven't you. I reckon it was the cold got to 'em. Marble houses, pah! Can't keep them warm, can you? Room they were in was \expndtw-4 freezing.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'And he left the city?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'The same day. You should have seen him.' Chiric \expndtw-2 chuckled. 'He was covered in charms and talismans. And \expndtw0 he was chanting all the way to the coach and four. You could still hear him as it drove through the gates.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian thanked the man and walked back to his horse. Zani came alongside. 'What now, Drenai?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'We break in,' said Dagorian, moving to one of the shutters on the ground floor and drawing his sword.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Hey, what are you doing?' shouted the old man.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'We are officers of the king,' Zani told him. 'You are \expndtw-1 welcome to observe our investigation. But if you seek to \expndtw0 hinder us I will keep my promise about that dungeon.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'It was only a question,' grumbled Chiric, grasping the \expndtw0 handles of his wheelbarrow. Clearing his throat the old man spat on the path, then trundled the wheelbarrow off towards the woods.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian slid his sabre between the shutters and lifted the bar beyond. It fell clear with a hollow thud. Opening the shutters Dagorian sheathed his blade and climbed inside. The interior was gloomy and he opened two other windows. Zani clambered into the building. 'What are we looking for?' he asked. Dagorian spread \expndtw-2 his hands.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li24\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I have no idea.' They were standing now in a beauti\-fully decorated sitting-room, with seven sofas and a\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 in\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 splendid mosaic floor and painted walls. Passing through \expndtw-1 it they entered a hall, and searched the rooms beyond. \expndtw0 The furniture throughout was expensive. The library was shelved from floor to ceiling, the shelves bent \expndtw-3 under the weight of books, scrolls and parchments. The \expndtw-4 north wall was still blood-stained, as was the pale green \expndtw-5 carpet.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'I hope Chiric is a better gardener than a cleaner,' said \expndtw-8 Zani.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 A door at the back of the library led to a study. This \expndtw-2 too had shelves on all four walls, most of them bearing \expndtw0 glass jars, filled with viscous liquids. In one floated a \expndtw-1 human hand, in another a small, deformed foetus. \expndtw-5 Others contained organs. There was a large cupboard set \expndtw0 into the western wall. Dagorian opened it. More jars \expndtw-4 were stored here, this time filled with herbs. The Drenai \expndtw-7 officer scanned them, finally selecting one and carrying it \expndtw0 to a narrow desk, upon which was a human skull, re-sculpted into a container for two ink wells. Dagorian \expndtw-5 placed the jar on the desk and broke the wax seal around \expndtw-7 the lid.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'What is it?' asked Zani.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\i\fs21 'Lorassium \i0 leaves. They have great healing powers, \expndtw-8 but \i lorassium \i0 is essentially a heavy narcotic used by mys\-\expndtw-4 tics to aid their visions.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'I have heard of it. It is very expensive.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 The young Drenai officer sat down, dipped his hand \expndtw-6 into the jar, pulling two leaves from it. They were a dark, \expndtw-5 lustrous green, and a heady scent filled the air. 'What are \expndtw-4 you doing?' asked Zani.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 For a moment Dagorian said nothing, then he looked \expndtw-4 up at the Ventrian. 'There is a force working here that is \expndtw0 outside the realm of normal human senses. We could stumble around the city for days and never find the\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-10\fs21 112.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 answer. Perhaps it is time to use the eyes of the spirit.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Are you versed in these things?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Not entirely. But I know the procedure.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Zani shook his head. 'I know nothing of sorcery - nor \expndtw-1 do I wish to. But there have been a lot of deaths, Drenai. \expndtw0 I think the risk is too great for one who only - as you openly admit - knows the \i procedure. \i0 I think it might be wiser to take the problem to the Lord Kalizkan. There is no greater wizard than he.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I have already set that in motion, Zani,' said the officer. 'But arrogance compels me to try to solve this \expndtw-3 mystery myself.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 As he finished speaking he rolled the two leaves and placed them in his mouth.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Bright colours flashed before his eyes, and a sharp pain lanced from his neck, down his arms and into his fingers. Calming himself Dagorian began to recite in his mind the Mantra of Dardalion, the simplest of the \expndtw-3 Three Levels. He felt as if he were floating inside his own \expndtw-2 body, twisting and turning. But there was no release, and \expndtw0 he did not soar free as he had hoped. Slowly he opened \expndtw-1 his eyes. Zani's blue tunic was shining now with ethereal \expndtw0 lights and dancing colours. A bright aura flickered around the man. Dagorian realized that it was not the tunic which was shining, but the man himself. Over his heart there was violet light, tinged with red, which deepened into maroon over his belly. This then was the aura mystics spoke of. How beautiful it was. He looked \expndtw-1 at Zani's round face. Honesty, loyalty and courage shone \expndtw0 there, and he had a vision of the Ventrian sitting in a small room, three children playing at his feet. A young woman was close by, plump and raven haired. She was \expndtw-8 smiling.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Transferring his gaze he glanced at the walls. Ward\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-15\fs21 113\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 spells had been placed over the windows and the \expndtw-4 doors, and these he could see now, glowing faintly red. \expndtw-1 Turning in the chair he looked out of the east window \expndtw-5 at the shadowed garden. He blinked. A face was staring \expndtw0 in, a ghost white face, with large dark, protruding eyes and \i a \i0 lipless mouth. The skin was scaled like a fish, the teeth sharp as needles. Other faces clustered around it, and a long skinny arm pushed into the room. The ward spell flared and the arm was hastily \expndtw-3 withdrawn.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'There are demons at the window,' he said, huskily, \expndtw-7 his words echoing inside his head.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'I see no demons,' said Zani, his voice trembling.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'Yet they are there.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'It is getting cold in here,' said Zani. 'Can you feel it?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian did not answer. Rising from the desk he \expndtw-4 walked to the inner door and looked out into the library \expndtw-7 and the stairs beyond. White forms were floating close to \expndtw-5 the ceiling, others were huddled together away from the \expndtw-6 sunlight lancing through the western windows.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 Fear touched the officer. There were scores of them.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li24\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-8\fs21 They flew at him, their talons lashing out. The pain was \expndtw-6 great and he stumbled back. 'What is it?' shouted Zani.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 In panic Dagorian ran for the front door. The demons \expndtw0 were covering him now, tearing at him. He screamed \expndtw-1 aloud, blundered into the door, then scrabbled for the \expndtw-4 handle. It was locked. He fell to his knees, the pain in\-\expndtw-1 describable. Zani grabbed his arm, hauling him to the \expndtw-9 western window. Bright light bathed him, and the demons \expndtw-1 withdrew. Zani helped him climb out into the garden. \expndtw-4 Dagorian stumbled out to the grass, then fell and rolled \expndtw-5 to his back under the shadows of the trees.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li53\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 White, translucent forms dropped from the branches \expndtw0 above, talons and teeth ripping at his face. Wildly he\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\fs21 114\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 thrashed his arms at them, but his fingers passed through \expndtw-6 them.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 A shining sword of fire swept out. The demons fell back. A voice whispered to him. 'The Prayer of Light! \expndtw-2 Recite it you fool, or you will die here.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Pain and terror were blocking Dagorian's memory. The voice spoke again. 'Say it with me: Oh Lord of Light, Source of All Life, be with me now in this hour \expndtw-2 of peril and darkness . . . Say it aloud!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 Dagorian began to recite the prayer. The demons with\-\expndtw-1 drew, but hovered close by, their dark malevolent eyes \expndtw-4 glaring at him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Rising to his knees Dagorian watched them. Slowly \expndtw-3 the power of the \i lorassium \i0 began to fade, and with it his \expndtw-1 spirit sight. The demons became more and more trans\-\expndtw-2 lucent, until, at last, they appeared no more than shape\-\expndtw-4 less wisps of wood smoke. Then they were gone.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Safe now he stared down at his arms and hands, amazed that there was no blood. The talons had ripped into him so many times. He slumped back exhausted. \expndtw-2 'What happened here?' whispered Zani. 'What were you \expndtw-5 struggling against?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian did not answer. The \i lorassium \i0 did not \expndtw-1 merely increase visual powers, but also enhanced per\-\expndtw0 ception and cognitive skills. As the effects faded he fought to hold to the impressions he had gained, even \expndtw-4 during his panicked flight.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The demons were not sentient - at least not in a way any human could understand. They were .. . the word \expndtw-6 'Feeders' came to his mind. Yes, that was it. Like a hungry \expndtw0 pack they sought to devour . .. what? What was the \expndtw-2 source of his pain? It was not physical, and yet it would \expndtw-7 have killed him. The \i lorassium \i0 was almost gone now, and \expndtw0 he struggled to hold to the knowledge he had gained.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Though not sentient the creatures had a purpose that was \expndtw-3\i beyond \i0 their own desires. Their violence was \i directed.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The sun was setting behind the mountains. Soon the dark would come. Fear rose again in Dagorian. 'We must get away from here,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\sb7392\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 116\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\i\fs30 Chapter Five\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sb480\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Moonlight glistened on the outer skin of the White Wolf's tent, turning its flanks to silver. Inside the old \expndtw-3 man opened the map casket, and began searching \expndtw-1 through it. A brazier full of hot coals filled the tent with \expndtw-2 warmth, and two glowing lanterns cast flickering \expndtw-1 shadows on the inner walls.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Finding the map he was looking for the old man \expndtw-1 straightened. His lower back ached, and he stretched his arms high, trying to loosen his muscles. The cold struck \expndtw0 him then, bitter as a winter blizzard. With a groan he turned towards the brazier of coals. No heat came from them now. He sat on the pallet bed, suddenly weary, \expndtw-1 dropped the map upon the thin mattress and reached out his hands towards the fire. The hands were old and liver spotted, the knuckles large with rheumatism.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Depression grew in him. Once I was young, he \expndtw-1 thought. He remembered his first battle in the old king's \expndtw0 re-formed army. He had fought all day, with never a hint of fatigue. And that night he had bedded two of the camp women, one after the other. He glanced down at his thin, wrinkled legs, the loose skin slack over withered muscles. You should have died years ago, he \expndtw-3 said to himself.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li24\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 The cold grew more intense, but he had ceased to feel \expndtw-10 it.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 The depression deepened into a bleak despair, formed\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\sb158\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 117\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 of regret for what had passed, and a chilling fear of all \expndtw-2 that was to come; incontinence and senility. What would he do back in Drenan? Hire servants to change his soiled \expndtw0 bed linen, and to wipe away the drool that dripped from \expndtw-1 his mouth. Perhaps he would not see the disgust on their \expndtw0 faces. Then again, perhaps in moments of clarity, he \expndtw-4 would.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The old man drew his dagger and laid the blade upon \expndtw-2 his wrist. Clenching his fist he saw the arteries stand out. Swiftly he sliced the dagger blade across them. Even the \expndtw0 blood that flowed was weak and thin, pumping out to stain the leather cavalry kilt, flowing on over his thighs and down into his boots.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He sat very still, remembering the glory days, until at \expndtw-1 last he toppled from the bed.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 The fire flared, and heat began once more to permeate \expndtw-2 the tent.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li24\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 After some minutes the tent flap was opened and two \expndtw-4 men stepped inside.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The first man ran to the body and knelt beside it. 'Sweet Heaven,' he whispered. 'Why? He was in good spirits when you sent him for the map, my lord. And he won heavily on the king's birthday. He was talking about his home near Dros Corteswain, and his plans for \expndtw-1 the farm. This makes no sense.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li34\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 The White Wolf stood silently, his pale gaze scanning \expndtw0 the interior of the tent. Upon the folding table was a goblet and a jug, that had contained water. Now it was \expndtw-1 filled with melting ice. Condensation had also created a \expndtw-2 sheen of ice on the tent walls.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Banelion masked his anger. The possibility of a sor-cerous attack had not occurred to him, and he cursed \expndtw-3 himself for his stupidity.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 T don't understand,' said the grey-bearded officer,\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-15\fs21 118\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 kneeling by the corpse. 'Why would he kill himself?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-8\fs21 'Why does anyone kill themselves?' countered Banelion. \expndtw-3 'Have the body removed.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian and Zani stabled their mounts. The ride had \expndtw-2 been a silent one, and now, as they walked through the \expndtw-5 dusk shadowed streets, the little Ventrian moved in close \expndtw0 to the taller officer. 'I think you should tell me what \expndtw-3 happened back there,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 The Drenai warrior nodded, then led Zani to a small tavern just off the Market Square. It was almost empty and they took a window table. Dagorian ordered wine, \expndtw0 added a little water, then sipped the drink. There were \expndtw-2 demons,' he said, at last, keeping his voice low. 'Scores \expndtw0 of them. Perhaps hundreds. They filled the house - all \expndtw-4 except for the room with the ward spell. They tore at me \expndtw0 with talons and teeth. I thought my flesh was being \expndtw-4 ripped from my bones.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'But there were no wounds. Perhaps it was just the \expndtw-2 drug.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Dagorian shook his head. 'There were wounds, Zani. \expndtw-3 I can still feel them. They were tearing at my spirit - my \expndtw0 soul, if you like. They were even outside, in the trees. \expndtw-3 Worse, I sensed they were everywhere. They are prob\-\expndtw-5 ably here even now, in the shadows of the ceiling, by the \expndtw-6 walls.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Zani glanced around nervously. But he could see nothing. 'What were they like?' Dagorian described them, their bone-white faces and bulging eyes, their sharp teeth and talons. Zani shivered. It sounded like \expndtw-1 the ravings of a madman - which Zani would have in\-\expndtw-4 finitely preferred to be true. But they were investigating \expndtw0 more than a score of bizarre murders, and everything \expndtw-1 Dagorian described had the ring of truth to it. Even so\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 119\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 it was wildly beyond Zani's understanding. The Drenai officer fell silent. Zani spoke again, keeping his voice low. 'What does all this mean, Drenai?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I do not know. It is far beyond what I was taught. But \expndtw0 there was something else. I was rescued by a shining figure with a sword of fire. He it was who made me \expndtw-3 recite the holy verses.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'A shining figure,' repeated Zani. 'An angel, you mean?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian saw scepticism swell once more in the Ventrian's expression. 'I am sorry, Zani. Were I you I would also be deeply suspicious. Is the man mad? Did the \i lorassium \i0 merely swell his delusions?' Zani relaxed and smiled. 'Well, the man is not mad. But he is fright\-\expndtw-1 ened. And he does have a theory, of sorts.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'That, at least, sounds promising,' said Zani.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'All the people killed - or fled - were seers. They could \expndtw-3\i see \i0 the demons.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Which means?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Think of an army on the march in enemy territory. \expndtw-3 The scouts are the eyes. Therefore the first objective is to \expndtw-1 kill the scouts. The army is now blind.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li19\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'But these demons cannot kill. They did not aicack me. \expndtw-1 And once the drug wore off you were also safe.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'They cannot kill \i directly. \i0 But they can influence \expndtw-2 emotions. That much I was taught back at the Temple. If their malevolence is directed by a power magus they can \expndtw0 inspire great malice and hatred. That is the key to the killings. The boy who killed his mother, the dogs who \expndtw-1 attacked their master. All of them.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li29\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I know little of demons - and I wish I knew less,' said \expndtw0 Zani. 'But what I do know is that this is far beyond my \expndtw-1 talents. We must consult Kalizkan.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li38\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Before this morning I would have agreed with you,' said Dagorian. 'I will think on it.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 12.0\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What is there to think about? He is the greatest sor\-\expndtw-2 cerer in the empire.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I know. That is what worries me.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'You make no sense.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'I have read stories about sorcerers summoning \expndtw-1 demons. In ones or twos. Here we have hundreds. Only \expndtw-3 the greatest of the magi could even consider such a spell. \expndtw0 A sorcerer of such power would not be unknown. He would be famous, rich and powerful. Is there another \expndtw-3 such sorcerer in Usa?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Zani's face darkened. 'I have met Kalizkan many times,' he said, coldly. 'He is a fine man, and much \expndtw-3 admired. He rescues children from the streets. He is kind \expndtw-2 and greatly loved. To speak of him summoning demons \expndtw-1 is a slander. And I'll hear no more of it. I think the drug \expndtw0 addled your senses, Drenai. I suggest you return to the barracks and rest. Perhaps tomorrow you will be clear \expndtw-2 headed again.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 The Ventrian pushed back his chair and strode for the \expndtw0 door. Dagorian made no attempt to call him back. If the situation were reversed he too would be sceptical. Zani reached the door, pulled it open and stepped out\-side. Dagorian heard him scream. The Ventrian officer stumbled back into the tavern, blood pumping from a terrible wound in his throat. Three dark-clad warriors \expndtw-1 moved inside. They were hooded and masked. The first thrust a sword deep into Zani's belly. The other two ran \expndtw0 at Dagorian. The Drenai warrior up-ended the table in their path, slowing them, then drew his own blade. A \expndtw-2 sword lunged for his throat. Dagorian swayed aside and \expndtw0 launched an overhand cut that chopped deep into his opponent's neck, slicing through the bone beneath. He \expndtw-3 was dead before he hit the floor. As his sabre came clear \expndtw-2 Dagorian leapt backwards. The second assassin's sword\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 121\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\ri34\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 sliced air. Bringing up his sabre in a reverse cut Dagorian \expndtw-2 slashed the blade into the assassin's arm. It cut deep. The \expndtw0 man screamed and dropped his sword. The killer who had stabbed Zani threw a knife, which missed Dagorian \expndtw-1 and clattered against the far wall.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri10\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The man with the wounded arm scrambled back and ran for the door. His companion hesitated - then joined him, and the two escaped into the night. Dagorian ran to Zani, but the little Ventrian, lying in a spreading pool of \expndtw-1 blood, was dead.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri19\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Anger rose in the Drenai officer, and he ran from the tavern, trying to catch the killers.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The streets were dark now, and there was no sign of them. Sheathing his sabre he returned to where the bodies lay. The tavern keeper approached him. 'I have sent for the Watch,' he said. Dagorian nodded and moved to the rear of the room, where the dead assassin lay. Flipping the body with his foot he knelt down and wrenched away the mask and hood. The man was unknown to him. He heard a soft curse from the tavern \expndtw-1 keeper and swung round.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sb5\sl-245\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You know this man?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The tavern keeper nodded dumbly. 'He has been in here several times - usually in uniform.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-245\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Who is he?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li24\ri5\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I don't know his name. But he's an aide to Antikas \expndtw-2 Karios.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\sb250\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 For the third time that afternoon Nogusta signalled a halt to rest the horses. The two mares ridden by Kebra and Bison did not need rest, but Nogusta's huge black gelding was breathing heavily and sweat bathed its \expndtw-1 flanks. Nogusta stroked its sleek neck. 'Do not be down\-\expndtw-2 hearted, Great One,' he whispered, soothingly. 'You have\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb197\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\b\i\fs15 I2.Z\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\b0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 been ill, and you need time to regain your strength.' The \expndtw0 black man led him through the stand of pine and up the last rise. On the crest he paused and \i gazed \i0 down at \expndtw-1 the verdant valley below.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I still can't believe it,' said Bison, moving alongside Nogusta. 'Sold for his hide! There must have been a \expndtw-2 mistake.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No mistake. He has a lung infection, and the king \expndtw-1 decided he was no longer of use.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'But this is Starfire. He's been the king's warhorse for \expndtw-2 years. The king loves this horse.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Beware the love of kings,' said Nogusta, coldly. \expndtw-3 'Starfire is like us, Bison. He's at least eighteen years old, \expndtw0 and not as strong and fleet as once he was. Skanda had no more use for him. So he was sold for hide and meat \expndtw-1 and glue.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'If he's useless why did you buy him?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'He deserved better.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Maybe he did, but what will you do when he drops \expndtw-2 dead?' argued Bison. 'I mean . . . look at the state he's in! \expndtw0 Horses don't survive lung rot.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'The diagnosis is wrong. There is no wasting of the muscles. It is just an infection and he will improve in the mountain air. But if he does die it will be under the sky, free and proud, among friends who care for him.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'He's just a horse,' persisted Bison. 'Do you really \expndtw-1 think he cares?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I care.' Taking up the reins Nogusta started the long walk down into the valley. Bison and Kebra rode ahead and by the time the black warrior led the warhorse to \expndtw-2 level ground his two companions had made camp beside \expndtw0 a stream. Bison had collected dry wood for a fire and Kebra had unpacked pots and plates for the evening \expndtw-9 meal.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-8\fs21 12.3\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Nogusta unsaddled the black gelding, let him roll, then \expndtw0 groomed him. The horse was huge, almost eighteen hands, with a strong, arched neck and a beautiful back. A white blaze, in the shape of a star, adorned his brow. 'Rest now, my friend,' said Nogusta. 'The grass here is good.' The weary gelding plodded onto the meadow and \expndtw-1 began to crop grass.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'This is a fine place,' said Kebra. 'Good farming land. If I was twenty years younger I'd build here.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 As dusk deepened jack rabbits began to appear. Kebra \expndtw0 shot two, skinned and cleaned them, adding the fresh meat to the broth.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Nogusta wrapped himself in his cloak and sat with his \expndtw0 back to a tree. It was peaceful here, and the view was majestic. Snow-crested mountains broke the line of the horizon, and folds of hills and valleys lay before them. Away to the east he could see a deep forest part bathed in mist. To the west a lake glimmered blood red in the dying sunlight. Kebra was right. It was a place to build on, and he imagined a wide, low house, with windows that looked out on the mountains. Horses and cattle would prosper here. He gazed lovingly upon the moun\-tains. What were the works of Man, when set against these giants of nature, he wondered? Man's evil seemed small here, tiny and insubstantial. The mountains cared nothing for the whims of kings and princes. They were here before Man, and they would outlast him, surviving perhaps even when the sun failed and eternal darkness \expndtw-1 fell upon the planet.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kebra brought him a plate of food and the two men sat in companionable silence, eating their meal. Bison finished his swiftly, then took a flat pan and headed off upstream to search for gold.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'He'll find nothing,' said Kebra. 'There is no gold here.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb173\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\f1\fs18 12.4\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\f0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It will keep him occupied,' said Nogusta, sadness in \expndtw-6 his voice.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'You still expect us to be followed?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta nodded. 'Malikada is not a forgiving man. He will send men, and I will kill them. And for what? One man's arrogance.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'We might be able to avoid them,' offered Kebra. Nogusta took a deep breath and pushed himself to his \expndtw-10 feet.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Maybe. I have had no fresh visions to tell me other\-wise. But death is coming, Kebra. I can smell it.' Kebra did not reply. Nogusta was rarely wrong about these \expndtw-6 things.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Starfire moved closer to the two men. His breathing \expndtw-3 was still ragged. Nogusta moved smoothly to his feet and \expndtw0 stroked the gelding's long neck. 'Bison could be right,' said Kebra. 'Trying to escape pursuit upon a sick horse \expndtw-1 does not seem to make a great deal of sense.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'He has been poorly stabled,' said Nogusta. 'My father \expndtw0 knew about these things. He always soaked the straw, \expndtw-1 and ensured the stables were clean. And Starfire has not \expndtw-4 been exercised.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'That's not my point,' said Kebra, softly.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri5\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I know, my friend. It is not sensible.' He grinned. 'But \expndtw0 I would do it again.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb250\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha watched from the roof gardens as the army marched from the city. Four thousand Drenai foot \expndtw-1 soldiers, in ranks of threes, and three thousand Ventrian \expndtw0 cavalry in columns of twos. Behind them were the wagons, bearing supplies, or dismantled siege engines and ballistae. Word had reached Usa that the Cadian army was on the march and Skanda was eager to meet \expndtw-6 them.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sb269\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-10\b\fs13 12-5\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\b0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The king had not bothered to visit Axiana, but had \expndtw-2 sent a farewell message via Kalizkan. Ulmenetha \expndtw0 had avoided the wizard, keeping to her rooms until he had gone. Now she stood high above the cheering \expndtw-2 crowds as Skanda rode from the city. The populace were \expndtw0 scattering rose petals before his horse, and he was \expndtw-3 waving and smiling.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Amazing, thought Ulmenetha. A few years ago he had \expndtw0 been an invading foreigner, feared by all. Now, despite \expndtw-1 the endless battles and the destruction of empire, he was \expndtw0 a hero to them. He was a god.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 She wondered idly whether it would have been differ\-\expndtw0 ent had he been ugly. Could a man with an ugly face \expndtw-2 command such devotion? Probably not. But then Skanda \expndtw0 was not ugly. He was handsome and tall, golden haired, with a winning smile and enormous charm. We are so stupid sometimes, she decided. Last year Skanda had donated 10,000 \i raq \i0 to the city orphanage - one hundredth of the amount he spent on his wars. Yet the people loved him for it. It was the talk of the city. In the same month a respected holy man had been accused of trying to seduce a young priestess. He was savagely condemned and banished from Usa. This also was the talk of the city. Such extremes, thought Ulmenetha. All the holy man's life work was dust following one mis\-\expndtw-2 guided action. People scorned him. Yet the greatest killer \expndtw0 in the empire could win love by giving away a tiny portion of the money he had plundered from the city \expndtw-3 treasury.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Ulmenetha sighed. Who could understand it?\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 As the last of the soldiers left the city she wandered \expndtw-1 back through the upper levels of the palace, and down to \expndtw-2 the long kitchens. Servants were sitting around with little \expndtw0 to do and Ulmenetha helped herself to a second break-\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 12.6\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 fast of cheese and eggs, followed by bread and a rich red \expndtw-6 strawberry preserve.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 While eating she listened to the chatter among the \expndtw-5 servants. They were talking about a young Drenai officer \expndtw0 who had gone insane, and stabbed to death a Ventrian \expndtw-2 official and an officer from the staff of Antikas Karios. \expndtw0 Soldiers were scouring the city for him. Others had \expndtw-6 ridden south to see if he had tried to join the men march\-\expndtw-1 ing home with the White Wolf. Returning to the upper \expndtw-2 levels she sought out Axiana. The queen was sitting on \expndtw-5 her balcony, a wide-brimmed hat shielding her face from \expndtw-2 the spring sunlight. 'How are you feeling today?' asked \expndtw-9 Ulmenetha.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I am well,' answered Axiana. 'Kalizkan wants me to \expndtw-5 move into his home. He wishes to be close when the boy \expndtw-2 is born.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha felt a sudden chill in her heart. 'What \expndtw-5 answer did you give him?' she asked.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I said I would think on it. Did you hear about \expndtw-5 Dagorian?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Dagorian?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 'The handsome young officer who always stares at me. \expndtw-2 I told you about him.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'I remember. What has he done?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'They say he went mad and killed some people. I find \expndtw-4 it hard to believe. He has such gentle eyes.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'Looks can be deceptive,' said Ulmenetha.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I suppose so. I have been to Kalizkan's house. It is \expndtw-3 very comfortable. He has wonderful gardens. And he is so amusing. You like him too, don't you?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li24\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'I have always enjoyed his company,' admitted Ulmenetha. 'But I think you should stay here.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li34\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'Why?' asked Axiana, looking up. Ulmenetha was at a \expndtw-4 loss to explain her remark. She was not even tempted to\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\sb264\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\b\fs14 12-7\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\b0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li48\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 tell the queen of what she had seen on the roof garden.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li24\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'His house is overrun by shrieking children,' she said, finally, 'and most of his servants are male. I think you would be more at your ease here.' She saw Axiana's expression harden. 'But it is your decision, my lady. \expndtw-1 Whatever you think best.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Axiana relaxed and smiled. 'You are probably right. I shall consider your advice. Will you do something for \expndtw-8 me?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Of course.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Find out what happened with Dagorian.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It may be too gruesome,' argued Ulmenetha.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Even so.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I shall do it immediately,' said Ulmenetha.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 With Antikas Karios and his staff gone from the city Ulmenetha walked the two miles to the offices of the Militia who were seeking the renegade officer. There a thin cleric, with deep-set eyes, told her of the murder of Zani. She asked what investigation the two men were \expndtw-2 working on, and was told it involved a series of murders. She pressed for further details.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What is your interest here, lady?' asked the cleric, \expndtw-6 suspiciously.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I am the queen's midwife, and she herself asked me to \expndtw0 ascertain the facts. The young officer is known to her.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li24\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I see.' The man's expression changed instantly, and he gave an oily smile. 'Can I fetch you a chair?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li29\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No, I am fine. You were about to tell me the details \expndtw-2 of their investigation.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He leaned forward across the broad counter that separated them. 'The papers relating to their case are no \expndtw-3 longer here, lady,' he said, lowering his voice. 'They were \expndtw-2 transferred to the offices of Antikas Karios. But I can tell you that the investigation involved the killing of mystics.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 iz8\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 I spoke to Zani about it myself. He was convinced there was more to the murders than was immediately \expndtw-1 apparent.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'I see. And where was Zani killed?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 He gave her the address of the tavern, and once more \expndtw0 Ulmenetha trekked across the city. It was noon before she reached the tavern, which was already full. Easing \expndtw-2 her way through the throng she sought out the \expndtw-4 innkeeper, but was told that he was visiting his family to \expndtw-3 the west of the city. Further inquiries were useless in the \expndtw-2 noise and the hustle. She found a seat at the back of the \expndtw0 tavern, and ordered a lunch of roast chicken, followed by several pieces of freshly baked fruit pie and cream. \expndtw-5 Then she sat quietly, waiting for the midday rush to ease. \expndtw-3 She stayed in the tavern for almost two hours, and when \expndtw-4 the crowd dissipated she summoned a serving maid.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Were you here when the murders took place?' she \expndtw-3 asked. The girl shook her head.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Did you want more food?' she enquired.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Yes. Another slice of pie. Were any of the serving \expndtw-2 maids here that night?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Yes. Dilian.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 Ts she here today?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'No. She went away with Pavik.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Tavik?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'The tavern keeper,' answered the girl, moving away.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Moments later a thick set woman in her early fifties \expndtw-1 strode to where Ulmenetha sat. 'Why are you pestering \expndtw-4 my staff?' she asked, belligerently, her large arms folded \expndtw0 across her ample bosom. 'And why should you be \expndtw-3 interested in the whereabouts of my husband?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li29\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'I am investigating the murders,' said Ulmenetha. The \expndtw-4 woman gave a scornful laugh.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li245\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'Oh, I see. Now the army has gone the city police have\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li29\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\fs21 12.9\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li43\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 turned power over to you, eh? Is that right, you fat cow?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li24\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha gave a sweet smile. 'Perhaps you would prefer to answer my questions in the city dungeon, you raddled slut. One more foul word from you and I shall send the Watch to arrest you.' Ulmenetha spoke the threat softly, and with quiet confidence, and the power of the words lanced through the woman's bluster.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Who are you?' she asked, licking her lips.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Sit down,' ordered Ulmenetha. The woman sank to \expndtw-2 the seat opposite.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I have been sent here by someone in a very high place - someone who could cause you great harm. Now tell me \expndtw-1 all you know of the killings.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I wasn't here. My husband saw it all.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What did he tell you?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 This is not fair,' whined the woman. 'We've been told what to say. And we've said it. We've done our duty, Pavik and me. We don't want to be involved in \expndtw24 ...\expndtw0  in \expndtw-4 politics.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Who told you what to say?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Someone in a very high place who could do me con\-siderable harm,' spat the woman, regaining some of her \expndtw-5 courage.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha nodded. 'I understand your fear,' she said. 'And you are quite right in your desire to avoid becom\-ing enmeshed in the intrigues of the nobility. But you have already told me much.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I've told you nothing.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha looked into the woman's frightened eyes. 'You have told me that your husband lied about the murders. Therefore I must assume that the officer, Dagorian, did not commit them. This means that you have accused an innocent man of a crime. Whatever the intrigue you are now facing the death penalty.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 130\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No! Pavik told the truth to the first man. Absolutely the truth. Then this other man came and made him \expndtw-3 change his story. Then he told Pavik to leave the city for a few days.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 This other man has a name?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Who are you?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I dwell at the palace,' said Ulmenetha, softly. 'Now, \expndtw-3 give me the name.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Antikas Karios,' whispered the woman.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'What really happened that night?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'The policeman, Zani, was murdered as he left the \expndtw-1 tavern. Then three men tried to kill the Drenai. He slew one, wounded another, and they fled. That's all I know. \expndtw-4 But please, for pity's sake, tell no-one I told you. Say you \expndtw0 heard it from someone in the tavern that night. Will you do that?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Indeed I will. You say your husband and the serving \expndtw-2 maid have left the city. Do you know where they went?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'No. Antikas Karios sent a carriage for them.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I see. Thank you for your help.' Ulmenetha rose. The \expndtw0 woman pushed herself to her feet and grabbed the \expndtw-3 priestess by the arm.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'You won't say. You promise!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I promise.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha left the tavern. She glanced back once to \expndtw-2 see the woman's fearful face at the window.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\sl-254\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 She will never see her husband again, thought \expndtw-6 Ulmenetha.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\ri14\sb240\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 When Dagorian left the tavern that night he ran back to \expndtw0 his rooms at the new barracks, changed his clothing, leaving his armour, breastplate and greaves behind, gathered what money he had saved and walked away \expndtw-3 into the city night.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 131\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The death of Zani had been shocking enough, but to discover that the assassins had been sent by Antikas Karios was a bitter blow. Dagorian knew that his life was in far greater peril than he had feared. Antikas \expndtw-1 Karios had no reason to order him killed, and this meant \expndtw0 that the order must have come from Malikada himself. And, as Banelion had pointed out, Dagorian did not have the power to withstand such an enemy.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Worse, the whole poisonous business was undoubtedly \expndtw-1 linked to the deaths of the mystics, and the demons over \expndtw0 Usa. It was therefore likely that he would be hunted on two fronts, on one side by swords, on the other by \expndtw-7 sorcery.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian had never been more frightened. He had no plan, save to make his way to the oldest quarter of the \expndtw-3 city. Here he could hide among the multitudes of the poor \expndtw-2 and the dispossessed, the beggars and thieves, the whores \expndtw0 and the urchins. It was the most densely populated quarter, with narrow streets and twisting lanes, dark \expndtw-1 alleyways and shadowed arches.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 It was close to midnight as Dagorian lay down in the doorway of an old warehouse. He was desperately tired \expndtw-1 and close to despair.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 A figure emerged from the moon shadows. Dagorian pushed himself to his feet, his hand on his knife hilt.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 In the moonlight he could see the man was not an \expndtw-3 assassin, but a beggar, dressed in rags. The man \expndtw0 approached him cautiously. He was painfully thin, and his skeletal face was pitted with old sores. 'Spare a copper coin, sir, for an unfortunate victim of the war?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian relaxed and was about to reach into his money pouch, when the man sprang forward, a rusty knife in his hand. Dagorian swayed aside, blocking the knife arm and sending a right cross to the beggar's chin.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 I3Z\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The man fell heavily against the warehouse door, \expndtw-2 striking his head on the wooden frame. Dagorian \expndtw0 wrestled the knife from his grasp, and flung it to one \expndtw-2 side. The man sank to his haunches.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Give me your clothes,' said the officer, removing his own cloak and shirt.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The man blinked in the moonlight, and stared up at the Drenai with a look of incomprehension. 'Your clothes, man. I need them. In return you get this fine \expndtw-2 cloak.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 Slowly the beggar peeled off his wretched coat and the \expndtw-3 soiled shirt he wore beneath it. 'And your footwear,' said \expndtw0 Dagorian. 'You may keep your breeches. I think I'd rather hang than wear them.' The man's body was fish \expndtw-1 white in the moonlight, his chest and back criss-crossed with old scars - the marks of many whips.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 The officer donned the clothing and the coat, then sat \expndtw-4 down and pulled on the man's boots. They were of cheap \expndtw-2 hide, the soles as thin as paper.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'You're the one they seek,' said the beggar, suddenly. \expndtw-2 'The killer Drenai.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'The first part is right,' Dagorian told him.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You won't pass for a beggar. You're too clean. Well scrubbed. You need to lie low for a few days, let your \expndtw-4 hair get greasy, and get some dirt under your fingernails.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'A pleasant thought,' responded the Drenai. Yet he knew the man was right. He looked at the beggar, who \expndtw-1 had made no attempt to clothe himself, despite the chill \expndtw0 of the night. He is waiting for me to kill him, thought Dagorian, suddenly. And that is what I should do. 'Get \expndtw-1 dressed and be on your way,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Not very bright, are you?' said the beggar, pulling on \expndtw0 the fine blue woollen shirt, and giving a gap-toothed \expndtw-7 grin.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sb197\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-16\fs21 133\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li250\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You'd prefer it if I slit your throat?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li29\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It's not about preference, boy. It's about survival. \expndtw-2 Still, I'm grateful.' The beggar rose, and swung the black \expndtw0 cloak around his thin shoulders. 'You'd better start thinking about a hiding place. If you can stay clear of them for a couple of days they'll believe you escaped \expndtw-1 from the city. Then you can make a move.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I do not know the city,' admitted Dagorian.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Then good luck to you,' said the beggar. Holding the boots in his left hand he moved to where his knife lay \expndtw-1 and picked it up. Then he was gone.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian moved away, ducking down a dark alley. \expndtw-2 The man was right. He needed a place to hide. But where \expndtw-1 could a man hide from the powers of sorcery?\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He felt the rising of panic, and quelled it. The White \expndtw-1 Wolf had taught him much, but the most valuable lesson \expndtw0 was that, when in peril, keep a cool head. 'Think fast if you have to - but always think!' Dagorian sucked in a deep, calming breath, and leaned against a wall. Think! Where can the powers of sorcery be held at bay? In a \expndtw-2 holy temple. He considered travelling to one of the many \expndtw-1 churches, but that would mean asking for sanctuary. The building may be holy, but he would be putting his life in \expndtw-2 the hands of the monks. And - even if they did not betray \expndtw0 him - he would be risking their lives. No, that was not an option. Where else then? At the home of a friendly sorcerer, who could place ward spells around him. But \expndtw-1 he knew no sorcerers - save Kalizkan.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li14\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Then a thought struck him. The old woman who had \expndtw-2 been killed by her son. She had laid ward spells on all the \expndtw0 doors of the inner room.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian carried on walking, trying to get his bear\-\expndtw-1 ings. The old woman had lived in the northern section of \expndtw0 the old quarter. He glanced at the sky, but there were\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sb187\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\fs21 134\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri53\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 thick clouds and he could see no stars. He walked on for \expndtw-1 an hour. Twice he saw soldiers of the Watch, and ducked \expndtw0 into the shadows.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri43\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 At last he reached the woman's house. Moving to the rear he scaled a wall and entered the building. There were no windows in the back room and Dagorian lit a lantern. Blood still stained the walls, and the rune stones remained scattered on the table. He glanced at the two doors. Both bore the carved triangle and the snake.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Hoping that the ward spells were still active he blew out the lantern and moved to a narrow bed in the corner.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Sleep came instantly.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\i\fs21 He was sitting in a cave, and a fire was burning. He felt hot and confused. 'Be calm, child,' came a familiar voice. He tried to place it, and remembered the shining \expndtw-1 figure who had rescued him at the wizard's house.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi216\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\i\fs21 'What am I doing here?' he asked, sitting up and look\-\expndtw0 ing around. The cave was empty, and when the voice spoke again, he realized it was coming from the blazing \expndtw-7 fire.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi221\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\i\fs21 'You are not \i0 here. \i There is no \i0 here. \i This is a place of spirit. Your body lies in the woman's hovel. It was a good choice. They will not find you.'\cf0\lang2057\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\i\fs21 'Why do you not show yourself?'\cf0\lang2057\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi216\li19\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\i\fs21 'All in good time, child. Have you put together the \expndtw-4 clues? Do you even begin to understand what is happen\-\expndtw-8 ing?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li240\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\i\fs21 'No. All I know is that Malikada wishes me dead.'\cf0\lang2057\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\i\fs21 'Malikada cares nothing for you, Dagorian. You are \expndtw-4 an incidental in a great design. Kalizkan - or the creature \expndtw-3 that calls itself Kalizkan - is a Demon Lord, of enormous \expndtw0 power. He seeks to cast the Spell of the Three Kings. If \expndtw-4 he succeeds the world will be changed beyond the recog\-\expndtw-2 nition of man. It will become as it once was. The demons\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li53\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\i\fs21 will be flesh once more, and the two worlds will become \expndtw-3 one.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li34\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\i\fs21 Dagorian raised his hand. 'Stop for a moment. This is \expndtw0 making my head spin. The two worlds? What is the \expndtw-7 meaning?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi216\li10\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\i\fs21 'Aeons ago the creatures we call demons lived among \expndtw-3 us. Shape-Shifters, blood-drinkers, were beings. We were \expndtw-1 at war with them for a thousand years. Then three kings came together, and with the aid of a mighty wizard they \expndtw0 changed the world, banishing the demons to another \expndtw-2 place, a grey realm of spirit. Sorcerers can still summon \expndtw0 demons using blood magic, opening the gateways for fleeting heartbeats. But when the spell is done the demons return to the grey. Kalizkan seeks to repeat \expndtw-1 the Spell of the Three Kings.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\i\fs21 'And he can do this?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\i\fs21 'It has already begun, child. The Ventrian emperor \expndtw-2 was the first to be sacrificed. But the spell requires three \expndtw-1 deaths, each of kings, and each king to be mightier than \expndtw-3 the last. When the final death blow is delivered the world \expndtw0 will be cursed as it was in time past. The drinkers of \expndtw-2 blood will return.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi216\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\i\fs21 'Three kings? Then they will try to kill Skanda. I must \expndtw0 get to him.'\cf0\lang2057\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\i\fs21 'You cannot. His death is but hours away, and on the \expndtw-1 fastest horse you could not reach the army within a day. \expndtw0 By this time tomorrow the Drenai army will be \expndtw-1 destroyed, and Skanda will be strapped to the altar.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\i\fs21 'Sweet Heaven! There must be something I can do.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\i\fs21 'You can save the third king.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\i\fs21 'There is no king greater than Skanda.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li29\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\i\fs21 'There is his unborn son. If destiny allows him to live he will be a greater man than his father. But Kalizkan \expndtw-2 plans to destroy him.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri29\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 136\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi221\ri19\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 7 \i could not get into the palace. They are searching for \expndtw0 me everywhere.'\cf0\lang2057\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-245\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\i\fs21 'If you do not then all is lost.'\cf0\lang2057\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian awoke in a cold sweat. As he saw the solid walls of the house relief swelled within him. It was a dream. He laughed at his foolishness, and fell asleep \expndtw-2 once more.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sb240\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Wrapped in his cloak against the night cold Nogusta leaned back against the tree and fed another stick to the fire. Bison was snoring softly, the sound strangely comforting in the quiet of the night. Nogusta drew one of his ten diamond-shaped throwing knives from the black baldric draped across his chest and idly twirled the blade through his fingers. The silver steel gleamed in the moonlight.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ushuru would have loved this place of high, lonely beauty, the vast expanse of the mountains, the wildness of wood and forest. She would have been happy here. \expndtw-1\i We \i0 would have been happy here, he corrected himself.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Time had not eased the grief. Perhaps he had not wished it to.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 His mind flew back, ghosting over the years, seeing again the huge living-room. They had all been laughing and joking, sitting around the hearth. His father and his two brothers had just returned from Drenan, where they had negotiated a new contract with the army for a hun\-dred horses, and the celebrations were in full flow. He could still see Ushuru sitting on the couch, her long legs \expndtw-4 drawn up beneath her. She was Grafting a dream-deceiver \expndtw0 for Nogusta's youngest nephew. A web of twisted horse \expndtw-2 hair, woven around a sapling circle that would hang over \expndtw0 his bed. Nightmares were said to be drawn to the \expndtw-2 deceiver, and trapped in the web, leaving the sleeper free\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 of torment. The twenty-year-old Nogusta moved to her \expndtw-2 side, placing his arm over her shoulder. Lightly he kissed \expndtw-4 her cheek.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It is a fine piece of work,' he told her.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 She smiled. 'It will confuse the sleep demons.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He grinned. She had learned the western tongue well, \expndtw-2 but her translations were always too literal. 'Do you miss \expndtw0 the lands of Opal?' he asked her, in the ancient tongue.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li14\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I would like to see my mother again,' she told him. 'But I am more than content.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 She continued to weave the web. 'Of what does Kynda \expndtw-1 dream?' he asked her.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Fire. He is surrounded by fire.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'He burned his fingers last week at the forge,' Nogusta \expndtw0 told her. 'Children learn by such painful mistakes.' Even \expndtw-1 as the thought came to him a bright picture formed in his \expndtw-2 mind. A small child tumbling down a steep slope. As she \expndtw0 fell her foot became trapped under a jutting tree root, \expndtw-1 snapping her leg. Nogusta stood.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li197\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What is it, my love?' asked Ushuru.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li202\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'A child hurt in the hills. I'll find her.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He kissed her once more, this time upon the lips, then left the house. The memory burned at him now with exquisite pain. He had been twenty years of age, and \expndtw-3 would never kiss her again. The next time he saw her, less \expndtw-1 than ten hours distant, she would be a corpse, her beauty destroyed by knives and fire. Kynda's nightmares would \expndtw0 have come true, flames roaring through his bedroom.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 But this he did not know as he set out to find the village child. When he came upon her she was un\-conscious. Freeing the child he splinted the leg then carried her back to the village. He had been surprised to find no search parties, and it was just after dawn when \expndtw-1 he entered the village from the north.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 138\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 A crowd surged out from the meeting hall as he approached. The girl was awake now. Her father -\expndtw-1 Grinan the baker - ran forward. 'I fell down, daddy,' she \expndtw0 said. 'I hurt myself.' Nogusta saw that the baker's shirt was smeared with soot. He thought it strange. Grinan \expndtw-1 took his daughter from Nogusta's arms. Then he saw the \expndtw-4 splint.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I found her by Sealac Hollow,' said Nogusta. 'Her leg is broken, but the break is clean. It will mend well.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 No-one spoke. Nogusta knew the villagers had little love for his family, but even so their reaction was strange, to say the least. Then he saw that a number of the men in the crowd also had scorch marks upon their \expndtw-5 clothes.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 From the back of the crowd came Menimas, the noble\-\expndtw0 man. He was a tall thin man, with deep-set dark eyes, and a moustache and beard trimmed to a perfect circle. 'Hang him!' he said. 'He is a demon worshipper!'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 At first the meaning of the words did not register. 'What is he saying?' Nogusta asked Grinan. The man \expndtw-1 avoided his eyes. He looked down at his daughter.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Did this man take you away, Flarin?' he asked her.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No, daddy. I fell down in the woods. I hurt my leg.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Menimas stepped forward. 'He has bewitched the child. Hang him, I say!' For a moment no-one moved, \expndtw-4 then several men ran at Nogusta. He downed two of them \expndtw-2 with a left and right combination, but weight of numbers \expndtw0 overpowered him and he was wrestled to the ground. \expndtw-1 They bound his arms and dragged him to the oak on the \expndtw0 market square. A rope was thrown over a high branch, \expndtw-1 and a noose fastened around his neck.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li24\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He was hoisted up, the rope burning into his throat. He heard Menimas scream: 'Die, you black bastard!' \expndtw-2 Then he passed out.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-12\fs21 139\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Somewhere within the darkness he became aware of \expndtw-3 sensation; warm air being forced into his lungs. He could \expndtw0 feel the flow of it, his chest rising to accommodate it. \expndtw-2 Then he felt the warmth of a mouth upon his own, push\-\expndtw0 ing more air into his starved lungs. Gradually other sensations followed; a burning pain on the skin of his throat, the cool of the ground beneath his back. Strong hands pushed down upon his chest, and he heard a \expndtw-1 commanding voice. 'Breathe, damn you!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li14\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 The warm air had stopped flowing now, and Nogusta, \expndtw0 growing short of oxygen, sucked in a huge, juddering, \expndtw-4 breath.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He opened his eyes to find himself lying on the \expndtw-1 ground, staring up at the leaves of the oak. The rope still \expndtw0 hung from a thick branch, but it had been hacked in two. The face of a stranger swam into sight. Nogusta tried to speak, but his voice was a croak. 'Say nothing,' said the grey-eyed man. 'Your throat is bruised, but you will live. Let me help you stand.' Nogusta \expndtw-1 struggled to his feet. There were soldiers in the \expndtw0 square, and twelve villagers were standing by under \expndtw-4 guard.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta touched his throat. The noose still hung there. He lifted it clear. The skin below was raw and bleeding. 'I \expndtw25 ...\expndtw0  rescued \expndtw27 ...\expndtw0  a child,' he managed to say. 'And . . . they attacked me. I \expndtw27 ...\expndtw0  don't know why.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I know why,' said the man. Turning to Nogusta he laid a slender hand on his shoulder. 'Last night these \expndtw-1 people burned your home. They killed your family.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'My family? No! It cannot be!'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'They are dead, and I am sorry for your loss. I cannot tell you how sorry. The killers believed . . . were led to believe . . . that your family kidnapped the child for \expndtw33 ... \expndtw0 some blood rite. They are simple and stupid people.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 140\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The pain in his throat was forgotten now. 'They didn't kill them all? Not all of them?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Yes. All of them. And though it will not bring them back you will see justice now. Bring the first!' he ordered. It was the baker, Grinan.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No, please!' he shouted. T have a family. Children. \expndtw-2 They need me!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The pale-eyed soldier stepped in close to the pleading man. 'Every action a man takes has consequences, peasant. This man also had a family. You have com\-mitted murder. Now you will pay for it.' A woman out\-\expndtw-1 side the ring of soldiers screamed for mercy, but a noose \expndtw0 was placed over Grinan's head and he was hauled into the air, his feet kicking out.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 One by one the twelve villagers with fire-blackened clothes were brought forward and hanged.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Where is Menimas?' asked Nogusta, as the last man \expndtw-6 died.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'He fled,' said the soldier. 'He has friends in high \expndtw-1 places. I doubt he will be convicted.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Leaving the village to bury its dead the soldiers and Nogusta returned to the burnt-out estate. Nogusta was in deep shock now, his mind swimming. The seven corpses had been wrapped in blankets and laid out in a \expndtw-2 row before the ruins. One by one he went to them, open\-\expndtw0 ing the shrouds, and staring down at the dead. The child Kynda was unmarked by fire, and his tiny hand was clutching the dream-deceiver made by Ushuru. 'Smoke \expndtw-1 killed him,' said the officer.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 One by one Nogusta dug the graves, refusing all offers \expndtw-3 of help.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 When they were all buried the pale-eyed officer \expndtw-2 returned. 'We have rounded up some of your horses. The \expndtw0 rest escaped into the mountains. The tack room was\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-15\fs21 141\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 largely intact and I have had a horse saddled for you. I need you to come with me to the garrison to make a report on the . . . incident.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Nogusta did not argue. They rode for most of the day, \expndtw0 and camped that night at Shala Falls. Nogusta had \expndtw-1 spoken to no-one during the ride. Now he lay within his \expndtw-2 blankets, his emotions numbed. It was as if he could feel \expndtw-1 nothing. He kept seeing Ushuru's face, and her smile.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Two of the soldiers were talking nearby, their voices \expndtw-3 low. 'Did you see it?' said one. 'It was horrible. I've never \expndtw-1 seen the like. Don't want to again. Made me feel sick.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Even through the numbness Nogusta felt grateful for \expndtw-2 the sympathetic reaction in the soldier.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'Yes, it was gross,' said his companion. 'The White Wolf \expndtw-3 blowing air into a black man's mouth! Who'd believe it?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Even now - more than thirty years later - Nogusta felt \expndtw-2 a cold anger rising in him at the memory. Still, anger is a \expndtw0 better emotion than sorrow, he thought. Anger is alive \expndtw-1 and can be dealt with. Sorrow is a dead creature and sits like a weight that cannot be released.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He rose and wandered away into the trees, gathering more dead wood for the fire. You should sleep, he told himself. There will be killers coming. You will need all \expndtw-2 your strength and skill.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Returning to the fire he fed it then settled down under his blanket, his head resting on his saddle.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 But sleep would not come, and he rose again. Bison groaned and woke. Pushing back his blanket the giant \expndtw-2 pushed himself to his feet and stumbled to a nearby tree, \expndtw-3 where he urinated noisily. Retying his leggings he turned \expndtw-1 and saw Nogusta sitting by the fire.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Didn't find any gold today,' he said, squatting down \expndtw-3 beside the black man.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li245\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Maybe tomorrow.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-10\fs21 142\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'You want me to keep watch?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 Nogusta grinned. 'You never could keep watch, Bison. \expndtw-2 By the time I lie down you'll be asleep.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I do find it easy to sleep,' admitted Bison. 'I was \expndtw-3 dreaming about the Battle at Purdol. You, me and Kebra \expndtw-1 on the wall. Have you still got your medal?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'Yes.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'I sold mine. Got twenty \i raq \i0 for it. Wish I hadn't now. \expndtw-1 It was a good medal.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'You can have mine.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Can I?' Bison was delighted. 'I won't sell it this time.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You probably will, but it doesn't matter.' Nogusta sighed. 'That was the first great victory. It was on that day we realized the Ventrians could be beaten. I re\-member it rained all that day, lightning in the sky, \expndtw-1 thunder over the sea.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I don't remember much about it,' admitted Bison. 'Except that we held the wall and the White Wolf \expndtw-1 supplied sixty barrels of rum for the army.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I think you drank most of it.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'That was a good night. All the camp whores gave it \expndtw-2 away for free. Have you slept?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Not yet,' said Nogusta.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Bison tugged at his white walrus moustache. He could see his friend was unhappy, but did not have the courage \expndtw0 to broach the subject. Nogusta and Kebra were both \i thinking \i0 men, and much of what they spoke of sailed high above Bison's head. 'You ought to sleep,' said \expndtw-1 Bison, at last. 'You'll feel better for it.' At the thought of \expndtw-4 sleep he yawned. Then he wandered back to his blankets. \expndtw-3 Nogusta settled down again and closed his eyes.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li29\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 In that moment he experienced a sudden vision. He \expndtw-1 saw ten riders moving slowly across green hills, white-\expndtw0 topped mountains behind them. Nogusta looked at the\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 riders. The sun was high, the ten riders hooded against its glare. They rode into a wood. One of them pushed back his hood and removed a helm of black iron. His hair was long, and ghost white, his face grey, his eyes blood red. An arrow flashed from the trees. The rider threw up his hand, and the shaft sliced through it, driving on to pierce the flesh of his face. He dragged it \expndtw-1 clear. Both wounds healed instantly.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The vision changed. Suddenly it was night, and two moons hung in the sky, one a crescent, the other full. \expndtw-2 And he saw himself standing by the tree line on a hillside \expndtw-1 beneath alien stars. A woman was walking towards him. It was Ushuru. And she was smiling.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 This vision also faded, and Nogusta found himself floating high above a plain. He saw the Drenai infantry commit themselves to an attack on the Cadian centre. Skanda was leading the charge. As the Cadians reeled \expndtw-1 back a trumpet sounded and Skanda signalled to \expndtw0 Malikada for the cavalry to attack the right. But \expndtw-1 Malikada did not move, and the cavalry remained, hold\-ing to the hill.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta could see the despair in Skanda's eyes; the disbelief and the dawning realization of betrayal and \expndtw-6 defeat.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 And then the slaughter began.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta awoke in a cold sweat, his hands trembling. Bison and Kebra were asleep, and the dawn light was \expndtw-2 creeping above the mountains. Pushing aside his blankets \expndtw0 the black warrior rose soundlessly. Kebra stirred and \expndtw-4 opened his eyes.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What is wrong, my friend?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Skanda is dead. And we are in peril.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li43\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kebra pushed himself to his feet. 'Dead? That cannot \expndtw-5 be.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 144\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'He was betrayed by Malikada and the Ventrians. They stood by while our comrades were slaughtered.' \expndtw-1 Slowly, remembering every image, he told Kebra of his \expndtw-7 visions.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 The bowman listened in silence. 'The betrayal and the \expndtw0 battle I can understand,' he said, when Nogusta had \expndtw-3 finished. 'But demonic riders with eyes of blood? What is \expndtw-2 that supposed to mean? It can't be real, can it? Any more \expndtw0 than walking with Ushuru beneath two moons.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I do not know, my friend. But I think the riders will \expndtw-2 come. And I will face them.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Not alone you won't,' said Kebra.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sb5698\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 145\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri34\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\i\fs31 Chapter Six\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb475\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 All her life Ulmenetha had known many fears. Her mother's sickness and death had filled her with a terror of cancer that caused awful nightmares, and left her trembling in her bed, her face and body bathed in cold \expndtw-1 sweat. Small, scurrying rodents inspired a sense of dread \expndtw0 in her, leaving her incapable of movement. But most of all the death of her beloved Vian had made her fear love itself, and to run for the sanctuary of the convent.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 She sat now in her room, staring up at the stars, con\-templating the nature of fear.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi154\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 For Ulmenetha terror began the moment control was \expndtw-3 lost. She had been powerless when her mother was dying. \expndtw0 She could only watch in silent anguish as the flesh shrivelled away and the spirit fled. As a consequence Ulmenetha had worried over Vian, making sure he ate well, and was always dressed in warm clothes when the winter winds blew. He had laughed at her coddling. Ulmenetha had been preparing an evening meal when \expndtw-2 word reached her he was dead. While searching for a lost \expndtw0 sheep he had slipped on the ice and fallen from the high \expndtw-1 ridge. There was nothing she could have done to prevent \expndtw0 it, but that did not stop the guilt from eating its way into \expndtw-2 her soul. It was she who had urged him to find the sheep. \expndtw0 Guilt, remorse and sorrow had overwhelmed her.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li48\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 So she had run from her fears, and even taken the extra precaution of becoming fat, in order that men\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li29\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 146\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 would no longer find her attractive. All this so that \expndtw-2 she would never again suffer the true terrors of life.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Yet here she was, sitting in a palace bedroom, with the \expndtw-4 demons closing in.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 What can I do, she asked herself? The first answer, as \expndtw0 always, was to run, to leave the palace and make the long journey back to Drenan and the convent. The thought of running, putting these fears behind her, was immensely seductive. She had money, and could book passage on a caravan to the coast, and then take a ship \expndtw-3 to Dros Purdol. Sea air on her face. The thought of flight \expndtw-1 brought calm to her mind.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Then she pictured Axiana's face, the large, childlike eyes, and the sweet smile. And with it the memory of \expndtw-3 Kalizkan's rotting, maggot-ridden flesh.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 I cannot leave her! The panic began again. What can you do against the power of demons, whispered the voice of flight. You are a fat priestess with no arcane skills. Kalizkan is a sorcerer. He could blast your soul \expndtw-3 from your overweight body. He could consign you to the Void. He could send assassins to plunge their knives into \expndtw-5 your obese belly!\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Ulmenetha rose from her chair and moved to the table \expndtw-3 by the window. From a drawer she took a silver-rimmed \expndtw0 oval mirror and held it up to her face. For years she had avoided mirrors, hating the bloated image they portrayed. But now she looked beyond the flesh, and \expndtw-4 deep into the grey eyes, recalling the girl who had run the \expndtw0 mountain paths - the girl who had run for joy and not \expndtw-4 for fear.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li24\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 At last calm, her mind set, she returned the mirror to \expndtw-2 the drawer. First she must tell Axiana of her discoveries concerning Dagorian. The officer was innocent, and the \expndtw-4 true villain, she was sure, was Kalizkan. Then realization\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb192\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 147\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs22 struck her. Kalizkan was not the enemy. Kalizkan was dead! Something had taken over the body; something powerful enough to cast a sweet and reassuring spell, enchanting all who came into contact with it.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs22 If she were to tell Axiana the simple truth the queen would think her mad. How then to convince her of the \expndtw-1 perils that lay in wait?\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs22 You must walk with care down this road, she warned \expndtw-7 herself.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs22 Gathering her thoughts she was about to find Axiana when a servant tapped at her door. Ulmenetha called for her to enter. The girl stepped inside and curtsied.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs22 'What is it, child?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs22 'The queen wishes you to prepare your belongings. They will be taken to Kalizkan's house in the morning.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs22 Ulmenetha fought for calm. 'Is the queen in her apart\-\expndtw-3 ments?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs22 'No, my lady. She left this afternoon. The Lord \expndtw-1 Kalizkan came for her.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb250\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs22 At noon on the second day Dagorian found his hunger overriding his caution. Leaving his sabre behind, but \expndtw-2 hiding his hunting knife beneath the beggar's rags, he left \expndtw0 his hiding place and risked the short walk to the market. The sun was bright in a clear sky, the market square packed with people. Easing his way through the crowd he stopped at a meat stall, where a spit of beef was being turned over a charcoal grill. The cook looked at him sourly, but Dagorian produced two copper coins and the man cut several thick slices, placing them on a wooden platter. The smell of the roasting meat was divine. It was almost too hot to hold and Dagorian burned his fingers. He blew on the meat, then tore off a chunk. It was exquisite. Juices ran down his stubbled\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb139\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-12\fs22 148\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 chin. The cook's expression softened. 'Good?' he enquired.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The best,' agreed Dagorian.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 A commotion began at the far end of the market place. \expndtw0 Instantly alert Dagorian prepared to run. Had he been \expndtw-1 spotted? Were they coming for him? The crowd milled, \expndtw0 and word spread like a fire through dry brush. An old \expndtw-1 man pushed his way through them, coming to the stall.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'The army's been crushed,' he told the cook. 'The king is dead.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Dead? The Cadians are coming here?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The old man shook his head. 'Apparently Prince Malikada forced them back across the river. But all the \expndtw-1 Drenai perished.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 The crowd surged around Dagorian, everyone talking. \expndtw-1 Skanda dead? It was unthinkable.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 His hunger gone he felt sick with anguish. Turning from the stall he stumbled back into the crowd.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Everywhere people were talking, theorizing, wonder\-\expndtw0 ing. How had Malikada repulsed the Cadians? How could all the Drenai have been wiped out, and yet Malikada's force remain intact? Dagorian was a soldier - albeit a reluctant one - and he knew the answer.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 Treachery.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 The king had been betrayed.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Sick at heart he made it back to the seer's home and \expndtw-1 slumped down in a chair.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The dream came back to him. Two kings slain. The third - the unborn child - in terrible danger.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 What can I do, he thought? I am alone, trapped at the centre of a hostile city. How can I get to the queen? And even if I can how do I convince her of the danger she is in. He recalled trying to tell Zani of his fears concerning Kalizkan. The little man had rounded on him instantly. The sorcerer was probably the most\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-14\fs21 149\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 popular man in the city, loved by all for his good works.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian took a deep breath. A phrase his father used came to his mind. 'If a man has a boil on his arse, you don't heal it by lancing the foot.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Strapping his sabre belt to his waist Dagorian opened the back door, walked through the small garden, and out onto the crowded streets.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sb250\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kalizkan's house was an old one, originally built for Bodasen, the general who had led the Immortals in the time of Emperor Gorben. The facade was of white marble, inlaid with statues, and fronted by four tall \expndtw-1 columns. The building was three storeys high, with more \expndtw0 than a hundred rooms, the grounds around it beautifully landscaped, with flowering trees and willows clustered on the banks of a small lake.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 A high wall surrounded the estate, and a wrought-iron double gate ensured privacy for the master of the house.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha's carriage drew up outside the gate, and a \expndtw-1 soldier climbed down to open it. The carriage moved on, \expndtw0 coming to a halt before the marble steps leading to a high, arched doorway. A second soldier opened the door of the carriage and Ulmenetha stepped down.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Stay with me until I have spoken to the queen,' \expndtw-1 Ulmenetha told the two soldiers. Both bowed. They were \expndtw0 strong men, tall and broad shouldered, and the priestess felt more comfortable knowing they were to be close.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 She strode up the marble steps and was about to knock when the door opened. A hooded man stood in \expndtw-1 the shadows beyond. She could not see his face clearly.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li38\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What is it you want?' he asked her, his voice deep, \expndtw-2 and curiously accented.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li48\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha was unprepared for such a cold greeting, and she bridled. 'I am the queen's companion, and here\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li34\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 150\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 at her invitation.' The hooded man said nothing for a \expndtw-4 moment, then he stepped aside. Summoning the soldiers \expndtw-2 Ulmenetha walked inside. Curtains were drawn every\-\expndtw-4 where, and the interior was gloomy.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'Where is the queen?' she demanded.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'Upstairs . . . Resting,' replied the man, after a \expndtw-3 moment's thought.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'Which rooms?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Go to the top of the stairs and turn right. You will \expndtw-4 find them.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Turning to the soldiers she said: 'Wait here. I will be \expndtw-4 down presently.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 There was the smell of strong perfume in the air, \expndtw-1 cloying and strangely unpleasant, as if it masked some \expndtw0 dank, underlying odour. Ulmenetha began to climb the wide, red-carpeted staircase. Her footfalls raised dust on the carpet and she shivered. Fear was strong in her now. This gloomy, shadow-haunted place was cold and unwelcoming. Glancing back she saw the \expndtw-1 soldiers standing by the open door, sunlight streaming \expndtw0 through and shining on their armour. Fortified by the \expndtw-1 sight she walked on. Ulmenetha was breathing heavily \expndtw0 by the time she reached the top of the stairs. There was a gallery here, the walls covered with old paint\-ings, most of them landscapes. She noticed one of them was torn. She shivered again. This was no place \expndtw-3 for Axiana!\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Reaching the first of the doors she found it was \expndtw-2 locked. A large key was still in the lock and she turned \expndtw-4 it. The door opened, the dry hinges creaking.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li24\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 Dressed in a gown of blue and white satin Axiana was \expndtw0 sitting on a couch in front of a barred window. She \expndtw-5 looked startled as Ulmenetha entered.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Oh!' she cried, running to Ulmenetha and throwing\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 her arms around the priestess's shoulders. 'Take me away from here! Now. This is an awful place!'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Where are your servants?' asked Ulmenetha.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'He sent them away. The hooded man. He locked me \expndtw-3 in! He locked me in, Ulmenetha! Can you believe it?' The \expndtw0 priestess stroked the queen's hair.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'There are soldiers downstairs to bring you home. I shall send them to you to fetch your belongings.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li202\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No. Never mind them. Leave them. Let us just go!'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Taking the queen by the hand Ulmenetha returned to \expndtw-4 the gallery.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 She glanced down. One of the soldiers was leaning against the far wall, the other sitting in a chair. The hooded man was standing by the door, which was now \expndtw-7 closed.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'The queen wishes her clothes to be packed, and the chests taken to the carriage,' said Ulmenetha, supporting Axiana to the first of the steps. Her words hung in the dusty air. The soldiers did not respond.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'The queen must remain here,' said the hooded man. 'It is the will of my lord.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You men! Come here!' called Ulmenetha. Still there was no movement. It was not that they had ignored her, she realized with horror. They had not heard her. Both remained still and silent. Axiana gripped her arm.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Get me away from here!' she whispered.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha continued to walk down the stairs. Halfway down she saw a glint of metal in the standing soldier's throat. It was a knife hilt and it had pinned him \expndtw-2 to the wooden panelling beyond. Transferring her gaze to \expndtw-1 the seated man, she saw that he too was dead. The queen saw it too.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li48\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Sweet Heaven,' whispered Axiana. 'He has killed them both.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li29\sb139\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 152.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The hooded man advanced to the foot of the stairs. \expndtw-1 'Take the queen back to her room,' he ordered. Ulmenetha's right hand, hidden until now in the folds of \expndtw-2 her voluminous white dress, came into sight. Even in the \expndtw0 gloomy half-light the blade of the hunting knife shone \expndtw-5 bright.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Get out of my way,' she told the hooded man. He \expndtw-1 laughed and continued to climb the stairs.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You think to frighten me, woman? I can taste your \expndtw-1 fear. I will feed upon it.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Feed on this!' said Ulmenetha. Her hand shot up in an \expndtw-1 underarm throw which sent the blade slamming into the hooded man's throat. He stumbled, then righted himself, \expndtw-2 dragging the knife clear. Black blood gushed to the front \expndtw0 of his dark tunic, streaming down his chest. He tried to speak, but the words were drowned in a bubbling dark \expndtw-1 froth. Ulmenetha waited for him to fall.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 But he did not. He continued to advance. Axiana \expndtw-2 screamed. Ulmenetha pushed her back up the stairs, then \expndtw-1 swung to meet the threat from below. The flow of blood from his ruined throat had now drenched the man's dark \expndtw-2 leggings, but still he came on.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 In that moment the priestess knew what she was facing. A demon clothed in human flesh. And yet there was no fear in her, no rising panic. For this was no disease, to slip past her guard and kill her mother, no icy ledge to rob her of her husband. This was flesh and bone, and seeking to harm a girl that she loved like a \expndtw-3 daughter.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li19\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 She was calmer than at any time she could remember, her mind focused, her senses sharp.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li24\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Closer and closer he climbed. Ulmenetha waited until \expndtw0 he raised the knife, then leapt forward, hammering her foot into his chest. He was catapulted back, his body\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sb197\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-16\fs21 153\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li34\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 arching in the air. His head struck the stair, his neck snapping. The body crashed to the floor.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li24\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha was not surprised as he struggled to his feet, his head flopping grotesquely to his shoulder. The \expndtw-1 hood had fallen away to reveal a pale, ghostly face, with a lipless mouth and protruding, blood-red eyes.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Run, AxianaF shouted the priestess, pointing to the gallery on the left and the far door. Axiana stood rooted to the spot. Tearing her gaze from the advancing man \expndtw-3 Ulmenetha moved swiftly to the queen, grabbing her arm \expndtw0 and hauling her along the gallery. The far door was locked, but, as with Axiana's rooms, there was a key. Opening the door she pulled the key clear, pushed Axiana through, then locked the door behind them. A fist thundered against the door panel, causing it to vibrate. Twice more it struck, and a long, narrow crack \expndtw-1 appeared in the panelling.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'How do we get out?' asked Axiana, the tremble of \expndtw-2 panic in her voice.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha had no idea. The house was like a warren, and the corridor in which they stood had many doors, but no obvious stairway to take them back to ground level. 'This way,' said Ulmenetha, moving along the darkened corridor, and through two more doors. There \expndtw-1 were no keys here, and from far behind them the women heard a splintering crash.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi163\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha looked around. They were in a dormitory, a dozen beds on both sides of the room. All the beds were empty. The priestess moved to a window and dragged back the heavy curtains. The window was barred. Light filled the room now, and she could see \expndtw-1 several toys on the dusty floor, and by the far wall was a \expndtw0 straw-filled doll, looking forlorn against the bare, dusty \expndtw-2 boards. 'Keep moving,' she told the queen. At the far end\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\sb187\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 154\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 of the dormitory was another door. It was held shut by \expndtw-4 a locking bar between two brackets. Ulmenetha lifted the \expndtw-2 bar clear and pulled open the door. Within was a second \expndtw-3 dormitory.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri10\sb5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Three children sat huddled against the far wall. A red\-headed boy of around fourteen or fifteen stepped in front \expndtw0 of the two girls, a small knife in his hand. He was painfully thin, and Ulmenetha could see open sores on his skinny arms. One of the girls moved forward. \expndtw-3 Perhaps a year older than the boy she was also waif thin, \expndtw0 and dressed in rags, but she held a long piece of jagged \expndtw-1 wood, torn from one of the beds. Together they formed \expndtw-2 a protective shield in front of the youngest child, a small \expndtw-1 blonde girl of around four.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Come any closer and we'll kill you,' said the waif with the jagged wooden spear.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 There was no other exit from the room.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 A floorboard creaked behind them. Ulmenetha swung \expndtw0 to see the broken-necked man moving, knife in hand, \expndtw-2 across the dormitory.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Reaching down she took up the long wooden bar that \expndtw0 had secured the door. As the demonic creature \expndtw-2 approached she rushed at him, swinging the wood like a \expndtw-1 club. He took the force of the blow on his shoulder. His \expndtw0 arm snapped up, his fist cannoning into Ulmenetha's face. Thrown back she lost control of the wooden club and it clattered to the floor. The demon was upon her. \expndtw-2 Leaping back she avoided his first thrust, and scrambled \expndtw0 over a bed. His red eyes stared at her, but as he moved \expndtw-3 forward the head lolled on the broken neck. He \expndtw0 staggered. Then gripped the head with his left hand, \expndtw-2 dragging it by the hair until the eyes focused once more \expndtw-3 on the priestess. Then he advanced.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The  young red-headed  boy  leapt  at the  creature,\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sb197\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 155\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 slashing at his face with the knife blade. The demon \expndtw-2 swatted him aside. As he did so the waiflike girl crept up \expndtw-1 behind him and thrust the splintered wood into his back. \expndtw0 He arched up. Ulmenetha crouched down, swept up the wooden bar, and charged forward, using it as a ram which hammered into his chest, hurling him into the far wall. As he struck the wall it seemed to Ulmenetha that his chest exploded. She blinked - and saw that the \expndtw-1 makeshift spear used by the girl had been driven through \expndtw0 his back, tearing a huge hole in his chest. The body slid down the wall, then pitched forward to the boards.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Immediately the room was filled with the stench of rotting meat, and Ulmenetha saw maggots writhing through the dead flesh. The waif girl put her hand to her \expndtw-2 mouth and gagged.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Let us get out of here,' said Ulmenetha. 'Quickly.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Despite her revulsion Ulmenetha gathered her knife from beside the rotting corpse and, taking the shocked queen by the arm, led her back along the corridor, out onto the gallery, and down the stairs. The red-headed boy picked up the four-year-old and followed.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi168\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Not knowing where to go Ulmenetha moved down a set of stairs to what she thought must be the ground floor. A locked door barred her way at the bottom. A large key was hanging on a rusted hook. Lifting it clear she opened the door and stepped inside. Light was streaming in from two windows on the far side of the chamber, and shining down onto a sea of small bodies, carelessly heaped around a blood-drenched altar. The \expndtw-1 sight froze her blood. Though never having been blessed \expndtw0 with the gift of a child Ulmenetha's maternal instincts were powerful, and the sight of so many murdered \expndtw-1 children filled her with an aching sadness.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Closing her eyes against the horror Ulmenetha stepped\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 156\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 backwards, just as the pregnant queen was about to enter. 'There is no way through,' said Ulmenetha. 'We must go back the way we came.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 A cold and terrible fury grew in her as she led the group back up the stairs. There must have been over a \expndtw-1 hundred children in that chamber, a hundred lives ended in torment and terror. This was evil on a scale \expndtw-2 Ulmenetha could scarcely imagine.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Moving back to the landing she came to the broken door and emerged onto the gallery above the front door. A tall figure stepped from the shadows. Axiana \expndtw-1 screamed, and Ulmenetha swung round, the knife flash\-\expndtw0 ing up and stabbing out. The blade was parried, then a \expndtw-1 calm voice spoke. 'I am no danger, lady. I am Dagorian.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li14\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha looked into his face, recognizing it from \expndtw-2 her \i lorassium \i0 vision. Fear surged again in her. The scene \expndtw0 in the woods, four men - three old, one young - pro\-tecting the queen from a hidden evil. Dagorian was the young man from the dream. 'Why are you here?' \expndtw-2 demanded Ulmenetha.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I came to kill Kalizkan."\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li24\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'He is with the army,' said Ulmenetha. 'Now let us get out of this dreadful place.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The sun was shining outside and the queen's carriage was still there, the driver stretched out asleep on the grass. Ulmenetha looked up at the bright, clean, blue of \expndtw-1 the sky with a gratitude she could scarce believe.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li34\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 As the group approached the coachman yawned and stretched. Seeing the queen he scrambled to his feet and \expndtw-5 bowed.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'At your bidding, your highness,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li240\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Take us to the palace,' ordered Ulmenetha.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li38\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Helping the queen into the carriage she glanced back \expndtw-1 at the two girls and the boy. All three were badly under-\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 nourished, clothed in rags. 'Get in,' she ordered them.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Where you taking us?' asked the boy, suspiciously.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Somewhere safer than this,' Ulmenetha replied.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 They crowded in, followed by Dagorian. As the \expndtw-2 carriage moved away the young officer leaned in close to \expndtw0 Ulmenetha. 'There is nowhere safe in the city,' he said, \expndtw-4 keeping his voice low.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'What do you suggest?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'We must get to the coast, and find a ship. And we must do it before Malikada returns. We should head for the mountains.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'There are forests there,' whispered Ulmenetha.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'You fear forests?' he asked, surprised by her reaction.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'The white crow will be there,' she told him. He was confused, but she turned away from him.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 As the carriage made its way along the broad avenues \expndtw-2 Axiana saw the crowds milling. 'What is happening?' she \expndtw-1 asked. 'Why is everyone gathering so?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'They have heard the news, highness. They are wonder\-\expndtw-1 ing what will happen to them now,' Dagorian explained.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'The news? What news?' she asked, mystified. Dagorian \expndtw0 blinked, and transferred his gaze to Ulmenetha. She too \expndtw-4 was none the wiser.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The officer rubbed his hand over his stubbled jaw. 'I am truly sorry, your highness. But word has reached the city that our army was defeated by the Cadians.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'That is not possible,' said Axiana. 'Skanda is the greatest \expndtw-5 warrior alive. You must be mistaken. This is just a rumour.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian said nothing, but his gaze met that of Ulmenetha. The queen was looking out of the window \expndtw-1 again. Ulmenetha mouthed a question.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'The king?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li34\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian shook his head. 'Then we must brave the \expndtw-2 forest,' said Ulmenetha.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\fs21 158\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Irritation crept into Malikada - a small, dark cloud in the clear blue sky of his joy. He stood on the hillside gazing down on the Drenai dead. Stripped now of \expndtw-6 armour and weapons, gone was their arrogance and their might. They were merely pale corpses, ready to be rolled \expndtw-5 into the huge pit being dug by Ventrian soldiers.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\fs21 It was Malikada's moment of triumph. The army which \expndtw-8 had destroyed the empire of his ancestors was now ruined. \expndtw-4 He had always known revenge would be sweet, but had \expndtw-7 never guessed just how exquisite the taste would be.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 Yet it was marred.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He swung to the swordsman, Antikas Karios. 'Now \expndtw-6 we will rebuild Ventria,' he said. 'And we will burn away \expndtw-5 the Drenai presence.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'Yes, my lord,' replied Antikas, dully.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What is wrong with you, man? Do you have the \expndtw-4 toothache?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'No, my lord.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Then what?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'They fought well and bravely, and it does not sit well \expndtw-4 with me that we betrayed them.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Malikada's irritation flared into anger. 'How can you \expndtw0 talk of betrayal? That would be their perspective. We \expndtw-2 fought them, you and I. We risked our lives to prevent Skanda's victories. The old emperor was weak and in\-\expndtw-11 decisive, and yet we stood by him. We served him faithfully \expndtw-4 and well. At the last Skanda conquered us. We had two \expndtw-10 choices, Antikas. You remember that? We could have died, \expndtw-8 or we could have gone on fighting a different kind of war. \expndtw-4 We both chose the latter. We have remained true to our \expndtw-7 own cause. We are not traitors, Antikas. We are patriots.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li29\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'Perhaps so, Lord. But this leaves a bad feeling in my \expndtw-6 stomach.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb192\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 159\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'Then take your stomach elsewhere,' stormed Malikada. \expndtw0 'Go! Leave me to my pleasure.' Antikas bowed and walked away. Malikada watched the swordsman. He \expndtw-2 moved with such grace. The deadliest bladesman \expndtw0 Malikada had ever seen, and yet, beneath it all, it now \expndtw-1 transpired, he was soft and weak! He had always envied \expndtw-2 Antikas, yet now he felt only contempt.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Malikada forced the image of the man from his mind, \expndtw0 picturing again the moment when Skanda had signalled the charge. Oh, how he wished he could have been closer, to see the expression on the bastard's face, to witness the realization that he was doomed, that Malikada was ending his dreams of empire. Oh, how that must have eaten into Skanda's soul.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Irritation flared again within him. When Skanda had \expndtw-1 been dragged unconscious from the battlefield Kalizkan \expndtw0 had refused permission for Malikada to witness the sacrifice. He would like to have seen that; to see the living heart cut from the body. A truly magnificent moment it would have been to stand over the king, their gaze locked together, watching the death agony, feeling Skanda's dying hatred. Malikada shivered with pleasure \expndtw-1 at the thought.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 But then Kalizkan was a secretive man. Malikada had \expndtw0 not been allowed to watch the old emperor's sacrifice \expndtw-7 either.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi168\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 The corpses were being tumbled into the pit now, and \expndtw0 covered with oil and dry wood. As the flames spread and black smoke spiralled up Malikada turned away. It was almost noon, and he needed to see Kalizkan. This \expndtw-3 was only the beginning. There were other Drenai \expndtw-2 garrisons along the coast, and there was still the problem \expndtw-4 of the White Wolf.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Also there was the question of Malikada's coronation.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-8\fs21 160\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Emperor Malikada! Now that had a fine sound. He would order Kalizkan to create an even greater illusion \expndtw-1 in the night skies over Usa - something that would dwarf the display Skanda had enjoyed.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He strolled back through the Ventrian camp towards the cliffs beyond. Red dust rose up around him as he walked, staining his highly polished boots. The cave entrance was dark, but he could see lantern light further inside. Stepping into the cave he felt a momentary fear. Kalizkan had become so withdrawn lately, and had \expndtw-1 ceased to treat him with his customary respect. Malikada \expndtw0 had allowed the discourtesy, for he needed the man. His \expndtw-1 spells and his wizardry had been vital.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li202\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\i\fs21 Had \i0 been vital.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The thought struck him that he no longer needed \expndtw-4 Kalizkan.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 I need no-one, he realized. But I shall keep him with me. His skills will be more than useful when it comes time to invade the lands of the Drenai. But first there is Axiana. I shall wait until she has birthed the child, see it strangled, and then wed her myself. Who can then deny \expndtw-1 me the crown?\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 His good humour restored he continued on his way.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The body of Skanda was laid on a stone altar, the \expndtw-1 chest cut open. A linen cloth had been laid over his face. \expndtw0 Kalizkan was sitting by a small fire, his blue satin robes stained with blood.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Did he scream as he died?' asked Malikada.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kalizkan rose. 'No, he did not scream. He cursed you with his last breath.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I would like to have heard that,' said Malikada.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 There was a foul odour in the cave, and Malikada \expndtw-2 pulled a perfumed handkerchief from his pocket, holding \expndtw0 it to his nose. 'What is that smell?' he asked.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri24\sb163\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\b 161\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\b0\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li19\ri38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It is this form,' said Kalizkan. 'It has served its \expndtw-3 purpose, and is now rotting. And I have no wish to waste \expndtw-1 my enhanced powers sustaining it any longer.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Form? What are you talking about?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Kalizkan's body. It was already dying when I in\-habited it. That was why he summoned me. To take away his cancer. I took him instead. His arrogance was overwhelming. How could he think to control Anharat, \expndtw-1 Lord of the Night?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'You are making no sense, wizard.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'On the contrary, Malikada. It all makes perfect sense, \expndtw-3 depending, of course, upon your perspective. I listened to \expndtw0 your conversation with the swordsman. You were quite \expndtw-2 right. It is all a question of perspectives. Skanda believed \expndtw-3 you betrayed him, whereas you and I know you \expndtw0 remained true to the one cause you believed in, the \expndtw-1 restoration of the Ventrian throne. Naturally with you to \expndtw0 sit upon it. I, on the other hand, have no interest in the throne. And I have also remained true to my cause -the restoration of my people to the land which was once theirs by right and by force of arms.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Malikada was suddenly frightened. He tried to back away, but found that his legs would not obey him. The perfumed handkerchief dropped from his fingers, and his arms fell uselessly to his sides. He was paralysed. He tried to shout for help, but, as his mouth opened, no \expndtw-2 sound came forth.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I don't suppose,' said the creature within Kalizkan, 'that you are interested in my cause, save that to tell it \expndtw-2 will extend your life by a few moments.' The body of the \expndtw-1 wizard seemed to shimmer, and Malikada found himself \expndtw0 gazing upon a rotting corpse. Half the flesh of the face had disappeared, the other half was grey-green and maggot infested. Malikada tried to shut his eyes, but\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 162.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 even that was lost to him. 'My people,' said Kalizkan, \expndtw-1 'lost a war. We were not killed. We were banished, to a \expndtw-3 grey, soulless world alongside your own. A world with\-\expndtw-1 out colour, without taste, without hope. Now, thanks in small part to you, Malikada, we have the chance to live \expndtw0 again. To feel the cold, heady night winds upon our faces, to taste the sweet joys that spring from human \expndtw-2 fear.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kalizkan came closer, and reached out his hand. \expndtw-2 Talons sprouted from the fingers. 'Oh yes, Malikada, let \expndtw0 your terror flow. It is like wine, soft upon the tongue.' With an agonizing lack of speed the talons slowly \expndtw-2 pierced Malikada's chest.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'And now you can help me complete my mission. The \expndtw0 queen, you see, has escaped from my home, and I need your form in order to use your men to hunt her down.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 The fierce pain of fire flowed through Malikada, sear\-\expndtw-1 ing its way across his chest, down into his belly, and up \expndtw-3 the spinal cord, exploding into his brain. It was an agony beyond enduring, and Kalizkan shivered with pleasure at \expndtw-8 it.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 The talons ceased their probing as they closed around \expndtw0 Malikada's heart. 'If I had more time,' said Anharat, 'I would hold you like this for some hours. But I have no time. So die, Malikada. Die in despair. Your world is ruined, and soon your people will be food for the \expndtw-1 Windborn.' The Ventrian's corpse twitched. The rotting \expndtw-2 body of Kalizkan fell to the floor.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Within Malikada now the demon stretched out his \expndtw-2 new arms. Kalizkan's body burst into flames.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Stepping back the new Malikada strode to the cave entrance. Lifting his hand he focused his concentration on the rocks above him. Dust filtered down, the rocks \expndtw-2 groaned. Malikada stepped into the sunlight.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 163\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri43\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\fs21 And the cave ceiling crashed down behind him, block\-\expndtw-6 ing the entrance.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 He strode down to where his men were waiting, paus\-\expndtw0 ing only to sniff the smoke rising from the great pyre. \expndtw-5 There was a delicious sweetness to it.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Back at his tent he summoned Antikas Karios. The \expndtw-6 swordsman bowed low.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Go to the city and find the queen,' said Malikada. \expndtw-3 'Protect her until my arrival.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'Yes, my lord. Protect her from whom?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'Just make sure she is there when I arrive.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'I shall leave immediately, my lord.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Do not fail me, Antikas.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 An angry look came into the swordsman's deep, dark \expndtw-5 eyes. 'When have I ever failed you, cousin?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Never,' replied Malikada, 'and now is not the time to start.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas said nothing for a moment, but the demon within Malikada felt the swordsman's piercing gaze. Coolly he cast a small spell, which radiated from him, \expndtw-4 surrounding Antikas. The swordsman relaxed.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'It will be as you command,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Take spare horses and ride all night. Be there before \expndtw-3 the dawn,'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb240\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The carriage moved slowly through the city streets. \expndtw-1 Crowds were everywhere now, and as dusk deepened, \expndtw-3 the riots began in the poorer quarters of the city. Several \expndtw0 buildings were set afire. 'Why do they do this?' asked \expndtw-5 Axiana, watching the distant smoke, and hearing the far-\expndtw-4 off screams. 'What purpose does it achieve?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian shrugged. 'That is hard to explain, your \expndtw-3 highness. Some people are in a state of panic. They fear \expndtw-1 the Cadians will descend on them with fire and sword.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\fs21 164\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Others know that with the army destroyed they are free \expndtw0 to commit crimes they would otherwise have been \expndtw-1 punished for. They see the disaster as an opportunity to \expndtw0 obtain wealth they could not hope to earn. I do not know all the reasons. But there will be many deaths \expndtw-1 tonight.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The carriage pulled into the palace grounds, where it was stopped by an officer of the guards, and a squad of spear men. The man opened the door, saw the queen, \expndtw-3 and bowed low.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Thank the Source you are safe, your highness,' he \expndtw-2 said. She gave him a wan smile, and the carriage moved \expndtw-8 on.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Inside the queen's apartments Axiana sank to a couch, \expndtw0 resting her head on a satin pillow, and fell asleep. \expndtw-2 Ulmenetha began to gather clothes for the queen, pack\-\expndtw-4 ing them carefully into an ornate wooden chest. Then she \expndtw0 went with the children to the deserted kitchens, where she gathered food: sides of ham, some hard cheese wrapped in muslin, and several small sacks of flour, \expndtw-2 sugar and salt. The children sat close by, gorging them\-\expndtw-1 selves on bread and preserves, washed down with fresh \expndtw-2 milk. Ulmenetha paused and watched them.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What happened in that orphanage?' she asked the \expndtw-5 red-headed boy.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 His bright blue eyes were suddenly fearful, but his expression remained set and hard. 'Children died,' he \expndtw-1 said. 'Everybody said Kalizkan was kind. You could be \expndtw0 sure of a meal there. Lots of my friends had already gone. We went there ten days ago.' The boy closed his eyes and took a deep breath. 'Most of my friends were \expndtw-2 dead by then, but I didn't know. They used to take them \expndtw0 underground, but you could still hear the screams.' He opened his eyes. 'I don't want to talk about it.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-16\fs21 165\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I understand,' said the priestess. Moving opposite the children she sat down. 'Listen to me. We are leaving the city. Tonight. You can come with us if you wish, or you \expndtw0 can stay in Usa. It is up to you.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Where are you going?' asked the older girl, her deep, \expndtw-2 dark eyes holding to Ulmenetha's gaze.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'We will try to find a way to the coast, and then a ship \expndtw0 to Drenan. It is a long way, and I think it will be a \expndtw-1 perilous journey. You may be safer here.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I am Drenai,' said the girl. 'Or at least my father was Drenai. I will come with you. There is nothing here for me. I do not want to stay.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You won't leave me here!' wailed the small blonde \expndtw-1 child, taking hold of the girl's hand.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I won't leave you, little one. You can come with us.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'Why should we go?' asked the boy. 'I can steal food for all of us.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Reaching out she ran her fingers through his tangled \expndtw-1 red hair. 'Maybe in Drenan you won't have to steal food. \expndtw-2 We could live in a house.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The boy swore. 'Who's going to give us a house, \expndtw-1 Pharis? Nobody \i gives \i0 anyone anything. You get nothing \expndtw0 for nothing. That's the way of it.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You found food for me, Conalin. And you looked after Sufia when she was sick. You got nothing in \expndtw-1 return.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You're my friends and I love you. That's different. \expndtw-1 How do you know you can trust this fat woman?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 The girl looked up again into Ulmenetha's eyes. 'She \expndtw0 came to rescue her friend. And she fought the beast. I \expndtw-2 trust her.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Well, I don't want to go,' said the boy, stubbornly.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li34\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'If you don't come, who will protect little Sufia?' she \expndtw-11 said.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 166\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Oh, please come with us, Con,' pleaded Sufia. 'Please!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He sat silently for a moment, then stared up at Ulmenetha, his eyes angry. 'Why should we trust you?' \expndtw-2 he asked her.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I can offer no reason, Conalin. Save that I never lie. And I promise you this: If we reach Drenan safely the queen will buy you a house.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Why should you? You owe us nothing.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'That is not true. Your bravery, and that of your sister, \expndtw0 helped to kill the . . . beast, as you call it. Had you not \expndtw-1 helped me I would have been killed.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'She's not my sister. She's Pharis, my friend. And if she and Sufia are going, I'll come too. But I don't believe you \expndtw0 about the house.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Wait and see,' said Ulmenetha. 'Now let's find some sacks for supplies, and fill them. We don't want to be hungry when we reach the mountains.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Back in the apartments the queen was asleep on the couch, and Dagorian had swapped his beggar's rags for one of Skanda's grey woollen tunics. It was emblazoned \expndtw-1 with a rearing white horse at the shoulder. He stood now \expndtw0 on the balcony, watching the glow from the fires in the \expndtw-1 western quarter.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The rioting would die down during the night, and their best chance of escape lay in the hour before dawn, when the rioters were asleep, and the soldiers of the Watch were busy with the aftermath of the chaos.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 Escape?\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 How long before the pursuit began? And how fast could they travel? The queen was heavily pregnant, the child due within days. She could not ride a horse at speed. The threat of miscarriage was too great. That meant taking a wagon. Hard-riding horsemen would \expndtw-1 catch them within hours.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sb178\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-10\fs21 167\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Perhaps it would be wiser to try to reach Banelion. The White Wolf and his men could not be further than a \expndtw-1 few days' ride to the west.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 He dismissed the idea. That would be the enemy's first \expndtw0 thought. And anyway what could a few hundred old men do against Malikada's Ventrian army? Joining Banelion would merely serve a death warrant on more \expndtw-3 Drenai soldiers.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li202\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 What then?\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri19\sb5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Some deception was necessary. Something that would \expndtw-3 give them time.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He heard the queen give out a soft moan in her sleep and moved back into the apartment. Sitting down beside her he gently took her hand. 'I will defend you with my \expndtw-2 life,' he whispered.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\ri10\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha watched him from the doorway. He was holding her hand with great tenderness and she realized, in that moment, that the young man was in love with Axiana. Sadness touched her. In a just world they would \expndtw-3 have met two years ago, when both were free. Even if she \expndtw0 returned his love Axiana was carrying the heir to the throne of two nations. Her life would remain ruled by men of power. And they would never sanction a marriage to a junior officer like Dagorian.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li24\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Clearing her throat she stepped into the room, the \expndtw-1 children following her, bearing sacks of supplies.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What now?' she asked Dagorian.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Releasing the queen's hand he rose. 'Are the children coming with us?' Ulmenetha nodded. 'Good,' he said. \expndtw-3 >'We will need a wagon and extra horses. I will find them. \expndtw0 The queen must be disguised. No silks nor satins. No \expndtw-2 jewellery. We will leave the city as a poor family, fleeing \expndtw-3 from the riots. There will be many such over the next few\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\fs21 168\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 days. With luck we will pass unnoticed among them. This will slow down the pursuit.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What can I do while you are fetching a wagon?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Find maps of the mountains. There will be many box \expndtw0 canyons, broken trails, and treacherous areas. It would \expndtw-2 be helpful if we could plan a route, and not move blindly \expndtw0 on faith alone.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Swirling a dark cloak around his shoulders Dagorian \expndtw-2 left them. The youngest child, Sufia, was exhausted, and \expndtw0 Pharis led her to a couch, where she lay down and fell \expndtw-2 asleep. Leaving the children in the apartment Ulmenetha took a lantern and made her way to the Royal Library on \expndtw0 the ground floor. There were thousands of books here, and hundreds of scrolls. She searched for some time through the index, locating three ancient maps of the \expndtw-3 mountains, and also a traveller's diary that told of the trek \expndtw0 from Usa to Perapolis in the south. If the Source was \expndtw-1 with them they would be following this route for at least \expndtw0 part of the way.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Returning to the apartment she found the red-headed boy, Conalin, sitting on the balcony. Pharis and Sufia were cuddled together on the couch, fast asleep. She \expndtw-1 covered them with a blanket then moved to Axiana. The \expndtw-3 queen stirred, opened her eyes, and smiled sleepily. 'I had \expndtw-1 a terrible dream,' she said.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li29\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Rest, my lady. You will need your strength in the \expndtw-2 morning.' Axiana closed her eyes.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li34\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha walked out onto the balcony. The western quarter of the city was ablaze, and she could hear distant screams. 'Are you not tired?' she asked \expndtw-5 Conalin.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li245\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I am strong,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li240\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I know that. But even the strong need sleep.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'They are killing one another,' he said, gesturing\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-14\fs21 169\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 towards the distant flames. 'Robbing, looting, raping. \expndtw-2 Slaughtering the weak.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Does it sadden you?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It is what the weak are for,' he said, solemnly. 'That \expndtw-1 is why I shall never be weak.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'How did you come to meet Pharis and the child?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Why do you want to know?' he demanded.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I am making conversation, Conalin. If we are to be friends we need to know one another. That is the way of things. What is Pharis's favourite food?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Plums. Why?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 She smiled. 'That is part of knowing a friend. When you go out to steal food you will look for a plum for Pharis, because you know she likes them. Knowing is \expndtw-1 good among friends. So where did you meet?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Her mother's a whore who worked Merchant Alley. I first saw Pharis there. Two summers ago. Her mother was drunk, and lying in the gutter. Pharis was trying to lift her, to get her home.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li202\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'And you helped?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'Yes.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Why did you do that?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What do you mean?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha shrugged. 'You were helping the weak, Conalin. Why did you not just rob her and walk away?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'That's what I was going to do,' he snapped. 'I saw her lying there and I knew she'd have coin from the men she'd doxied. But then Pharis came along. She saw me standing there and she said, "Take her arm." So I did. Anyway, that's how we met.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What happened to the mother?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Now it was his turn to shrug. 'She's still around. She sold Pharis to a whorehouse. Where rich men like to fondle young girls. I took her away from that. I climbed\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 170\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 through the rear window one night, and I got her out.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'That was very brave of you.' He seemed pleased at the \expndtw0 compliment and his hard face relaxed. As it did so he looked younger, and terribly vulnerable. Ulmenetha wanted to reach out and stroke his tangled red hair, to draw him to her. He spoke again.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Had to pick the lock on her room. And all the while the Breaker was asleep in a chair next to it.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'The Breaker?' she enquired.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The leg-breaker. The man who watches out for the \expndtw-3 girls. Well, they say he watches out for them, but if a girl \expndtw0 won't do what she's told he bashes them.' He grinned suddenly. 'I bet he was in real trouble the following \expndtw-2 morning.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'And what about Sufia?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'We found her in that wizard's house. She was hiding under a bed. She was the last of them. Why was he \expndtw-2 killing children?' he asked her.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'He was, I believe, making blood magic,' said \expndtw-2 Ulmenetha. 'It is a vile practice.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'There's a lot of them,' he said, softly. 'Vile practices.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Tell me about you,' she said.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No,' he said, simply. 'I don't talk about me. But you are right, I am tired. I think I'll sleep now for a while.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Til wake you when Dagorian gets back.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You won't have to,' he assured her.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\ri10\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Out on the streets the rioting continued unabated. Dagorian had avoided the guards by climbing over the \expndtw-1 palace wall, and dropping down onto the broad Avenue \expndtw-4 of Kings. From here he could see several bodies, \expndtw0 sprawled in death. Rioters moved into sight, swilling \expndtw-4 looted wine. Keeping to the shadows he moved down the \expndtw0 Avenue, then darted across it to one of the wide roads\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 171\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 leading to the Merchants' Acre. Here, he knew, were the \expndtw0 hauliers who daily distributed the merchants' wares to \expndtw-1 shops, homes and market stalls in the city.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He reached the first to find the buildings engulfed by flames, and could see wagons burning on the open ground beyond. Anger swept through him, threatening to engulf his mind. He wanted to draw his sword and run at the rioters, hacking and slashing. His fingers closed around the hilt of his sabre. A voice whispered into his mind, cold and calm, dispelling the fury.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi216\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs22 'Do \i not let them possess you, Dagorian. They are \expndtw-7 everywhere.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Dagorian leaned back against a wall, his hands shaking \expndtw-1 with the aftermath of rage. 'Who are you?' he whispered.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi216\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\i\fs22 'A friend. You remember me? I came to you when the \expndtw-3 demons were rending your soul. And again at the home \expndtw-5 of the murdered seer.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I remember.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\i\fs22 'Know this, then, child: The city is possessed, and the \expndtw0 demons are feasting on rage and murder. Every hour \expndtw-4 they grow stronger. By tomorrow no-one will be able to resist them. Do not succumb. Think clearly and coolly. I \expndtw0 will be with you, though I will not speak again. Now \expndtw-5 find a wagon!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The officer moved away from the wall, and ducked down a narrow alley. Smoke, thicker than any fog, hung in the air, burning his lungs. Holding his cloak over his face Dagorian ran on. The sounds of screaming came from all around him now, from the burning buildings where people were trapped, from the alleyways, where \expndtw-1 victims had been cornered.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Anger touched him again, but he fought it down.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He came to the wide gates of a second haulier. They had been burst open and a group of men and women\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 carrying torches were running around the yard, setting the wagons ablaze. Others had thrown torches into the \expndtw-4 stables, igniting the straw inside. Horses were whinnying \expndtw0 in terror. Cutting across the yard Dagorian opened the \expndtw-4 stable doors, ran inside, freeing all but two of the horses. \expndtw0 Panic stricken the freed beasts galloped into the yard, \expndtw-3 scattering the rioters.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 Moving to the remaining two horses Dagorian calmed \expndtw-3 them as best he could and led them from the stable. Fear \expndtw0 was strong upon them, but they were used to the sure touch of their handlers, and they accepted Dagorian's authority. In the yard he tethered them to a wagon untouched by the rioters. The traces and brasses used \expndtw-3 to hitch the horses were laid over the back of the wagon. Dagorian moved to them.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 A rioter ran forwards, tossing a torch to the wagon seat. Dagorian spun on his heel and sent a thundering right cross to the man's jaw. He fell without a sound. Hurling the torch aside he moved to the traces. A \expndtw-1 whoosh of burning air seared across the yard as flames \expndtw-2 burst through the stables' wall. The horses reared. Once \expndtw0 more Dagorian tried to calm them, stroking their long \expndtw-3 necks, whispering soothing words. The heat was intense \expndtw0 and the rioters moved away. Dagorian hitched the horses and climbed to the driver's seat. Releasing the brake he took up the whip and cracked it. The horses surged into the traces and the wagon moved forward. But to exit the yard they had to drive past the burning stables and the horses faltered, unwilling to face the \expndtw-6 flames again.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li24\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 In the back of the wagon were several empty sacks. \expndtw-1 With his dagger he sliced two strips from one of them. \expndtw-5 Leaping to the ground he blindfolded the horses. Back in \expndtw0 the driver's seat he cracked the whip. Reluctantly the\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sb202\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 173\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 team moved on. He could feel them faltering again as the \expndtw0 heat swelled, but lashed them both with the whip and \expndtw-1 shouted at the top of his voice. The horses powered into \expndtw0 the traces and the wagon rolled past the burning build\-ing and out into the road beyond.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Swinging them to the right he took them at speed \expndtw-2 down towards the Avenue of Kings.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Another mob was gathered there, but they scattered as \expndtw0 the wagon bore down on them. One man ran forward \expndtw-1 and leapt at him. His face was a twisted mask of hatred, his eyes staring wide. Dagorian lashed out with his foot, kicking the attacker in the chest, and pitching him to the \expndtw0 street. Up ahead a group of men tried to block his way, but the horses were galloping now, and would not be \expndtw-2 stopped. A hurled knife thudded into the backrest behind \expndtw-1 him, but then he was clear of them, and the palace gates \expndtw-4 were in sight.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li192\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 They were open. And no guards could be seen.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian drove through, then dragged on the reins, \expndtw-1 hauling the horses to a stop.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Jumping down he struggled with the wrought-iron \expndtw-3 gates, pulling them closed.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 They would not hold firm against a mob, he knew. Mounting the wagon again he drove it to the main \expndtw-4 doors.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 The sky was lightening as he ran into the building, and \expndtw0 up the long, winding staircase. The queen was awake now, and dressed in a simple woollen gown of blue, \expndtw-2 edged with white cotton.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'We must go quickly,' said Dagorian. 'The mob will \expndtw-2 soon be here.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Go? Where should I go? I am the queen. They will not \expndtw0 harm me,' said Axiana. 'They are my people and they love me.' Her slender fingers touched the sleeve of her\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sb187\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 174\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 gown. 'And I will not wear this revolting outfit. It \expndtw-2 scratches my skin.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'A mob does not know of love,' said Dagorian. 'They are outside killing each other, raping and looting. It will not be long before they realize that true riches can be found here.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'My cousin Malikada will be back soon. He will pro\-\expndtw-1 tect me,' said Axiana.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Please, my dove,' urged Ulmenetha, 'trust me! Your \expndtw-1 life is in danger, and we must flee the city.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'The nobility are not given to panic, Ulmenetha. And certainly not in the face of peasant unrest.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It is not merely \i unrest,' \i0 Dagorian told her. 'The mobs \expndtw-2 are possessed.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Possessed? That cannot be!'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'It is true, highness. I swear it. I discovered the demons \expndtw-3 while investigating a series of murders. I believe Kalizkan \expndtw0 summoned them. I have seen mobs before, and I have \expndtw-1 been out there among those demented people. There is a \expndtw-4 difference, believe me.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You are saying this to frighten me,' insisted Axiana.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha approached the queen. 'What he says is true, my dove. I have known about these demons for some time. I also know that Kalizkan is a walking corpse. He too is possessed. You saw the creature at his house. It was a \i zhagul. \i0 A dead man. I think we should listen to Dagorian and follow him to the mountains.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I will not!' insisted Axiana, drawing back, her eyes fearful. 'Malikada will protect me. I will tell him of \expndtw-1 Kalizkan's evil and he will punish him.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li29\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha stepped in close and put her hands on \expndtw-2 Axiana's shoulders. 'Be calm,' she said, softly. 'I am here. \expndtw-1 All will be well.' Her right hand lifted, as if to stroke the \expndtw-2 queen's brow. Dagorian saw a blue light radiate from her\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 palm. Axiana fell forward into Ulmenetha's arms. The \expndtw-4 priestess lowered her to a couch. 'She will sleep for several \expndtw-3 hours,' she said.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'You are a sorceress?' whispered Dagorian.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I am a priestess!' she snapped. 'There is a difference. The little magic I know is used for healing. Now carry her down - and be careful with her.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian lifted Axiana to his arms. Despite her pregnancy she was not heavy and he carried her to the \expndtw-1 wagon, lifting her to the tailboard. Ulmenetha settled her \expndtw0 down, rolling an empty sack for a pillow, and covering her with a blanket. Pharis and Sufia scrambled aboard, and Conalin climbed to the driver's seat. Dagorian \expndtw-1 stepped up to sit beside him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian drove the wagon to the royal stables, and there saddled a warhorse of some seventeen hands. 'Can \expndtw-3 you drive the wagon?' he asked Conalin. The boy nodded.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Good. Then I will clear a way to the East Gate. If I go \expndtw0 down do not stop. You understand?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li202\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Oh, I won't stop,' said Conalin. 'You can count on that.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Then let's go.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The Avenue of Kings was deserted now, and eerily quiet. Dagorian led the way, the sound of his horse's hoof beats like slow beating war drums. He drew his sabre and scanned the Avenue. There was not a sign of \expndtw-11 life.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li197\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The dawn sun cleared the mountains.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The wagon moved on. After half a mile they saw a group of men sitting quietly by the roadside. They were blood smeared, their clothing stained by smoke. They looked up at the wagon, but made no hostile moves. Their eyes were dull, and they seemed weary beyond \expndtw-5 reckoning.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Dagorian sheathed his sabre.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 176\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 They reached the gate and found themselves waiting in a \expndtw0 line of some twenty wagons and coaches, all filled with \expndtw-2 fleeing families and their possessions. The gate arch was narrow, and it was taking time to manoeuvre the wagons \expndtw-1 through. A group of riders arrived from outside the city, \expndtw0 but could not pass, and Dagorian heard the beginnings \expndtw-2 of an angry exchange.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dismounting he tethered his horse and was about to climb onto the wagon when he heard the voice of Antikas Karios, ordering a wagon driver to draw his vehicle aside. Ducking down below the wagon he waited until the group cleared the gate, and thundered their mounts towards the palace.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The wait now to leave the city seemed interminable. \expndtw-1 Two impatient drivers moved forward at the same time. One of the horses reared, and lashed out at the opposing \expndtw-2 team. Both drivers leapt down and began a heated argu\-\expndtw0 ment. Dagorian's patience snapped. Vaulting to the \expndtw-3 saddle he rode to the shouting men. Drawing his sabre he \expndtw-1 held the blade to the neck of the first. 'Back off,' he said, \expndtw0 'or I'll gut you like a fish!' The argument died instantly. \expndtw-2 The man scrambled back to his wagon and hauled on the \expndtw-3 reins, reversing his team. Swinging in the saddle \expndtw0 Dagorian shouted to Conalin. 'Drive through!'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 And then they were out onto open ground.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Conalin headed the horses up the long slope towards the mountains. Dagorian rode alongside, constantly looking back, expecting at any moment to see pursuers \expndtw-2 galloping after them. 'Give them a touch of the whip!' he \expndtw0 ordered Conalin. The boy did so and the horses broke into a run. In the back of the wagon Ulmenetha was thrown to one side. The child Sufia began to cry. \expndtw-1 Ulmenetha gathered her close. There is nothing to fear,'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-12\fs21 177\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 she said, soothingly. The horses were breathing heavily as they reached the crest of the hill, dropping down on the other side. Out of sight of the city Dagorian ordered Conalin to slow down and continue following the road \expndtw-1 south and west.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The officer rode back to the rise and dismounted. Minutes later he saw Antikas Karios and his men leave the city. For one dreadful moment he thought they were heading in pursuit, but they turned due west along the \expndtw-1 merchant road.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 How long before they realized their mistake? An hour? \expndtw-15 Less?\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Back in the saddle he caught up with the wagon. Axiana was conscious now, and sitting silently, staring out over the mountains. Dagorian hitched his horse to the wagon and climbed aboard. 'We have lost them for now,' he told Ulmenetha. 'Where are the maps?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi168\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha passed him the first. It was an old, dry \expndtw-2 scroll, which he carefully unrolled. The city depicted was \expndtw0 vastly smaller than the metropolis Usa had become, but the mountain roads were clearly marked. They formed part of a trade route to the ghost city of Lem, zoo miles south. Built around the wealth of nearby silver mines -which had failed more than 200 years ago - Lem was now an abandoned series of ruins. Dagorian studied the map carefully. They would travel south for just over a hundred miles, then swing to the west for another 70 \expndtw-1 miles, crossing the Carpos mountains and picking up the \expndtw0 coast road to Caphis. It was not the nearest of the ports, but the route was less well travelled, and should help them avoid the dangers of bandits and rebel tribesmen. Merchants were constantly harassed by such bands around the closest port, Morec.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 A secondary factor in choosing Caphis, but none-\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-15\fs21 178\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 theless important, was that Malikada was likely to \expndtw-2 expect them to head for Morec, the intended destination \expndtw0 of the White Wolf and his men.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 He showed the route to Ulmenetha. She peered at the \expndtw0 map. 'What do the symbols mean?' she asked him, \expndtw-2 tapping the scroll with her finger.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 They are a form of shorthand taken from High Ventrian. This one, which looks like the head of a ram, is a pictorial representation of three letters, N.W.P. It \expndtw-1 stands for no winter passage.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'And the figures?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Distance between set points, using not the mile, but \expndtw-2 the Ventrian league. These will not be precise.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'How far must we travel?' asked Pharis.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Perhaps two hundred and fifty miles, much of it over \expndtw-4 rough country. We have no spare horses, so we will have \expndtw0 to move with care, conserving the animals as best we \expndtw-3 can. With luck we will be in Caphis within a month. It is \expndtw0 but a short trip then across the sea to Dros Purdol - and \expndtw-5 home!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Whose home?' asked Axiana, suddenly. Dagorian looked across at the queen. Her face was pale, her dark \expndtw-1 eyes angry. 'It is not my home. My home was raided by \expndtw-3 Drenai savages from across the sea. These same savages \expndtw-1 saw my father slain, and forced me to wed their leader. Is Axiana going home? No, she is being kidnapped and \expndtw0 taken \i from \i0 her home.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 The officer was silent for a moment. 'I am sorry, your \expndtw0 highness,' he said, at last. T am one of those Drenai \expndtw-6 savages. But I would willingly give my life for you. I have \expndtw0 brought you from the city because you are in danger. \expndtw-2 Kalizkan is a monster. And, for purposes which I do not \expndtw0 fully understand, desires to kill the child you carry. He and Malikada are in league. Of that I have no doubt.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Malikada delivered your father to him. Kalizkan killed \expndtw-2 him. Now Malikada's treachery has seen Skanda \expndtw0 similarly murdered. If it is in my power to bring you \expndtw-2 safely to Drenan then I shall. After that you will be free. \expndtw0 You will be feted as the queen, and, if it is possible, an army will bring you back to Ventria and establish you \expndtw-1 once more upon the throne.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Axiana shook her head. 'How can you be so naive, \expndtw-2 Dagorian? You think the Drenai nobility will care about \expndtw0 me? I am a foreigner. You think they will support my \expndtw-3 child? I think not. He will die, poisoned or strangled, and \expndtw0 some other \i Drenai \i0 nobleman will take the throne. That \expndtw-2 is the way it will be. You say Malikada delivered up my \expndtw0 father. I can believe that. He loathed him, thought him weak, and blamed him for the losses against Skanda. \expndtw-2 You say he betrayed Skanda. This I can also believe, for \expndtw0 he hated him. But he has always loved me. He is my cousin and would do nothing to harm me.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'And the babe you carry?' asked Ulmenetha.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I care nothing for him. He is a poisoned gift from Skanda. Let them take him. And as for you, Dagorian, \expndtw-1 return to your horse. I find your company repulsive.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The words hurt him, but he stood, untied the reins of his mount and stepped into the saddle. Ulmenetha gathered up the map. 'You are wrong, highness,' she \expndtw-5 said, softly.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I need to hear no words from you, traitress.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 A dry chuckle came from Conalin. He glanced back at \expndtw0 Ulmenetha. 'You save her from the beast and she calls \expndtw-1 you names. Gods, how I hate the rich.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li53\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Axiana made no reply, but stared out over the \expndtw0 snow-capped mountains, her face set, her expression unreadable. She wanted to apologize to Ulmenetha, to\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li38\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-12\fs21 180\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 say that the words were spoken in anger. Ingratitude was \expndtw0 not one of Axiana's weaknesses. She knew that the priestess had risked her life to save her from the undead creature in Kalizkan's house. More than this, she knew \expndtw-1 that Ulmenetha loved her, and would never willingly see \expndtw0 her come to harm.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 But Axiana was frightened. Raised at court, her every whim catered to instantly, the events of the past two days had been deeply shocking to her. In the space of forty-eight hours she had been locked in a dank room, witnessed violent death, heard of her husband's murder, \expndtw-1 and was now in a creaking wagon, heading into the wild \expndtw0 lands. She felt as if her mind was unravelling. Kalizkan, whom she had trusted and been fond of, was now revealed as a mass murderer, a child-killing beast. The Source alone knew what he had planned for her. She \expndtw-3 shuddered.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Are you cold, my dove?' Ulmenetha asked her. Axiana nodded dumbly. The priestess moved to her, laying a blanket over her shoulders. Tears welled in Axiana's eyes. The wagon lurched over a rut in the road and Axiana half fell into Ulmenetha. The priestess caught her. Axiana rested her head against Ulmenetha's \expndtw-3 shoulder.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I'm sorry,' she whispered.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I know, child.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'The baby is due soon. I am very frightened.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I will be here. And you are strong. Everything will be \expndtw0 all right.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Axiana took a deep breath, then sat upright. She could see Dagorian riding ahead, scanning the trail. They were \expndtw0 heading towards a forest that covered the flanks of the hills like a buffalo robe. Axiana glanced back. The city \expndtw-1 of Usa could no longer be seen behind them.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-15\fs21 181\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The dark-haired Pharis took a red apple from a food \expndtw-3 sack, and offered it to Axiana. The queen accepted it with \expndtw-1 a smile, then looked at the girl. She was terribly thin and \expndtw0 undernourished, but her face was pretty, her eyes large and brown. Axiana had never been this close to a com\-\expndtw-1 moner. She studied Pharis's thin dress. It was impossible \expndtw-3 to say what colour it had once been, for it was now a drab, \expndtw0 lifeless grey, torn at the shoulder, the hip and the elbow, and badly frayed at the wrists and the neck. It would not have been used as a cleaning rag in the palace. Reaching out she touched the material. It was rough and dirty. \expndtw-3 Pharis drew back, and Axiana saw her expression \expndtw-1 change. The girl swung away and moved back to sit with \expndtw-9 Sufia.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 At that moment the child within her moved. She gave a little cry. Then she smiled. 'He kicked me,' she said. \expndtw-1 Ulmenetha gently placed her hand over Axiana's swollen \expndtw-9 belly.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Yes, I can feel him. He's lusty and anxious for life.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Can I feel him?' asked little Sufia, scrambling back on \expndtw0 her hands and knees. Axiana gazed down into her bright \expndtw-6 blue eyes.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\sb5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Of course,' she said. Taking the child's small, grimy hand, she placed it over her stomach. For a moment there was no movement, then the baby kicked again. \expndtw-2 Sufia squealed with delight.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Pharis, Pharis, come feel!' she cried.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Pharis looked up and met the queen's gaze. Axiana smiled and held out her hand. Pharis moved to her, and \expndtw-1 the baby obediently kicked once more.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'How did it get in there?' asked Sufia. 'And how will \expndtw-1 it get out?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li53\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Magic,' said Ulmenetha, swiftly. 'How old are you, \expndtw-7 Sufia?' she added, changing the subject. The child shrugged.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li34\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 182.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I don't know. My brother Griss said he was six. And I'm younger than Griss.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Where is your brother?' asked Axiana, stroking Sufia's greasy blond hair.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'The wizard man took him away.' She was suddenly frightened. 'You won't let him take me away, will you?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Nobody will take you away, little one,' said Conalin, fiercely. Til kill any who try.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 This pleased Sufia. She looked up at Conalin. 'Can I drive the wagon?' she asked.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Pharis helped her clamber over the backrest, and \expndtw-1 Conalin sat her on his lap, allowing her to hold the reins.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Axiana bit into the apple. It was sweet, wondrously \expndtw-6 sweet.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 They had just reached the trees when they heard the sound of thundering hoof beats. Axiana glanced back. \expndtw-1 Five horsemen were cresting the rise behind them.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian galloped back to the wagon, his sabre gleaming in his hand.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sb3912\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 183\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri29\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-8\i\fs30 Chapter Seven\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb475\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Vellian had been a fighting man for fifteen of his twenty-nine years, and had served Malikada and Antikas Karios for twelve of them. He had joined the Ventrian army for the Great Expedition; the invasion of Drenan, and the righting of ancient wrongs. Every Ventrian child knew of Drenai infamy, their broken treaties, their territorial impudence, and their killing, centuries before, of the Great Emperor Gorben.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li197\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The invasion was to have put right all past wrongs.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 That, at least, was how it was sold to the fourteen-year-old Vellian when the recruiting officers arrived at his village. There was no greater honour, they said, than \expndtw-1 serving the emperor in a just cause. They made extrava\-\expndtw0 gant promises about wealth and glory. The wealth did not interest Vellian, but thoughts of glory swept through him like a powerful drug. He signed that day, without seeking permission from his parents, and rode away to \expndtw-2 smite the savages and seek his fame.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Now he rode a weary horse on the Old Lem road, and \expndtw-1 all his dreams were dust.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He had watched the Drenai army in their hopeless battle against the Cadians and had felt the enormous weight of shame. None of the junior officers had known of Malikada's plan, and they had waited, swords drawn, for the signal to attack. The Drenai centre had fought bravely, driving a wedge into the Cadian ranks. The\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 184\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 battle was won. Or it would have been, had the Ventrian \expndtw-1 cavalry moved in on the signal and attacked. Every man \expndtw0 saw the signal, and some even began to move forward. Then Malikada had shouted: 'Hold firm!'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Vellian had at first believed it to be part of some subtle, superior plan worked out between Skanda and Malikada. But as the hour wore on, and the Drenai died in their thousands, the truth revealed itself. Malikada, a man he had served loyally for almost half his life, had \expndtw-2 betrayed the king.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 There was worse to come. Skanda was taken alive, and \expndtw0 delivered to a cave high in the mountains, where the wizard Kalizkan waited. He was taken inside and \expndtw-3 sacrificed in some foul rite.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 For the first time Vellian considered desertion. He had \expndtw0 been raised to value honour and loyalty and the pursuit \expndtw-3 of the truth. He believed in these things. They were at the \expndtw0 heart of any civilized nation. Without them there was anarchy, chaos, and a rapid descent into the dark.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 There was no honour in betrayal.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Then Antikas Karios had come to him, ordering him to gather his Twenty and follow him to Usa to protect the queen. This duty, at least, was honourable.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 They had found the city in flames, bodies on the streets, and the palace deserted. No-one knew where the queen was hiding. Then Antikas questioned a group \expndtw-1 of men on the Avenue of Kings. They had seen a wagon leave the palace. A red-headed boy was driving it, and a \expndtw0 soldier was riding beside it. There were women in the \expndtw-1 wagon, and it was heading towards the west gate.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li34\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas had split the Twenty into four groups, and \expndtw-2 sent Vellian to the south.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li38\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'I may not come back, sir,' he told him. 'I have a desire \expndtw-2 to leave the army.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb158\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-16\fs21 185\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Antikas had pondered the statement, then he gestured \expndtw0 Vellian to follow him, and rode away from the other \expndtw-2 soldiers. 'What is wrong?' Antikas had asked him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I would say just about everything,' Vellian told him, \expndtw-9 sadly.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'You are referring to the battle.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'To the slaughter, you mean? To the treachery.' He expected Antikas to draw his blade and cut him down, \expndtw-2 and was surprised when the officer laid a hand upon his \expndtw-6 shoulder.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'You are the best of them, Vellian. You are brave and \expndtw-3 honest, and I value you above all other officers. But you \expndtw-2 betrayed no-one. You merely obeyed your general. The \expndtw-4 weight of responsibility is his alone. So I say this to you: \expndtw0 Ride south and if you find the queen bring her back to \expndtw-1 Usa. If you do not find her then go where you will with \expndtw-4 my blessing. Will you do this? For me?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I will, sir. Might I ask one question?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Of course.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Did you know of the plan?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I did - to my eternal shame. Now go - and do this last \expndtw-3 duty.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 An hour of hard riding followed, and then Vellian saw \expndtw-3 the wagon. As the men had said it was being driven by a \expndtw-2 youth with red hair. A child was sitting on the seat with him, and in the rear of the wagon were three women.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 And one was the queen.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 The soldier with them had drawn his sabre.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Keeping his hands on the reins Vellian rode his horse \expndtw-5 down the slope, and halted before the rider. His men rode \expndtw0 alongside him. 'Good morning,' he said. 'I am Vellian, \expndtw-7 sent by the General Antikas Karios to fetch the queen back \expndtw-3 to her palace. The city is quiet now and the army will be \expndtw-4 returning before tomorrow to fully restore order.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-16\fs21 186\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'An army of traitors,' said Dagorian, coldly. Vellian \expndtw-4 reddened.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Yes,' he agreed. 'Now return your sabre to its scabbard and let us be on our way.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I don't think so,' said Dagorian. 'The queen is in great \expndtw-1 danger. She will be safer with me.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Danger from whom?' asked Vellian, unsure as to how to proceed.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'The sorcerer, Kalizkan.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Then put your fears at rest, for he is dead, killed in a rock fall.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I don't believe you.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I am not known as a liar, sir.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Neither am I, Vellian. But I have pledged my life to protect the queen. This I will do. You ask me to turn her over to you. Did you not pledge your life to protect \expndtw-1 her husband the king?' Vellian said nothing. 'Well,' con\-\expndtw0 tinued Dagorian, 'since you failed in that I see no reason to trust you now.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Do not be a fool, man. You may be as skilled as \expndtw-1 Antikas himself with that sabre, but you cannot beat five \expndtw0 of us. What is the point then of dying, when the cause is \expndtw-1 already lost?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What is the point of living without a cause worth dying for?' countered Dagorian.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'So be it,' said Vellian, sadly. 'Take him!'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 The four riders drew their sabres. Dagorian gave out a \expndtw-2 yell and slapped the flat of his sabre on his horse's flanks. \expndtw0 The beast leapt forward, straight into the group. One \expndtw-2 horse went down, two others reared. Swinging his mount \expndtw0 Dagorian slashed his sabre across the shoulder of the nearest rider. The blade sank deep, then sang clear. Vellian stabbed at him, but Dagorian parried the thrust, \expndtw-2 sending a counter strike that sliced across Vellian's chest,\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\sb158\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 187\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li34\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 cutting through his tunic and opening a shallow wound.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 A rider moved in behind Dagorian, his sabre raised.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 An arrow pierced the man's temple, pitching him from \expndtw-4 the saddle.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Then Nogusta came galloping into sight. Dagorian \expndtw-2 saw his arm go back, then snap forward. A shining blade \expndtw0 flashed through the air, sinking deep into the throat of a second rider. Vellian attacked Dagorian, but his blade was parried. Dagorian's return cut missed him, but in swaying back Vellian almost lost his balance. His horse reared, hurling him to the ground. He landed heavily, and was stunned for a moment. Struggling to his knees \expndtw-2 he gathered his sabre and looked around him. All four of \expndtw-3 his men were dead.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian dismounted and approached him. Vellian \expndtw-4 stood his ground. From the trees came two other warriors, \expndtw0 a bald giant with a white moustache, and an archer Vellian recognized as Kebra, the former champion. 'It \expndtw-3 seems,' said Vellian, 'that the roles are now reversed.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I have no wish to kill you,' said Dagorian. 'You may \expndtw-2 travel with us as our prisoner. You will be released when \expndtw-1 we reach the coast.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I think not,' said Vellian. 'How could I fail to follow \expndtw-1 so bold an example.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Leaping forward he launched an attack. Their blades clashed, again and again. Just for a moment he felt he could win, but then a murderous riposte from Dagorian sent a spasm of fire through Vellian's chest. The sabre slid clear and the Ventrian sank to the ground.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li29\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 He was lying now on the grass, looking up at the blue \expndtw-2 sky. 'I would also have protected the queen with my life,' \expndtw-4 he heard himself say.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I know.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb398\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 188\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 For Axiana the rest of the day had a dreamlike quality, both real and unreal. The lurching of the wagon over the narrow forest trail, and the smell of damp earth, and \expndtw-5 green leaves, were strong and vital. But as she gazed about \expndtw-4 her at the faces of her companions she felt a curious sense \expndtw-2 of detachment. Apart from little Sufia they all seemed so \expndtw-4 tense, their movements sharp, their eyes frightened. Well, not all, she realized, her gaze settling on the black warrior. There was no fear in those strange blue eyes.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Dagorian rode silently alongside the wagon, \expndtw0 occasionally swinging in the saddle to study the back trail. There was little to be seen, for they were deep in the forest now, the trail snaking through the trees. Yet \expndtw-1 still he looked. The other three also rode silently. Twice \expndtw0 the black man left the group, riding the huge gelding back along the trail. The other two had placed them\-selves on either side of the wagon, only dropping back when the trail narrowed, and the trees closed in.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Axiana remembered the bowman, Kebra. He it was who had lost the tournament, and caused Skanda such anger. And the other fellow - Kebra called him Bison -was a hulking brute with a drooping white moustache.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The queen had never before been in a forest. Her father had often hunted here. He had killed lion and \expndtw-1 bear, deer and elk. She recalled seeing the trophies from \expndtw0 her window. The bodies had looked so sad, slung upon \expndtw-1 the back of the wagon.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Bear and lion.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The thought did not frighten her. All fear had gone \expndtw-3 now. She was floating in harmony, living in the moment.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'How are you feeling?' asked Ulmenetha, placing \expndtw-2 her hand on the queen's arm. Axiana looked down at the \expndtw0 hand. It was an impertinence to touch her, and yet she \expndtw-3 felt no anger.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb158\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 189\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li29\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I am well.' Sunlight broke through the clouds, and speared through a gap in the trees ahead, slanted \expndtw-1 columns of gold illuminating the trail. 'How pretty,' said \expndtw0 Axiana, dreamily. She saw the concern in Ulmenetha's eyes, but did not understand it. 'We should be getting back to the city,' she said. 'It will be dark soon.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha did not reply, but moved in, drawing her \expndtw-2 close and cuddling her. She settled her head on \expndtw0 Ulmenetha's shoulder. 'I am very tired.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You rest, my dove. Ulmenetha will look after you.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Axiana saw the five horses tied to the rear of the wagon, and her body tensed. Ulmenetha held her close. 'What is wrong?' asked the priestess.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li202\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Those horses . . . where did we get them?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'We took them from the soldiers who attacked us.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'That was just a dream,' said Axiana. 'No soldiers would attack me. I am the queen. No soldiers would attack me. No-one would lock me away. There are no walking dead men. It is all a dream.' She began to tremble and felt Ulmenetha's hand touch her face. Then \expndtw-1 she slid gratefully into darkness.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 When she opened her eyes she saw bright stars in the sky. She yawned. 'I dreamt I was in Morec,' she said, sitting up. T grew up there. In the spring palace over\-looking the bay. I used to watch the dolphins there.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Was it a nice dream?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Yes.' Axiana looked around. The trees were shadow-haunted now, and the temperature was dropping. Here and there, in sheltered hollows, the snow still lay on the \expndtw-1 ground. 'Where are we?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I'm not sure,' replied Ulmenetha. 'But we will be \expndtw-2 making camp soon.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li240\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Camp? Are we camping?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'Yes.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 190\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Is there no house close by?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'No,' said Ulmenetha, softly. 'No house. But it will be \expndtw-6 safe.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'From bears and lions,' said Axiana, trying to sound \expndtw-3 authoritative.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'Yes, highness.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 Dagorian rode alongside the wagon and climbed to the \expndtw0 driver's seat. 'Hold tight,' he said, taking the reins from \expndtw-3 Conalin. 'We are leaving the trail.' The wagon lurched to \expndtw-1 the right and down a shallow slope. Ulmenetha held on \expndtw-3 to Axiana. Dagorian drove the wagon down to a shallow \expndtw0 stream. Kebra and Bison rode their horses across to where the black man waited. There was a fire burning against the cliff wall. The weary horses splashed into the stream and Dagorian cracked the whip twice as the \expndtw-3 wagon was slowly hauled across. Once on the other side \expndtw-1 he turned the team and applied the brake.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha helped the queen to climb down, and led \expndtw-3 her to the fire. There were flat rocks close by and Axiana \expndtw-1 sat upon one of them. Kebra lit a second fire and began \expndtw0 to prepare a meal. The children gathered firewood. \expndtw-5 Everyone seemed so busy. Axiana gazed up at the tower\-\expndtw0 ing cliff wall. There had been cliffs like this in Morec. \expndtw-1 She had climbed one once, and her mother had scolded \expndtw0 her dreadfully. Suddenly she remembered the Royal Guards who had ridden up to the wagon earlier. What had happened to them? Why had they gone away? She was about to ask Ulmenetha, but then she caught the aroma of meat and spices coming from the pot on \expndtw-4 the camp-fire. It smelt delicious!\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Rising she walked to the fire. The bowman, who was \expndtw0 kneeling beside the pot, glanced up. 'It will be ready \expndtw-3 soon, your highness.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It smells wonderful,' she said. She wandered to the\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 191\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 moonlit stream, then along the banks, captivated by the \expndtw-2 glittering lights on the smooth stones beneath the water. \expndtw0 They shone like gems. Alone now she sat down by the waterside, and remembered sitting on the beach in Morec, her feet in the water. Her nurse used to sing a \expndtw-1 song to her there, a song about dolphins. Axiana tried to remember it. She laughed as the lines came back to her, \expndtw-3 and began to sing.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li715\sb250\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'How I long to be,\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li710\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 such a queen of the sea,\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li706\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 to follow the ocean, always in motion,\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li710\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 and always so wonderfully free.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\sb240\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The bushes rustled alongside her and a huge form reared up, towering over her. Axiana clapped her hands and laughed happily. The bear was so large, and, unlike the sad carcasses her father had brought back, so full of \expndtw-2 life. The bear gave a deep, rumbling growl.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li202\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Do you not like my song, Bruin?' she said.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 She felt a strong hand upon her arm, and looked up to \expndtw-2 see the black warrior beside her. He was holding a burn\-\expndtw-1 ing torch in his left hand. Gently he drew her to her feet. \expndtw0 'He is hungry, highness, and in no mood for song.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Slowly he backed away, drawing the queen with him. \expndtw0 The bear spread his paws wide and lumbered through the bushes towards them. 'He is coming with us,' said Axiana, brightly. The black man moved carefully in front of her, holding out the burning torch. To her left she saw Kebra the Bowman, a shaft notched to the bow \expndtw-8 string.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Do not shoot,' said Nogusta.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li43\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Bison and Dagorian moved in from the right. Bison was also holding a torch. The bear's great head moved\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-10\fs21 192\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 from side to side. 'Be off with you!' shouted Bison, darting forward. Surprised by the movement the bear dropped to all fours and ambled away into the dark\-\expndtw-7 ness.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'He was so big,' said Axiana.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Indeed he was, highness,' the black man told her. 'Now let us return to the fire.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The stew was served upon pewter plates and Axiana ate with relish. She asked for wine, and Ulmenetha \expndtw-2 apologized for forgetting to bring any. Instead she drank a cup of water from the stream. It was cool and pleasant. \expndtw-4 Ulmenetha prepared a bed for her beside the fire. \expndtw0 Dagorian made a small hollow for her hip beneath the blankets. Resting her head on a rolled blanket pillow \expndtw-5 Axiana lay quietly listening to the conversation around the \expndtw0 fire. She heard the words. The child, Sufia, was asleep \expndtw-3 beside her, the boy Conalin sitting watching over her.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I saw a bear today,' Axiana told him, sleepily.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Go to sleep,' said the boy.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb250\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Bison added a log to the fire as Kebra collected the pewter plates and carried them to the stream for clean\-\expndtw-1 ing. The giant cast a furtive glance at Nogusta, who was \expndtw0 sitting quietly, his back to the cliff wall. Dagorian and Ulmenetha were whispering to one another, and Bison could not make out the words. Bison was confused by the events of the day. Nogusta had woken them early, \expndtw-1 and they had set off back towards the city. 'The queen is \expndtw0 in danger,' was all the black man had said, and the ride \expndtw-1 had been fast, with no time for conversation. Bison was \expndtw-2 not a rider. He hated horses. Almost as much as he hated \expndtw0 sleeping on the ground in winter, he realized. His shoulder ached, and he had a deep, nagging pain in his \expndtw-2 lower back.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sb158\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-16\fs21 193\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 Bison glanced towards where the queen was sleeping, \expndtw0 the children stretched out alongside her. None of this made any sense to the giant. Skanda was dead - which served him right for putting his faith in Ventrians and sending all the best soldiers home. But this talk of wizards and demons and sacrifices made Bison un\-\expndtw-3 comfortable. It was a known fact that men couldn't fight \expndtw-10 demons.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'What are we going to do?' he asked Nogusta.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'About what?' countered the black man.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'About all this!' said Bison, gesturing towards the \expndtw-10 sleepers.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'We'll take them to the coast and find a ship bound for \expndtw-1 Drenan.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Oh, really? Just like that?' snapped Bison, his anger growing. 'We've probably got the entire Ventrian army on our heels and demons to boot. And we're travelling \expndtw-2 with a pregnant woman who's lost her mind. Oh . . . and \expndtw0 did I mention the fact that we're also saddled with the \expndtw-3 slowest wagon in Ventria?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'She hasn't lost her mind, you oaf,' said Ulmenetha, \expndtw-3 icily. 'She is in shock. It will pass.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'She's in shock? What about me? I was kicked out of the army. I'm not a soldier any more. That was a shock \expndtw-2 I can tell you. But I haven't started singing to bears yet.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'You are not a sensitive seventeen-year-old girl, \expndtw0 heavily pregnant,' said Ulmenetha, 'who has been torn \expndtw-2 from her home.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I didn't tear her from her home,' objected Bison. 'She can go back for all I care. So can you, you fat cow.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li29\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What do you suggest, my friend?' asked Nogusta, \expndtw-9 softly.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The question threw Bison. He was not used to being \expndtw-3 asked for opinions, and he didn't really have one. But he\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li34\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-16\fs21 194\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 was angry at the fat woman for calling him an oaf. 'We \expndtw-4 ought to ride on. She's not Drenai, is she? None of them \expndtw-3 are.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I am,' said Ulmenetha, her voice edged with con\-\expndtw-2 tempt. 'But then that is not the issue, is it?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'Issue? What's she talking about?' Bison demanded.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'This isn't about nationalities,' said Dagorian. 'The \expndtw-5 demons desire to sacrifice the queen's child. You under\-\expndtw0 stand? If they succeed the world will slide down into \expndtw-2 horror. All the evils we know from legends, the Shape-\expndtw0 Shifters, the Hollow Tooths, the Krandyl \expndtw33 ...\expndtw0  all will \expndtw-2 return. We must protect her.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Protect her? There are four of us! How are we going to protect her?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'The best way we can,' said Nogusta. 'But you do not \expndtw-1 have to stay, my friend. Your life is free. You can ride \expndtw-3 away. You are not held here by chains.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The conversation was heading along a path Bison \expndtw-3 didn't like. He had no wish to leave his friends, and was \expndtw0 surprised that Nogusta would even suggest it. 'I can't read maps,' he objected. 'I don't even know where we \expndtw-2 are now. I want to know \i why \i0 we should stay with her.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Kebra returned to the fire, and carefully stowed away \expndtw-5 the clean plates. Then he sat down beside Bison. He said \expndtw-4 nothing, but his expression was one of amusement.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\i\fs21 'Why \i0 we should stay?' stormed Dagorian. 'What kind \expndtw-6 of a question is that from a Drenai warrior? Evil threatens \expndtw-5 to kill a child. Never mind that the child is the heir to the \expndtw0 throne, and that his mother is the queen. When evil \expndtw-3 threatens good men stand against it.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Bison hawked and spat into the fire. 'Just words,' he \expndtw-2 said, dismissively. 'Just like all that high sounding bull \expndtw0 that Skanda used to spout before battles. Justice and right, forces of Light against the Dark tyranny. And\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li58\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 where did it get us, eh? Army's gone, and we're sitting in a cold forest waiting to be struck down by demons.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'He is quite right,' said Kebra, with a wink to Nogusta. There is no point in arguing the issue. I don't much care about wealth and glory. Never did. The \expndtw-1 thought of getting back to Drenan and attending parades and banquets in my honour means nothing to me. And I \expndtw0 do not need to live in a palace, surrounded by beautiful women. All I require is a simple farm on a nice plot of land. And I'll best achieve those dreams by heading for the coast on a fast horse.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'My point exactly,' said Bison, triumphantly. Then he faltered. 'What was that about wealth?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kebra shrugged. 'Meaningless baubles. But you can imagine the kind of reception given to the small band of \expndtw-1 heroes who rescued the queen? Showered with gold and \expndtw0 praise. Probably given a commission in the avenging army that would return to Ventria. Who needs it? You and I will head for Caphis tomorrow. We'll sail home quietly and retire. You can have a place on my farm.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I don't want to live on a farm,' insisted Bison. 'I want to be in the . . . what did you call it? \expndtw27 ...\expndtw0  the avenging \expndtw-2 army.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You probably can,' Kebra assured him. 'You could \expndtw-1 dye your moustache black and pretend to be forty again. \expndtw0 Now I'm for bed. It's been a long and tiring day.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Rising from the fire he strolled to his blankets. 'Would they really give us riches and fame?' Bison asked \expndtw-3 Dagorian.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I fear so.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'They'd probably write songs about you,' said Nogusta.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'A pox on songs! Can't buy a whore with a song. But can we fight demons, Nogusta? I mean, can we actually \expndtw-3 beat them?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 196\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs22 'Have you ever seen me lose?' countered Nogusta. 'Of \expndtw-3 course we can beat them.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs22 'Then I think you are right,' said Bison. 'Can't let evil \expndtw0 get its own way. I'm with you.' Pushing himself to his feet he walked back to his blankets and lay down. \expndtw-4 Within moments he was snoring softly.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs22 'Sweet Heaven, he makes me sick,' said Dagorian.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs22 'Don't judge him so harshly,' Nogusta told him. 'Bison is not a complex man, but he has a little more depth than \expndtw0 you give him credit for. He may have trouble with the concepts, but the realities are different. You will see. \expndtw-5 Now you get some sleep. I'll take the first watch. And I'll \expndtw-2 wake you in around three hours.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs22 When Dagorian had gone Ulmenetha moved alongside \expndtw-1 Nogusta. 'Do you believe we can make it to the coast?' \expndtw-6 she asked him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs22 'Do you believe in miracles?' he countered.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs22 Nogusta sat alone, enjoying the solitude. There was no \expndtw0 real need to keep watch. They could do nothing if attacked here, save fight and die. But he had always \expndtw-4 enjoyed forest nights, the wind whispering in the leaves, \expndtw0 the filtered moonlight, and the sense of eternity ema\-\expndtw-1 nating from the ancient trees around him. Forests were \expndtw-2 never silent. Always there was movement; life. Bison's \expndtw0 gentle snoring drifted to him and he smiled. Dagorian \expndtw-6 and Ulmenetha had gazed at the giant scornfully when he \expndtw-4 decided to travel with them for the wealth and the glory. \expndtw-5 Nogusta knew better. Bison needed an excuse for \expndtw-1 heroism. Like all men of limited intelligence he feared \expndtw0 being tricked or manipulated. There was never any doubt that he would journey with them. Kebra had \expndtw-3 known this, and had given Bison the excuse he needed. \expndtw-5 The giant would stand beside his friends against any foe.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-16\fs22 197\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li101\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Do  you  believe  in  miracles,   Nogusta   had  asked \expndtw-13 Ulmenetha?\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Well, a miracle would be needed, he knew. Lifting Dagorian's map he turned it towards the fire. The \expndtw-2 symbols stood out well in the flickering light. Some 2.0 \expndtw0 miles to the south was the line of the River Mendea. \expndtw-3 Three fords were marked. If they could reach the first by \expndtw0 late tomorrow they would have a chance to cross the \expndtw-3 water and lose themselves in the high country. After that \expndtw0 there was another 70 miles of rugged terrain. Old forts \expndtw-3 were indicated along the southern route, but these would \expndtw-2 be deserted now. There might be villages along the way, \expndtw0 from which they could obtain supplies. But probably \expndtw-1 not. This was inhospitable land. Then they would reach \expndtw-3 the plains, and face a further 150 miles west to the coast. \expndtw0 Even with the five spare horses it would be a month of hard, slow travel. We cannot make such a journey un\-\expndtw-2 detected, he realized. Despair struck him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ruthlessly he suppressed the emotion. One step at a \expndtw-2 time, he cautioned himself. First the river.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Why are you doing this for us?' Ulmenetha had asked \expndtw-9 him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It is enough that I do,' he told her. 'It needs no ex\-\expndtw-1 planation.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He thought about it now, recalling the dread day he had arrived home to find his family murdered, seeing \expndtw-2 their bodies, carrying them \i to \i0 graves he dug himself. He \expndtw0 had buried them, and with it had buried his dreams and theirs. All their hopes and fears had been consigned to the earth, and a part of him had remained there with \expndtw-2 them, in the cold, worm-filled ground.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 He glanced around the camp. Ulmenetha was asleep in \expndtw-2 the wagon. Nogusta liked the priestess. She was a tough \expndtw-1 woman, and there was no give in her. Rising he walked\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-14\fs21 198\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 round the fire and stood over the sleeping children. \expndtw-6 Conalin was a sullen boy, but there was steel in him. The \expndtw0 two girls were cuddled together under one blanket. \expndtw-2 The child, Sufia, had her thumb in her mouth, and was \expndtw-9 sleeping peacefully.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Nogusta walked to the edge of the camp. Through a \expndtw-2 break in the trees the black silhouette of the mountains \expndtw-4 could be seen against the dark grey of the sky. He heard \expndtw-5 Kebra approach.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'Can you not sleep?' he asked the bowman.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 T slept for a while. But I am getting too old to enjoy \expndtw-4 cold nights on bare earth. My bones object.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 The two men stood in silence, breathing in the cold, \expndtw-4 clean air of the night. Then Kebra spoke. 'The riders we \expndtw-5 killed were carrying around three days of supplies. They \expndtw-4 may not be missed for a while.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Let us hope so.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'I'm not afraid of dying,' said Kebra, softly. 'But I am afraid.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'I know. I feel it too.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'Do you have a plan?' asked the bowman.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\fs21 'Stay alive, kill all enemies, reach the coast, find a ship.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li14\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Things always look brighter when you have a plan,' \expndtw-7 said Kebra.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta smiled, then his expression hardened. The \expndtw-6 black man ran his hand over his shaved head. 'The forces \expndtw-1 of evil are gathering, and all hope rests in the hands of \expndtw-6 three old men. It almost makes me believe in the Source. \expndtw-5 The sense of humour here is cosmic.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li19\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Well, my friend, I \i do \i0 believe. And if I had to pick \expndtw-7 three old men to save the world I'd make the same choice \expndtw-3 He did.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 Nogusta chuckled. 'So would I, but that just makes us \expndtw-6\i arrogant \i0 old men.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 199\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 For two days Antikas Karios searched to the west. Now he and his fifteen men rode weary horses into Usa. The men were no less tired and sat slumped in their saddles. They had removed their bronze helms and hung them from the pommels of their saddles. Their clothes were travel stained, their white cloaks grimy. Antikas was faced with two unpalatable truths. First that the fleeing \expndtw-1 group must have headed south, and secondly that Vellian \expndtw0 had either betrayed him, or was dead. The latter was surely unlikely. Dagorian was a highly skilled swords\-man, but he could not have defeated five veteran \expndtw-5 soldiers.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas recalled the notes he had read concerning the young officer. The son of a hero general Dagorian had never wished to be a soldier. In fact he had trained for two years to be a priest. According to the reports pressure from his family had led him to enlist in his father's regiment. These facts alone would have meant little to most men, but to the sharp mind of Antikas Karios they revealed a great deal. To become a priest required not only immense commitment and belief, but a willingness to put aside all desires of the flesh. Such a decision could not be taken lightly, and once taken would clothe a man in chains of iron. But Dagorian had shrugged off those chains following 'pressure from his family'. His commitment to his god, therefore had been less than his commitment to his kin. This showed either a weak personality, or a man destined always to put the needs of others before his own desires. Or both.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas had not been concerned when Malikada ordered the officer's death. Nor had he been unduly sur\-prised when Dagorian bested the assassins. But his actions since were mysterious. Why had he kidnapped\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li29\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 200\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 the queen? And why had she, apparently, gone willingly \expndtw-4 with him?\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The tall chestnut he was riding stumbled on the wide \expndtw-3 avenue, then righted itself. Antikas patted its neck. 'Soon \expndtw-1 you can rest,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 It was nearing dusk as they approached the palace \expndtw-1 gates. A pall of smoke hung over the western quarter of \expndtw-3 the city, and there was no-one on the streets. Sending his \expndtw-1 riders to the barracks to tend their mounts and get some \expndtw0 rest Antikas rode through the gates of the palace. Two \expndtw-3 sentries were standing to attention as he passed. Guiding \expndtw0 his horse to the stable he dismounted. There were no stable hands in sight. This irritated Antikas and he unsaddled the gelding and rubbed him down with a \expndtw-2 handful of dry straw. Then he led him to a stall. Antikas \expndtw0 filled the feedbox with grain, drew a bucket of water \expndtw-2 from the stable well and covered the gelding's back with \expndtw0 a blanket. He deserved more, and Antikas was irritated that no ostlers were present. But then why should they \expndtw-2 be, he thought? There are no other horses in the stables.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 Antikas was tired, his eyes gritty through lack of sleep, \expndtw-1 but he went in search of Malikada. Rather than face the \expndtw0 long walk back to the main doors he cut in through \expndtw-2 the kitchen entrance, thinking to order a meal sent to his \expndtw-3 rooms. Here too there was no sign of life. The place was \expndtw0 deserted. As he moved on he saw piles of unwashed, food-encrusted dishes and noticed that the pantry door \expndtw-1 was open, the shelves empty. It made no sense. At dusk \expndtw0 the kitchens should have been bustling with servants \expndtw-1 preparing the evening meal.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li29\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Climbing the narrow winding stair to the first floor he \expndtw0 emerged into a wide, richly carpeted corridor, and \expndtw-2 walked on, past the library, to the ornate staircase lead\-\expndtw0 ing to the royal apartments. After his experience at the\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb158\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 201\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 stables and kitchens he was not surprised to find no sign \expndtw0 of servants, and none of the lanterns had been lit. The \expndtw-3 palace was gloomy, and lit only by the fading light of the \expndtw-1 dying sun streaming through the tall windows.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He had just begun to believe Malikada was staying at the barracks when he saw two sentries at the door of what had been Skanda's apartments. Antikas strode \expndtw-1 towards them. Neither offered him the customary salute. \expndtw0 He paused to admonish them, then heard Malikada's \expndtw-1 voice call out from beyond the door. 'Come in, Antikas.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Antikas entered and bowed. Malikada was standing at \expndtw0 the balcony, his back to him. The swordsman was momentarily confused. How had Malikada known he \expndtw-3 was outside?\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Speak,' said Malikada, without turning.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I am sorry to report that the queen has gone, my lord. \expndtw0 But I will find her tomorrow.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Antikas expected an angry outburst, for Malikada was \expndtw0 a volatile man. He was surprised, therefore, when his cousin merely shrugged. 'She is on the Old Lem road,' \expndtw-2 said Malikada. 'She is travelling with four men, her mid\-wife, and three youngsters. One of the men is the officer, \expndtw-1 Dagorian. I will send men after her tomorrow. You need not concern yourself further.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Yes, Lord. And what of the other matters?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Other matters?' asked Malikada, dreamily.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Getting messages to our garrisons on the coast, deal\-\expndtw0 ing with the White Wolf, rooting out Drenai sym\-pathizers. All of the plans we have been discussing for \expndtw-1 months.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'They can wait. The queen is all important.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li34\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'With respect, cousin, I disagree. When the Drenai learn of Skanda's death they could mount a second in\-\expndtw-1 vasion. And if the White Wolf is allowed to escape . . .'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb206\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\b\fs14 2.OZ\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\b0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 But Malikada was \i not \i0 listening. He stood on the bal\-cony, staring out over the city. 'Go to your room and rest, Antikas. Go to your room.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Yes, Lord.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas left the room. Once more there was no salute \expndtw-1 from the guards, but he was too preoccupied now to take \expndtw-2 issue with them. He needed a change of clothing, a meal, \expndtw0 and then rest. His own apartment was small, a tiny bed\-room and a modest sitting-room with two couches and no balcony. He lit two lanterns then stripped off his armour and the dust-stained tunic beneath, filled a bowl with water from a tall jug and washed his upper body. He would have preferred a hot, perfumed bath, but, without servants, it was unlikely that the bath-house \expndtw-2 boilers were working.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Where had the servants gone? And why had Malikada not gathered more?\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Clothing himself in a fresh tunic and leggings he sat down and, out of habit, polished his breastplate, helm and greaves, which he then hung on a wooden frame. The room began to grow cold. Antikas strode to the \expndtw-1 window, but it was tightly shut. He thought of lighting a \expndtw0 fire, but hunger was gnawing at him. The temperature dropped even further. Antikas swung his sword belt around his waist and left the room. The corridor was infinitely warmer. How curious, he thought.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Behind him, within the room, the water in his washing \expndtw0 bowl froze, and ice patterns formed on the windows.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Leaving the palace he crossed the Avenue of Kings. Canta's Tavern was but a short walk, and the food there \expndtw-2 was always good.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li24\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 When he arrived he found the doors locked, but he could hear signs of movement within. Angry now he hammered his fist on the wood. All movement inside\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sb163\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Z03\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 ceased. 'Open up, Canta! There is a hungry man out \expndtw-5 here,' he called.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 He heard the bolts being drawn back. The door swung \expndtw0 open. Within were two men. One, the owner, Canta, a \expndtw-6 short, fat, balding man with a heavy black moustache, had \expndtw-3 a kitchen knife in his hand, the other man was holding a \expndtw-1 hatchet. 'Come in quickly,' said Canta. Antikas stepped \expndtw-6 inside. They slammed shut the door and bolted it.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What are you afraid of?' asked Antikas. The men \expndtw-2 looked at one another.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'How long have you been back in the city?' asked \expndtw-6 Canta.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I just rode in.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 There have been riots,' said the tavern keeper, dropping \expndtw-4 his knife to a table and slumping down. 'Riots like you've \expndtw-6 never seen. People hacking and stabbing their neighbours. \expndtw-3 Last night the baker murdered his wife and ran along the \expndtw0 street with her head in his hands. I saw it with my own \expndtw-6 eyes, Antikas, through the window slats. There is madness \expndtw-4 everywhere. Tomorrow I'm getting out.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'And what of the Militia?' asked Antikas.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'They're out there with them, burning and looting. I \expndtw-2 tell you, Antikas, it beggars belief. By day everything is \expndtw-3 quiet, but when the sun goes down the nightmare begins \expndtw0 again. There is a great evil at work here. I feel it in my \expndtw-6 bones.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas rubbed his weary eyes. 'The army is back \expndtw-2 now. They will restore order.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'The army is camped a mile from the city,' said the other man, a stocky figure with a greying beard. 'The \expndtw-6 city is defenceless.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 The tavern was gloomy and dark, lit only by a fading \expndtw0 log fire in the hearth. 'Do you have any food?' asked \expndtw-3 Antikas. 'I have not eaten since yesterday.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 204\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Canta nodded and moved away to the kitchen. The \expndtw-2 other man sat opposite the swordsman. 'There is sorcery \expndtw-1 here,' he said. 'I think the city is dying.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Nonsense,' snapped Antikas.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'You haven't seen it, man. Outside. After dark. I have. \expndtw0 I'll not forget it. The mob becomes possessed. You can \expndtw-3 see it in their eyes.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'That is the way with mobs,' said Antikas.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Maybe it is, soldier. But yesterday . . .' his voice tailed \expndtw-4 away. The man rose and walked away to the fire, slump\-\expndtw0 ing down beside it and staring into the flames. Canta returned with a plate of cold beef and cheese and a jug \expndtw-3 of watered wine.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'It is the best I can offer,' said Canta. Antikas reached for his money pouch. 'Don't concern yourself with that,' \expndtw0 said Canta. Take it as a gift.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The sound of sobbing came from the hearth. Antikas \expndtw-3 looked at the weeping man with distaste. Canta leaned in \expndtw0 close. 'Last night he killed his wife and daughters,' \expndtw-2 whispered the innkeeper. 'And he loved them dearly. He \expndtw-4 came to me this morning, covered in blood. He could not \expndtw-2 believe what he had done.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'He will be arrested and hanged,' said Antikas, coldly.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Wait until you've lived through the night before mak\-\expndtw-2 ing judgements,' advised Canta.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Antikas did not reply. Slowly he ate the meal, savour\-\expndtw0 ing the taste of the cold beef and the texture of the \expndtw-2 smoked cheese. At last replete he sat back. A stair board \expndtw0 creaked. Antikas glanced up and saw a tall, thin priest, \expndtw-1 in robes of white, moving down the stairs. 'He has been \expndtw0 here two days,' said Canta. 'He says little, but he is \expndtw-3 mightily afraid.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li38\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 The priest acknowledged Antikas with a curt nod and \expndtw-1 moved past him to sit at a table at the far wall.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-16\fs21 205\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li250\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs22 'What is he doing at a tavern?' asked Antikas.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li43\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs22 'He says that this place was built on the ruins of a \expndtw-5 shrine, and that demons will avoid it. He is leaving with \expndtw-6 us tomorrow.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li24\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs22 Antikas rose and moved across the room. The priest \expndtw-5 glanced up. He had a thin, ascetic face, with a prominent \expndtw-6 nose and a receding chin. His eyes were pale and watery. \expndtw-4 'Good evening to you, Father,' said Antikas.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs22 'And to you, my son,' answered the priest.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs22 'What is it you fear?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs22 'The end of the world,' said the priest, his voice dull \expndtw-9 and toneless.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs22 Antikas leaned forward on the table, forcing the man \expndtw-4 to meet his gaze. 'Explain,' he ordered him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs22 'Words are useless now,' said the priest, once more \expndtw-1 averting his gaze. 'It has begun. It will not be stopped. \expndtw-4 The demons are everywhere, and growing stronger each \expndtw-1 night.' He lapsed into silence. Antikas found it hard to \expndtw-5 suppress his irritation.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs22 'Tell me anyway,' he said, sitting down on the bench \expndtw-5 seat opposite the man.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs22 The priest sighed. 'Some weeks ago Father Aminias, \expndtw0 the oldest of our order, told the Abbot he had seen \expndtw-6 demons over the city. He maintained the city was in great \expndtw-7 danger. Then he was murdered. A few days ago a woman \expndtw-9 came to me in the temple. She was a priestess, and midwife \expndtw-6 to the queen. She had been blessed with a \i kiraz - \i0 a three\-\expndtw-7 fold vision. I spoke with her, and tried to interpret it. After \expndtw0 she had gone I began to study the ancient scrolls and grimoires in the temple library. There I came upon a \expndtw-7 prophecy. That prophecy is being fulfilled now.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs22 'What are you saying?' persisted Antikas. 'You think \expndtw-5 the sun will fall from the sky, that the oceans will rise up \expndtw-6 and destroy us?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb139\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-8\fs22 zo6\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Nothing so natural, my son. Both the old emperor and Skanda were, I believe, descended from the line of three ancient kings. These kings, and a wizard, fought a war long ago. It was not a war against men. There are few details of it now, and those that remain are hope\-lessly distorted, and full of bizarre imagery. What is clear, however, is that it was a war against non-humans\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 - demons, if you like. All the ancient tomes tell of a period when such creatures walked among us. The three \expndtw-1 kings ended that period, banishing all demons to another \expndtw0 world. There are no details now of the spell that was wrought, but one of the tomes tells of the patterns of planets in the sky that awesome night. A similar pattern \expndtw-2 is in the heavens now. And I believe - with utter certainty\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 - that the demons are returning.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Tomes, stars, demons - I understand none of this, priest,' snapped Antikas. 'Offer me proofs!'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Proofs?' The priest laughed aloud. 'What proofs would be sufficient? We are in a city being torn apart \expndtw-3 every night by those possessed. The prophecy talks of the \expndtw0 Sacrifice of Kings. The priestess told me her vision showed the old emperor was killed in such a manner. Now Skanda is dead. You are a soldier. Were you there \expndtw-1 when his army was destroyed?' Antikas nodded. 'Was he \expndtw0 slain on the battlefield, or taken to a secret place, and \expndtw-1 then killed?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It is not my place to discuss these things,' said \expndtw-1 Antikas. 'But, for the sake of argument, let us assume he \expndtw0 was. What do you take it to mean?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li24\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'It means the fulfilment of prophecy. Two of three kings \expndtw-5 sacrificed. When the third dies the gateways will open, and \expndtw-2 the demons will be back among us. In the flesh.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li29\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Pah!' snorted Antikas. 'And there your argument falters, for there is no third king.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb158\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 2.07\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Not so,' said the priest. 'In the words of the prophecy \expndtw0 the sacrifices will consist of an owl, a lion and a lamb. \expndtw-1 The owl represents wisdom and learning. The old \expndtw0 emperor was, as you will recall, a learned man, who founded many universities. Skanda, may his soul burn, was a ravening lion, a destroyer. The third? A lamb is a \expndtw-2 newborn creature. A child, therefore, or a babe. I am not \expndtw0 a seer. But I do not need to be, for I saw Queen Axiana recently, and her child is soon due. He will be the third \expndtw-4 king.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas leaned back in his chair and drew in a long \expndtw-1 breath. 'You speak of spells and grimoires, but only one \expndtw-3 man had such power. Kalizkan. And he is dead. Killed in a rockfall.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi168\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I do not speak of men,' said the priest. 'No \i man \i0 could \expndtw0 summon such magic. I knew Kalizkan. He was a caring \expndtw-2 man, thoughtful and sensitive. Two years ago he came to \expndtw-3 the temple to be healed of a terrible cancer. We could not \expndtw-1 help him. He had but days to live. He spent two of those days studying ancient texts in our library. After the visit \expndtw-2 of the priestess I studied those same texts myself. One of \expndtw-1 the spells contained there was of a merging. If a sorcerer \expndtw0 had enough power - so it maintained - he could draw a demon into himself for the purposes of prolonging his life. Shared immortality.' The priest fell silent, then sipped water from a pewter tankard. Antikas waited \expndtw-1 patiently. The priest spoke again. 'We were all surprised \expndtw0 when Kalizkan continued to survive. But he did not come to the temple again, nor visit any holy place. It is my belief - though I can offer you no further proofs -\expndtw-1 that Kalizkan, in a bid to heal himself, allowed his body \expndtw0 to be possessed. But either the promise of the spell was a lie, or Kalizkan was not powerful enough to with\-stand the demon. Whatever, I think Kalizkan died long\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 zo8\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 ago. And, if I am right, no rockfall would have killed \expndtw-2 him.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'And yet it did,' insisted Antikas.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The priest shook his head. 'The Demon Lord would merely have found another host. You say he died in a rockfall. Was there one survivor who walked away \expndtw-3 unscathed?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Antikas pushed back his chair and rose. 'I have heard \expndtw-2 enough of this nonsense. Your brains are addled, priest.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'It is my sincere hope that you are right,' the priest told \expndtw-10 him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 From outside came the sound of wailing. Scores of voices joined in. Antikas shivered, for the sound was \expndtw-4 unearthly.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It begins again,' said the priest, closing his eyes in \expndtw-4 prayer.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Despite his apparent dismissal of the priest Antikas was \expndtw-1 deeply troubled. He had served Malikada for more than \expndtw0 fifteen years, and had shared his hatred of the Drenai invaders. And while he had never fully condoned the \expndtw-1 treachery that led to the destruction of the Drenai army, he had seen it as the lesser of two great evils. However, the events of the past few days had concerned him, and now, with the added weight of the priest's words, doubt \expndtw-2 began to gnaw at him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Malikada had escaped the rockfall which killed \expndtw0 Kalizkan, and from that moment had seemed changed. He was colder, more controlled. That, in itself, meant \expndtw-3 nothing. Yet he had also lost interest in strengthening his \expndtw0 grip on the empire. Killing Skanda was but a step towards freeing Ventria from the grip of the Drenai. There were garrisons all over the land, many of them \expndtw-4 containing Drenai units. And the sea lanes were patrolled\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb158\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 2.09\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 by Drenai ships. Both he and Malikada had planned this \expndtw-2 coup for months, and both had been acutely aware of the \expndtw0 dangers of Drenai reprisals. Yet now Malikada showed \expndtw-3 complete disinterest in the grand design. All he seemed to want was Axiana.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Antikas crossed to the fire. The wife-killer was sitting \expndtw0 silently, staring at the flames through eyes red-rimmed from weeping. Outside they could hear hundreds of \expndtw-2 people moving through the streets. Canta crept across the room. 'Stay silent,' he whispered. 'Make no movement.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas moved to the shuttered window, and listened. People were gathering together, and he could hear a \expndtw-1 babble of voices. There were no words to be understood, \expndtw0 though they seemed to be speaking to one another in \expndtw-2 strange tongues. Antikas shivered.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Suddenly a spear smashed through the shutters, pass\-ing inches from Antikas's face. He leapt back. An axe blade smashed the wood to shards and he found himself staring at a sea of faces, all twisted into fearsome grimaces, their eyes wide and staring. At that moment Antikas knew the truth of the priest's words. These \expndtw-4 people were possessed.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi158\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Behind him Canta screamed and fled for the stairs. Antikas drew his sabre and stood his ground. The axe\-man grabbed the window-sill and began to haul himself across the threshold. His face changed, his expression \expndtw-1 softening. He blinked. 'In the name of Heaven, help me!' \expndtw0 he shouted, dropping his axe to the floor. A knife was plunged through his back and the body was dragged from the window. The mob did not advance, but stood, staring with hatred at the lone swordsman standing inside. Then they drew back and moved away down the \expndtw-7 street.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 The priest approached Antikas. 'A long time ago there\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 2.10\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 was a shrine here. The remains of the altar can still be \expndtw-2 found at the rear of the cellar. Great and holy spells were \expndtw-1 once cast here. They cannot enter.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li202\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas sheathed his sabre. 'What are \i they?\cf0\lang2057\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'The Entukku. Mindless spirits who live to feed. Some \expndtw-3 say they are born from the souls of the evil dead. I do not \expndtw0 know whether that be true. But they swim in the air all \expndtw-2 around us now, like sharks, feasting on the dark \expndtw-1 emotions of the possessed. Usa is a feeding ground, and \expndtw-2 faces extinction.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What can be done, priest?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Done? Nothing.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas swung on the man, grabbing his white robes \expndtw-4 at the neck and hauling him close. 'There is always some\-\expndtw0 thing!' he hissed. ' So think!'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The priest sighed. Antikas released him. 'Are you a \expndtw-2 believer?' asked the priest.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I believe in my skills and my sabre.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The priest stood for a moment, staring out into the \expndtw-2 darkness. 'You cannot kill the Demon Lord,' he said, 'for \expndtw-1 he is immortal. You could destroy the host body, but he \expndtw0 would find another. And his strength is growing. You \expndtw-1 saw the mob. A few days ago the Entukku could merely \expndtw-4 inspire men to acts of violence. Skanda's death gave them \expndtw0 the ability to possess hosts utterly. How can you fight such power with a sabre? Were you to step outside this door the demons would descend upon you and then the great Antikas Karios would be running with the mob, \expndtw-2 screaming and killing.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Antikas considered his words. 'That may be so, priest,' \expndtw-3 he said, at last, 'but you say his power is derived from the \expndtw0 murder of kings. What happens if he fails to kill the third?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'How can he fail? Who can withstand demons?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li29\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Antikas stepped in close to the man. The words he used were softly spoken, but the priest blanched. 'If I \expndtw-3 hear another negative phrase from you I will hurl you \expndtw-8 from this window, and out into the night. Do you under\-\expndtw-10 stand me?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li19\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 'In the name of mercy . . . !' wailed the priest. Antikas \expndtw-8 cut him short.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 'I am not known as a merciful man, priest. Now answer \expndtw-8 the question. What if the third king eludes the demons?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'I am not sure,' answered the priest. 'The power he is \expndtw0 using is derived from the previous sacrifices. Such \expndtw-2 power, though great, is finite. If he does not complete \expndtw-1 the third sacrifice in time then he will - I believe - be \expndtw-5 drawn back into his own world.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 'What do you mean, in time?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\fs21 'The pattern of the heavens is the clue. There are times when the strength of a spell is made immeasurably more \expndtw-4 powerful if cast with the right conjunction of planets. I \expndtw-6 believe this to be the case now.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 'And how long does that give us?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'That is hard to estimate, for I am no astrologer. But \expndtw-4 no more than a month. That is for sure.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li19\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Canta returned from his hiding place upstairs. He \expndtw-3 and the man by the fire up-ended a table, lifting it into place against the shattered window. Antikas lit several \expndtw0 lanterns. 'What are you doing?' asked Canta, fear\-\expndtw-13 fully.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li29\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'They cannot pass the portals of the tavern,' said \expndtw-3 Antikas, 'so let us have some light.' He gestured to the \expndtw-6 priest to join him and returned to the table. 'I need to get \expndtw-4 to my horse before dawn,' he said. 'Have you a spell to \expndtw-13 aid me?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li62\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 The priest shook his head. 'My skills were not suited \expndtw-10 to magick.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw16\fs21 ziz\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What then, pray, are your skills?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I am a healer.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas cursed, then lapsed into thought. They were silent for several minutes. Then the swordsman glanced up. 'You say this place is holy. What makes it so?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I told you. It was once a shrine.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Yes, yes. But what remains here to keep it holy. Was \expndtw-1 a spell cast?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Yes, many spells. They are held in the stone of the walls, and the wood of the beams.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Therefore, if we were to move the shrine to another place, that would also be holy?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I believe so.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Come with me,' ordered Antikas, rising and lifting one \expndtw0 of the lanterns from its wall bracket. Together the two \expndtw-3 men moved through to the back of the tavern. Finding the \expndtw0 door to the cellar Antikas moved down the steps. It was \expndtw-1 cold below ground, and he threaded his way past barrels \expndtw-2 of beer, wine and spirit. 'Where is the altar?' he asked.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Over here,' said the priest, leading him to a block of stone some 3 feet high. The shape of a bull had been carved on the front of the stone, the image all but weathered away. On each side was a sculpted hand, holding a crescent moon. These too had been eroded by time. Antikas left the priest holding the lantern and \expndtw-1 returned upstairs.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Gathering the axe dropped by the first of the mob he \expndtw-1 moved back to the cellar.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What are you going to do?' asked the priest. Antikas swung the axe, bringing it crashing down on the altar. Twice he struck, then a fist-sized section broke away. Dropping the axe he took up the stone.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li24\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'You say that spells are held in the stone. Perhaps this \expndtw-2 will shield me from the demons.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri29\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\fs21 2.13\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li24\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I cannot say that for sure,' said the priest. 'What you \expndtw-2 have is a tiny fragment.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li19\ri38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I have no choice but to try, priest. The queen is in the mountains, guarded by only four men.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'And you think a fifth will make a difference?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I am Antikas Karios, priest. I always make a differ\-\expndtw-7 ence.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Tucking the rock into his tunic Antikas returned to the upper room. Moving to the upturned table which blocked the window he peered out into the street. All was silent. His mouth was dry, his heart beating fast. Antikas Karios feared no living man, but the thought of the demons waiting threatened to unman him. Placing his hand on the table he prepared to draw it aside.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Don't go out there!' pleaded Canta, echoing the voice in Antikas's own heart.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I must,' he said, wrenching the table aside and climb\-\expndtw-3 ing to the sill.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi154\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The night breeze was cool on his skin, and he leapt \expndtw-2 lightly to the ground. Behind him the others hastily drew \expndtw0 back the table. Antikas ran across the street, ducking \expndtw-2 into an alley. He had gone no more than a hundred paces \expndtw0 when the attack came. The temperature around him plummeted, and he heard whispers on the breeze. They grew louder and louder, filling his ears like angry hornets. Pain roared inside his head. Inside his tunic the rock grew warmer. Antikas staggered and almost fell. \expndtw-1 Anger surged - but as it did he felt the cold seep into his \expndtw0 brain. Voices were hissing at him now in a language he \expndtw-3 had never heard, and yet he knew what they were saying. 'Give in! Give in! Give in!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li53\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 He lurched against the side of a building and fell to his \expndtw-3 knees. The pain from striking the cobbles cut through the\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\sb173\qc\cf1\lang1033\f1\fs18 zi4\cf0\lang2057\f0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 discordant shrieking inside his mind. He focused on it -and on the heat from the rock against his skin.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 He wanted to rage against the invasion, to scream. But \expndtw0 some deeper instinct overrode his emotions, urging him to stay calm, to fight coolly. Yet he felt like he was drowning in this sea of voices - at one with them, sharing their hunger for blood and pain and death.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No,' he said, aloud. 'I am . . .' For a moment there was panic. Who am I? Scores of names surged through his mind, shouted by the voices within. He fought for \expndtw-2 calm. 'I am . . . Antikas Karios. I am ANTIKAS \expndtw0 KARIOS!' Over and over, like a mantra, he said his name. The voices shrieked louder still, but with less power, until they receded into dim, distant echoes.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas pushed himself to his feet and ran on. The shrieking of human voices could be heard now, some distance to his left. Then to his right. Then ahead.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Unable to possess him the demons were gathering their \expndtw0 human forces to cut him off.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas paused and looked around. To his left was a high wall, and, close by, a wrought-iron gate. He ran to it, and climbed the gate, stepping out onto the wall some 15 feet above the ground. Nimbly he moved along it, to where it joined the side of a house. There was an ivy covered trellis here and Antikas began to climb. Below him a mob gathered, shouting curses. A hurled hammer crashed against the wall by his head. He climbed on. A piece of rotten wood gave way beneath his foot, but he clung on, drawing himself towards the flat roof. He heard the creaking of the iron gate below, and glanced \expndtw-1 back. Several of the mob were climbing the wall.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li24\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Easing himself onto the roof Antikas \i gazed \i0 around in \expndtw-1 the moonlight. There was a door to the building. Moving swiftly to it he forced it open. As he entered the stairwell\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li34\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 beyond he heard the sound of boots upon the stairs. With a soft curse he backed out onto the roof, and ran \expndtw-2 to the edge of the building.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li24\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Some 60 feet below was a narrow alleyway. He glanced at the roof opposite, gauging the distance. Ten feet at least. On the flat he could make the jump with ease, but there was a low wall around the rooftop.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Pacing his steps he moved back to the door then turned and ran at the wall. He leapt, his left foot striking the top and propelling him out over the alleyway. For one terrifying moment he thought he had misjudged his leap. But then he landed and rolled on the opposite rooftop. The hilt of his sabre dug into his side, tearing the skin. Antikas swore again. Rising he drew the blade. The golden fist guard was dented, but the weapon was \expndtw-5 still usable.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi163\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The door on the second roof burst open and three men ran out. Antikas spun towards them, the sabre slicing through the throat of the first. His foot lashed out into the knee of the second, spinning the man from his feet. The third died from a sabre thrust to the heart. Antikas ran to the doorway and listened. There was no sound upon the stairs, and he moved down into the dark, emerging into a narrow corridor. There were no lanterns lit, and the swordsman moved forward blindly, feeling \expndtw-1 his way. He stumbled upon a second stair and descended \expndtw0 to the first level. Here there was a window with the curtains drawn back, and faint moonlight illuminated a gallery. Opening the window he clambered out, and dropped the 10 feet to the garden below.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li48\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Here there was a lower wall, no more than 8 feet high. \expndtw0 Sheathing his sabre he leapt, curling his fingers over the stone and hauling himself to the top. The street beyond \expndtw-5 was empty.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li29\sb139\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\fs21 2.16\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Antikas silently lowered himself to the cobbles and ran \expndtw-8 on.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Emerging onto the Avenue of Kings he raced across the street towards the palace. The mob erupted from \expndtw-2 alleyways all around him, shrieking and baying. Ducking \expndtw0 he sprinted for the gates. The two sentries stood stock \expndtw-2 still as he approached, showing no sign of alarm. Antikas \expndtw0 reached them just ahead of the mob, and realized he could go no further. Angry now he spun to face them.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 But they had halted just outside the gates and were now standing silently, staring at him.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The sentries still had not moved, and Antikas stood, breathing heavily, his sabre all but forgotten.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Silently the mob dispersed, moving back into the \expndtw-1 shadows on the opposite side of the Avenue.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas approached the first of the sentries. 'Why did they not attack?' he asked.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The man's head turned slowly towards him. The eyes were misted in death, the jaw hanging slack. Antikas \expndtw-2 backed away.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Reaching the stable he moved to the stall where he had \expndtw0 left his horse. The beast was on its knees. He noticed someone had changed the blanket with which he had covered the beast. His had been grey, this was black. \expndtw-1 Opening the stall door he stepped inside.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 The black blanket writhed, and scores of bats fluttered \expndtw0 up around him, their wings beating about his face.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Then they were gone, up into the rafters.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 And the horse was dead.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li24\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Angry now Antikas drew his sword and headed for the \expndtw0 palace. The priest had said he could not kill the Demon Lord, but, by all the gods in Heaven, he would try. The rock grew warm against his skin, and a soft voice \expndtw-2 whispered into his mind.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb197\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 2-17\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li259\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Do \i not throw away your life, my boy!'\cf0\lang2057\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li254\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Antikas paused. 'Who are you?' he whispered.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li53\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\i\fs21 'You cannot kill him. Trust me. The babe is every\-\expndtw-1 thing. You must protect the babe.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li38\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I am trapped here. If I leave the palace the mob will \expndtw-2 hunt me down.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li29\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 7 \i will guide you, Antikas. There are horses outside the city.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Who are you?' he repeated.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 7 \i am Kalizkan, Antikas. And all this pain and horror is of my making.'\cf0\lang2057\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'That is hardly a recommendation for trust.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 7 \i know. I am hoping that the power of truth will \expndtw-2 convince you.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'My choices appear limited,' said Antikas. 'Lead on, \expndtw-5 wizard!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri10\sb250\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 High in the palace the Demon Lord raised his arms. Over the city the Entukku, in ecstasy and bloated with feeding, floated aimlessly above the buildings. The Demon Lord's \expndtw0 power swept over them, draining their energies. They began to wail and shriek, their hunger increasing once \expndtw-11 more.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Stepping back from the window the Demon Lord \expndtw-3 began to chant. The air before him shimmered. Slowly he \expndtw-1 spoke the seven words of power. Blue light lanced from \expndtw0 floor to ceiling, and a pungent odour filled the room. \expndtw-2 Where a moment before had been a wall, decorated with a brightly coloured mural, there was now a cave entrance, and a long tunnel.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi168\li34\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Faint figures of light moved in the tunnel, floating towards him. As they came closer the Demon Lord held out his hands. Black smoke oozed from his fingers and drifted down the tunnel. The light figures\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 zi8\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 hovered and the smoke rose up around them. The \expndtw-3 lights faded, but the smoke hardened, taking \expndtw-5 shape.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Ten tall men emerged, wearing dark armour and full-faced helms. One by one they strode into the room. The \expndtw-1 Demon Lord spoke a single harsh word and the tunnel \expndtw-6 disappeared.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Welcome to the world of flesh, my brothers,' said the \expndtw-7 Demon Lord.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It is good to feel hunger again,' said the first of the \expndtw-2 warriors, removing his helm. His hair was ghost white, \expndtw0 his eyes grey and cold. His face was broad, the lipless \expndtw-5 mouth wide.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Then feed,' said the Demon Lord, raising his hands. \expndtw-3 This time a red mist flowed from his hands, and floated \expndtw0 across the room. The warrior opened his mouth, dis\-\expndtw-2 playing long, curved fangs. The red mist streamed into \expndtw0 his open mouth. The others removed their helms and \expndtw-2 moved in close. One by one they absorbed the mist. As \expndtw0 they did so their bone-white faces changed, the skin \expndtw-4 blushing red. Their eyes glittered, the grey deepening to blue and then, slowly, to crimson.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Enough, my brother,' said the first warrior. 'After so \expndtw0 long the taste is too exquisite.' Moving to a couch he \expndtw-4 sank down, stretching out his long, black-clad limbs.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 The Demon Lord's arms dropped to his side. 'The long \expndtw-3 wait is almost over,' he said. 'Our time has come again.' \expndtw-5 The others seated themselves and remained silent.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'What is it you require of us, Anharat?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li34\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'In the mountains to the south there is a woman. She \expndtw0 carries the child of Skanda. It will be born soon. You must bring it to me. The Spell of Three must be \expndtw-5 completed before the Blood Moon.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li245\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 'She is guarded well?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-14\fs21 219\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li58\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'There are eight humans with her, but only four \expndtw-2 warriors, and three of these are old men.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'With respect, brother, such a mission is demeaning. \expndtw-4 We are all Battle Lords here. The blood of thousands has \expndtw0 stained our blades. We have feasted on the souls of \expndtw-7 princes.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It was not my intention,' said the Demon Lord, 'to offer insult to the Krayakin. But if we do not take the babe then all will be lost for another four thousand years. Would you rather I entrusted this task to the \expndtw-2 Entukku?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'You are wise, Anharat, and I spoke hastily. It will be \expndtw-3 as you order,' said the warrior. Raising his hand he made \expndtw-4 a fist. 'It is good to feel the solidity of flesh once more, to \expndtw0 breathe in air, and to feed. It is good.' His blood-filled eyes gazed on the body of Malikada. 'How long before \expndtw-2 you can let fall this decaying form? It is ugly to the eye.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Once the sacrifice is complete,' Anharat told him. 'For \expndtw-2 now I need this obscenity around me.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 A shimmering began in the air around Anharat, and \expndtw-3 the hissing of many voices. Then it faded.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'These humans are so perverse,' said Anharat. 'I ordered one of my officers to rest in his room. Now he is fleeing the city in a bid to save the queen and her \expndtw-1 child. It seems he went to a tavern and a priest' spoke to \expndtw-6 him.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'He understands magick, this officer?' asked the \expndtw-5 warrior.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I do not believe so.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Then why have the Entukku failed to seize him?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li29\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'There are spells around the tavern, ancient spells. It is \expndtw-1 not important. He will afford you some pleasure, for he \expndtw0 is the foremost swordsman in the land. His name is \expndtw-2 Antikas Karios, and he has never lost a duel.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 2.2.0\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I shall kill him slowly,' said the warrior. 'The taste of \expndtw-2\i his \i0 terror will be exquisite.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'There is one other of the group to be considered. His \expndtw0 name is Nogusta. He is the last of the line of Emsharas \expndtw-3 the Sorcerer.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 The warrior's eyes narrowed, and the others tensed at \expndtw-4 the sound of the name. 'I would give up eternity,' said the \expndtw0 warrior, 'for the chance to find the soul of Emsharas \expndtw-1 the Traitor. I would make it suffer for a thousand years, \expndtw0 and that would not be punishment enough. How is it \expndtw-2 that one of his line still lives?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'He carries the Last Talisman. Some years ago one of \expndtw0 my disciples inspired a mob to destroy him and his \expndtw-1 family. It was a fine night, with great terror. Pleasing to \expndtw0 the eye. But he was not there. Many times I have tried to engineer his death. The Talisman saves him. That is \expndtw-2 why he must be considered with care.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'He is one of the old ones guarding the woman?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'Yes.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li14\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I do not like the sound of it, Anharat. It is not a co\-\expndtw-5 incidence.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I do not doubt that, at all,' said Anharat. 'But does it \expndtw-2 not show how far the enemy has fallen in power that his \expndtw0 only defence is a group of old men? All but one of his priests here are slain, his temples deserted, his forces routed. He has become to this world a pitiful irrelevance. Which is why it will pass to us before the \expndtw-2 Blood Moon.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Is this tavern far?' asked the warrior.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li38\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 The warrior rose and put on his helm. 'Then I shall go and feast myself upon the heart of this priest,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'The spells are strong,' warned Anharat.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The warrior laughed. 'Spells that would drain the\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-16\fs21 221\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li62\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Entukku are as wasp stings to the Krayakin. How many \expndtw-2 other humans are there?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li254\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Only two.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li38\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The warrior gestured and two of his fellows stood. 'The milk of the Entukku was good, but flesh tastes \expndtw-3 sweeter,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri5\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 The wagon lurched as one of the rear wheels hit a sunken \expndtw0 rock. The weary horses sagged against their traces. Conalin tried to back up the team, but the horses stood \expndtw-2 their ground. Bison swore loudly and dismounted. \expndtw0 Moving to the rear of the wagon he grabbed two spokes of the wheel. 'Give them a touch of the whip,' he ordered. Conalin cracked it above the horses' backs. They surged forward. At the same time Bison threw his weight against the wheel and the wagon bumped over the rock. The giant fell sprawling to the trail, the wheel \expndtw-1 narrowly missing his arm.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The women in the wagon - save Axiana - laughed as he rose, mud on his face. 'It's not funny!' he roared.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It is from where I'm sitting,' said Ulmenetha. Bison \expndtw-1 swore again and trudged back to where Kebra was hold\-\expndtw0 ing the reins of his mount.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'This trail is too narrow,' he said, heaving himself into the saddle. 'I don't think we've made more than twelve miles today. And already the horses are exhausted.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Nogusta says we'll change the team again when we reach the flatlands.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Bison was not mollified. He glanced back to the spare mounts they had taken from the dead lancers. 'They are cavalry mounts. They're not bred to pull wagons and they tire easily. Look at them! They were ridden hard even before we took them, and they are exhausted also.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 It was true, and Kebra knew it. The horses were all\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\fs21 2.2.2\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\ri38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 weary. Somewhere soon they would have to rest them. 'Let's move on,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The wagon finally crested a high hill and emerged from the forest. Far off to the south they could see the glittering ribbon of the River Mendea, and beyond it soaring mountain peaks, snow crested and crowned by clouds. 'We'll not make the river by dark,' said Kebra.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'I could carry the cursed wagon faster than these horses \expndtw-1 can pull it,' said Bison.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You are in a foul mood today,' observed Kebra.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It's this damned horse. Every time I go up, he goes down. He goes up, I come down. He's treating my arse like a drum.' Another squeal of laughter came from the wagon, this time from little Sufia, who repeated the \expndtw-3 phrase in a sing-song voice.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'His arse is a drum! His arse is a drum!'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Ulmenetha scolded her, gently, but was unable to keep the smile from her face.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li24\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Til ride your horse if you drive the wagon,' said \expndtw-5 Conalin.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li19\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Done!' said Bison, happily. 'Heaven knows I'm no \expndtw-2 rider.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li24\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian came riding up the trail. 'About a mile further the road widens,' he said. 'There is even a paved area. It is overgrown now, but it will help us earn back \expndtw-4 a few miles.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Bison climbed to his place at the driving seat and sat upon a folded blanket. 'Ah, but that is good,' he mur\-mured, settling himself down and taking up the reins. Kebra saw the boy was having difficulty reaching the stirrup of Bison's mount and edged closer, holding out \expndtw-3 his hand. Conalin spurned it and clumsily hauled himself \expndtw-1 up. Kebra dismounted and adjusted the stirrups.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li240\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Have you ever ridden, lad?' he asked.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li2011\sb158\cf1\lang1033\fs21 ,     2.2.3\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs22 'No, but I am a fast learner.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs22 'Grip with your thighs, not your calves. And trust the horse. He knows what he's doing. Come, I'll give you a \expndtw-4 lesson.' Swinging into the saddle he moved out over the \expndtw0 rise and slowly rode down to the flat land below. \expndtw-5 Glancing back he saw Conalin holding the reins at chest \expndtw-4 level as the horse picked its way down the slope. At the base of the hill Kebra drew alongside Conalin, showing \expndtw-6 him the basics of guiding the mount.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs22 'We'll try a trot,' he said. 'You must get in rhythm \expndtw-3 with the horse. Otherwise you'll end up like Bison, and it will play a tattoo on your buttocks. Let's go!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs22 Kebra's mount moved smoothly into a trot. Behind \expndtw-1 him Conalin was being bounced around in the saddle. \expndtw0 His horse slowed. 'Don't haul on the reins, lad. That's \expndtw-5 his signal to stop.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs22 'I'm no good at this,' said the red-head, his face flush\-\expndtw-3 ing. 'I'll go back to the wagon.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs22 'Nothing good ever comes easy, Conalin. And I think you are doing fine. A born horseman.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li197\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\fs22 'Truly?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li202\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs22 'You just need to get used to the horse. Let's try again.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi158\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs22 As the wagon trundled down the slope the two riders \expndtw-5 set off once more. For a while Conalin felt his spine was \expndtw-3 being bruised, but then, suddenly and without warning, \expndtw-4 he found the rhythm and the ride became a delight. The \expndtw0 sun broke through the clouds, and the tightness in his \expndtw-5 stomach faded away. He had lived his life in the squalor \expndtw-1 of the city, and had never before seen the glory of the \expndtw-6 mountains. Now he rode a fine horse, and the breeze was \expndtw-5 fresh against his skin. He found in that moment a joy he \expndtw-7 had never known. He gave Kebra a wide grin. The bow\-\expndtw-9 man smiled and rode in silence beside him. At the tree line \expndtw-8 they swung their mounts.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb134\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs22 2.14\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Now for a little canter,' said Kebra. 'Not too much, \expndtw-1 for the horses are tired.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 If trotting had been a joy, the ride back to the wagons \expndtw0 was a delight Conalin would treasure all his life. The rags he wore were forgotten, as were the sores on his back. Today was a gift no-one could take away from \expndtw-9 him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 'You ride so well \emdash  like a knight!' Pharis told him as he \expndtw-3 drew alongside the wagon.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It's wonderful,' he told her. 'It's like . . . it's like . . .' \expndtw-1 He laughed happily. 'I don't know what it's like. But it's \expndtw-3 wonderful!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You won't be saying that by this evening,' warned \expndtw-10 Bison.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian rode with them for the next hour, then \expndtw-1 headed off towards the south to find a place to camp.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 As the sun began to slide towards the western \expndtw0 mountains Nogusta came galloping up from the rear. \expndtw-2 'There is no sign of pursuit yet,' he told Kebra. 'But they \expndtw-3 are coming.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'We won't reach the river by tonight. The horses are \expndtw-1 tired,' said the bowman.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'As am I,' admitted Nogusta.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 They rode on, and as dusk deepened they came across \expndtw0 Dagorian, camped beside a small lake. He had lit a fire \expndtw-1 and the weary travellers climbed down from the wagon \expndtw-2 to sit beside it. Kebra and Conalin unsaddled the horses, \expndtw0 wiping their backs with dried grass. Kebra showed the boy how to hobble the mounts, then they left them to graze and unhitched the wagon team. Conalin was moving stiffly and Kebra grinned at him. 'The muscles \expndtw-4 on the inside of your thighs have been stretched,' he said. \expndtw-2 'You'll get used to it. Did you enjoy the ride?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'It was all right,' said Conalin, nonchalantly.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-12\fs21 2.2,5\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li259\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'How old are you, lad?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li48\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The boy shrugged. 'I don't know. What does it \expndtw-3 matter?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li43\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'At your age I don't think it does. I am fifty-six. \i That \expndtw-3\i0 matters.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 'Why?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Because my dreams are all behind me. Do you swim?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No. And I don't want to learn.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'It is almost as fine a feeling as riding a horse. But it is \expndtw0 up to you.' Kebra strolled away to the lake side and stripped off his clothing. The water was cold as he waded out. Then he dived forward and began to swim with long easy strokes. Conalin wandered to the water side and watched him in the fading light. After a while Kebra swam back and climbed out of the water. He \expndtw-1 shivered and dried himself with his tunic, which he then \expndtw0 stretched out on a rock. Pulling on his leggings he sat \expndtw-3 down beside the boy.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I don't dream,' said Conalin, suddenly. 'I just sleep \expndtw-1 and then wake up.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Those are not the dreams I spoke of. I meant the dreams we have for life, things we wish for ourselves, \expndtw-2 like a wife and family, or riches.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 'Why are they behind you? You could have these things,' \expndtw-4 said the boy.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Perhaps you are right.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'My dream is to wed Pharis, and to fear nothing.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The sky darkened to crimson as the sun dropped behind the western peaks. 'It would be nice to fear nothing,' admitted Kebra. Bison strolled up and draped \expndtw-1 a blanket around Kebra's shoulders.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Old men like you should beware of the cold,' said Bison, walking on and dipping a cup into the water. He \expndtw-5 drank noisily.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 2,2.6\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Why did he say that?' asked Conalin. 'He looks old \expndtw-2 enough to be your father.' Kebra chuckled.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Bison will never be old. You look at his bald pate and \expndtw0 his white moustache and you see an old man. Bison \expndtw-3 looks in a mirror and sees a young man of twenty-five. It \expndtw-1 is a gift he has.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I don't like him.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I agree with you. I don't like him much either. But I \expndtw-2 love him. There's no malice in old Bison, and he'd stand \expndtw0 by your side against all the armies of the world. That's \expndtw-4 rare, Conalin. Believe me.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The boy was unconvinced, but he said nothing. Out on the lake the splintered reflection of the moon lay \expndtw-2 broken upon the water, and to the west the lake gleamed \expndtw0 blood red in the dying sun. Conalin glanced up at the \expndtw-1 silver-haired bowman. 'Will I ride tomorrow?' he asked \expndtw-9 him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Kebra smiled. 'Of course. The more you ride the better \expndtw-5 you'll get.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'It feels safer on a horse,' said Conalin, gazing out over \expndtw-4 the lake.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Why safer?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'The wagon is so slow. When they catch us we'll not \expndtw-2 be able to escape in a wagon.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Maybe they won't catch us,' said Kebra.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Do you believe that?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No. But there's always hope.' Conalin was pleased \expndtw-2 that the man had not tried to lie to him. It was a moment of sharing that made the boy feel like an equal.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'What will you do when they come?' asked Conalin.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li19\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Til fight them. So will Nogusta and Bison. It's all we can do.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li24\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You could ride away on your fast horses,' Conalin \expndtw-3 pointed out.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 2.27\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs22 'Some men could, but we're not made that way.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li24\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs22 'Why?' asked the boy. It was such a simple question, \expndtw-3 yet, at first, Kebra was unable to answer it. He thought \expndtw-6 about it for a while.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs22 'It is hard to explain, Conalin. You start by asking \expndtw-4 yourself what makes a true man. Is it his ability to hunt, \expndtw-3 or to farm, or to breed stock? In part the answer is yes. \expndtw-5 Is it his capacity to love his family? In part the answer is \expndtw-7 also yes. But there is something else. Something grand. It \expndtw-5 seems to me that there are three instincts which drive us \expndtw-6 on. The first is self-preservation - the will to survive. The \expndtw-4 second is tribal. We have an urge to belong, to be a part \expndtw0 of a greater whole. But the third? The third is what \expndtw-5 counts, boy, above all things.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\fs22 Ulmenetha moved silently alongside them and removed her shoes. Sitting down she rested her feet in the \expndtw-11 water.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs22 'What is the third thing?' asked Conalin, angry that \expndtw-5 they had been interrupted.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs22 'That is even harder to explain,' said Kebra, who was \expndtw0 also disconcerted by the arrival of the priestess. 'The \expndtw-1 lioness would willingly give her life to save her cubs. \expndtw-7 That is her way. But I have seen a woman risk her life for \expndtw-6 someone else's child. The third instinct compels us to put \expndtw-5 aside thoughts of self-preservation for the sake of \expndtw-4 another life, or a principle, or a belief.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs22 'I don't understand,' said Conalin.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs22 'You should ask Nogusta. He would explain it better.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi163\li29\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs22 Ulmenetha turned towards them. 'You don't need it \expndtw-5 explained, Conalin,' she said, softly. 'When you rescued \expndtw-1 Pharis it was that third instinct which came into play. And when you stood in that room in Kalizkan's house \expndtw-7 and fought against the beast.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li250\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs22 'It is not the same. I love Pharis and Sufia. But I do not\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sb168\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\f1\fs18 2.2.8\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\f0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 love the queen. I would not risk death to save her.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'It is not about her,' said Kebra. 'Not specifically, any\-\expndtw-4 way. It is about many things: honour, self-worth, pride . . .' he lapsed into silence.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'Would you die for me?' asked Conalin, suddenly. \expndtw0 'I'm hoping not to die for anyone,' said Kebra, em\-\expndtw-4 barrassed. Swiftly he rose and walked back to the camp. \expndtw-3 'Yes, he would,' said Ulmenetha. 'He is a good man.' \expndtw0 'I don't want anyone dying for me,' the boy told her. 'I don't want it!'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\sb6149\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 ZZ9\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\i\fs31 Chapter Eight\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\ri29\sb475\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta and Dagorian were sitting by the fire, studying the maps Ulmenetha had supplied. Bison was stretched out alongside them, his head resting on his arm. 'When are we going to eat?' he grumbled. 'My stomach thinks \expndtw-1 my throat's been cut.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Soon,' promised Nogusta. He turned back to Dagorian, and spread a second map on the ground beside the fire. The map was of etched leather, the hide stained white. Once there had been many colours, de\-noting woods, mountains and lakes. But these were badly faded now, and some of the etching had worn away. Even so the scale was good and both men could just make out the symbols showing the positions of forest roads and river crossings. 'I would think we are close to here,' said Nogusta, indicating an etched spear \expndtw-1 on the top right-hand corner of the map. 'The outer edge \expndtw0 of the Forest of Lisaia. According to the map there are three bridges. Two questions arise: Are they still there, and, if they are, what effect will the spring floods have upon them? I have seen bridges under water at this time \expndtw-1 of year in the mountains.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Til ride ahead and scout them tomorrow,' said Dagorian. The young man stared down at the map. \expndtw-1 'Once we reach the high country beyond we will have to leave the wagon.' Nogusta nodded. The only other route \expndtw0 was to journey all the way to the ghost city of Lem, and\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 230\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 then take the coast road. This would add 80 miles to the journey. In the distance a wolf howled. The sound hung \expndtw-1 eerily in the air. Dagorian shivered.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Nogusta smiled. 'Contrary to popular belief wolves do \expndtw0 not attack men,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I know. But it chills the blood nonetheless.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I was bitten by a wolf once,' said Bison. 'On the arse.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'One can only pity the wolf,' said Nogusta.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Bison chuckled. 'It was a she-wolf and I got too close to her cubs, I guess. She chased me for half a mile. You remember? It was back at Corteswain. Kebra did the stitching. I had a fever for four days.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I remember,' said Nogusta. 'We all drew lots and Kebra lost. He says the sight haunts him to this day.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Left a nasty scar,' said Bison. Rolling to his knees he \expndtw-1 dropped his leggings. 'Look at that!' he said, pointing his \expndtw0 buttocks towards Dagorian. The officer laughed aloud.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You are quite right, Bison. That's one of the ugliest things I've ever seen.' Bison hauled up his leggings and \expndtw-1 buckled his belt. He was grinning broadly.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I tell all the whores it's a war wound from a Ventrian \expndtw-1 spear.' He swung towards Kebra. 'Are we going to eat or \expndtw0 starve to death?' he bawled.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Some way back, sitting with her back to a tree, Axiana \expndtw0 accepted a cup of water from Pharis. The slim, dark-haired girl squatted down before the queen. 'Are you \expndtw-1 feeling better now?' she asked.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I am hungry,' said Axiana. 'Fetch me something from the wagon. Some fruit.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li24\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Pharis was delighted to obey. The order made her a servant of the queen, an honourable role, and she was determined to fulfil it well. She ran to the wagon and rummaged in the food sacks. Little Sufia was sitting \expndtw-1 there, unmoving, her eyes staring up at the sky.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb158\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-10\fs21 2.31\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li240\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'What are you looking at?' asked Pharis.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li34\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 The little girl took a deep breath. 'Fetch Nogusta,' she \expndtw-2 said, her voice cool and distant.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'He's talking to the officer. I'd better not disturb him.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li29\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Fetch him now,' said Sufia. Pharis looked hard at the \expndtw-5 little girl.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'What is wrong?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Do it now, child, for time is short.' Pharis felt goose-\expndtw-1 flesh upon her arms, and backed away.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Nogusta!' she called. 'Come quickly!' The black warrior ran across to the wagon, followed by Dagorian \expndtw-5 and Kebra.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What is it?' he asked. Pharis simply pointed to the small blonde child. She was sitting cross-legged facing \expndtw-2 them, her face serene, her blue eyes bright.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'The wolves are coming,' said Sufia. 'Draw your swords! Do it now!' Although the voice was that of the child, the words were spoken with great authority.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li197\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Suddenly the queen screamed.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 A huge grey wolf padded from the trees, then another. \expndtw-2 And another.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi163\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 One raced forward, straight at Bison, who was sitting beside the fire. The giant reared up and, as the gleaming fangs darted towards his throat, hammered a blow to the wolf's face. The beast spun away, rolled, and \expndtw-1 attacked again. As it leapt Bison grabbed it by the throat \expndtw0 and hurled it at the pack. Nogusta grabbed Pharis and \expndtw-1 threw her onto the wagon, then drew his sword as a wolf \expndtw-2 leapt for him. The blade flashed in the moonlight, slash\-\expndtw0 ing through the beast's neck. Kebra was hurled to the \expndtw-2 ground as another beast lunged at him. One of the horses \expndtw0 screamed and went down. Dagorian lanced his blade through the chest of a huge grey male, then swung \expndtw-1 towards Axiana. She was sitting by the tree, and not one\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sb197\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\fs15 2-3Z\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 of the beasts approached her. Conalin and Ulmenetha had waded into the lake, and one of the beasts was \expndtw-2 swimming out towards them. Another wolf leapt. \expndtw0 Dagorian jumped backwards, the fangs snapping at his \expndtw-2 face. Thrusting up his sword he plunged it into the wolf's \expndtw0 belly. On the ground beside him, his left hand gripping the fur of a wolf's throat, Kebra plunged his dagger again and again into the side of the beast. The wolf \expndtw-1 slumped down over him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 On the back of the wagon Sufia stood and raised her arms over her head, bringing her hands slowly together. \expndtw-1 She was chanting as she did so. Blue fire formed around \expndtw0 her fingers. Her right arm snapped forward, pointing to the lake. A ball of fire flew from her hand, exploding against the back of the swimming wolf. It thrashed \expndtw-2 about, flames licking over its fur. Then it swam \expndtw-6 away.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Her left hand dropped and the fire flew down into the earth beside the wagon, flaring up with a tremendous flash. The wolf pack scattered and ran back into the \expndtw-3 forest.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian felt a pain in his arm. He glanced down to see blood dripping from a bite to his left forearm. He \expndtw-2 could not recall being bitten. Bison walked over to where he stood. His left ear was sliced open, blood streaming to his thick neck.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Five wolves were dead in the campsite.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kebra pushed the body of the dead wolf to one side \expndtw-1 and rose unsteadily. For a moment no-one spoke. \expndtw-2 'Wolves don't attack people, you said,' Bison pointed out \expndtw-1 to Nogusta. Lifting his hand to his blood-covered ear he \expndtw-7 swore.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li29\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'They do if the Entukku inspire them,' said the voice of Sufia. Ulmenetha and Conalin waded ashore and\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri29\sb192\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-12\fs21 2-33\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li43\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 approached the wagon. Pharis was sitting against the \expndtw-3 food sacks, her knees drawn up. She was staring fearfully at the child.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li38\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Who are you?' asked Nogusta. Sufia sat down, her \expndtw-2 little legs dangling over the tailboard.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I am a friend, Nogusta. Of that you can be sure. I \expndtw-2 helped Dagorian back in the city, when the demons were \expndtw0 upon him. And I rescued Ulmenetha when she sat upon the palace roof and saw the monster. I am Kalizkan the \expndtw-6 Sorcerer.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 For a moment no-one spoke. 'You are the cause of this \expndtw0 terror,' said Nogusta, coldly.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Indeed I am. But it was done unwittingly, and no-one \expndtw-1 feels more grief than I. But time is too short to explain. I \expndtw0 cannot stay in this child's form for long, for it would damage her mind. So listen to me now. The enemy has \expndtw-1 sent a force against you the like of which you will never \expndtw0 have seen. They are called the Krayakin. They are \expndtw-1 supreme warriors, but they are not immortal. Blades can \expndtw0 cut them, but not kill them. They fear only two things, wood and water.' The child turned to Kebra. 'Your arrows can kill them, if you pierce heart or head. The others of you must fashion weapons of wood, stakes, \expndtw-2 spears, whatever you can.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'How many are there?' asked Nogusta.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'There are ten, and they will be upon you before you \expndtw-1 reach the river.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What more can you tell us?' asked Dagorian.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Nothing now. The child must return. I will help you where I can. But death calls me and the power of my spirit is fading. I cannot remain among the living for \expndtw-1 much longer. But trust me, my friends. I will return.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li43\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Sufia blinked and rubbed her eyes. 'Why is everyone \expndtw-1 staring at me?' she said, her eyes filling with tears.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 2.34\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri48\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'We were wondering if you were hungry, little one,' said Kebra. 'What shall I cook for you?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Bakilas, Lord of the Krayakin, reined in his mount. The five men lay sprawled in death, and the parallel lines of the wagon tracks could be seen disappearing into the forest. Bakilas dismounted and examined the ground around the dead men. Removing his black, full faced helm he winced as sunlight speared against his skin. Swiftly he scanned the tracks. Replacing his helm he moved to his horse and stepped into the saddle.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'The soldiers caught up with the wagon here, and were \expndtw0 met by a single rider. They spoke to him, and then there was a fight. At this point other men joined in, having ridden from the forest. The battle was brief. One of the soldiers fought a hand to hand duel and was killed \expndtw-2 cleanly.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'How do you know they spoke first, brother?' asked Pelicor, the youngest of the Krayakin. As well as the black armour and helm he was hooded against the sun\-\expndtw-6 light.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Bakilas swung in the saddle. 'One of the soldiers' horses urinated on the grass. You can still see the stain. It was standing still at the time.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It is still conjecture,' muttered Pelicor.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Then let us see,' said Bakilas. They rode their horses in a circle around the dead men, then Bakilas pointed to one of the corpses. 'Rise!' he commanded. The body of Vellian twitched and slowly rose from the grass. The ten \expndtw-1 riders focused upon it. The body spasmed, the air around \expndtw-2 it shimmering.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li34\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Images formed in the minds of the Krayakin; scenes drawn from the decaying brain of the slain soldier. They saw, through the dead man's eyes, the wagon and its\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb197\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-10\fs21 2.35\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li58\ri38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 occupants, and watched as the young officer rode to meet them. The conversation they heard was frag\-\expndtw-1 mented, and they honed their concentration.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi226\li38\ri48\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\i\fs22 'Good morning, I am Vellian, sent . . . Karios . .. \expndtw-6 palace. The city . . . restore order.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li254\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\i\fs22 'An army .. . traitors.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li250\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\i\fs22 'Yes. Now .. . sabre . . . scabbard and let. . . way.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li245\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\i\fs22 'I don't think \i0 so \expndtw22 ...\expndtw0  \expndtw-3\i great danger . . . safer with me.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 There followed a sudden fracture in the image and the \expndtw0 Krayakin saw a brief intrusion of other memories, of a \expndtw-1 young woman running on the grass.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'The corruption has gone too far,' said Pelicor. 'We \expndtw-1 cannot hold the line.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'We can,' said Bakilas, sternly. 'Concentrate!'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs22 Once more they saw the young officer facing the soldiers. The man Vellian was speaking. 'Do \i not be a fool, man. You may be as skilled as Antikas himself with that sabre, but you cannot beat five of us. What is the point then of dying, when the cause is already \expndtw-9 lost?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\i\fs22 'What is the point of living without a cause worth \expndtw-6 dying for?' \i0 countered the officer.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 The Krayakin sat silently as the scene played itself out, \expndtw-1 the young officer attacking, then being joined by a black \expndtw0 rider and a silver-haired bowman. As Bakilas had already said the battle was brief, and the Krayakin \expndtw-2 analysed the skills of the victors.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The body slumped back to the grass. 'The young man is fast, and sure,' said Bakilas. 'But the black man is a master. Speed, subtlety and strength, combined with cunning and ferocity. A worthy opponent.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Worthy?' snapped Pelicor. 'He is human. There are no worthy opponents among them. Only sustenance. \expndtw-2 And he will supply little.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri43\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 136\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'So angry, brother? Are you not enjoying this return to \expndtw-3 the flesh?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Not yet,' said Pelicor. 'Where are my armies? Where is the glory to be found here, on this miserable moun\-tain?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'There is none,' admitted Bakilas. 'The days of Ice and \expndtw0 Fire are long gone. But they will return. The volcanoes will spew their ash into the sky, and the ice will return. It will be as it was. But first we must bring the mother and babe to Anharat. Be patient, brother.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Bakilas touched spurs to his horse and rode for the \expndtw-4 forest.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The sunlight was less harsh in the shelter of the trees \expndtw-1 and Bakilas once more removed his helm, his white hair \expndtw0 flowing free in the slight breeze, his grey eyes scanning \expndtw-2 the trail. Pelicor was not alone in lusting after the days of \expndtw-1 Ice and Fire. He too longed for them. Marching with the \expndtw0 armies of the Illohir, scattering the humans, feasting on their terror and sucking their souls from their skulls. \expndtw-4 Heady days!\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Until Emsharas had betrayed them.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 It remained a source of pain that would never ease. Yet even with Emsharas's treachery the Battle of the Four Valleys could have been won, should have been won. The Krayakin had led the counter charge, and had smashed the enemy right. Bakilas himself had almost reached the Battle Standard of the human king, Darlic. Above the battle Anharat and Emsharas had fought on \expndtw-4 the Field of Spirit, and, just as Bakilas breached the spear \expndtw0 wall around Darlic, Anharat had fallen. The dark cloud \expndtw-3 of ash shielding the Illohir from the harsh, deadly light of the sun, had been ripped apart. Illohir bodies withered in \expndtw-1 their tens of thousands, until only the Krayakin remained. Ten thousand of the greatest warriors ever to\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb192\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-14\fs21 2-37\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li38\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 stride the earth. The humans had turned on them with \expndtw-2 renewed ferocity, their Storm Swords - enchanted by the \expndtw0 traitor, Emsharas - had ripped into Krayakin flesh. By the end of the day only 200 Krayakin remained in the flesh to flee the field. The rest were Windborn once \expndtw-11 more.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 The days of Illohir dominance on earth were over.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li24\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 In the weeks that followed the Krayakin were harried and tracked down, until only ten survivors remained.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Then Emsharas had evoked the Great Spell, and all the \expndtw0 remaining creatures of the Illohir, demons and sprites, wood nymphs, trolls and warriors, were cast into the \expndtw-1 grey hell of Nowhere. Existing without substance, \expndtw0 immortal without form, the Illohir floated in a soulless sea. Only memory survived, memories of conquest and glory, of the sweet wine of terror, and the sustenance it \expndtw-7 supplied.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nothing in all of existence could surpass the joys the Krayakin had known. Bakilas himself had once adopted human form, and had partaken of all the pleasures known to Man. Food and drink, drugs and debauchery. \expndtw-2 All were pitiful when compared to the tasting of souls. A \expndtw0 faint memory stirred, and he remembered Darela. What he had felt for her was frightening. They had touched hands, then lips. Unused to human frailty Bakilas had been drawn into a relationship with the woman that left his senses reeling. With the last of his strength he had returned to the caverns of the Illohir and resumed his Krayakin form. Then he journeyed back to the village and drank Darela's soul. He had thought that would end \expndtw-3 her spell over him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li34\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 But he had been wrong. The memory of their days together came back again and again to haunt him.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The Krayakin rode in silence for several hours. The\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb158\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\fs21 138\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 smell of death was strong upon the wind as they rode down a short slope and emerged by the shores of a glittering lake. Keeping to the shadows of the trees Bakilas took in the campsite. There were five dead wolves upon the ground, and a sixth body by the water-line. Bakilas dismounted and lifted his hood into place. Then he walked out into the sunshine. Pain prickled his skin, but he ignored it. At the centre of the camp the grass was singed in a circle of around five feet in diameter. Removing his black gauntlet he reached out and touched the earth. His hand jerked back. Pulling on his gauntlet he returned to the shadows.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Magick,' he said. 'Someone used magick here.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Tethering their mounts the Krayakin sat in a circle. \expndtw-1 'Anharat did not speak of magick,' said Mandrak, at just \expndtw0 under 6 feet tall, the smallest of the warriors. 'He spoke \expndtw-1 only of three old men.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'How strong was it?' asked Drasko, next to Bakilas \expndtw-1 the eldest of the group.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'By the power of four,' he answered. 'The wolves must \expndtw-3 have been possessed by the Entukku and the wizard used \expndtw-1 the light of \i halignat. \i0 Only a master could summon such power.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Why should the wolves have been possessed?' asked \expndtw-8 Pelicor.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Bakilas felt his irritation rise. 'Study was never a \expndtw-2 strength of yours, brother. Had they been merely wolves \expndtw-3 then any bright flash of light would have dispersed them. \expndtw0\i Halignat - \i0 the Holy Light - is used only against the \expndtw-3 Illohir. It would have hurled the Entukku back to the city \expndtw0 - and perhaps beyond. Those closest to the flash might \expndtw-3 even have died.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li38\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'If there is such a wizard,' said Drasko, 'why did we \expndtw-3 not sense his presence before now?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\sb202\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 2.39\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li67\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I do not know. Perhaps he is using a mask spell \expndtw-3 unknown to us. Whatever, we must proceed with more \expndtw-7 caution.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li43\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Caution is for cowards,' said Pelicor. 'I have no fear \expndtw0 of this wizard, whoever he may be. His spells may vanquish the Entukku, but they are little more than mind-maggots. What spells can he hurl against the \expndtw-10 Krayakin?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li24\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'We do not know,' said Bakilas, struggling to remain patient. 'That is the point.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 Bakilas strode to his horse and stepped into the saddle. \expndtw0 Mandrak rode beside him as they set out after the \expndtw-3 wagon. 'He has always been impatient,' said Mandrak.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It is not his impatience which offends me - but his stupidity. And he is a glutton. I have always abhorred \expndtw-1 that trait.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'His hunger is legendary,' admitted Mandrak.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 Bakilas did not reply. They had reached the end of the \expndtw-5 tree line, and the bright sun scorched his face. Putting on \expndtw0 his helm he pulled up his hood and spurred his mount \expndtw-4 onwards. The brightness hurt his eyes, and he longed for \expndtw-2 the onset of night, the freshness of the breeze, the dark, \expndtw-5 cold beauty of the star-filled sky.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Their mounts were tired as they reached the base of a \expndtw0 tall hill. Bakilas examined the trail. The fugitives had \expndtw-3 stopped here to change the horses, and the occupants of \expndtw0 the wagon had walked up the hill. Two women and a child. He rode on. One of the women had picked up \expndtw-5 the child and carried it. A heavy woman, whose imprints \expndtw-4 were deeper than the rest.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li24\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Spurring his mount up the hill he rode over the crest, \expndtw-5 and saw the tracks wending away into another wood. He \expndtw-4 was grateful for the promise of shadow.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Did they know they were being followed? Of course\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 2.40\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 they did. No-one could hope to spirit away a queen with\-\expndtw-1 out pursuit. Did they know they were being followed by \expndtw0 the Krayakin? Why should they not, since a wizard was amongst them? Bakilas thought hard about the wizard. \expndtw-1 Drasko's point had been a good one. Why could they not \expndtw-2 sense the presence of his magick? The air should be thick \expndtw0 with it. Closing his eyes Bakilas reached out with his \expndtw-10 senses.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\ri10\sb5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nothing. Not a trace of sorcery could be detected. \expndtw-1 Even a mask spell would leave a residual taste in the air. \expndtw0 It was worrying. Anharat had always been arrogant. It was his arrogance that led to the defeat of the Illohir at the Battle of the Four Valleys. What had he said? How \expndtw-1 far had the enemy fallen that he could rely on only three \expndtw0 old men. It could be viewed quite differently. How mighty was the enemy that all he \i needed \i0 were three old men. He thought of the black warrior. Such a man was \expndtw-2 not built for retreat. Somewhere along this trail he would \expndtw0 seek to attack his pursuers. It was the nature of the man.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li19\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 They approached the trees with caution, swords drawn, then entered the wood.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 There was no attack. For another hour they followed the wagon tracks. They were fresher now, the edges of the wheel imprints clean and sharp.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Bakilas drew back on the reins. The wagon tracks turned off from the road and vanished into the trees. There was thick undergrowth beyond the tree line, and the wagon had crushed bushes and saplings beneath it. Why would they take such a difficult trail? Bakilas \expndtw-1 removed his helm and sniffed the air.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Mandrak moved alongside his leader. 'Can you smell \expndtw-1 it?' he asked. Bakilas nodded. Humans could never sur\-\expndtw0 prise the Krayakin, for human glands secreted many scents, oozing from their pores in the disgusting sweat\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li43\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 that bathed them. Of all of his brothers Mandrak's sense \expndtw0 of smell was the most keen. Bakilas drew rein and \expndtw-1 scanned the tree line and the bushes beyond, careful not \expndtw0 to let his gaze dwell on two of the hiding places he had \expndtw-7 identified.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li240\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Three men are hidden there,' said Mandrak.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I have identified two,' whispered Bakilas.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'One is behind the large oak overhanging the rise, another is crouched behind a bush just below it. The other one is further back. Yes . . . with the horses.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Why are we stopping?' asked Pelicor.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Remove your helmet, and you will know,' Bakilas \expndtw-3 told him, his voice low.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Pelicor did so. Like his brothers his hair was white, but \expndtw0 his face was broad and flat, the eyes small and set close together. His nostrils flared, and he smiled. 'Let me take them, brother. I am hungry.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It might be wiser to circle them,' offered Mandrak. \expndtw-1 'Cut off their means of escape.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 There are three of them!' snapped Pelicor. 'Not thirty. How can they escape us? Come let us put an end to this \expndtw-3 dismal mission.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'You wish to take them alone, Pelicor?' asked Bakilas.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I do.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Then by all means charge. We will await your \expndtw-3 victory.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Pelicor replaced his helm, drew his longsword and \expndtw-2 slashed his spurs into the horse's flanks. The beast reared \expndtw0 then galloped into the trees. Just beyond the trail the black warrior stepped from behind a tree. Pelicor saw him and dragged on the reins. The warrior was holding \expndtw-2 a slim knife by the blade.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li38\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You think to hurt me with that?' yelled Pelicor, \expndtw-2 spurring the horse once more.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb216\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\f1\fs13 Z42.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\f0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The warrior's arm came back, the knife flashed for\-ward, missing the charging rider. The blade slammed into a small wedge of wood, beside the trail, slicing through a length of stretched twine. A young tree, bent \expndtw-1 like a bow, snapped upright. Three pointed stakes lashed \expndtw0 to it slammed into Pelicor's chest, smashing through his black armour, breaking his ribs and spearing his lungs. The horse ran on. The body of the Krayakin warrior hung in the air twitching.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Bakilas heard a whisper of movement. Flinging up his \expndtw0 arm he took the arrow through his gauntleted hand. The arrow head sliced through the limb and buried itself in the pale flesh of his face, cutting his tongue. The wood of the shaft burned like acid. At first he tried to pull the \expndtw-1 arrow loose from his cheek, but the barbs caught against the inner flesh. With a grunt he pushed the shaft through \expndtw0 his other cheek, snapped off the head, then drew the arrow clear of his face and hand. The wounds began to heal instantly. But where the wood had touched him the \expndtw-1 soreness continued for some time.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'They have run,' said Mandrak. 'Do we give chase?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Not through the woods. There will be other traps. We \expndtw0 will catch them upon the road . . . very soon.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Bakilas rode to where Pelicor hung from the stake. His \expndtw-1 eyes were open, his body in spasm.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Help me,' he whimpered.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Your body is dying, Pelicor,' said Bakilas, coldly. 'And soon you will be Windborn again. We can taste your fear. It is most exquisite. Drasko, Mandrak and myself fed only recently. Therefore our brothers shall draw sustenance from what remains of your form.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No \expndtw27 ...\expndtw0  I\expndtw24 ...\expndtw0  can \expndtw24 ...\expndtw0  heal.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li38\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Bakilas shivered with pleasure at the increase in fear emanating from the impaled warrior. Like the others\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-15\fs21 243\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li53\ri14\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Pelicor had endured thousands of years in the torment that was Nowhere. The thought of returning to it filled \expndtw-3 him with horror. 'Who would have thought you could be \expndtw0 capable of such intense terror, Pelicor. It is almost \expndtw-5 artistic,' said Bakilas.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li43\ri14\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Bakilas drew back, and the remaining six Krayakin \expndtw-4 moved in with daggers drawn.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\ri5\sb250\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian moved out onto the old bridge, testing each step. The ancient boards beneath his feet were 10 feet \expndtw-1 long, 18 inches wide, and 2. inches thick. They creaked \expndtw-5 ominously as he moved out upon them. Less than 12. feet \expndtw-2 wide the bridge spanned just over 100 feet. Below it the \expndtw0 swollen river rushed on down the mountains, white \expndtw-1 water surging over massive rocks, and sweeping on to a \expndtw-4 rumbling fall some 2. miles down river. If he fell through \expndtw0 he would be swept to his death. No man could swim in \expndtw-3 such a torrent.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi168\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 The boards were nailed to huge cross beams set every \expndtw-3 9 feet, and gaping cracks showed between them. Dagorian was sweating heavily as he moved out over the \expndtw0 river. Since the attack by the wolves his fears had been growing, preying on his mind. Doubt had crept in, and with it a fierce longing to live. To be free of his duty. Only his sense of honour held him to this doomed quest, and even this was fraying. You should have stayed in the temple, he thought, as he moved carefully out over the rotting boards. Nogusta had ordered him \expndtw-1 to get the wagon across, if possible. He glanced back to \expndtw0 where the others waited. They were all looking at him, including the queen. Carefully he moved on to the safety of the far bank.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 There was still no way to be sure the bridge would \expndtw-3 take the weight of the wagon.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb216\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\f1\fs18 2-44\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\f0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Moving swiftly back to where the others waited he instructed them to walk with care, keeping to the stone reinforced rail. Ulmenetha took Axiana by the arm and \expndtw-1 led her out onto the bridge. Pharis followed with Sufia. \expndtw-3 Conalin remained with the wagon.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Get across, boy,' ordered Dagorian.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I can drive it,' insisted Conalin.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I don't doubt your skill. I just don't want to see you die.' The boy was about to argue, but Dagorian shook his head. 'I know you have courage, Conalin, and I \expndtw-3 respect it. But if you want to help me then lead the spare \expndtw-2 horses across. I will follow when you are safe on the far \expndtw-1 bank.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Conalin climbed down and moved to the rear of the wagon. Dagorian took his place, gathered up the reins, \expndtw-1 and waited. The boy moved out past him. 'Talk to them \expndtw0 as you walk,' advised Dagorian, 'for the rushing water \expndtw-3 will frighten them.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The boy was halfway across when one of the boards \expndtw-3 suddenly moved. A horse reared, but Conalin stepped in \expndtw-1 close, whispering to it, stroking its long neck. Dagorian \expndtw0 looked on admiringly. Conalin continued on his way. Upon reaching the far side he turned and waved. \expndtw-2 Dagorian flicked the reins and the team moved out onto \expndtw0 the bridge. The horses were nervous and, keeping his \expndtw-2 voice low and even, Dagorian encouraged them. \expndtw0 Underneath the wagon the boards groaned. One split, but did not give way. Dagorian was sweating as they reached the centre of the bridge. The rushing of the \expndtw-4 water below sounded thunderous now. One of the horses \expndtw-3 slipped, but righted itself.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li38\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Then a board cracked, and the wagon lurched. For a sickening heartbeat Dagorian thought he was about to \expndtw-2 be pitched into the river. He sat very still for a moment,\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sb202\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-12\fs21 2-45\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li48\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 his heart thudding in his chest, then carefully climbed down. The left rear wheel was halfway through the boards, being supported only by the jutting axle head. Dagorian let out a soft curse. Putting both hands under the tailboard he struggled to lift it clear. It did not move a hair's breadth.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'They're coming!' shouted Conalin. Dagorian swung to see Nogusta, Kebra and Bison. They were galloping their horses, riding hard and fast. Nogusta reached the bridge first, dragging on the reins. Then he leapt from the saddle and led the giant black gelding out onto the \expndtw-2 bridge. Kebra and Bison followed his lead. There was no \expndtw0 room for them to pass.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Bison tossed his reins to Kebra and strode to where \expndtw-1 Dagorian stood at the rear of the wagon. 'Get back in the \expndtw0 driver's seat,' said the giant,' and give them a lash when \expndtw-3 I call.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It won't move,' said Dagorian.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Riders!' yelled Conalin.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The warriors of the Krayakin breasted the slope, and, swords drawn, rode for the bridge. Dagorian scrambled up to the wagon. Bison grabbed the wheel. 'Now!' he shouted. The giant heaved, and the wagon rose. At the same time Dagorian lashed the reins across the backs of the team. The wagon lurched forward. Bison was hurled from his feet, but rolled clear of the iron shod wheel.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian lashed the backs of the team and the wagon picked up speed. Nogusta and Kebra came running \expndtw-6 behind.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The child Sufia climbed into the wagon as it reached the bank. In a high-pitched voice she chanted something \expndtw-2 in an alien tongue.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li48\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 The Krayakin had reached the bridge, and two of them \expndtw-3 set off across it.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 2.46\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 A ball of flame flew from Sufia's hand, striking the \expndtw-3 bridge. A column of fire reared up, and the bridge began to blaze. One of the Krayakin backed his horse to safety, \expndtw0 but the second spurred his mount, riding through the \expndtw-1 blaze. Bison ran at the charging horse, waving his arms \expndtw0 and shouting at the top of his voice. The beast reared. \expndtw-3 Bison hurled himself forward, ducking under the flailing hoofs. Throwing up his arms Bison clamped his hands to \expndtw0 the horse's chest and pushed with all his strength. The horse toppled back hurling its rider into the flames. The boards gave way. Horse and warrior crashed \expndtw-1 through to the roiling river below. Fingers of fire swept \expndtw-2 along the boards. Bison's leggings caught alight. \expndtw-1 Spinning on his heel the giant ran, panic stricken, to the \expndtw0 bank. Nogusta and Kebra leapt upon him, hurling him to the ground. They tried to beat out the flames on Bison's burning clothing, but to no avail. Then Sufia stepped forward and held out her hand. The fire leapt from Bison to the child's waiting fingers, where it \expndtw-4 vanished. Bison tore off his leggings. His flesh was badly \expndtw0 burned on the left thigh. Sufia moved to him, dropping to her knees. Her tiny hand reached out. Bison winced as her fingers touched the blistered flesh of his thigh. \expndtw-1 Then, as if a cool breeze was whispering over the burn, \expndtw-2 all pain ceased. She lifted her hand. The burn was gone.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Such small magick is still left to me,' said the voice of \expndtw0 Kalizkan. The body of the child settled down against \expndtw-4 Bison, her blond head resting on his chest. 'Let her sleep,' \expndtw0 said Kalizkan. Bison carefully lifted the sleeping child \expndtw-5 and carried her to the wagon, where he laid her down and \expndtw-2 covered her with a blanket.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li43\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Ulmenetha approached the giant warrior. 'That was a \expndtw-2 brave act,' she said, 'to charge a mounted knight. I must \expndtw-6 say you surprised me.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb192\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 2.47\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li53\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Bison turned to her and gave a wide, gap-toothed grin. \expndtw0 'If you'd like to thank me properly we could move \expndtw-1 further back into the bushes.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li38\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Now, that reaction \i doesn't \i0 surprise me,' she said. With a withering glance at his naked lower body she added: 'And find some fresh leggings. There are ladies \expndtw-3 present.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 That's when I normally need it,' he said, still grinning.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li24\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Swinging away the priestess walked back to where \expndtw-2 Axiana and Pharis were sitting together. From the wagon \expndtw0 Conalin grinned at the old man. 'Women,' said Bison, 'who can understand them?' Conalin shrugged.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I don't,' he admitted. 'But I know enough to realize that she doesn't like you.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You think so?' asked Bison, genuinely surprised. \expndtw-1 'What makes you believe that?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Conalin laughed aloud. 'Perhaps I'm wrong.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I think you might be,' agreed Bison.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Black smoke was rising from the blazing bridge, and Nogusta strode to the bank, staring across the river to where the eight remaining Krayakin warriors waited. Dagorian joined him. 'There are other bridges,' he said. \expndtw-1 'But we have gained a little time.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The Krayakin divided into two groups. Four warriors rode down river towards the west, the other four head\-\expndtw-6 ing east.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'We have had more luck than we deserve,' said \expndtw-3 Nogusta, softly.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What happened back in the forest?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'We killed one. But only because the leader wanted \expndtw-1 him dead. They are deadly foes, Dagorian. More terrible than any I have faced before.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li43\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'And yet two are dead, and we have suffered no \expndtw-7 losses.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb173\qc\cf1\lang1033\f1\fs18 Z48\cf0\lang2057\f0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-245\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Not yet,' whispered Nogusta.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri14\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Dagorian shivered suddenly. He glanced at the black \expndtw0 warrior. 'What have you seen with that Third Eye of \expndtw-3 yours?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-245\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Do not ask,' advised Nogusta.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Ulmenetha's spirit rose above the campsite, hovering in \expndtw-4 the night air. The moon was bright, the sky clear over the \expndtw0 mountains. From here she could see Nogusta, sitting alone on a hillside. Close by Kebra was talking to Conalin. Axiana, Pharis and Sufia were asleep in the \expndtw-5 wagon. Bison sat alone by the camp-fire, finishing the last \expndtw-2 of the stew prepared by Kebra.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 There was freedom here in this astral solitude, and \expndtw-2 Ulmenetha gloried in it. There were no demons over the \expndtw0 forest, no Entukku with their slashing talons. She \expndtw-3 allowed herself to rise further, the moonlit forest shrink\-\expndtw0 ing below her. Ulmenetha flew north, over the ruined \expndtw-1 bridge, intending to seek out the Krayakin.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 A glowing form materialized in the air alongside her. \expndtw0 This time she could make out a face. It was that of a \expndtw-3 young man, golden haired and handsome. 'It is not wise,' \expndtw-2 he said, 'to journey far. The Krayakin will be able to see \expndtw-1 you, and they can summon the Entukku to attack you.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I need to know how close they are,' said Ulmenetha.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'The group heading east will lose two days. Those heading west will cross the river at Lercis, forty miles \expndtw-4 from here. They will not catch up with you by \expndtw-1 tomorrow.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li34\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Why is this happening to us, Kalizkan? What did you \expndtw-8 do?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li43\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It is not safe here, lady. Return to your body and \expndtw-3 sleep. We will talk again in a place of sanctuary.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 The figure vanished.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-16\fs21 249\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li62\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha flew back to the campsite, and there \expndtw-2 hovered for a while, enjoying a last taste of freedom.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li53\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Back within her body she settled down, covering her\-\expndtw0 self with a blanket. Sleep came easily, for she was very \expndtw-6 tired.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 She became aware of the smell of honeysuckle, and \expndtw-3 opened her eyes to see a small garden. A latticework arch \expndtw0 was close by, red and cream honeysuckle growing up and through it. There were flower beds full of summer plants, blazing with colour in the sunlight. Ulmenetha looked around, and saw a small cottage, with a thatched roof. She recognized it instantly. It was her grand\-\expndtw-3 mother's house.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The door opened, and a tall man stepped out. He was silver-haired and silver-bearded, and dressed in a long robe of silver satin. Kalizkan bowed. 'Now we can talk,' \expndtw-5 he said.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I preferred you as the golden-haired young man,' said \expndtw-6 Ulmenetha.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kalizkan chuckled. 'I must admit to you, lady, that he \expndtw-2 is a conceit. I never was golden haired, nor handsome . . . \expndtw0 save in the spirit form. Were you ever as you appear \expndtw-1 now? So slim and innocent.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li202\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Indeed I was. But those days are long gone.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Not here,' said Kalizkan.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No, not here,' she agreed, wistfully.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'So what would you have me tell you?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'All of it.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi163\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kalizkan led her to a wooden bench beneath the \expndtw-1 honeysuckle arch, and they sat down in the shade. 'I was \expndtw0 dying,' he said. 'Cancer was spreading through me. For more than ten years I used my magick to hold it at bay, but as I grew older my powers began to fade. I was frightened. Simply that. I studied many ancient\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 250\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 grimoires, seeking spells to prolong my life, but always \expndtw-2 avoiding blood magick. Finally I sank to that. I sacrificed \expndtw0 an old man. I told myself he was dying anyway - which he was - and I was only robbing him of a few days of life. He came willingly for I offered to create a pension for his widow.' Kalizkan lapsed into silence. Then he spoke \i again. \i0 'The deed was an evil one, though I tried to convince myself otherwise. I thought of all the good I could still do if I lived. I reasoned that a small evil was acceptable, if it led to a greater good.' He smiled rue\-fully. 'Such is the path to perdition. I summoned a Demon Lord and sought to control him, ordering him to heal me. Instead he possessed me. With the last of my strength I hurled my spirit clear. From that day to this I have watched all the good I have done in my life eroded and stained by the evils he used my form to commit. All my children were sacrificed. And now thousands are dead, and the city of Usa is in torment.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'There is little I can do now to set matters right. My powers are limited - aye, and fading. Death calls me and I will not be here to see the end.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'But what I can do in the time that remains is teach you, Ulmenetha. I can instruct you in the magick of the \expndtw-4 land. I will teach you to use \i halignat \emdash  \i0 the holy fire. I will \expndtw0 show you how to heal lesser wounds.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I have never been adept at such skills,' she said.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Well now you must learn,' he told her. 'I can no \expndtw-1 longer use the child. She is malnourished and her heart is \expndtw0 weak. It almost failed when I burned the bridge. I will not have another innocent life upon my hands.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li34\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I cannot do it,' said Ulmenetha. 'I cannot learn in a \expndtw-3 day!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li43\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Where we sit is not governed by \i time, \i0 Ulmenetha. We are floating in the open heart of eternity. Trust me. What\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb158\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\fs21 2.51\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li43\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 you take from here will be vital to the safety of the child \expndtw-1 and the future of the world.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li34\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I do not want such responsibility. I am not. . . strong \expndtw-3 enough.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li38\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You are stronger than you think!' he said, forcefully. \expndtw-1 'And you will need to be stronger yet.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Angry now, Ulmenetha rose from the bench. 'Bring Nogusta here. Teach him! He is a warrior. He knows \expndtw-2 how to fight!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He shook his head. 'Yes, he is a warrior. But I do not need someone who knows how to kill. I need someone who knows how to love.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The night air was cold, but Conalin, a blanket round his \expndtw-2 shoulders, sat in quiet contentment alongside Kebra. The \expndtw0 bowman did not speak, and this, in itself, pleased Conalin. They were together in silence. Companions. Conalin flicked a glance at Kebra's profile, seeing the moonlight glinting on the old man's white hair.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li202\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What are you thinking?' asked the boy.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I was remembering my father.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I didn't mean to disturb you.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I'm glad you did,' said Kebra. 'They were not pleasant \expndtw0 memories.' He turned to the boy. 'You look cold. You \expndtw-1 should sit by the fire.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I am not cold.' The open sores on his arms and back \expndtw-3 were troubling him. Pushing up his sleeve he scratched at \expndtw0 the scabs on his arm. 'What will you do if you reach \expndtw-1 Drenan?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Til try my hand at farming. I own a hundred acres in the mountains close to the Sentran Plain. I'll build a \expndtw-1 house there. Maybe,' he finished, lamely.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Is that what you really want?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kebra gave a rueful smile. 'Perhaps not. It is a dream.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb202\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-8\fs15 Z52,\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 My last dream. The Sathuli have a blessing which says: May all your dreams - but one - come true.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Why is that a blessing? Would not a man be happier \expndtw-1 if all his dreams came true?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No,' said Kebra, shaking his head, 'that would be awful. What would there be left to live for? Our dreams are what carry us forward. We journey from dream to dream. At this moment your dream is to wed Pharis. If \expndtw-1 that dream comes true, and you are happy, you will want \expndtw0 children. Then you will dream for them also. A man without dreams is a dead man. He may walk and talk, but he is sterile and empty.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'And you have only one dream left? What happened to \expndtw0 all the others?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You ask difficult questions, my friend.' Kebra lapsed into silence. Conalin did not disturb it. He felt a great warmth within, that all but swamped the cold of the night. My friend. Kebra had called him, my friend. The boy stared out over the silhouette of the mountains and watched the bright stars glinting around the moon. There was a harmony here, a great emptiness that filled the soul with the music of silence. The city had never offered such harmony, and Conalin's life had been an endless struggle to survive amid the cruelty and the squalor. He had learned early that no-one ever acted without selfish motives. Everything had a price. And mostly Conalin could not afford it.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li34\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta strolled towards where they sat. Conalin felt his irritation rise. He did not want this moment to be disturbed. But the black warrior moved silently past them and down to the camp-site.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li240\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Is he your best friend?' asked Conalin.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li58\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Best friend? I don't know what that means,' Kebra \expndtw-5 told him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 253\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li274\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs22 'Do you like him better than Bison?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li62\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs22 'That's easier to answer,' said Kebra with a smile. \expndtw-3 'After all, nobody \i likes \i0 Bison. But no, he's not a \i better \expndtw0\i0 friend.' Reaching down he plucked two grass stems. \expndtw-6 'Which of these stems is better?' he asked Conalin.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li250\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs22 'Neither. They are just grass.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li245\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs22 'Exactly.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li240\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs22 'I don't understand.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs22 'Neither did I when I was young. In those days I thought that anyone who smiled at me was a friend. \expndtw-1 Anyone who offered me food was a friend. The word \expndtw-3 had little real meaning. But true friendship is rarer than \expndtw0 a white raven, and more valuable than a mountain of \expndtw-5 gold. And once you find it you realize there is no way to \expndtw-6 grade it.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs22 'What did he do to become your friend? Did he save \expndtw-9 your life?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs22 'Several times. But I can't answer that question. I really \expndtw-4 can't. No more, I think, could he. And now my tired old \expndtw-5 bones need sleep. I will see you in the morning.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs22 Kebra rose and stretched his back. Conalin stood and \expndtw-4 they walked back to the camp-site. Bison was asleep by the fire, and snoring loudly. Kebra nudged him with his \expndtw-5 foot. Bison grunted and rolled over.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs22 Conalin added sticks to the dying fire and sat watch\-\expndtw-2 ing the flames flicker as Kebra settled down alongside \expndtw0 Bison. The bowman spread his blanket over his lean \expndtw-6 frame, then came up on one elbow. 'You are a bright lad, \expndtw-4 Conalin,' he said. 'You can be whatever you want to be, if your dreams are grand enough.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs22 For a while Conalin sat quietly by the fire. Dagorian \expndtw-5 emerged from the bushes and strolled to the wagon. The \expndtw-2 young officer looked tired, his movements heavy with \expndtw-1 weariness. Conalin watched him take an apple from a\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb178\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-14\fs22 2-54\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 food sack and bite into it. Seemingly unaware of the boy \expndtw0 Dagorian strolled back to the fire, pausing to gaze down \expndtw-1 on the sleeping figure of Axiana. Pharis was lying beside \expndtw0 her, little Sufia cuddled in close. Dagorian stood silently for a moment, then sighed and joined Conalin by the-dying blaze. Bison began to snore again. Conalin rose and prodded the giant with his foot, exactly as Kebra had done. Obligingly Bison rolled over, and the snoring \expndtw-6 ceased.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri62\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Neatly done,' said Dagorian, reaching out and adding the last of the fuel to the fire. Conalin did not reply. Rising he left his blanket and wandered to the tree line, \expndtw-1 gathering dry sticks and twigs. He was not tired now, for \expndtw0 his mind was full of questions, and the only man he would trust to answer them was asleep. He made several trips back to the fire, and was pleased to see Dagorian settle down in his blankets.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li14\ri53\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Conalin walked to the nearby stream and drank, then moved out away from the camp, strolling through the moonlit woods. The night breeze rustled in the leaves, but there was no other sound. The day's drama seemed far away now, an incident from another life. Then he remembered the big man running at the mounted knight, \expndtw-1 ducking under his horse and hurling the enemy back into \expndtw0 the flames. He knew what Ulmenetha had meant when she said she was surprised. Conalin had not expected \expndtw-1 such a rare display of courage from the obscene old man. \expndtw0 Yet the others had not been surprised. Conalin walked on, oblivious to his surroundings. The night air was full of new scents, fresh and vibrant and utterly unlike the musty stink of the city. He came to a break in the trees, \expndtw-1 and saw a moonlit meadow. Rabbits were feeding on the grass, and he paused to watch them. It seemed strange to \expndtw0 see these creatures so full of life. His only previous\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri38\sb197\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\fs21 2.55\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li67\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 experience of them was to see them hanging by their \expndtw-1 hind legs in the market place. Here, like him, they were \expndtw-13 free.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li38\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 A dark shadow swept over the meadow, and a great bird swooped low over the feeding rabbits. They \expndtw-1 scattered, but the bird's talons slashed across the back of \expndtw0 one fleeing rabbit, bowling it over. Before it could rise the bird was upon it, gripping it tight, its curved beak \expndtw-3 tearing the life from its prey.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Conalin watched as the hawk fed.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'That is unusual,' said a voice. Conalin leapt like a \expndtw-2 startled deer, and swung round, fists raised. Nogusta was \expndtw0 standing beside him. The boy's heart was pounding. He had not heard the black man approach. Nogusta appeared not to notice Conalin's reaction. 'Hawks usually feed on feather,' he said. 'They need to be \expndtw-1 wedded to fur by a falconer.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'How can they survive on feathers?' asked Conalin, anxious to seem unperturbed by the warrior's silent \expndtw-4 approach.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\ri10\sb5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta smiled. 'Not literally feathers. It means they \expndtw-1 generally feed on other birds, pigeon and - if the hawk is \expndtw0 clever enough - duck. This hawk probably escaped his handler and returned to the wild.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Conalin sighed. 'I thought the rabbits were free here,' \expndtw-4 said Conalin.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'They are free,' said Nogusta.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No. I meant really free. Free from danger.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Nothing that walks, flies, swims or breathes is ever free from danger. Speaking of which you should not stray too far from the camp.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li38\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta turned and walked away into the darkness. Conalin caught up with him. 'If you do save the queen,' \expndtw-1 he said, 'what reward will you get?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\i\fs21 156\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I don't know. I haven't given it any thought.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Will you become rich?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Perhaps.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 They reached the edge of the camp and Nogusta paused. 'Go and get some rest. We will have to push hard tomorrow.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Is that why you are doing this?' persisted Conalin. 'For the reward?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'No. My reasons are far more selfish.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Conalin took a step towards the camp. Then another question occurred to him and he swung round. But \expndtw-2 Nogusta was nowhere to be seen.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 Gathering his blankets Conalin lay down beside \expndtw0 Pharis. There was so much here that he didn't under\-stand. What could be more selfish than labouring for a \expndtw-3 personal reward?\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Life in the city had been brutally hard, and Conalin \expndtw-5 had been alone for much of his young life. Even so he felt \expndtw-3 he understood the nature of human existence. Happiness \expndtw0 was a full belly, joy was having enough food for a full belly tomorrow, and love was a commodity mostly associated with money. Even his love of Pharis was \expndtw-4 ultimately selfish, for Conalin gained great pleasure from her company. It was that pleasure, he believed, which led \expndtw0 him to yearn for her. Like the men and women who gathered at the Chiatze House, and smoked the long pipe, paying for pleasure dreams, and returning again \expndtw-2 and again, with haunted eyes and shrinking purses.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Conalin had no recollection of his parents. His first memories were of a small room, packed with children. Some of them were crying. All of them were filthy. \expndtw-1 Conalin had been tiny then, perhaps three or four years \expndtw0 of age. He recalled the baby, lying on a soiled blanket. He remembered prodding it with his finger. It did not\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 257\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li34\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 move. The lack of movement had surprised him. A fly had landed on the baby's open mouth, and slowly \expndtw-2 walked over the blue lips. Some time later a tall man had \expndtw-4 removed the baby.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li24\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Conalin couldn't remember the man's face. It had seemed so high and far away. But he remembered the legs, long and thin, encased in loose-fitting black leg\-gings. His time in the house of gloom had not been \expndtw-2 happy, for his belly was rarely full, and there were many \expndtw-8 beatings.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 After that there had been several homes. One, at least, \expndtw0 had been warm and comfortable. But the price of that warmth had been too high, and he pushed the memories \expndtw-9 away.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li202\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Life on the streets had been better.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi158\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Conalin had even begun to think of himself as a wise man. He knew where to steal his breakfast, and could always find a warm, safe place to sleep, even in the \expndtw-1 depths of harsh winters. The soldiers of the Watch could \expndtw0 never catch him, and his troubles with the street gangs had largely ended when he had killed Cleft-tongue. The gangs avoided him then, for Cleft-tongue had been feared, and anyone who could kill him in one-to-one combat was not to be trifled with. Conalin remembered the fight without any pleasure. He hadn't wanted to kill anyone. All he desired was to be left alone. But Cleft-tongue would have none of it. 'You steal on my patch, you pay rent,' he had said. Conalin had ignored him. Then, one night, the burly youth had come at him with a knife. Conalin was unarmed and had run. He recalled the laughter which followed him on his flight. Angry he \expndtw-1 had stolen a butcher's cleaver, and returned to where the gang had settled down for the night, in a deserted alley\-\expndtw-2 way. He had walked up to where Cleft-tongue sat, called\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 z\sub 5\nosupersub 8\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 his name, and, as the youth turned, hit him in the temple \expndtw0 with the cleaver. The blade had sunk deep, far deeper \expndtw-4 than Conalin had intended. Cleft-tongue died instantly.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Now leave me alone,' Conalin told the others.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 They had done so.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Unable to sleep Conalin pushed back his blanket and \expndtw0 rose, walking to a nearby tree and urinating. Then he \expndtw-2 moved to the remains of the fire and added some of the \expndtw0 twigs he had gathered earlier. With a stick he located the last glowing area of coals and, for some minutes, \expndtw-5 tried to blow them to fresh life. Finally admitting that the \expndtw-3 fire had died he sat back.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 That was when he noticed the glow on the far side of \expndtw0 the camp, a soft white light that was bathing the body of the sleeping priestess. Conalin watched it for some \expndtw-4 time, then he moved to Kebra's side and woke the bow\-\expndtw-11 man.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'What is it, lad?' asked Kebra, sleepily.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Something is wrong with the priestess,' said Conalin. \expndtw-1 Kebra sat up, then pushed back his blankets. Dagorian \expndtw0 awoke, saw the glowing light, and, with Conalin and \expndtw-2 Kebra, walked over to where Ulmenetha lay. The light was stronger now, almost golden. It was radiating from \expndtw-4 her face and hands. Kebra knelt beside her.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'She is burning up,' said the bowman. Conalin looked \expndtw0 closer. Sweat was running from the woman's fat face, \expndtw-3 and her silver and blond hair was drenched. Kebra tried \expndtw-2 to wake her, but to no avail. The light around her grew \expndtw-4 brighter, and small white flowers blossomed around her \expndtw-1 blankets, writhing up through the grass. A heady scent \expndtw0 filled the air, and Conalin could hear far-away music, whispering in his mind. Kebra drew back the blanket \expndtw-6 that covered the priestess. Only then did they see that she \expndtw-5 was floating some inches above the ground.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 2.59\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li43\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta moved alongside them, kneeling down and \expndtw-3 taking Ulmenetha's hand. The glowing light swelled, and \expndtw0 flowed up along Nogusta's arm, bathing him in light. \expndtw-1 Releasing her hand he leapt backwards.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li250\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Is she under attack?' asked Dagorian.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li245\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No,' said Nogusta. 'This is not blood magick.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li240\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What should we do?' put in Kebra.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Nothing. We will cover her and wait.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Conalin peered down at the priestess's glistening face. \expndtw0 'She is getting thinner,' he whispered. It was true. Sweat \expndtw-1 was coursing over her body, and her flesh was receding.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'She'll die if this carries on,' said Kebra.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What is happening to her is not of an evil origin,' said Nogusta. 'If it were I would sense it through my talis\-man. I do not think she will die. Cover her.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Conalin lifted the blanket over Ulmenetha. As he did so his hand touched her shoulder. Once more the light \expndtw-1 flowed, bathing him. An exquisite feeling of warmth and \expndtw0 security filled him. His back itched and tingled, and he \expndtw-4 moaned with pleasure. Dizziness overcame him and he fell \expndtw0 back to the grass. Pulling off his filthy shirt he gazed down at his arms. The open sores had vanished, and his skin glowed with health. 'Look!' he said to Kebra. 'I am \expndtw-3 healed.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The bowman said nothing. Reaching out he also touched the priestess. The light flowed over him. Bright lights danced behind his eyes, and it seemed, at first, as if he was looking through a sheen of ice, distorting his \expndtw-2 view. Slowly the ice melted, and he found himself staring \expndtw0 at the distant mountains, their peaks sharp and clear against the new dawn. He too sat back. 'I can see!' he whispered. 'Nogusta, I can see! Clearly!'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li53\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 As the dawn rose, streaking the sky with gold, the light \expndtw0 around Ulmenetha faded away, and her body slowly\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 260\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs22 settled down upon the carpet of white flowers.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs22 Her eyes opened, the last of the golden light shining \expndtw-4 from them.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs22 'We cannot reach the coast,' she said. 'The Demon \expndtw-3 Lord is marching his army across the mountains, and the \expndtw-2 way to the sea is closed to us.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li202\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs22 Nogusta knelt beside her. 'I know,' he said, wearily.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs22 Ulmenetha tried to sit, but sagged back exhausted. Her \expndtw-1 lips were dry. Nogusta ran to the wagon, returning with \expndtw-3 a water skin and a cup. Helping her to sit he held the cup \expndtw0 to her lips. She drank sparingly. 'We must try \expndtw22 ...\expndtw0  to reach . . . the ghost city,' she said. 'Now let me rest.' Nogusta lowered her to the ground. She fell asleep \expndtw-4 instantly.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs22 'What did she mean?' asked Kebra. The sea is our \expndtw-1 only hope.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs22 'We would never reach it. The Krayakin are less than \expndtw-3 a day behind us, and the Ventrian army is moving across \expndtw0 the mountains. Three thousand men are on the march, and more than two hundred cavalry have been sent to \expndtw-1 cut us off from the coast.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs22 Kebra knew the strength of Nogusta's Third Eye and \expndtw-1 he sat silently for a moment, absorbing the information. \expndtw0 'What then can we do?' he asked. 'We cannot fight an \expndtw-2 army, and we cannot escape it. Is our plan merely to run \expndtw-1 until we are exhausted - like an elk tracked by wolves?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs22 'Who is being tracked by wolves?' asked Bison, rising \expndtw0 from his blankets and walking across to join them. Before Nogusta could explain the situation to him the \expndtw-3 giant saw the sleeping priestess. 'Kreya's Tits!' he \expndtw-4 exclaimed. 'Look at her! She's thin as a spear. What have \expndtw-5 I missed?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs22 'A great deal, my friend,' said Kebra. Slowly he \expndtw-3 explained the events of the last few minutes, the glowing\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-18\fs22 261\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li48\ri38\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 around the priestess, the healing of his eyes, and the sores on Conalin's back and arms, and lastly, the news \expndtw-4 of the march of the Ventrian army. Bison ignored the last \expndtw-12 news.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li29\ri29\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'She healed you? What about my ear? It hurts like the \expndtw0 devil. You could have woken me up. What kind of a friend are you?' He dropped to his knees beside the \expndtw-3 priestess and shook her shoulder. Ulmenetha did not stir. \expndtw-6 'Well, this is nice,' said Bison, glancing up at Kebra. 'So far \expndtw-5 I've been bitten by wolves, burnt by magick and kicked by \expndtw-4 a horse. And you get your eyes healed. Is that fair?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri24\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Life is not fair, Bison,' said Kebra, with a smile. 'As any one of your large number of wives would testify.' His smile faded. 'The question is what are we going to \expndtw-2 do?' At that moment Axiana cried out. Beside her Pharis awoke and moved to her side.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-245\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'What is it, my lady?' she asked.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-245\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I think . . . the baby is coming,' said Axiana.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sb250\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Axiana was frightened, and called for Ulmenetha. The black warrior, Nogusta, moved to her side. 'She cannot \expndtw-1 come to you now,' he said, taking the queen's hand. 'She \expndtw0 is sleeping, and cannot be woken.' Fear turned to panic \expndtw-6 in Axiana.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'The baby is coming! I need her!' Her face spasmed as fresh pain seared through her.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Move aside, man,' said Bison, dropping to his knees \expndtw-4 beside the frightened girl.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I don't want you!' shouted Axiana, horrified. 'Not \expndtw-6 you!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Bison chuckled. 'As I've just been told, life isn't fair. But I've birthed babes before, and a large number of \expndtw-1 horses, cows and sheep. So you'll just have to trust me.' \expndtw0 He turned to Nogusta. 'I want you to make a screen\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 around her. Give us some privacy. And you, girl,' he told \expndtw0 Pharis, 'can help me.' Bison drew back the blanket covering the queen. Her gown was wet. 'The water's broken,' he said. He looked across at Nogusta. 'Could \expndtw-3 we get a little urgency going here?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Nogusta nodded and rose. Nogusta and Dagorian cut long branches from nearby trees, then stripped them of \expndtw0 leaves. Plunging them into the earth around the queen they tied blankets to them, creating a roofless tent \expndtw-2 around her. Several times she cried out. Pharis emerged and moved to the stream, filling a bowl with water, and \expndtw-1 returning to the tent.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 Little Sufia sat in the doorway of the tent, staring wide eyed into the interior. Conalin walked over to her, lifting \expndtw0 her into his arms and carrying her to the wagon. The \expndtw-3 child was nervous and frightened. 'They are hurting her,' \expndtw-4 she said, her eyes brimming with tears.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'No they are not,' said Conalin, soothingly. 'A baby is coming. It's inside her, and it is going to come out.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'How did it get inside her?' asked Sufia.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It grew from a very small seed,' said Conalin. 'And \expndtw-2 now it is ready to live.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 A long shriek came from the tent. Sufia jumped. 'Why \expndtw-2 is she hurting?' Sufia began to cry. Kebra walked to the \expndtw-1 wagon. 'It is all right,' he said, ruffling the child's blond \expndtw-6 hair.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri10\sb5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'She wants to know why the queen is in pain,' said \expndtw-6 Conalin.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'Well,' began Kebra, uneasily, 'she's . .. slim in the hips \expndtw0 and -' Sufia's bright blue eyes were locked to Kebra's gaze. '- and ...' He swung and called for Nogusta. The \expndtw-5 child has some questions,' he said, brightly.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Answer them,' said Nogusta, walking away towards \expndtw-5 the stream.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri24\sb158\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\i\fs21 263\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li58\ri48\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Thank you so much,' Kebra called after him. He turned back to Sufia. 'I can't really explain,' he told the child. 'Childbirth is sometimes painful, but soon the \expndtw-1 queen will be well, and you will be able to see the baby \expndtw-2 boy. That will be nice, won't it?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li43\ri53\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The queen shrieked once more, and Sufia dissolved \expndtw-4 into tears.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\ri53\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kebra moved away and began to prepare breakfast. \expndtw-3 Sitting beside the stream Nogusta and Dagorian talked in \expndtw0 low voices. 'Does Bison know what he's doing?' asked \expndtw-5 the young officer.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri53\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Yes. Believe it or not many of the camp whores \expndtw-2 request Bison when they are ready to deliver.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I can't think why.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri43\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Maybe he fathered most of the children,' ventured \expndtw-1 Nogusta. 'But I believe she is in safe hands.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Safe hands? How safe are any of us?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri43\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta heard the fear in the young man's voice. He \expndtw-3 was concerned, for he had noticed the growing tension in \expndtw0 the officer ever since the wolf attack. 'Nothing has \expndtw-2 changed since you rescued the queen,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi168\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I didn't rescue her - Ulmenetha did that. And the children. I just came later. And we would all have been \expndtw-1 killed had you not arrived to kill the lancers. I don't feel \expndtw0 that I have been of any real use.' Dagorian sighed. 'I am not like you, Nogusta. Nor the others. You are tough men. The stuff of heroes. I. . .' he faltered. 'I am just a \expndtw-4 failed priest.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li48\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'You do yourself a disservice,' said Nogusta. Dagorian \expndtw-4 shook his head.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li67\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You  remember  when  you  warned  me   about   an \expndtw-1 attempt on Banelion's life? I went to him, as I told you.' \expndtw-3 'Yes. He advised you to stay away from him. That was \expndtw-5 good advice.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri67\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Maybe it was - but a hero would have disobeyed him. \expndtw-3 Don't you see? I was glad to be relieved of responsibility. \expndtw0 I thanked him and I left. Would you have done so?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-245\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Yes,' said Nogusta.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-245\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I don't believe you.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-245\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I wouldn't lie to you, Dagorian.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'But would you have felt relief?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri43\sb5\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You are torturing yourself unnecessarily,' said the black man. 'What is really at the heart of this?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri48\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I am afraid.' He looked into Nogusta's face. 'What is it that you have seen? I need to know.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri43\sb5\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You do not \i need \i0 to know,' Nogusta assured him. 'And it would serve no purpose to tell you. This gift I \expndtw-2 have is like a sharp sword. It can save a life, or it can take \expndtw0 it. At this moment you and I are alive, and we have a mission. All we can do is try to stay alive. What I have seen, or not seen, is irrelevant.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri43\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'That is simply not true,' said Dagorian. 'The future is not set in stone. You could, for example, have seen me walking on a particular cliff top. The ground gives way \expndtw-2 and I fall to my death. But if you warn me I will not walk on that cliff top. Then I will live.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\ri38\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta shook his head. 'I told you once before that the gift is not that precise. I do not choose what to see.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li34\ri29\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I just want to know whether I will survive,' said Dagorian. 'Have you seen that, at least?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li38\ri14\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Ultimately no-one survives,' hissed Nogusta. 'That is the way of life. We are born, we live, we die. All that \expndtw-4 counts is the manner in which we live. And even that does \expndtw0 not count for long. History will forget us. It forgets all \expndtw-1 men eventually. You want certainty? \i That \i0 is certainty.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li62\ri24\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I fear I may be a coward,' said Dagorian. 'I might run \expndtw-1 from this mission.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li269\sl-245\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You will not run,' said Nogusta. 'You are a man of\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li38\sb158\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\i\fs21 165\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li29\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 courage and honour. I know you are afraid. So you should be - for so am I. Our enemies are great in \expndtw-4 number, and our friends are few. Yet we will do what we \expndtw-2 must, for we are men, and the sons of men.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li29\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The queen cried out again. Dagorian jerked at the \expndtw-1 sound, then pushed himself to his feet and walked from \expndtw-8 the camp.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri24\sb240\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 For more than an hour the group waited, and there was little sound from within the roofless tent. Then Bison emerged, wandered to the fire and ate some of the hot oats Kebra had prepared for breakfast. The bowman \expndtw-5 approached him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li197\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'What is happening?' asked Kebra.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li202\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'She is resting a little,' the giant told him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'How soon will she have the child?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Bison shrugged. 'The water sac has burst and the baby \expndtw0 is on its way. How long? I don't know. Another hour. \expndtw-1 Perhaps two or three. Maybe more.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'That's not very precise,' snapped Kebra. 'I thought \expndtw-1 you were an expert in this.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Expert? A few times doesn't make you an expert. All \expndtw-2 I know is that there are three stages to birthing. The first is under way. The baby is moving.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'And the second?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'The contractions will become more severe as the child \expndtw0 enters the birth canal and on into the vagina.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li29\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Kebra smiled. That's the first time I've ever heard you \expndtw-3 use the correct term.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I'm not in the mood for jokes at the moment,' said \expndtw-3 Bison. 'She's a slim girl, and this is the first child. There's \expndtw-1 likely to be a lot of torn flesh. And I know little of what to do if anything goes wrong. Has anyone tried again to \expndtw-5 wake the priestess?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 z66\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I'll sit by her,' promised Kebra.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You do that. Smack her face. Pour water on her. \expndtw-5 Anything.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'As soon as she wakes I'll send her to you.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Bison rose and ambled back to the tent. Kebra moved \expndtw0 to the sleeping priestess. She was no longer bathed in \expndtw-3 sweat. Her skin was clear and firm, and Kebra was sur\-\expndtw0 prised to see how pretty she was now that the excess flesh was gone. And she looked so much younger. He \expndtw-2 had thought her to be in her forties, but now he saw she \expndtw0 was - despite the grey in her blond hair - at least ten years younger. He took her hand and squeezed her \expndtw-4 fingers. 'Can you hear me, lady?' he said. But she did not \expndtw-8 stir.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 The morning wore on, the sun climbing towards noon. \expndtw0 Nogusta, normally so cool and in control, was pacing \expndtw-3 the camp. Once he approached the tent and called out to \expndtw-1 Bison. The response was short, coarse and to the point. \expndtw-4 Nogusta strode to the stream. Kebra, still unable to wake \expndtw-3 the priestess, joined him there.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'We are losing the time we gained at the bridge,' said \expndtw-3 Nogusta. 'If this goes on much longer the enemy will be \expndtw-2 upon us.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Bison doesn't know how long the labour will last. It \expndtw-2 could be hours yet.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Nogusta suddenly smiled. 'Would you want Bison as \expndtw-2 the midwife to your first-born?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'It is a ghastly thought,' admitted Kebra.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li168\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-10\i\fs31 Chapter Nine\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb475\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 No nightmare ever suffered by Axiana had been worse \expndtw-1 than this. Her dress removed, her bare feet pressing into \expndtw0 the damp earth, her lower back a rhythmic sea of pain, she squatted like a peasant beneath an open sky. Her emotional state had been fragile ever since the horror of \expndtw-2 the events at the house of Kalizkan, and everything since \expndtw0 had conspired to fill her with terrible fear. Her husband was dead, her life as a royal princess a diminishing memory. All her life she had been pampered, never knowing hunger or poverty; the heat of summer kept from her by servants with peacock fans, the cold of winter barred from the palace by warm fires and fine \expndtw-3 clothes of wool.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Only days ago she had been sitting in a padded satin chair amid the splendour of the royal apartments, servants everywhere. And despite her husband's disdain of her, she had been the queen of a great empire.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Now, naked and frightened, she squatted in a forest, \expndtw-1 wracked with pain, and waiting to birth a king in the wet \expndtw-2 and the mud.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi168\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Beside her the giant, Bison, was supporting her weight. \expndtw-1 His ugly face was close to hers, and when she turned her \expndtw0 head she could feel the coarseness of his bristling \expndtw-2 moustache against the skin of her face. His left hand was \expndtw0 rubbing gently across the base of her spine, easing the pain there. Back in Usa Ulmenetha had showed her the\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sb158\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 z68\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 satin covered birthing stool, and quietly explained all the \expndtw0 processes of birth. It had almost seemed an adventure then. Fresh pain seared through her and she cried out.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Don't breathe too fast,' said Bison. His gruff voice cut through her rising panic. The contractions continued, the \expndtw0 rhythm of pain rising and falling. The girl, Pharis, lifted a cup to Axiana's lips. The water was cool and sweet. Sweat dripped into Axiana's eyes. Pharis wiped it away with a cloth.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Cramp stabbed through her right thigh. She reared up against Bison and screamed. 'My leg! My leg!' Lifting her easily he turned her to her back, leaning her \expndtw-1 against a fallen tree. Kneeling beside her his huge hands \expndtw0 began to rub at the muscles above her knee. Pharis \expndtw-2 offered her more water. She shook her head. The humili\-\expndtw0 ation was colossal. No man but her husband had ever seen her naked, and on that one night she had bathed in perfumed water and waited in a room lit with the light of three coloured lanterns. The light now was harsh and \expndtw-1 bright, and the ugly peasant was rubbing her thighs with \expndtw-2 his huge calloused hands.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li24\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 And yet, she thought suddenly, he cares! Which is \expndtw-2 something Skanda never did.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Axiana remembered the night the king had come to her. He cared nothing that she was a virgin, untutored \expndtw-1 and unskilled. He had made no attempt to ease her fears, \expndtw0 nor even arouse her. There had been no pleasure in the act. It had been painful and - thank the Source - short lived. He had not said a word throughout, and when he had finished he rose from her bed and stalked from the room. She had cried for hours.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li43\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\fs21 Axiana felt dizzy. She opened her eyes to see bright lights \expndtw-5 dancing before her vision. 'Breathe slowly,' advised Bison. \expndtw-2 'You'll pass out else. And we don't want that, do we?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li67\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Pain flared once more, reaching new heights. 'There's \expndtw-2 blood! There's blood!' wailed Pharis.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li53\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Of course there's blood,' snapped Bison. 'Just stay \expndtw-2 calm, girl. Go and fetch some more water!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li48\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Axiana moaned. Bison leaned in to her. 'Try to think of something else,' he said. 'One of my wives used to \expndtw-1 chant. You know any chants?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Anger replaced the pain in Axiana, roaring up like a \expndtw-2 forest fire. 'You oaf! You stupid . . .' Suddenly she let fly \expndtw0 with a stream of coarse and obscene swear words, in both Drenai and Ventrian, words she had heard but had never before uttered; would never have believed herself capable of uttering. It was, as she had always believed, \expndtw-2 the language of the gutter. Bison was completely \expndtw-6 unfazed.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'My third wife used to talk like that,' he said. 'It's as good as a chant,' he added, brightly.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Axiana sagged against him, exhausted. All the years of \expndtw-1 nobility, the education and the instilled belief that nobles \expndtw0 were a different species to mere mortals, peeled away from her, like the layers of an onion. She was an animal now, sweating, grunting and moaning; a creature with\-out pride. Tears welled as the pain soared to fresh heights. 'I can't stand it!' she whispered. 'I can't!'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Course you can. You're a brave girl. Course you can.' She swore at him again, repeating the same word over \expndtw-4 and over.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'That's good,' he said, with a grin. Her head sagged against his shoulder. His hand pushed back the sweat-drenched hair from her brow. More than anything else this one small gesture restored her courage. She was not \expndtw-2 alone. The pain eased momentarily.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Where is Ulmenetha?' she asked Bison.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'She'll be here when she wakes. I don't know why\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sb173\qc\cf1\lang1033\f1\fs18 zyo\cf0\lang2057\f0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\fs21 she's still sleeping. Nogusta thinks it's magick of some \expndtw-9 kind. But I'm here. You can trust old Bison.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-8\fs21 Pharis leaned in and wiped her face, then offered her \expndtw-10 more water. Axiana drank gratefully.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\fs21 The morning wore on, the sun passing noon and drift\-\expndtw-13 ing slowly across the sky. For a time Bison lifted her once \expndtw-5 more to a kneeling position, but the cramps returned, \expndtw-11 and by mid-afternoon she was sitting once more with her \expndtw-3 back against the fallen tree. Her strength was almost \expndtw-9 gone, and she was floating in pain, semi-conscious. She \expndtw-7 remembered her mother, the wan young face, the eyes \expndtw-5 dark circled. She had died in childbirth. Her son born \expndtw0 dead, her body torn, her life blood draining away. \expndtw-6 Axiana had been six years old. Her nurse had brought her in to say goodbye. But her mother had been \expndtw-11 delirious, and had not recognized her. She had called out \expndtw-5 a name, screamed it loud. No-one knew who she was \expndtw-13 calling for.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 She had been buried on a bright summer afternoon, \expndtw-11 her son beside her.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 'I am going to die like her,' thought Axiana.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-8\fs21 'No, you're not,' said Bison.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'I didn't . . . mean to say that . . . aloud,' whispered \expndtw-17 Axiana.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 'You're not going to die, girl. In a little while I'll lay \expndtw-9 your son on your breast, and the sunlight will touch you both.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\fs21 'My . . . son.' The thought was a strange one. For the duration of her pregnancy Axiana had thought only of \expndtw-8 the \i baby \i0 inside her. Skanda's baby. Skanda's child. An object created by a virtual rape which had changed her \expndtw-16 young life.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-10\fs21 My son is waiting to be born.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-10\fs21 'I can see the head,' said Pharis. 'The baby is coming!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sb158\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 zyi\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li48\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Bison wiped away the sweat from Axiana's face. 'Do \expndtw-1 not push,' he said. 'Not yet.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li38\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 She heard the advice, but the urge to propel the obstruction from her body was overpowering. 'I can't \expndtw-2 .. . stop myself!' she told him, taking a deep breath.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li24\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No!' he thundered. 'The head is not engaged fully.' \expndtw-1 Her face reddened with the effort of pushing. 'Pant!' he \expndtw-2 ordered her. 'Pant. Like this!' Pushing out his tongue he \expndtw-4 made quick shallow breaths.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I'm not\expndtw16 ...\expndtw0  a \expndtw16 ...\expndtw0  dog!' she hissed at him.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'You'll damage the child if you don't. His head is soft. Now pant, damn you!' Summoning Pharis to support the \expndtw0 queen's shoulders Bison moved back to observe the birth. The head was almost clear, and one shoulder. \expndtw-2 Then he saw the umbilical cord, tight around the baby's \expndtw-3 neck like a blue-grey serpent, choking the life away. His \expndtw0 fingers were too thick and clumsy to dislodge it. Fear touched him then. Twice before he had observed this \expndtw-2 phenomenon. The first time a surgeon had cut the cord. \expndtw0 The baby had lived, but the woman had died, for the \expndtw-1 afterbirth had not come away cleanly, remaining inside \expndtw0 to rot and poison the blood. The second time the cord had effectively strangled the infant. 'Don't push!' he told the queen. Taking a deep breath Bison supported \expndtw-1 the infant's head with his left hand then, as gently as he \expndtw0 could eased the little finger of his right hand under the cord. Twice it slipped back into place, but the third time he hooked it, drawing it carefully over the head.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 With the threat removed Bison called out. 'Now you \expndtw-4 can push! Push like the Devil!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Axiana grunted, then cried out as the baby slid clear into Bison's hands. The babe's face and body were covered in grease and blood. Swiftly Bison tied the umbilical cord, then cut it. Then he wiped the child's\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 172.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 nostrils and mouth, clearing its airways. The babe's tiny arm moved, then it drew in its first breath.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li197\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 A thin wail sounded into the forest.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Bison heard the sound of running feet outside the roof\-\expndtw0 less tent. 'Stay back!' he yelled. He swung to Pharis. 'Get some fresh water.' Moving forward on his knees he laid the babe on Axiana's breast. Her arms went around it. Pharis was staring open mouthed at the tiny, wrinkled \expndtw-1 creature in the queen's arms. 'Get water, girl,' said Bison. \expndtw0 'You'll have plenty of time to gawp later.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Pharis scrambled up and ran from the tent.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Axiana smiled at Bison. Then she began to sob. The \expndtw-1 old man kissed her brow. 'You did well,' he said, gruffly.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'So did you,' said Ulmenetha, from behind him.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Bison sucked in a deep breath and released his hold on \expndtw0 the queen. Glancing up at the priestess he forced a grin. 'Well, if you really want to thank me . . .' he began.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha raised her hand to silence him. 'Do not spoil this moment, Bison,' she said, not unkindly. 'Go \expndtw-1 back to your friends. I will finish what you have done so \expndtw0 well.' Bison sighed and pushed himself to his feet. He \expndtw-1 was tired now. Bone weary.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He wanted to say something to the queen, something to show how much these last few hours had meant to him; how proud he was of her, and how he would never \expndtw-1 forget what had happened here. He wanted to say he was privileged to have attended her.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 But Ulmenetha had moved past him, and the queen \expndtw-3 was lying back with her eyes closed, her arms holding the infant king.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Bison walked silently from the tent.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li53\ri14\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Bakilas sat in the starlight, his pale body naked, the water burns on his ankles and feet healing slowly, the\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sb202\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 2-73\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li34\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 blisters fading. His three companions were sitting close \expndtw0 by. Drasko's burns were more severe, but the bleeding had stopped. His horse had fallen as they forded the river, and only swift work by Lekor and Mandrak had saved him. They had hauled him clear, but the river \expndtw-2 water had penetrated the black armour, and was scorch\-ing the skin of his chest, belly and arms. Drasko's mood \expndtw-1 was not good as he sat with the group.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Pelicor's physical death, and return to the Great Void, \expndtw0 had been amusing. The warrior had always been stupid \expndtw-2 and Bakilas had never felt any kinship with him. But the \expndtw-4 destruction of Nemor upon the bridge had cast a pall over \expndtw0 the company. They had watched the huge old man charge the mounted warrior, and had felt their brother's terror as he fell through the flames and plummeted into the raging river. They had experienced the pain of his burns as the acid water ate away his skin and dissolved his flesh and bones.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Even with the probable success of Anharat's Great \expndtw-1 Spell bringing the Illohir back to the earth, it would still \expndtw0 take hundreds of years for Pelicor and Nemor to build the psychic energy necessary to take form once more. Two of his brothers had become Windborn, and the \expndtw-2 enemy remained untouched. It was most galling.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Yet, at least, they now knew the source of the magick \expndtw0 hurled against them. The blond-haired child. This, in itself, led to other questions. How could a child of such \expndtw-2 tender years master the power of \i halignaf\}\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What do we do now, brother?' asked Drasko.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li34\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Do?' countered Bakilas. 'Nothing has changed. We find the child and return it to Anharat.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li48\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Drasko idly rubbed at the healing wound on his shoulder. 'With respect, I disagree. We are all warriors here, and in battle can face any ten humans. But this is\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb211\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\f1\fs18 2.74\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\f0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 not a battle. Two of our number have returned to the Other Place, their forms lost to them. And we are no \expndtw-2 closer to completing our mission.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'They will have to fight us,' said Bakilas. 'They cannot \expndtw-1 run for ever. And once we face them they will die.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I am not so sure,' said Mandrak. 'They may be old, \expndtw-3 but did you feel the power of their spirits? These men are \expndtw0 warrior born. There is no give in them. Such men are \expndtw-2 dangerous.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Bakilas was surprised. 'You think they can stand \expndtw-2 against the Krayakin?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Mandrak shrugged. 'Ultimately? Of course not. But \expndtw-2 we are not invincible, brother. Others of us may lose our forms before this mission is done.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Bakilas considered his words, then turned to the fourth of the group. 'What do you say, Lekor?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The thin-faced warrior looked up. 'I agree with Mandrak,' he said, his voice deep as distant thunder. 'I too saw the spirits at the bridge. These men will not die easily. They will choose their own battleground, and we have no choice but to follow them. Then there is \expndtw-2 the question of the sorcery. Who is the power behind the \expndtw-6 child?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The night breeze shifted. Mandrak's nostrils flared. \expndtw-3 With one smooth move he threw himself to his right, and \expndtw0 rolled to his feet alongside where his armour lay. The others had moved almost as swiftly, and when the men emerged from the tree line the naked Krayakin were \expndtw-1 waiting for them, swords in hands.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li38\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 There were a dozen men in the group, all roughly dressed in homespun clothing, and jerkins of animal \expndtw-3 skins. The leader, a large man with a forked black beard, \expndtw-1 wore a helm fashioned from a wolf's head. Three of the \expndtw0 men had bows drawn, the others held knives or swords\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sb202\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 2.75\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li38\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 and one was hefting a curved sickle. 'Well, what have we \expndtw0 here?' said the leader. 'Four naked knights on a moon\-light tryst. Perverse, if you ask me.' His men chuckled obediently. Tut down your swords, gentlemen,' he told the Krayakin. 'You are outnumbered, and once we have divested you of your horses and gold we will let \expndtw-1 you go.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li34\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Bakilas spoke, but not to the man. 'Kill them all - save for the leader,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Instantly the four Krayakin warriors leapt at the startled men. One bowman loosed a shaft, but Bakilas's sword flashed in the night air, snapping the arrow in \expndtw-2 two. Then he was among the robbers, his sword cleaving \expndtw-1 left and right. One man died, his neck severed, a second \expndtw0 fell to the ground, his chest gaping open. Mandrak blocked a savage cut from the leader's sword, then \expndtw-1 stepped inside and hammered a straight left to the man's \expndtw0 face, breaking his nose. The leader staggered. Mandrak \expndtw-1 leaned back, then leapt, his right foot thundering against \expndtw0 the leader's chin. The man went down as if poleaxed. Drasko killed two men, then lanced his sword through the back of another as the man turned to run.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi144\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Within moments the battle was over. Four survivors \expndtw-2 had fled into the forest, and seven men lay dead upon the \expndtw-1 grass. Bakilas moved to the unconscious leader, flipping \expndtw0 the man with his foot. The leader grunted and struggled to sit up. Still dazed he rubbed his chin. Then, incon\-gruously he cast around for his fallen helm. Setting it upon his head he pushed himself to his feet. He saw the dead men lying where they had fallen. He tried to run, but Mandrak was quicker, grabbing him by his jerkin and hurling him to the ground. 'What are you going to \expndtw-3 do with me?' he wailed.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li240\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Bakilas stepped up to the man, hauling him to his feet.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\fs21 276\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'We need to contact our leader,' he said, softly. 'You can \expndtw0 help us with that task.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Anything,' said the man. 'Just ask.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Bakilas took hold of the man's shirt and ripped it open, exposing his naked chest. He traced a line down the skin, locating the man's sternum. Slamming his \expndtw-1 fingers into the man's chest he split the skin beneath the breast bone. His hand drove in like a blade, then opened \expndtw0 for his long fingers to encircle the still beating heart. \expndtw-3 With one wrench he tore the organ free. Letting the body \expndtw-2 sink to the grass he held up the dripping heart. \expndtw0 'Anharat!' he called. 'Speak to your brothers!'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The heart rose from Bakilas's hand and burst into a \expndtw-2 bright flame which soared up above the clearing. Then it \expndtw-1 coalesced into a ball and slowly dropped to hover above the warriors.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I am here,' said a voice that whispered like a cold \expndtw-2 wind across a graveyard.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 The Krayakin sat in a circle around the flame. 'Two of \expndtw0 our company are Windborn once more,' said Bakilas. \expndtw-1 'We would appreciate your guidance.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'The child is born,' said the voice of Anharat. 'The route \expndtw0 to the sea is cut off, and they must journey south. I am \expndtw-4 marching with the army to the city of Lem. There we will \expndtw-6 sacrifice the child. His blood will flow upon my own altar.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What of the wizard who is helping them?' asked \expndtw-5 Drasko.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'There is no wizard. The soul of Kalizkan possessed the child, but he is now gone to the Halls of the Dead. He will not return. Continue south. I have also returned \expndtw-3 a \i gogarin \i0 to the forest ahead of them. They will not pass \expndtw-6 him.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li34\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'We need no help, brother,' said Bakilas. 'And a \i gogarin \expndtw-1\i0 could kill them all - the babe included.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 2.77\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li62\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'They will not be foolish enough to attempt to pass the \expndtw0 beast,' said Anharat. 'Not once they know it is there. \expndtw-2 And I shall see that they do.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li53\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You are taking a great risk, Anharat. What if it does \expndtw-4 kill the babe?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I have already begun the Spell,' said the voice of the \expndtw-1 Demon Lord. 'It hangs in the air awaiting only the death \expndtw0 of the third king. If the babe is killed before the time of sacrifice there will still be enough power released to \expndtw-1 bring back more than two-thirds of the Illohir. Now find \expndtw0 them, and bring the babe to my altar.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 The flame faded, becoming thick, black smoke, which drifted in the air before slowly dispersing.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'The city of Lem,' said Drasko. 'Not a place of good \expndtw-5 omens.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Let us ride, brothers,' said Bakilas.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Nogusta drew rein at the mouth of the great canyon, and \expndtw0 for several moments all his fears and tensions dis\-appeared, swamped by the awesome beauty before him. The ancient map had shown a canyon here, and a trade road winding through it, but nothing etched on paper could have prepared Nogusta for the sheer majesty before him. Towering peaks, cloaked with trees and crowned by snow, deep valleys, full of lush grass and \expndtw-2 glittering streams and rivers, filled his field of vision.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 The road continued along a wide ridge, steadily climb\-\expndtw0 ing and twisting around a mountain. At each curve a \expndtw-1 new panorama greeted him. The canyon was colossal.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi168\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta rode on, lost in the natural splendour of this high country. He felt young again, clean air filling his lungs, long-forgotten dreams rising from the dusty halls \expndtw-1 of his memory. This was a place for a man to live!\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li240\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Starfire too seemed to be enjoying the ride. The great\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 black gelding had been increasing in strength for some days now and, though still a shadow of his former self, \expndtw-2 the horse was swiftly recovering from the lung infection that had condemned him to the slaughterhouse. Nogusta \expndtw0 dismounted and walked to the rim, staring down at the forest and river below. What were the dreams of men \expndtw-1 when compared to this, he wondered?\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The wagon was an hour behind him, and he found himself growing angry. How had he become chained to this doomed quest? The answers were obvious, but offered little comfort. For life to have meaning a man \expndtw-1 needed a code to live by. Without it he was just a small, \expndtw0 greedy creature following his whims and desires to the \expndtw-2 detriment of those around him. Nogusta's code was iron. \expndtw0 And it meant he could not ride away and leave his friends and the others to the fate that so obviously \expndtw-1 awaited them somewhere along the road.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He had told the boy, Conalin, his reasons for helping the queen were selfish - and so they were. He re\-\expndtw-1 membered the day his father had taken the family to the \expndtw-3 Great Museum in Drenan. They had viewed the exhibits, \expndtw0 the ancient swords and statues, the gilded scrolls and the many bones, and at last his father had led them to the Sickle Lake, and there they had sat, eating a lunch of bread and cold roast meat. It was his tenth birthday. He had asked his father about the heroes, whose lives were celebrated at the museum. He had wondered what made them stand and die for their beliefs. His father's answer had been long-winded, and much of it had \expndtw-1 passed over the boy's head. But there was one, striking, \expndtw0 visual memory. His father had taken his mother's hand mirror and placed it in Nogusta's hand. 'Look into it, \expndtw-2 and tell me what you see,' he said. Nogusta had seen his own reflection, and told him so.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 2.79\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li58\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Do you like what you see?' his father had asked. It \expndtw-2 was a strange question. He was seeing himself.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li254\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Of course I do. It's me!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li38\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Then his father said: 'Are you proud of what you see?' \expndtw-1 Nogusta couldn't answer that. His father smiled. 'That is the true secret that carries a hero to deeds other men can \expndtw0 only envy. You must always be able to look in a mirror \expndtw-3 and feel pride. When faced with peril you ask yourself, if \expndtw0 I run, or hide, or beg or plead for life, will I still be able to look into a mirror and feel pride?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Stepping into the saddle Nogusta rode on. The ridge road dipped steeply and Starfire's hoofs slipped on the stone. Riding with care the black warrior reached \expndtw-2 the canyon floor, and an old stone bridge that crossed the \expndtw0 river. He was riding under the trees now, and stopped to examine the map once more. There was a second bridge marked, some 3 or 4 miles to the south-east. He decided to examine it before heading back to the wagon. There were still patches of snow upon the hillsides, and the air was cool as he heeled Starfire forward. The old road ran alongside a steep incline, then disappeared round the \expndtw-2 flanks of the hill.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Knowing he could see more of the land from higher ground Nogusta took hold of the pommel and ran the \expndtw-2 gelding up the slope. Starfire was breathing heavily as he \expndtw0 crested the hill and Nogusta paused to allow the gelding \expndtw-1 to catch his breath.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi163\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Then he saw the cabin, set back in the trees, its walls built of natural stone, its roof covered with earth. Climbing ivy clung to the walls, and flowering shrubs had been set beneath the windows. The area around the cabin was well tended, and smoke drifted lazily from the stone chimney. Nogusta hesitated. He did not want to bring danger to any innocent mountain folk, but\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 2.80\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 equally they would know the mountains and be able to advise him on the best route to Lem. Touching heels to Starfire he rode forward, but the horse grew nervous as they cleared the trees, and backed away.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta spoke soothingly to the animal, stroking the \expndtw-2 long black neck. Once in the clearing before the cabin he \expndtw0 could see why Starfire was reluctant to approach the house. Partly hidden by a tall flowering shrub lay a blood-drenched body. He saw it was that of a man - or rather the remains of a man. The corpse was in two \expndtw-2 halves. Dismounting and holding on to the reins Nogusta \expndtw0 approached it, kneeling to examine the tracks around it. \expndtw-3 The earth was hard, and little could be seen. The man was \expndtw-2 around twenty years of age. In his right hand there was a \expndtw0 rusty sword. He had known then that he was under attack, and had faced his killer. Ragged talon marks showed across his chest and belly. He had literally been cut in half at the stomach by one violent slashing blow. Nogusta glanced to the right. Blood had spattered the ground at least 20 feet from the scene of death. No bear could have done this. Still holding on to the reins Nogusta moved to the cabin. The door had been caved in, the thick timbers smashed to shards. To the right the door frame had been torn away, and a section of wall caved in. Within the main room lay the partially con\-sumed body of a woman.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Looping the reins over a fence rail Nogusta entered the cabin. He had seen great horror in his life, from the murder of his wife and family, to the victims of sacked cities, and the awesome, bloody aftermath of great battles. But there was here, in this grim tableau, a sad\-ness that touched him deeply. The cabin was old, but had been lovingly restored by this young couple. They had turned a deserted ruin into a home. They had\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 2.81\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li48\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 planted bright flowers, some of them inappropriate to forest soil, blooms that would never take root, but would wither and die here. This young couple were not expert, but they were romantic and hard working. \expndtw-3 Eventually they might have made a good living here. But \expndtw-2 something had come upon them. Something unexpected \expndtw0 and deadly. The man had taken his sword and tried to \expndtw-3 defend his love. He had failed, and had died knowing his \expndtw-10 failure.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The woman had hidden behind a strong locked door, and had seen it smashed to shards. The beast had been \expndtw-1 too large to pass through the doorway, and had caved in \expndtw0 the wall. The woman had tried to run through to the back of the house. Talons had swept across her back, ripping her apart. Death for both of them had been \expndtw-6 mercifully swift.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi154\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta returned to the sunlight and scanned the clearing. The blood was almost dry, but the attack on these people was very recent. He gazed at the tree line. There was a broken sapling there. Nogusta ran across the clearing. Here the earth was softer and he saw the footprint. Three times as long as that of a man, flaring wide at the toes. Talons had made deep gouges in the earth. The sapling, as thick as a man's arm, had been snapped cleanly, and a large bush had been uprooted by the charging beast. Back across the clearing Starfire whinnied. He pawed at the ground, his ears flat to his skull. Nogusta moved to the horse, unlooping the reins. \expndtw-2 The breeze shifted. Starfire reared suddenly. Taking hold \expndtw0 of the pommel Nogusta vaulted to the saddle. He felt heat flare against his chest, and realized the talisman he \expndtw-3 wore was beginning to glow.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li53\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Beyond the cabin, to the north he saw tall trees swaying, and heard the splintering of wood. A hideous\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 2.82.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 screeching began, and the ground trembled beneath the horse. Swinging Starfire he let the horse have its head. Starfire needed no urging, and launched himself into a run. Behind them something colossal burst from the undergrowth. Nogusta could not risk glancing back, as Starfire was galloping over rough ground towards the trees. But he could hear the beast bearing down upon \expndtw-1 them with terrible speed. Ducking under a low branch he \expndtw0 headed for the road, urging the gelding on. Starfire was tired now, but his hoofs pounded the ground and he quickened. Nogusta rode down the incline at breakneck pace, Starfire slithering to his haunches. Only brilliant horsemanship kept Nogusta from being hurled from the saddle. Then they were on flat ground and riding towards the ridge road. Here Nogusta swung Starfire \expndtw-2 once more.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 There was no sign of pursuit, and the talisman was no \expndtw-2 longer glowing.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 What kind of an animal was strong enough to cut a man in half, fast enough to chase a horse as swift as Starfire, and evil enough to cause a reaction in his \expndtw-3 talisman?\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta had no answer.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 All he knew was that this beast stood between the wagon and the bridge.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 And there was no other known route to safety.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\ri5\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Axiana was sleeping as the wagon slowly lumbered \expndtw-1 along the old road. Ulmenetha laid her now slender hand \expndtw0 on the queen's brow. Axiana's life force was strong, radiating from her. The priestess leaned back against a pillow of empty sacks and stared up at the blue sky. The \expndtw-2 sensation of waking from her long life with Kalizkan had \expndtw0 been disorientating in the extreme. The old wizard had\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb173\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\fs21 283\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 told her that time had no meaning where they sat, but she had not understood it fully until she woke. It was as if she had slept for decades. The memories of the flight from the palace seemed to belong to another life, a dis\-tant existence. Ulmenetha had struggled to recall them. \expndtw-2 Equally she could not quite remember the fat, frightened \expndtw-3 woman she had been.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li29\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The girl, Pharis, was holding the infant, and the child \expndtw-4 Sufia was asleep beside her.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Isn't he beautiful?' said Pharis. 'So small, so sweet.' 'He is beautiful,' agreed Ulmenetha. 'And so are you.' The girl glanced up, confused. Her face was thin, \expndtw-1 pinched and dirty, and her filthy hair hung in greasy rat's \expndtw0 tails. Her clothes were rags and there were sores upon her bony shoulders. 'I am not mocking you, Pharis,' said Ulmenetha. 'You have great love within you, and that is a virtue of great beauty. Be sure to support the babe's head, for his neck is not strong.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I will,' she said, happily. 'I am holding a king!' 'You are holding an infant. Titles are bestowed by men, and no title would concern him now. What he needs is love and his mother's milk.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi130\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha glanced back to where Kebra and Conalin \expndtw-1 were riding behind the wagon. The boy was riding close \expndtw0 to Kebra, listening to the bowman. With the talent Kalizkan had inspired in her Ulmenetha could see so much more than the naked eye would allow. Conalin had been starved of affection all his life, and had never known the love of a father. Kebra was a quiet, lonely \expndtw-1 man, frightened to commit himself to a wife and family. \expndtw0 The two were perfect for one another. She transferred her gaze to Dagorian. The young officer was well to the rear, leading the five spare horses. He was full of fear, \expndtw-1 and fighting to maintain his courage.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li29\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 2.84\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 You should have remained a priest, thought \expndtw-1 Ulmenetha, for you are a gentle soul.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Rising she climbed across to sit beside Bison. He \expndtw-2 glanced at her and gave a crooked smile. 'How's my boy doing?' he asked.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'He is sleeping. Where did you learn to birth a child?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'Here and there. The camp followers always used to call \expndtw0 for me when a babe was due. Only ever had one die on me. Cord strangled it. Almost happened with our little \expndtw-4 prince. Apart from that, though, the camp whores thought \expndtw-2 I was a good-luck omen at a birth.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The wagon emerged onto open ground and in the distance Ulmenetha could see the awesome majesty of the canyon. 'How did you get so thin?' asked Bison.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It is a long story. How did you get so ugly?' She said \expndtw-2 it with a smile and Bison chuckled.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I was born ugly,' he said, 'but I was also born strong. \expndtw-1 I'm still strong. Stronger than most men half my age.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'How old are you?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Fifty,' he lied.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'You are sixty-six,' she said, 'and I see no reason to be \expndtw0 ashamed of the fact. And you are quite right, you are stronger than most men half your age. You are also a \expndtw-1 better man than you like to admit. So let's have no more \expndtw-2 stupidity.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Well, I am stupid,' he said. 'Always have been. \expndtw-2 Nogusta and Kebra they talk about things I don't under\-\expndtw-1 stand. Honour and such like. Philosophy. Goes over my \expndtw-3 head like a flight of geese. I'm just a soldier. I don't know \expndtw0 anything else. I don't want to know anything else. I eat when I'm hungry, piss when my bladder's full, and rut \expndtw-2 when I can afford the price. That's all life is for me. And \expndtw0 it's all I want.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li245\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'That is just not true,' said Ulmenetha. 'You have\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li29\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-12\fs21 285\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 friends, and you stand by them. You have ideals, and \expndtw-1 you live by those. You are not terribly honest, but you \expndtw0 are loyal.' She fell silent and studied his profile, then focused as Kalizkan had taught her. Vivid images appeared in her mind, bright with colour. Random \expndtw-2 scenes from Bison's life sped across her vision. Honing \expndtw0 her concentration she slowed them. Most were what \expndtw-3 she would have expected, lust or violence, drunkenness \expndtw0 or debauchery. But, here and there, she found more edifying scenes. She spoke again. 'Six years ago you came upon four men raping a woman. You saved her, and received two stab wounds which almost killed \expndtw-2 you.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'How do you know that? Did Kebra tell you?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'No-one needed to tell me. I know many things now, \expndtw-3 Bison. I can see more clearly than I ever have before. In \expndtw0 fact, more clearly than I would wish to. What is your \expndtw-5 greatest dream?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li202\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I don't have dreams.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'When you were a child. What did you dream of?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Flying like a bird,' he said, with a wide, gap-toothed \expndtw-3 grin. 'I'd spread my wings and soar through the sky, feel \expndtw-2 the wind in my face. I'd be free.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 The child, Sufia, came climbing over the backrest. 'Did you really have wings?' she asked Bison, as she \expndtw-4 scrambled onto his lap.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I had great big wings,' he said. 'White wings, and I \expndtw-4 flew over mountains.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I'd like big wings,' said Sufia. 'I'd like white wings. \expndtw-4 Will you take me flying with you?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I don't fly any more,' he said, ruffling her blond hair. \expndtw0 'When you get old and fat you lose your wings.' He \expndtw-2 glanced at Ulmenetha. 'Isn't that right?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li240\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'Sometimes,' she agreed.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li29\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 z86\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Sufia snuggled up against Bison, holding on to his heavy, black woollen jerkin. He glanced at Ulmenetha. 'Children like me. They're not so bright, are they?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Children can make mistakes,' she agreed. 'But, in the main, they know a protector.' Ulmenetha \i gazed \i0 fondly down upon the child. Her heart was weak, and, under normal circumstances, she would be unlikely to reach \expndtw-1 puberty. Reaching out she laid her hand on Sufia's head, \expndtw0 and, for the first time, released the power that Kalizkan \expndtw-3 had taught her. 'There is a force in all of us,' Kalizkan had \expndtw0 told her. 'The Chiatze call it \i tshi. \i0 It is invisible, and yet terribly potent. It maintains our lives and our health. It helps us to repair damaged tissue.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Why did it not work for you?' she asked.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Man is not intended to be immortal, Ulmenetha. The cancer came on too fast, and too powerfully. However, mastery of the \i tshi \i0 is an invaluable tool for a healer.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Ulmenetha focused her energies, flowing her own \i tshi \expndtw-2\i0 into the child.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Your hand is very hot,' said Sufia. 'It's nice.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha relaxed as she felt the child's fluttering heart grow stronger. It was not healed as yet, but it \expndtw-4 would be.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I preferred you with more meat on you,' said Bison. 'But you do look younger.' He was about to speak again \expndtw-1 but Ulmenetha gave him a warning glance.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Remember,' she said, 'no more stupidities.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'If you don't ask you don't get,' he said, with a grin.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Up ahead she saw Nogusta walking his horse towards them. Ulmenetha could sense his concern. The black warrior was a powerful man, not given to despair and \expndtw-2 negative thoughts. But now his spirits were at a low ebb. \expndtw0 Dagorian, Kebra and Conalin rode around the wagon to meet him. Bison hauled on the reins. Swiftly Nogusta\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb178\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 287\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li62\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 told them of the killings at the cabin, and the beast that \expndtw-4 had pursued him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li264\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Did you get a look at it?' asked Bison.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li53\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'No,' said Nogusta. 'Had I waited a heartbeat longer I would have been as dead as the two lovers I found.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li259\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'You're sure it wasn't just a bear?' said Bison.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li34\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'If so it is the mother of all bears. But no, I do not think it a creature of this world. Nothing I know of - or have heard of - could cut a grown man in half with one \expndtw-8 sweep.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What do we do then?' asked Dagorian. 'Find another \expndtw-3 way through?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta drew in a deep breath. 'I do not see that we can. Firstly the maps do not show a second route. Secondly - even if there are other routes - if the beast \expndtw-4 was sent against us specifically there may be others of his \expndtw-1 kind guarding them. And last, but by no means least, we \expndtw0 do not have the strength or the weapons to fight, on open ground, the warriors trailing us. And they must be \expndtw-2 getting close now.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Well, this is all very jolly,' snapped Bison. 'What more \expndtw0 bastard luck can we expect? An outbreak of plague \expndtw-4 among us?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'What choices do we have?' asked Kebra. 'We can't go \expndtw0 back, we can't go forward, and if we stay here the Krayakin will kill us. For once I'm in agreement with \expndtw-1 Bison - luck seems to be running against us.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'We are still alive,' said Nogusta. 'And we do have choices. The question is, which one gives us the best \expndtw-4 hope of success.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li29\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'We cannot go back,' said Ulmenetha. 'Therefore we \expndtw-2 must face the beast.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'With what?' queried Bison.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li240\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'With magick and with lances,' she said.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\fs21 z88\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I like the sound of the magick part,' said Bison.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What do you have in mind, lady?' asked Kebra.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Explanations will need to wait. One group of the Krayakin are less than two hours behind us. Ride back \expndtw-1 to the trees and fashion three long lances. Make sure the \expndtw0 wood is stout and strong.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kebra swung his horse and rode back to the woods. Dagorian followed him, but Nogusta hesitated.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Take the wagon on into the canyon, but do not leave \expndtw-1 the main road,' Ulmenetha ordered Bison. He glanced at \expndtw0 Nogusta for confirmation. The black man nodded. Then he too rode to the woods.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'If you can kill it with magick,' said Bison, 'why do we \expndtw-3 need lances?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I cannot \i kill \i0 it,' she told him. 'What I can do is cast a spell that masks our scent and renders us almost invis\-\expndtw-3 ible.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\i\fs21 'Almost \i0 invisible?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'If the beast is close he will see a disturbance in the air \expndtw0 around us - like a heat haze.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li24\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 T don't want to go near any beasts,' wailed Sufia. \expndtw-1 Bison lifted her to his shoulder.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li29\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'No beast can get you while old Bison is here,' he said. \expndtw0 'I'll bite his head off.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You haven't got any front teeth,' she pointed out.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li24\ri5\sl-254\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No, but I've got tough old gums,' he said, with a \expndtw-6 chuckle.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li29\sb240\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The lances they cut were around 8 feet long, strong but unwieldy. Nogusta and Kebra strapped knives to the tips, and Nogusta added more twine around the lower haft, creating a hand grip. Dagorian's lance was more primitive, 7 feet in length the wood sharpened to a \expndtw-3 jagged point. As the wagon rolled slowly along the ridge\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li43\sb158\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-10\fs21 289\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li53\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 road Nogusta and Kebra rode ahead, the bases of their lances resting on the saddle stirrups. There was little \expndtw-2 conversation. Axiana, Pharis and Sufia sat in the wagon, \expndtw0 Conalin with them, his horse tied to the rear.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li250\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I could have cut a lance,' said the boy.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li43\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You don't have the skill with horses yet,' said Bison. \expndtw-2 'When horses get frightened they take a deal of handling. \expndtw0 You couldn't do that and wield a lance.' Conalin was \expndtw-2 unconvinced, but he said no more.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The light was fading as they neared the lower road. Nogusta and Kebra drew rein and the black warrior turned his mount and rode back to the wagon. He was about to ask when Ulmenetha needed to cast her spell, but she signalled him to silence. He was momentarily confused. Then she asked him. 'How is your chest?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'My chest? It is fine.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No sensation of heat? How strange, for there should \expndtw-2 be.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 For a moment he thought she had lost her senses. Then \expndtw-1 he felt the talisman glowing. Ulmenetha touched her lips \expndtw0 then her ear. Nogusta understood immediately. They \expndtw-1 were being observed, and overheard.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I am feeling much better,' he said. 'I think it must \expndtw-2 have been a spring chill.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Spring chill?' said Bison. 'What the \expndtw17 ...\expndtw0  ?' Ulmenetha's hand came down upon his in a sharp pinch.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Do not speak,' she said, softly. Bison cast a glance at Nogusta and was about to disobey Ulmenetha when \expndtw-2 Kebra's horse suddenly reared, half pitching the bowman \expndtw0 from the saddle. Dropping his lance Kebra clung to the \expndtw-2 pommel. The horse backed away.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li38\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Upon the road ahead a glowing figure had appeared, almost 7 feet high, black wings spreading from its shoulders, like a massive cloak fluttering in the breeze.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Z9O\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 The face was dark, wide at the brow, narrow at the chin, \expndtw0 an inverted black triangle with a wide gash of a mouth, \expndtw-1 and high slanted eyes, burning like coals.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It is only an image,' whispered Ulmenetha. But Nogusta did not hear her. He drew a throwing knife and hurled it with all his might. The blade flashed through the dusk air, cutting through the apparition and clatter\-ing to the road beyond.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You cannot harm me, human,' said the demon. The \expndtw-1 black wings spread wide and it rose into the air, floating \expndtw0 close to the wagon. The creature peered inside, his gaze fixed to the babe carried by Axiana. Sufia screamed and buried herself under some blankets. The horses were growing uneasy. The demonic creature hovered for a moment, then drew back. 'It is not necessary for you all to die,' he said. 'What will it achieve? Can you stop me? No. Why then do you struggle on? Behind you - oh so \expndtw-2 close behind you - are my Krayakin. Ahead is a \i gogarin. \expndtw-1\i0 Do you need me to explain the nature of such creatures? Or do the legends persist?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'It was a beast with six legs,' said Nogusta. 'It was said \expndtw0 to weigh as much as three tall horses.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Five would be closer,' said the apparition. He floated close to Nogusta, the burning eyes glittering. 'Yes, you \expndtw-2 look like him,' he said, and Nogusta could feel the hatred \expndtw0 in the voice. 'The last of his mongrel line.' He moved away again. 'But I was speaking of the \i gogarin. \i0 It is a creature unlike all others upon this earth. Eternally hungry it will eat anything that lives and breathes. Nothing can approach it, for it radiates terror. Strong \expndtw-3 men fall to their knees at its approach, spilling their urine \expndtw0 to drench their leggings. You cannot defeat it with your pitiful spears. I watched you flee from it earlier today. You, at least, understand what I am saying. Your heart\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 2.91\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li58\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 was beating like a war drum - and that was without \expndtw-2 seeing the beast. Soon you will see it. And then you will \expndtw-4 all die.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li254\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'What is the alternative you offer?' asked Nogusta.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Merely life. For you have already lost. Had you the smallest chance of success I might offer riches, or per\-haps even an extra hundred years of youth. I know that would appeal to your bald friend. But I need offer \expndtw-1 nothing more. The babe is mine. Leave it and its mother by the roadside. Then you can travel on to wherever you choose. My Krayakin will not harm you, and I will draw \expndtw-3 the \i gogarin \i0 back from this place. You also have my word \expndtw0 that no harm will befall the queen.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I do not believe you,' said the warrior.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I do not blame you for that,' the apparition told him, 'but it is the truth. I can also say that I will not be dis\-pleased should you reject my offer. You cannot stop me taking the babe, and it will give me great pleasure to see you die, Nogusta. Your ancestor - of cursed memory -visited a great evil upon my people, ripping their souls from the joys of this planet, and consigning them to an eternity of \i Nothing. \i0 No breath, no touch of flesh upon flesh, no hunger, no pain, no emotion - no life!' The apparition fell silent for a moment, and seemed to be \expndtw-1 struggling to contain his anger. 'Ride on,' he said, at last. \expndtw0 'Ride on and die for me. But do you really wish to take your friends to their deaths? They do not carry your blood guilt. They did not betray their race. Do they not \expndtw-3 deserve a chance to live?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'My friends can speak for themselves,' said Nogusta.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li34\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The winged demon floated close to Bison. 'Do you wish to live?' he asked him. Ignoring the demon Bison lifted his buttocks from the driver's seat and broke wind \expndtw-5 thunderously.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-14\fs21 2.92.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'By Heaven, that's better,' he said. 'Are we moving on, \expndtw-1 or what?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I think we should,' said Ulmenetha, 'the stench is \expndtw-4 overpowering.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'It was those wild onions,' said Bison, apologetically.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Not from you . . . fool!' she snapped.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The demon drew back and hovered before Nogusta. Starfire whinnied and backed away. Nogusta calmed him. 'I would like to stay to watch you die,' said the apparition. 'But the body I have chosen waits for me some miles back - with the Ventrian army. Be assured, however, your passing will be painful. Not as painful, \expndtw-4 you understand, as I made it for your family. You should \expndtw-2 have seen them trying to flee the flames. Your wife was \expndtw0 running along a corridor, her hair and her dress ablaze. Her screams were delightful. Her flesh burned like a \expndtw-3 great candle.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 There was a sudden gust of wind, and the apparition \expndtw-6 disappeared.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'That was Anharat, the Demon Lord,' said Ulmenetha. \expndtw0 'He it was who possessed Kalizkan, and brought such \expndtw-3 evil to the city.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Nogusta did not respond at first. His face was \expndtw0 streaked with sweat, and his face was set. When he did \expndtw-2 speak his voice was colder than the tomb. 'He killed my family. He watched them burn.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'He has killed many families. Thousands upon thou\-\expndtw0 sands,' said Ulmenetha. 'His evil is colossal.' Nogusta \expndtw-2 took a deep, calming breath.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'What did he mean about my ancestor?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li34\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'He was talking about Emsharas - his own brother. \expndtw-2 He it was who cast the first Great Spell.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li38\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'His brother? Are you saying that my ancestor was a \expndtw-9 demon?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri24\sb202\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-12\fs21 2-93\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li48\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'I have no answers for you, Nogusta. Little is known \expndtw0 of Emsharas, save that he is considered the Father of \expndtw-5 Healers, and that his magick was holy. He was certainly of the Illohir, the Windborn.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li250\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 'Then I have demon blood in my veins?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Forget about demons!' she snapped. 'That is not \expndtw-5 important now. Why do you think he came to us? It was \expndtw-1 to instil fear, to cause torment and disquiet. You must \expndtw-6 overcome such thoughts. Any anger or rage you feel will \expndtw0 only add to our danger, increasing the chances of the \expndtw-6\i gogarin \i0 to sense our presence.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'I understand,' said Nogusta. 'Let us move on.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 'When we reach the foot of the slope,' said Ulmenetha, \expndtw0 'you must ride close to the wagon. The spell will only extend a few feet. We must be as quiet as possible.' \expndtw-5 Nogusta nodded, then rode ahead and retrieved his lance and the thrown dagger.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Can we kill this \i gogarin \i0 if necessary?' Bison asked \expndtw-10 Ulmenetha.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I don't know.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Could he really give me another hundred years of \expndtw-7 youth?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I don't know that either. Does it matter?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Nice thought,' said Bison, lifting the reins and snap\-ping them down to the backs of the waiting team. They \expndtw-4 lurched forward and the wagon moved slowly on down \expndtw-5 towards the canyon floor.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 In the distance storm clouds were gathering, and a \expndtw-4 rumble of thunder echoed over the mountains.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li29\ri5\sb250\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 At the foot of the slope Ulmenetha climbed down from \expndtw-6 the wagon and kicked off her shoes, feeling the soft earth \expndtw-5 beneath her feet. Relaxing she drew on the power of the land. The magick here was weak, and this surprised her.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 2.94\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 It was as if the flow was being blocked. She wondered then if Anharat's power had affected the magick. Surely not. Squatting down she dug her hand into the earth. Her fingers struck something hard and flat. She smiled with relief. They were upon the old trade road. Over the centuries earth had covered the flagstones, and it was these buried stones that blocked her. Stepping from the old road she walked to a grove of nearby trees. The magick here was strong and ancient, and she drew upon it, feeling it flow through her legs, and up through the veins and arteries, swelling and surging. It was almost too strong, like fine wine, and she reached out to hold fast to the trunk of a tree.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Thunder rumbled to the south. Moving away from the trees she strode to the front of the wagon, and positioned herself to the left of the team. Nogusta, Kebra and Dagorian rode in close upon her command. Raising her hand she cast the spell. It was not especially difficult to \expndtw-2 create, but once created it needed to be held in place. The \expndtw0 air around the wagon shimmered. Ulmenetha glanced back. She could no longer see the others. Reaching up she ran her hand along the sleek, near invisible, neck of the horse beside her, and curled her fingers around the \expndtw-2 bridle. 'Let no-one speak from now until I give the word,' \expndtw0 she said. 'Let us go!'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 She heard the reins slap upon the backs of the team, and, holding to the bridle she walked on towards the forest. The soft footfalls of the horses seemed as loud to her as the distant thunder, and the soft creaking of the \expndtw-1 wagon wheels swelled in her mind. Be calm, she warned \expndtw0 herself, the thunder and the wind in the trees will mask \expndtw-2 the sounds.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li29\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The sky darkened, the storm moving over the forest. Lightning flashed, lighting up the forest road. A horse\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri29\sb264\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\b\fs14 2-95\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\b0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li43\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 snorted in fear, and she heard Kebra soothe it with soft, whispered words. Ahead was the slope down which Nogusta had fled the beast. The wagon continued on, \expndtw-8 slowly.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li38\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Rain began to slash down from the heavy clouds \expndtw-3 above. Ulmenetha welcomed it. The sound covered them like a blanket.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Holding to the spell she walked on.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 From above came the sound of splintering wood, and a high screeching cry that tore against Ulmenetha's ear drums, causing her knees to tremble. She dragged back on the bridle, halting the team. The screeching con\-tinued. One of the horses whinnied in terror. The screeching died away instantly, and a terrible silence followed. Ulmenetha glanced up the slope. Trees were swaying there. Fear threatened to swamp her, but she \expndtw-2 held fast to the spell.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Lightning flashed. Two of the horses snorted and \expndtw-2 stamped their hooves.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Some 30 feet above the wagon a huge, wedge shaped head emerged from the trees. Ulmenetha could see only the silhouette against the dark sky, but even above the lashing wind she could hear it snuffling, sucking in \expndtw-1 the scents of the forest, seeking out its prey.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi154\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The rain eased, and a break in the clouds allowed \expndtw-2 moonlight to bathe the scene. Ulmenetha stood very still, \expndtw0 staring up at the great head. From the serpentine shape she had expected it to be scaled like a reptile. But it was not. Its skin was corpse white and almost translucent, and she could see the large bones of its neck pushing against the skin. The pale head twisted on its long neck, and she found herself staring into a slanted blue eye as large as a man's head. The pupil was round and black, and horribly human. The \i gogarin \i0 stared unblinking\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 296\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 down towards the road. Then the head withdrew into \expndtw-6 the trees, and she heard \i again \i0 the splintering of wood as \expndtw0 its enormous bulk crashed back through the forest. \expndtw-7 Tugging on the bridle she urged the wagon on, following \expndtw-4 the road around the base of the slope.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 The storm swept on towards the north, the rain dying away. Breaks in the cloud cover came more often now, \expndtw-7 and the company kept moving towards the distant bridge \expndtw-8 and safety.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 For an hour they plodded on. Ulmenetha was tired \expndtw-2 now, and finding it difficult to maintain the spell. The \expndtw-1 flagstones beneath the earth of the road did not allow her to replenish her power, and twice the spell \expndtw0 faltered. She halted the team and softly called out to \expndtw-4 Nogusta.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 'Does your talisman glow?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'No,' came the response.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'I must draw power from the land. I need to leave the \expndtw-3 road.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Releasing the bridle she ran to the roadside. \expndtw-1 Immediately the wagon and the surrounding riders \expndtw-3 became visible. Ulmenetha sank to her knees, pushing \expndtw-6 her hands into the earth. Unlike before the power seeped \expndtw0 slowly, and she felt the tension rise in her. Her fear \expndtw-4 slowed the flow even more. She fought for calm, but it \expndtw0 eluded her. 'Be swift!' called Nogusta. 'The talisman \expndtw-7 grows warm!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha sucked in a deep breath, and sent up a swift prayer. The energy she sought had touched her \expndtw-7 blood, but it was not enough! Rising she ran towards the \expndtw-6 wagon and took hold of the bridle once more. She could \expndtw-5 hear the beast's approach now, as it crashed through the \expndtw-2 undergrowth. Fear made her falter on the third line of \expndtw-6 the spell, and she began it again.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 Z97\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li48\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The magick surged from her, flowing over the wagon \expndtw-3 and riders.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 In the bright moonlight the \i gogarin \i0 emerged from the \expndtw0 trees to the road ahead. Now they could all see it fully. \expndtw-2 It was over zo feet long. Nogusta had earlier described it \expndtw0 as having six legs, but Ulmenetha saw that this was not quite so. The hind and middle legs were powerful and \expndtw-1 treble jointed, but the limbs at the beast's shoulders were \expndtw0 more like long arms, equipped with murderous talons, each as long as a cavalry sabre. Rearing up on its hind legs it sniffed the night breeze. One of the spare horses, tied to the rear of the wagon, reared in terror, snapping \expndtw-1 its reins. Turning, it galloped from the road, and into the \expndtw-6 forest.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 The \i gogarin \i0 reacted with sickening speed, dropping to all six limbs and propelling itself forward with incredible \expndtw0 power. Ulmenetha stood stock still as it raced towards the wagon. Then it veered after the horse. Its mighty shoulder struck a young tree, uprooting it. Then it was \expndtw-2 gone behind them.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 The horse galloped on, then Ulmenetha heard its death \expndtw-11 cry.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 She could not move, and stood trembling beside the team. Nogusta dismounted and carefully felt his way to her side. 'We must move,' he whispered. Ulmenetha did \expndtw-1 not reply. Yet even through her terror she maintained the \expndtw0 spell. Nogusta led her to the front of the wagon and lifted her to the seat beside the near invisible Bison. Remounting his horse Nogusta rode to the head of the \expndtw-2 team and reached down for the bridle. At his encourage\-\expndtw-1 ment the horses moved forward.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha could not stop the trembling in her hands. Her eyes were tight shut, and she almost cried out as Bison's large hand reached out and patted her leg. He\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 leaned in to her and whispered. 'Big whoreson wasn't he.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 His voice was so calm, and the strength of the man seemed to flow with the sound. Ulmenetha felt herself growing calmer. She swung on her seat, gazing fearfully \expndtw-2 back down the trail. The wagon was moving very slowly, \expndtw0 and, with every moment that passed the priestess expected to see the huge, white form of the \i gogarin \i0 lumbering out behind them.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 They covered another half mile. Slowly the road began \expndtw0 to rise, and they climbed to a second ridge road. The wagon filled almost two thirds of it. The horses were tired, and twice Bison was forced to lash them with the \expndtw-1 reins, forcing them on. The power was almost gone from Ulmenetha now. She tried to draw fresh strength \expndtw0 from the mountains, but the old stone would not \expndtw-1 surrender its magick.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Licking her finger she raised it to the wind. It was blowing from behind them. Their scent could no longer carry back to the forest. With relief she let fall the spell.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'By Heaven, that's better,' whispered Bison.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li29\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 The ridge road levelled out and Bison paused the team, \expndtw0 allowing them to catch their breath. The moon was \expndtw-1 shining brightly now, and the forest was far below them.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 A thin piping cry came from the back of the wagon, as \expndtw0 the hungry babe awoke. Bison swore and swung round. Axiana was unbuttoning her dress. The babe's cries echoed in the mountains. The queen tore at the last two buttons, exposing her left breast. The infant calmed down and began to suckle. Bison swore again, and pointed back to the forest.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li53\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Far behind them the \i gogarin \i0 had emerged from the trees and was moving swiftly along the road.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\sb408\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-20\i\fs21 2.99\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li29\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta leapt from the saddle. 'Everyone out of the wagon!' he yelled. 'Kebra, help me unhitch the horses.' \expndtw-1 The bowman urged his horse forward, then dismounted. \expndtw0 He did not even try to release the traces, but drew his dagger and cut them clear. Dagorian edged his horse around the wagon, then jumped down to assist him. Pharis helped the queen down, while Conalin swept up little Sufia and climbed over the side. Bison scrambled into the back of the wagon, picking up food sacks and \expndtw-1 blankets and hurling them to the roadside.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The giant glanced back down the steep incline. The \i gogarin \i0 was running towards them. It seemed small at this distance, a white hound against the moonlit grey of \expndtw-2 the rock road. The team clattered clear. Nogusta climbed \expndtw0 to stand alongside Bison. In his hand was the heavy lance, tipped with a razor sharp throwing knife.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You know what needs to be done,' said Nogusta. \expndtw-2 Bison looked into his friend's pale blue eyes.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li202\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I know. Let me take the spear.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No! The talisman will protect me from the terror it radiates. Now get down - and set the wagon rolling on \expndtw-4 my signal.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 Bison jumped to the roadside and summoned Kebra and \expndtw-2 Dagorian. 'What is he doing?' asked the young officer, as \expndtw-3 Nogusta settled himself in the back of the wagon.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi158\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'He's going to ram it,' said Bison. Stepping back he dropped down behind the front wheels, judging the line \expndtw-2 which the wagon would follow once they started it down \expndtw0 the slope. There was a slight curve to the right some 60 yards ahead. That would be the point where - if they misjudged the speed - the wagon would roll over the edge and plunge hundreds of feet down the mountain\-\expndtw-3 side. Sweat beaded Bison's brow and he wiped his sleeve \expndtw-6 across his face.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb139\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 300\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Get ready!' shouted Nogusta. The three men put their \expndtw-2 shoulders to the vehicle.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 On the rear of the wagon Nogusta hefted the lance. \expndtw-1 He too could see the curve in the road, and was trying to \expndtw-3 judge the speed of the approaching beast. There was little \expndtw-1 room for error here. If the wagon rolled too fast it would \expndtw0 reach the curve before the \i gogarin, \i0 and Nogusta \expndtw-2 would die uselessly. If too late the wagon might not have \expndtw-1 picked up enough speed to hurl the creature out over the \expndtw-2 abyss. Nogusta's mouth was dry, and his heart was beat\-\expndtw-4 ing fast.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Start her moving,' he called. The three men threw their weight against the wagon. It did not budge.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'The brake is on!' shouted Bison. Nogusta ran to the headboard and vaulted to the driver's seat, pulling the brake clear. The wagon jolted forward. Nogusta almost fell, but then righted himself and ran back to the rear, \expndtw-1 taking up his lance. Valuable seconds had been lost.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Push harder!' he commanded. The wagon began to gather speed. The \i gogarin \i0 rounded the curve, and saw \expndtw-1 the rumbling wagon approaching. Rearing up on its hind \expndtw-2 legs it let out a hideous screech. Nogusta felt the wave of \expndtw0 terror strike him like a physical blow. It ripped through \expndtw-3 his mind and belly, and he screamed and fell to his knees. \expndtw0 In all his life he had never known fear such as this. The \expndtw-1 spear dropped from his trembling fingers and he wanted \expndtw-2 to fall with it, burying his head in his hands, and squeez\-\expndtw-1 ing shut his eyes. He could feel the talisman warm upon \expndtw0 his skin, but it offered no help. In that moment, when despair threatened to unman him, he saw again the face \expndtw-3 of his wife, and remembered the Demon Lord's words, of \expndtw0 how she had run through the flames. Anger came to his rescue, flaring in his belly and burning into his brain. \expndtw-1 Grabbing the lance he surged to his feet.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 301\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The wagon was almost upon the beast. The \i gogarin \i0 reared up high, then dropped to all six limbs, and charged. Nogusta braced himself for the impact. At the last second the \i gogarin \i0 reared again, its talons lashing out. The wooden side of the wagon exploded. Then the full weight of the vehicle struck the beast. Lance extended, Nogusta was catapulted forward. The dagger strapped to the lance sliced into the beast, the weapon \expndtw-2 driving deep into its shoulder. Nogusta's weight powered \expndtw0 it on, the wood plunging deeper still. Then it snapped. Nogusta's flying body struck the \i gogarin's \i0 neck, then \expndtw-1 sailed on to collide with the cliff wall. Searing pain burst \expndtw0 through his shoulder as he fell to the road and slid towards the edge. His legs went over the side and he scrabbled for a hand hold. Glancing down he saw pine trees far below. His shoulder was numb, and there was no strength in his left hand. Fear touched him, but he quelled it, and relaxed. Then he slowly hauled himself back up to the ridge.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 The \i gogarin \i0 had been driven to the lip of the road, and \expndtw0 the beast was flailing at its wooden enemy, its sweeping talons ripping at the wagon, smashing it to shards. \expndtw-1 Nogusta pushed himself to his feet, staggered, then drew \expndtw0 his sword and prepared to attack.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi163\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 Bison came running into sight carrying a lance, followed \expndtw-1 by Kebra and Dagorian. The bowman sent a shaft slam\-\expndtw-3 ming into the \i gogarin's \i0 neck. Then Bison scrambled over \expndtw-2 the remains of the wagon and hurled himself at the beast. \expndtw0 As the \i gogarin \i0 swung to meet this new attack its right hind foot slipped on the rock. The beast staggered, and tried to right itself. Bison's spear slammed against its chest, barely breaking the skin. But the giant's weight tipped the balance, and the lance propelled the creature back. The \i gogarin \i0 fell, tumbling through the air. Twice\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 302.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 it crashed against the mountainside, then it soared clear and plunged through the branches of a tall pine, snapping the tree in two.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Bison leapt clear as the ruined wagon slid over the edge. He ran to Nogusta. 'Are you all right?' he asked.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The black man groaned as he tried to move his left shoulder. 'Just bruised, I hope,' he said. 'Is it dead?' \expndtw-2 Bison peered over the edge.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I can't see it,' he said. 'But nothing could have survived that fall.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb250\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas Karios was not a man usually given to regrets. Life was life, and a man made the best of it. Yet, strangely, on this misty morning, as he sat on the stone wall of the old bridge, he found himself haunted by the ghosts of lost dreams. He had never before given much thought to the opinions of other men, or their criticisms of him. They had called him cruel, vengeful and merci\-less. The insults were never said to his face, but Antikas had heard them nonetheless, and had believed himself immune to them. No strong man would be affected by the sneers of lesser beings. As his father used to say, 'A lion is always followed by jackals.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Antikas Karios had been a man with a mission, single-\expndtw0 mindedly following a narrow road. There had been no time for introspection. No time for the casual niceties. No time for friendship. His mind and his time had been fully occupied with thoughts of freeing Ventria from the \expndtw-5 aggressor.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Not so now, as he gazed into the mist that rolled across the hills. Here in this lonely country there was time for little else but introspection.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\ri48\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He had been waiting by this bridge for two days now, \expndtw-2 directed here by the spirit of the sorcerer Kalizkan. 'Why\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb158\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 303\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li43\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 do you not lead \i me \i0 directly to them?' he had asked.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li245\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\i\fs21 'This is where you will be needed most.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li34\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Wherever they are they will be in peril. My sword \expndtw-2 could sway the balance.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li29\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\i\fs21 'Trust me, Antikas. Wait at the bridge. They will be with you in two days' \i0 The spirit had left him then, and \expndtw-2 Antikas Karios had waited.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 At first the beauty of the mountains had been pleasant to the eyes, and he felt calm, and ready to give \expndtw-2 his life to the cause of the queen. But as the hours passed \expndtw0 on that first day he had found himself reappraising his life. It happened without conscious thought. He was sitting on the bridge, and he suddenly thought of Kara, and the plans they had made to build a home by the sea. \expndtw-4 Sweet, soft, gentle Kara. He had made her many promises, \expndtw0 and had kept none of them. It was not that he had meant \expndtw-1 to lie. But the war with the Drenai had taken precedence. \expndtw-2 She should have understood that.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dreams of love and family had been washed away in a tidal wave of patriotism, and then replaced by the dream of independence. Now both dreams were dust.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 During the last five years memories of Kara had come \expndtw0 often to him, but, as busy as he was, it had been easy to suppress them. Always there were plans and schemes that required his attention. But here, during these two, lonely, soul searching days, he had found it increasingly \expndtw-2 difficult to avoid his guilt.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He remembered the last time he had seen her.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It was not cruelty or vengeance,' he said, aloud. 'She brought humiliation upon me. What then could she expect?' The words hung in the air, and echoed, un-convincingly, in his mind. Kara had written to him, ending their engagement. She had, she wrote, waited three years. She pointed out that Antikas had promised\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 304\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb806\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 to return home within one year. He had not done so. Nor had he written for more than eight months. It was obvious that he no longer loved her, and she had now \expndtw-1 fallen in love with a young nobleman from a neighbour\-\expndtw0 ing estate. They were to be married within the month.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 And married they were. Antikas had arrived late for the ceremony. He had approached them both as they walked hand in hand from the church, garlands of flowers around their necks. He had removed his heavy riding glove and had struck the groom across the face with it. The duel had taken place that evening and \expndtw-1 Antikas killed him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi154\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 That night he had been summoned to Kara's home. He found her sitting in a darkened room, the lanterns unlit, heavy velvet curtains blocking out the moonlight. A single candle burned on a small table, and by its flicker\-ing light he saw her, a heavy blanket wrapped around her slender frame. Antikas remembered how hard his heart had felt, and how he had decided to make no apology for her loss. Hers was the blame, not his. He was planning to make her aware of this. But she did not \expndtw-2 rail at him. She merely looked up in the gloom and stared \expndtw0 at his face. There was no hatred in her, he realized, merely a great sadness. In the candlelight she looked \expndtw-1 exquisitely beautiful, and he had found himself wonder\-\expndtw0 ing how he could ever have left her for so long. In his arrogance he believed that she had never truly loved the other man, but had accepted his offer knowing that Antikas would come for her. Now he had, and, if she \expndtw-1 begged him, he would take her back, despite the humili\-\expndtw0 ation. He was prepared to be forgiving. But this scene was not what he had expected. Tears, yes. Anger? Of \expndtw-2 course. But this eerie silence was intolerable.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What is it you want of me, lady?' he said.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri34\sb158\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\fs21 305\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li24\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Her voice when it came was a faint whisper. 'You are \expndtw28 ...\expndtw0  an evil man .. . Antikas. But you will hurt us \expndtw27 ...\expndtw0  no longer.' Her eyes held to his for a moment more, then they closed and her head sagged back. For a moment \expndtw-2 only he thought she had swooned. Then he saw the pool \expndtw-1 of blood around the base of the chair. Stepping forward he wrenched the blanket from her. Both her wrists were \expndtw-2 cut, and her clothes were drenched in blood. Still wear\-\expndtw0 ing her wedding dress and her garland, she had died \expndtw-2 without another word.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas tried to push away the memory, but it clung \expndtw-3 to him like a poisoned vine. 'It was not evil,' he said. 'She \expndtw0 should have waited for me. Then it would not have \expndtw-1 happened. I am not to blame.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Who then do we blame? The thought leapt unbidden \expndtw-5 from his subconscious.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 It had not ended there. Her brother had challenged Antikas. He too had died. Antikas had tried to disarm the boy, to wound him and stop the duel. But his attack \expndtw-2 had been ferocious and sustained, and, when the \expndtw0 moment came, Antikas had responded with instinct rather than intent, his blade sinking into his opponent's \expndtw-6 heart.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi154\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas Karios rose from the wall and turned to gaze down into the rushing water below. He saw the broken \expndtw-2 branch of an old oak floating there, drifting fast. It stuck \expndtw-3 for a moment against a jutting rock, then twisted free and \expndtw0 continued on its way. Further down the bank a brown bear ambled out of the woods and waded into the \expndtw-3 water. Antikas watched it. Twice its paw splashed down. \expndtw-2 On the third time it caught a fish, propelling it out to the \expndtw0 bank. The fish flopped against the earth, its tail thrash\-\expndtw-2 ing wildly. The bear left the river and devoured the fish.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li240\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas swung away and walked to where his horse\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-10\fs21 306\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 was cropping grass. From his saddlebag he took the last \expndtw-2 of his rations.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Thoughts of Kara intruded as he ate, but this time he suppressed them, concentrating instead on the escape \expndtw-1 from Usa. Kalizkan's spirit had taken him first to an old \expndtw0 church by the south wall, and there he had directed him \expndtw-1 to a secret room behind the altar. By the far wall was an \expndtw-2 ancient chest. It was not locked. The hinges were almost \expndtw0 rusted through. One snapped as Antikas opened the lid. \expndtw-3 Inside were three scabbarded short swords, each wrapped \expndtw-2 in linen. Antikas removed them.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'These are the last of the Storm Swords,' said \expndtw0 Kalizkan, 'created when the world was younger. They \expndtw-3 were fashioned by Emsharas the Sorcerer, for use against \expndtw-2 the demonic Krayakin.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas had carried them from the city to where the army was camped beyond. There he had obtained a horse and supplies and had ridden out into the moun\-\expndtw-5 tains.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 On his first night he had unwrapped one of the \expndtw-1 swords. The pommel was inset with a blue jewel, heavy \expndtw0 and round, held in place by golden wire. The tang was covered by a wooden grip, wrapped in a pale, greyish white skin, while the upwardly curved quillons were deeply engraved with gold lettering. The scabbard was simple, and without adornment. Slowly Antikas drew \expndtw-1 the sword forth.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Do not touch the blade!' warned the voice of Kalizkan. In the moonlight the blade was black, and, at \expndtw-2 first, Antikas believed it to be of tarnished silver. But, as \expndtw-1 he turned it, he saw the moon reflected brilliantly on its \expndtw-3 dark surface.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'What is the metal?' he asked Kalizkan.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Not  metal,   child.   Enchanted   ebony,'   replied   the\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 307\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li34\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 sorcerer. 'I don't know how he did it. It can cut through \expndtw-1 stone, yet it is made of wood.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Why is it called a Storm Sword?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li29\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Stand up and hold the flat of your hand just above the \expndtw-3 blade.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas did so. Colours swept along the ebony, then \expndtw-1 white blue lightning lanced up into his palm. In surprise \expndtw0 he leapt back, dropping the sword. The point vanished into the earth, and only the curved quillons prevented the blade sinking from sight. Antikas drew it clear. Not a mark of mud had stained the sword. Once again he \expndtw-2 held his hand over it. Lightning danced to his skin. There \expndtw0 was no pain. The sensation was curious, and he noticed that the hairs on the back of his hand were tingling.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'What causes the small lightning?' he asked Kalizkan.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I wish I knew. Emsharas was Windborn. He knew far \expndtw0 more than any human sorcerer.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'A demon? Yet he made swords to fight demons? Why \expndtw0 would that be?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You have a penchant for asking questions I cannot answer. Whatever his reasons Emsharas allied himself with the Three Kings, and he it was who cast the Great Spell that banished all demons from the earth.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Including himself?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Indeed so.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'That makes no sense,' said Antikas. 'He betrayed more than his own people, he betrayed his entire race. What could induce a man to commit such an act?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'He was not a man, he was - as you rightly say - a \expndtw-1 demon,' said Kalizkan. 'And who can know the minds of such creatures? Certainly not I, for I was foolish enough \expndtw0 to trust one, and paid for it with my life.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I loathe mysteries,' said Antikas.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li240\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I have always been rather partial to them,' admitted\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\fs21 308\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kalizkan. 'But to attempt an answer to your question, perhaps it was simply hatred. He and his brother, \expndtw-3 Anharat, were mortal enemies. Anharat desired the destruction of the human race. Emsharas set out to thwart \expndtw0 him. You know the old adage, the enemy of my enemy \expndtw-2 must be my friend? Therefore Emsharas became a friend \expndtw0 to humans.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It is not convincing,' said Antikas. 'There must have been some among his people that he loved - and yet he \expndtw-1 caused their destruction also.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'He did not destroy them - merely banished them from the earth. But if we are questioning motivations, did you \expndtw-1 not cause the destruction of the one you loved?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Antikas was shocked. 'That was entirely different,' he \expndtw-5 snapped.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I stand corrected.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Let us talk of more relevant matters,' said the swords\-\expndtw-1 man. 'These warriors I am to fight are Krayakin, yes?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'They are indeed - the greatest fighters ever to walk the earth.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'They have not met me yet,' Antikas pointed out.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li24\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Trust me, my boy, they will not be quaking in their \expndtw-2 boots.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'They ought to,' said Antikas. 'Now tell me about \expndtw-2 them.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\ri5\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas was sitting once more on the bridge wall when the riders emerged from the mist. The black warrior, \expndtw-3 Nogusta, was leading them. Antikas could see the queen, \expndtw0 sitting side saddle, her horse led by a tall, slim, blond-\expndtw-3 haired woman in a flowing blue robe. Behind them came \expndtw0 the man, Bison. Antikas had last seen him tied to the whipping post, on the day that Nogusta slew Cerez. A small, fair-haired child was seated before him. Behind\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 309\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li29\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 the giant came two more youngsters, riding double, a red-haired boy of around fourteen and a wand-thin girl \expndtw-1 with long dark hair. Then he saw Dagorian. The officer \expndtw-2 was holding a small bundle in his arms. Bringing up the \expndtw-3 rear was the bowman, Kebra.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li29\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta saw him and left the group, cantering his \expndtw-3 horse down the shallow slope.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li19\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Good morning to you,' said Antikas, rising and offer\-\expndtw-1 ing a bow. 'I am pleased to see you alive.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Nogusta dismounted and moved closer, his expression \expndtw0 unreadable. Antikas spoke again. 'I am not here as an \expndtw-3 enemy, black man.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I know.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li197\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas was surprised. 'Kalizkan told you about me?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'No. I had a vision.' Slowly the group filed to the bridge. \expndtw0 Nogusta waved them on, and they rode past the two swordsmen. Antikas bowed deeply to Axiana, who responded with a smile. She looked wan and terribly \expndtw-9 weary.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Is the queen sick?' he asked Nogusta, after she had \expndtw-8 passed.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'The birth was not easy, and she lost blood. The priestess healed her, but she will need time to recover \expndtw-7 fully.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Is the child strong?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'He is strong,' said Nogusta. 'It is our hope that he remains that way. You know that we are followed?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Antikas nodded. 'By the Krayakin. Kalizkan told me. I \expndtw0 will remain here and bar their path.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li29\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta smiled for the first time. 'Not even you can defeat four such warriors. Even with the black \expndtw-6 swords.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li43\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It was a good vision you had,' said Antikas. 'Would you care to share it with me?' Nogusta shook his head.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 310\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Ah,' said Antikas, with a wide grin, 'I am to die then. Well, why not? It is something I've not done before. \expndtw-1 Perhaps I shall enjoy the experience.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta remained silent for a moment. Dagorian, \expndtw-1 Kebra and Bison came running back across the bridge to \expndtw0 stand alongside him. 'What is he doing here?' said \expndtw-1 Dagorian, his face flushed and angry.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'He is here to help us,' said Nogusta.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'That's not likely,' hissed Dagorian. 'He sent assassins \expndtw-1 after me. He is in league with the enemy.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'Such indiscipline in your ranks, Nogusta,' said Antikas. \expndtw0 'Perhaps that is why you never gained a commission.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Shall I break his neck?' asked Bison.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'How novel,' muttered Antikas, 'an ape that speaks.' Bison surged forward. Nogusta threw out his arm. The effort of blocking the giant made him wince, as his injured shoulder flared with fresh pain.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Calm down,' he said. 'There is no treachery here. \expndtw-1 Antikas Karios is one of us. Understand that. The past is \expndtw0 of no consequence. He is here to defend the bridge and buy us time. Let there be no more insults.' He turned to Antikas. 'The Krayakin will come tonight. They do not \expndtw-1 like the sun, and will wait for the clouds to clear and the \expndtw0 moon to shine bright. There will be four of them. But riding with them will be a unit of Ventrian cavalry, sent by the demon who inhabits Malikada.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You say I cannot defeat them alone? Will you then \expndtw-1 stand with me?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I would like nothing more.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No,' said Dagorian, suddenly. 'Your shoulder is injured. I have watched you ride. You are in great pain \expndtw-1 and your movements are slow and sluggish. I will stay.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I too,' said Kebra.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta shook his head. 'We cannot risk everything\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 311\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 on one encounter. There are only four of the Krayakin directly behind us. Four more are out there, moving to cut us off. We need to put distance between us. Antikas Karios has chosen to defend this bridge. Dagorian has offered to stand beside him. That is how it will be.' He \expndtw-1 swung to Kebra. 'You and Bison ride on with the others. \expndtw0 Keep heading south. About a mile ahead the road branches. Take the route to the left. You will pass over \expndtw-1 the highest ridge. Move with care, for it will be cold and treacherous. I will join you soon.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The two men moved away and Nogusta sat down on \expndtw-1 the bridge wall and rubbed his injured shoulder. \expndtw0 Ulmenetha's new-found magick had knitted the broken collar bone, and he could feel himself healing fast. But not fast enough to be of use to the two men who would \expndtw-2 guard the bridge.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Bring out the black swords,' he told Antikas. The swordsman moved to his horse and lifted clear the bundle tied to the rear of the saddle. Warning Nogusta and Dagorian to beware of the blades he unwrapped them. They were identical save for the crystal jewels in the pommels. One was blue, the second white as fresh fallen snow, the third crimson. The blue blade Antikas took for himself. Nogusta waited for Dagorian. The young officer chose the sword with the white pommel. \expndtw-1 Nogusta accepted the last.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'There is little I can say to advise you,' he told Dagorian. 'Stay close to Antikas Karios, guard his back \expndtw-1 as best you can.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'You have seen the coming fight, haven't you?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li38\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Glimpses of it only. Do not ask me about the out\-come. You are a good man, Dagorian. Few would have the courage to face the warriors coming against you.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li245\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'This is all very touching, black man,' said Antikas,\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 312.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'but why don't you ride on? I will take Dagorian under \expndtw-2 my wing, as it were.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I don't need your protection,' snapped Dagorian.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'You Drenai are so touchy. It comes from lacking any \expndtw0 sense of true nobility, I expect.' Antikas strode back to \expndtw-1 his horse, mounted and rode past them down the bridge.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Are you sure he can be trusted?' asked Dagorian. \expndtw-1 Nogusta nodded.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Do not be fooled by his manner. He is a man of great \expndtw0 honour, and he carries a burden of shame. He is also \expndtw-1 frightened. What you are seeing is merely a mask. He is \expndtw0 of the old Ventrian nobility, and he is drawing on its \expndtw-1 values in order to face a terrible enemy.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian sat alongside the black swordsman. 'I never wanted to be a soldier,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You told me, you wanted to be a priest. Well, think on this, my friend, is it not a priest's duty to keep a \expndtw-1 lantern lit against the dark? Is it not his purpose to stand \expndtw-2 against evil in all its forms?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'That is true,' agreed Dagorian.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Then today you are a priest, for the demons are \expndtw-2 coming. They seek the blood of innocence.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Dagorian smiled. 'I did not need encouragement, but I \expndtw0 thank you for it anyway.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta rose. 'When your mission here is done, head south, follow the high road. You will see the ghost city \expndtw-2 of Lem in the distance. We will meet you there.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian said nothing, but he gave a knowing smile. \expndtw-6 Then he held out his hand. Nogusta clasped it firmly. Then \expndtw-1 he mounted Starfire and rode away.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li24\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Nogusta walked his horse to the far end of the bridge. \expndtw-2 Ulmenetha stepped in front of his horse.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Did you tell him?' she asked.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No,' he told her, sadly.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 313\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Why? Does he not have a right to know?' 'Would he fight the better if he did?' he countered.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb240\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 As the others rode away Dagorian took a deep breath then \expndtw-1 stared around the bridge. Built of stone it was around 80 \expndtw0 feet across and zo wide. He had seen it on two of \expndtw-3 Nogusta's maps. Once it must have had a name, for it was \expndtw0 a fine structure, carefully constructed. But it was lost to \expndtw-4 history now, as was the name of the river it spanned. Built \expndtw-3 when Lem was a thriving city it must have cost a fortune, \expndtw0 he thought, picturing the hundreds of men who had laboured here. There had once been statues at both ends of the bridge, but only the plinths remained. It was as Nogusta had said, 'History forgets us all eventually.' Walking to the bridge wall he looked down at the river \expndtw-3 bank. A stone arm jutted from the mud. Dagorian strolled \expndtw-1 down to it, pushing the earth away, and exposing a mar\-\expndtw0 ble shoulder. The head was missing. Casting around he \expndtw-2 saw a section of a stone leg, covered by weeds. Someone had toppled the statues. He wondered why.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He drank from the river then climbed back to the bridge. 'Time for a little work, Drenai,' said Antikas.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi158\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The area around the north of the bridge was heavy \expndtw-1 with rocks and boulders. Dagorian and Antikas laboured \expndtw0 for two hours, rolling large stones onto the bridge to impede enemy horses. The two men spoke little as they worked, for Dagorian remained uneasy in the presence \expndtw-2 of the hawk-eyed Ventrian. This man had planned to kill \expndtw0 him, and had been instrumental in the destruction of the \expndtw-1 Drenai army, and the murder of the king. Now he was to \expndtw0 stand beside him against a terrible foe. The thought was \expndtw-1 not a pleasant one.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li48\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Antikas cut several large sections of brush and used his \expndtw-2 horse to drag them to the bridge, wedging thick branches\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb187\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\fs21 314\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 into the stone side supports, and angling them to jut out \expndtw-6 over the rocks. At last satisfied he carefully led his horse \expndtw-5 through the obstacles, tethering him at the far end of the \expndtw-6 bridge alongside Dagorian's mount.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 'That is all we can do,' he told the young officer. 'Now \expndtw-1 we wait.' Dagorian nodded and moved away from the \expndtw-8 man to sit on the bridge wall. The mist was clearing now, \expndtw-5 and the sun shone clearly in a sky of pale blue.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'We should practise,' said Antikas.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\fs21 'I need no practice,' snapped Dagorian. Antikas Karios \expndtw-5 said nothing for a moment, then he stepped in close.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Your hatred means less than nothing to me, Drenai,' \expndtw-5 he said, softly. 'But your petulance is irritating.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'You are a murderer and a traitor,' said Dagorian. 'It \expndtw0 should be enough that I am prepared to stand beside \expndtw-3 you. I don't need to talk to you, and I certainly have no \expndtw-5 wish to engage in a meaningless training drill. I already \expndtw-4 know how to fight.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Is that so?' Antikas drew his sword. 'Observe!' he \expndtw-5 ordered. Lifting a thick piece of wood he held the black \expndtw-3 sword to it. The blade slid through the old wood like a \expndtw0 hot knife through butter. 'You and I,' said Antikas, \expndtw-2 softly, 'will be fighting alongside one another. One \expndtw-8 clumsy sweep, one careless move and one of us could kill \expndtw-3 the other. How many times, in close order battle, have \expndtw-6 comrades accidentally caused injury to one another?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 It was true and Dagorian knew it. Pushing himself from the wall he drew his own blade. 'What do you \expndtw-8 suggest?' he asked.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li24\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Which side do you wish to defend, the left or the \expndtw-8 right?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The right.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li29\ri58\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'Very well, take up your position, and let us rehearse \expndtw-6 some simple moves.' The two men walked out onto the\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 bridge. The enemy will be forced to advance on foot, clambering over the rocks and brush. We will wait for them, and engage them here,' he said. 'No matter what happens you must stay on my right. Do not cross over. \expndtw-3 Now you are less skilful than I, so at no time try to move \expndtw-1 to my defence. If I move to yours I will call out, so that you know where I am.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 For a while they practised moves, rehearsed signals \expndtw-3 and discussed strategies. Then they broke off to eat from Dagorian's ration of dried beef. They sat in silence on the \expndtw-1 rocks, each lost in his own thoughts.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I have never fought a demon,' said Dagorian, at last. 'I find the thought unsettling.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It is just a name,' said Antikas. 'Nothing more. They \expndtw-2 walk, they talk, they breathe. And we have the weapons \expndtw-1 to kill them.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'You sound very sure.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'And you are not?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian sighed. 'I do not want to die,' he admitted. 'Does that sound cowardly?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No man \i wants \i0 to die,' responded Antikas. 'But if thoughts of survival enter your mind during the fight, death will be certain. It is vital for a warrior to suspend \expndtw-1 imagination during a battle. What if I get stabbed, what \expndtw0 if I am crippled, what if I die? These thoughts impair a \expndtw-4 warrior's skills. The enemy will come. We will kill them. \expndtw0 That is all you need to focus upon.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Easier said than done,' Dagorian told him.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas gave a thin smile. 'Do not be frightened by death, Dagorian, for it comes to all men. For myself I would sooner die young and strong, than become a toothless, senile old man talking of the wonders of my \expndtw-1 youth.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 T do not agree. I would like to live to see my children\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li38\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 316\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 and grandchildren grow. To know love and the joys of \expndtw-6 family.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li197\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Have you ever loved?' asked Antikas.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No. I thought. . .' he hesitated. 'I thought I loved Axiana, but it was a dream, an ideal. She looked so \expndtw-1 fragile, lost almost. But no, I have never loved. You?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No,' answered Antikas, the lie sticking in his throat, \expndtw-1 the memory of Kara, burning in his mind.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Do demons love, do you think?' asked Dagorian, suddenly. 'Do they wed and have children? I suppose \expndtw-3 they must.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I have never given it much thought,' admitted \expndtw0 Antikas. 'Kalizkan told me that Emsharas the Great \expndtw-1 Sorcerer fell in love with a human woman, and she bore \expndtw0 him children. He was a demon.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'All I know of him is that he cast the Great Spell \expndtw-1 thousands of years ago.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Yes, and that I find curious,' said Antikas. 'According \expndtw0 to Kalizkan he banished his entire race to a world of \expndtw-3 nothing, empty and void. Hundreds of thousands of souls \expndtw0 ripped from the earth to float for eternity without form. \expndtw-1 Can there have ever been a crime worse than that?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You call it a crime? I don't understand. Humanity \expndtw-1 was saved by the action.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Humanity yes, but Emsharas was not human. Why \expndtw-2 then did he do it? Why not cast a spell that would banish \expndtw0\i humanity \i0 into a void, and leave the earth for his own \expndtw-2 people? It makes no sense.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li29\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It must have made sense to him. Perhaps it was that \expndtw-4 his people were evil.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li34\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Come now,' snapped Antikas, 'that makes even less sense. If we are to judge his actions as good, then we must accept that he was not evil. Why then should he have been the only good demon in the world? What of\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sb197\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 317\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 the Dryads who lived to protect the forest, or the \expndtw-1 Krandyl who preserved the fields and meadows? These \expndtw-2 also are creatures of legend, spirit beings, demons.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Dagorian suddenly laughed and shook his head. 'What is so amusing?' asked Antikas.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You do not find it amusing that two men sitting on a bridge and waiting for death can debate the actions of a sorcerer who died thousands of years ago? It is the \expndtw-3 kind of conversation I would expect to have sitting in the \expndtw-1 library at Drenan.' His laughter faded away. 'I don't care \expndtw0 why he did it. What does it matter now? To us?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Are you determined to be morbid all day?' countered Antikas. 'If so you will be a less than merry companion. \expndtw0 You do not have to stay here, Dagorian. There are no \expndtw-2 chains.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Why do you stay?' asked the younger man.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I like to sit on bridges,' Antikas told him. 'It calms my \expndtw-3 soul.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Well I am staying because I'm too frightened not to,' said Dagorian. 'Can you understand that?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No,' admitted Antikas Karios.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'A few days ago I attacked five Ventrian lancers. I thought I was going to die. But my blood was up and I \expndtw-1 charged them. Then Nogusta and Kebra came to my aid \expndtw0 and we won.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li14\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Yes, yes,' interrupted Antikas. 'I saw you had \expndtw-1 Vellian's horse. But what is the point of this tale?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'The point?' said Dagorian, his face twisting in anguish. \expndtw-2 'The point is that the fear never went away. Every day it \expndtw0 grows. There are demons pursuing us. Unbeatable and \expndtw-2 unholy. And where are we headed? To a ghost city with \expndtw-3 no hope of rescue. I could not take the fear any more. So here I am. And look at me! Look at my hands!' Dagorian \expndtw-4 held out his hands, which were trembling uncontrollably.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-14\fs21 318\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'So humour me, Antikas Karios. Tell me why you are \expndtw-2 here on this cursed bridge?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas leaned forward, his hand snaking out, the palm lashing against Dagorian's cheek. The sound of the slap hung in the air. Dagorian surged to his feet, \expndtw-3 hand scrabbling for his sword. 'Where is your fear now?' said Antikas, softly. The softly spoken words cut \expndtw0 through Dagorian's fury, and he stood, hand on sword \expndtw-1 hilt, staring into the dark, cruel eyes of Antikas Karios. \expndtw-4 The Ventrian spoke again. 'It is gone, is it not, your fear? \expndtw-5 Swamped by rage.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Yes, it is gone,' said Dagorian, coldly. 'What was \expndtw-3 your point?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'You were right to stay here, Dagorian. A man would \expndtw0 have to be a contortionist to both face his fear and flee from it.' Antikas stood and walked to the side of the \expndtw-1 bridge, leaning upon it and staring down into the water \expndtw0 below. 'Come and look,' he said. The Drenai officer \expndtw-8 joined him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'What am I looking at?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li29\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Life,' answered Antikas. 'It starts high in the moun\-tains with the melting of the snow. Small streams \expndtw-3 bubbling together, merging, flowing down to join larger \expndtw0 rivers, then out to the warm sea. There the sun shines upon the water and it rises as vapour and floats back \expndtw-3 over the mountains, falling as rain or snow. It is a circle, \expndtw-2 an endless beautiful circle. Long after we are gone, and \expndtw-4 the children of our grandchildren are gone, this river will \expndtw0 still flow all the way to the sea. We are very small \expndtw-3 creatures, Dagorian, with very small dreams.' He turned \expndtw0 to the young officer and smiled. 'Look at your hands. \expndtw-3 They are no longer shaking.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li245\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 They will - when the Krayakin come.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I don't think so,' said Antikas.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 319\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 His experience within the body form of Kalizkan had \expndtw-1 given the Demon Lord, Anharat, great insights into the \expndtw0 workings of human mechanisms. Unable to halt the cancer spreading through the sorcerer's body Anharat had allowed all the mechanisms to fail, then using \expndtw-1 magick to maintain the illusion of life. Not so with this \expndtw-9 body form!\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 With Malikada slain and departed Anharat repaired the pierced heart, and kept it pumping, the nutrients \expndtw-3 in the blood feeding the cells and keeping the form alive \expndtw0 - after a fashion. The spell needed to be maintained at all times. If the magick ceased to flow the body would \expndtw-1 decay immediately. This was not, however, a problem, \expndtw0 for the spell was a small one. He had more difficulty \expndtw-3 with the autonomic responses, like breathing and blink\-\expndtw0 ing, but, upon experimentation overcame them. Using Kalizkan's corpse had been an effort, especially when \expndtw-2 corruption and decay accelerated. More and more \expndtw0 power had been needed to maintain a cloak spell over \expndtw-4 the disgusting form. Now, however, he merely needed to \expndtw0 keep the blood flowing, and air filling the lung sacs. \expndtw-2 There were also advantages to this new method. Senses \expndtw-3 of taste, touch and smell were incredibly heightened.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Anharat sat now in his tent, sipping a goblet of fine wine, swilling it around his mouth and savouring the taste. Although he preferred his own natural form Anharat considered keeping this one for a few years in order to fully appreciate the pleasures of human flesh. They were so much more exquisite than he could have imagined. Perhaps it was because the humans were so \expndtw-2 short-lived, he thought, a gift of nature to creatures who \expndtw-1 were in existence for a few, brief heartbeats. Emsharas \expndtw-3 had discovered these pleasures, and now Anharat under-\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 3x0\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 stood them. No wonder his brother had spent so much time with the black woman.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Outside the tent he could hear the sounds of the army settling down for night camp, the rattling of pans and dishes as the men lined up for food, the smell of wood \expndtw-1 smoke from the fires, and the laughter of soldiers listen\-ing to tall tales.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 He had dispensed with his undead guards. Their blank, \expndtw-2 uncomprehending stares had unnerved the officers. \expndtw0 Equally he had withdrawn the Entukku from the city, \expndtw-2 allowing the terrified populace to return to a semblance of \expndtw-1 normality before the army marched. Thousands had died \expndtw0 in the riots, and none of the surviving humans had the least notion of what had caused their own murderous rages. Curiously the Entukku, who normally thrived on terror and pain, had gorged themselves equally on the \expndtw-1 waves of remorse that had billowed forth. These humans \expndtw-2 were a constant source of all kinds of nourishment.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Anharat could hardly wait to experiment further upon \expndtw-8 them.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 A faint glow shone on the walls of the tent behind him. \expndtw0 His skin prickled, and he swung towards the light, his hands opening, the first words of an incantation upon his lips. A pale figure was forming. Anharat saw that it was merely an image, for the legs of the figure were merging with the iron brazier, filled with hot coals. He relaxed, his curiosity aroused. Was Kalizkan returned?\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Then the light began to fade and the features of a man appeared. Anharat's rage grew and he began to tremble. His face twisted and he stepped forward, aching to rip his talons through the heart of the figure. The newcomer was dressed in robes of white. His skin was black, his eyes pale blue. Upon his brow he wore a circlet of gold. 'Greetings, my brother,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\fs21 321\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Anharat was almost too angry to speak, but he fought for control. If he could hold the image here for a while \expndtw-2 he could concoct a search spell that would follow it back \expndtw0 to its source. 'Where have you been hiding, Emsharas?' \expndtw-4 he asked.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Nowhere,' answered the figure.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You lie, brother. For I was sentenced to exist in the \expndtw-3 hell of Nowhere, with all the creatures of the Illohir. And \expndtw0 you were not there. Nor were you among the humans, for I have searched for you these last four thousand \expndtw-3 years.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I did not hide, Anharat,' said the figure, softly. 'Nor \expndtw-1 was it - nor is it - my intention for our people to exist in a void for ever.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I care nothing for your intentions, traitor. Did you know that I have destroyed your descendants?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Not all of them. One remains.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I will see him dead, and I will have the babe. Then your evil will be undone. The people of the Illohir will walk free upon the earth.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Aye, they will,' said Emsharas. 'But they will not be able to drink the water or the wine, nor will they laze under the sun.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Anharat's mind was working furiously, and the search spell was almost complete. 'So, brother, will you not tell \expndtw0 me where you have been all these centuries? Have you been enjoying life as a human? Have you tasted fine \expndtw-1 wines and bedded great beauties?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi216\li10\ri43\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I have done none of these things, Anharat. Where do \expndtw0 you think I found the power for the Great Spell?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I neither know, nor care,' lied Anharat.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Oh, you care, brother, for you know that you and I were almost equally matched, and yet I discovered a \expndtw-3 source of power hitherto unknown. You could use it too.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 I will willingly tell it to you - if you will help me complete my work.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Complete . . . ? What new horror do you have in mind for the Illohir, brother? Perhaps we could create chains of fire to torture our people down the ages?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I offer them a world where they can lie in the sun and swim in the rivers and lakes. A world of their own.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Really? How kind you are, Emsharas. Perhaps though \expndtw0 you would explain why they are not already there. And why we have waited so long for this little discussion.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I did not have the power to complete the Spell. I needed you, Anharat.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Anharat's finger jabbed out, and the completed search spell flowed around Emsharas, bathing him in a blue light. 'Now I will find you,' hissed Anharat. 'I will find you and I will destroy you. I swear it! But first I will kill the third king, and complete the prophecy.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Emsharas smiled. \i 'My \i0 prophecy,' he said. 'I left it for you, brother. And it is a true one. Upon the death of the \expndtw-2 third king the Illohir will rise again. We will speak soon.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 With that the figure vanished.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li24\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Anharat closed his eyes and fastened to the search \expndtw-1 spell. He felt it grow weaker and weaker, as if coming to \expndtw0 him across a vast distance. Then it was gone.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The Demon Lord returned to his wine and drank deeply. In all his thousands of years held captive in the void he had used every known spell to locate Emsharas, \expndtw-1 sending search spells out through the universe. Yet there \expndtw0 was nothing. It was as if Emsharas had never been.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li43\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 And now, with the hour of Anharat's triumph approaching, his brother had returned.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li43\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Anharat could have endured threats, but Emsharas had made none. And what did he mean by denying that he had been hiding? A tiny seed of doubt seeped into\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri53\sb202\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 3*3\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Anharat's mind. His brother never lied. Refilling his \expndtw-1 goblet Anharat drank again, recalling again the words of Emsharas. 'Oh, you care, brother, for you know that you and I were almost equally matched, and yet I discovered \expndtw0\i a \i0 source of power hitherto unknown. You could use it too. I will willingly tell it to you - if you will help me complete my work.' What source of power? Anharat moved to the pallet bed and lay down. \i Tell \i0 it to you. That's what Emsharas had said. Not \i give \i0 it to you. Not \expndtw-2 tell you where it \i is. \i0 The secret power source was not then \expndtw0 an object, like a talisman, but something that could be passed on with words alone. It was impossible.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 And yet . . . they \i had \i0 been almost equally matched. Where then had his brother found the power to banish \expndtw-1 an entire race?\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 There would be time to ponder the question. For now \expndtw-1 Anharat wished to see his victory draw closer. Allowing \expndtw0 his mind to relax, his dark spirit floated free and flew over the mountains towards the stone bridge.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li34\sb3898\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 32.4\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li173\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-12\i\fs31 Chapter Ten\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri29\sb475\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Antikas Karios removed his red cloak and neatly folded \expndtw0 it, laying it upon the stone work of the bridge. Then he \expndtw-3 tied his long hair into a tight pony-tail and began moving \expndtw-1 through a series of routines designed to stretch his back \expndtw-3 and shoulders and hips. At the beginning the movements \expndtw0 were slow, graceful and balletic. Then they grew more \expndtw-2 swift, becoming a dance, full of leaps and turns. \expndtw-3 Dagorian watched the man with a growing sense of sad\-\expndtw-4 ness. Such a dance, he thought, should be to celebrate life \expndtw-1 and youth, not as a prelude to violence and death.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li10\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 The sun was falling below the western mountains, and \expndtw-1 the violet sky was streaked with golden clouds. Antikas \expndtw0 strolled across to where Dagorian waited. 'What a \expndtw-2 beautiful sunset,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li14\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The young officer did not reply. A line of ten riders \expndtw-3 had appeared from the woods, and were moving towards \expndtw-2 the bridge. As they cleared the tree line four more riders appeared, tall men, wearing black armour and full-faced \expndtw-12 helms.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The Ventrian captain rode his horse to the first of \expndtw-5 the obstacles, then called out to Antikas. 'Give way for the \expndtw-3 emperor's riders.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Which emperor would that be?' Antikas responded.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li29\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Give way, Antikas Karios, you cannot stand against all of us. And I have no orders for your arrest.' The captain shifted nervously on his horse, and continually\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri77\sb206\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-14\fs21 32-5\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 glanced back towards the black armoured Krayakin.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I fear I cannot comply, captain,' said Antikas. 'You see I am a servant of the infant king, and I have been ordered to hold this bridge. Might I suggest that you and your men ride away, for you are wrong -' his voice hardened. '- I \i can \i0 stand against you. More than that, I can promise you that any man who steps upon this \expndtw-3 bridge will die.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The captain licked his dry lips. 'This is madness,' he \expndtw-1 said. 'What is your purpose here?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I have already told you my purpose. Now attack - or \expndtw-4 be gone!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 The captain dragged back on the reins and wheeled his \expndtw0 horse. Dagorian could see that none of the Ventrian soldiers seemed willing to enter the fray. Such was the awesome - and justified - reputation of the man facing them. Still they dismounted and drew their swords, for \expndtw-2 they were brave men and disciplined.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Remember,' whispered Antikas, 'stay to the right.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I shall.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Are your hands trembling?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Good. That is of some relief to me - for I cannot \expndtw-1 really take ten men alone.' He grinned at Dagorian then \expndtw0 drew both his swords, one of shining steel, one darker \expndtw-1 than the pit, and stepped up to take his place on the left.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 The bridge was wide enough for four warriors to walk \expndtw0 abreast and still leave room to swing a sword. The \expndtw-5 Ventrians advanced slowly, picking their way through the \expndtw0 rocks. Antikas stood very still. As they got closer he suddenly leapt at them with an ear-splitting battle cry. His steel sword swept out slashing through a soldier's \expndtw-2 throat, then the black blade sliced through the chest of a second man, killing him instantly. The Ventrians surged\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li53\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-12\fs21 3*6\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 forward. Three made it past the swordsman. Dagorian jumped forward. The black blade licked out and a man \expndtw-3 died. A sword pierced Dagorian's shoulder. He fell back. \expndtw0 The swordsman stumbled over a rock and lost his \expndtw-2 balance. Dagorian killed him with a straight thrust to the \expndtw0 heart. Then Dagorian was struck again, this time by the third soldier. He felt as if he had been kicked by a \expndtw-1 horse, and could not, at first, locate the wound. Ignoring it he leapt to the attack, blocking a wild cut and sending \expndtw-3 a riposte that swept through the man's ribs. He fell with\-\expndtw-2 out a sound.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Dagorian looked up to see Antikas battling furiously, \expndtw-1 his blades a blur as he cut and parried. There was blood \expndtw0 on his face and left arm, but five men were down. Only \expndtw-1 the captain and one other remained.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas ran at them - and they turned and fled.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li202\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 They did not get far.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 The four warriors of the Krayakin blocked the bridge. \expndtw0 Two of them stepped forward and slew the fleeing \expndtw-9 soldiers.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li24\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Hardly sporting,' called out Antikas Karios. 'Do you \expndtw-2 often kill your own men?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li24\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'You fight well, human,' came a muffled voice. 'And I \expndtw0 see you have found a Storm Sword. It should be an \expndtw-3 interesting encounter.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'All at once - or one at a time. I care not,' said Antikas.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li29\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 The sound of laughter greeted his challenge. Then the \expndtw-5 tallest of the warriors stepped forward. 'I like you, human,' \expndtw-3 he said. 'But there is blood running into your eyes. Move \expndtw-4 back and tie a scarf around your brow. I will await you.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Antikas grinned then backed away to where Dagorian \expndtw0 was sitting with his back to the bridge wall. 'Taking a rest, Drenai?' he asked. Then his smile faded as he saw \expndtw-2 the blood soaking Dagorian's tunic.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb202\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 32-7\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Do not concern yourself with me,' said Dagorian, with a weak smile. 'Do as he bid.' Antikas had been cut just above his left eyebrow. The gash was around 2 \expndtw-2 inches long and blood was dripping into his eye. With his \expndtw0 dagger he slashed through his shirt sleeve, then ripped it clear. Tearing a strip from it he bound his brow.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Terrible thing to do to a good shirt,' he said. 'My tailor would be most annoyed.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Then he rose and glanced down at Dagorian. 'Don't go away,' he said. 'I shall be back soon.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I don't think I'm going anywhere,' said Dagorian. 'Take the Storm Sword. I have a feeling you'll need it.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Armed with the two black blades Antikas strode back \expndtw-2 to the centre of the bridge. 'What is your name?' he asked \expndtw-1 the tall warrior.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I am Golbar,' replied the Krayakin.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Come then, Golbar, let us dance a jig.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Bear with me, human,' said Golbar, removing his \expndtw-2 gauntlets. Slowly he removed the black armour, unbuck\-\expndtw0 ling the breastplate and the shoulder guards, the greaves and the forearm protectors. Lastly he removed his helm. \expndtw-1 His hair was white, his eyes dark, his skin pale. Drawing \expndtw0 his sword he turned to one of his comrades, who threw him a second. He caught it cleanly and advanced across the stones. Antikas watched his movements. They were \expndtw-1 quick and graceful.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas attacked, and as their swords met lightning crackled from the blades. The attack was parried with ease and Antikas only just managed to avoid a murder\-ous riposte that further sliced the ruined satin shirt. The Krayakin came at him with bewildering speed and \expndtw-1 Antikas found himself fighting for his life. Never had he \expndtw0 faced a more skilful opponent, nor met a man with reflexes as fast as this Krayakin. Antikas parried and\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li34\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\fs21 328\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 blocked with increasing desperation, and slowly he was \expndtw-1 forced further back along the bridge. Anger touched him \expndtw0 then, for the Krayakin was toying with him. Twice he had an opportunity to lance a thrust through the human's guard, and twice he merely sliced small cuts in \expndtw-1 his opponent's chest.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You are very good,' said Golbar, conversationally, \expndtw-2 while still attacking. 'Not the best I ever killed, but close. \expndtw0 Do let me know when you are ready to die.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Antikas did not answer. Despite his increasing weari\-\expndtw-3 ness and desperate battle for survival he had been reading \expndtw-1 his opponent's moves, seeking out a weakness. The man \expndtw0 was ambidextrous - as indeed was Antikas - but he favoured the right, and sought to kill with thrusts rather \expndtw-1 than cleaving cuts. Antikas leapt back.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I am ready now,' he said. The Krayakin attacked. Instead of backing away Antikas moved suddenly for\-ward. As he had expected Golbar sent a lightning thrust with his right hand blade. Antikas swayed to the right, his enemy's sword glancing along his ribs. Ignoring the \expndtw-1 pain he slammed the black blade through the Krayakin's \expndtw0 chest, spearing the heart. Golbar's dark eyes widened in pain and shock, his swords falling from his hands. Without a word he fell back to the stone of the bridge.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li202\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas moved forward to face the remaining three.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Who gets to strip next?' he asked.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No-one,' came the response. 'Golbar always had a taste for the dramatic.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Hefting their swords they came at him together. Antikas watched them, determined to take at least one \expndtw-3 more with him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li24\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 The moon was shining now over the mountains, and a cool breeze was whispering over the bridge. It would be \expndtw0 so easy to sprint back to his horse and ride from here,\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri43\sb197\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 32.9\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li29\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 ready to fight another day. He cast a quick glance at Dagorian. The young officer was sitting very still, his \expndtw-3 hands locked over the terrible wound in his belly. He had \expndtw-2 a sudden desire to tell him why he had chosen to fight on this bridge, to speak of redemption, and the loss of Kara. \expndtw-3 But there was no time.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li24\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The Krayakin were picking their way through the \expndtw-1 debris. Antikas tensed, ready to attack them.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 A colossal, white form burst from the undergrowth, \expndtw-2 smashing aside trees as it came. It thundered towards the \expndtw0 bridge, letting forth a terrifying screech. Antikas stared disbelievingly at the monstrous form, with its huge, wedge-shaped head and gaping jaws. It was moving at great speed. Blood was streaming from a wound high in the beast's shoulder, and Antikas could see a broken \expndtw-3 lance jutting there.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi125\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The three Krayakin swung round as the beast bore down upon them. There was nowhere to run, save to hurl themselves into the river. They stood their ground, dwarfed by the monstrosity looming over them. One \expndtw-1 Krayakin tried to attack, but a sweep from a taloned arm \expndtw-2 tore his head from his shoulders. The wedge-head lunged down, fastening to the shoulder of a second warrior, lift\-ing him high. The Krayakin plunged his sword deep into \expndtw0 the beast's neck. The beast's head flicked and the warrior sailed out over the river, splashing down into the torrent and disappearing below the waves. The third Krayakin had run in and lanced his sword deep into the fish-white belly of the beast, ripping a great wound, from which gushed a prodigious amount of blood. Talons ripped into the knight, smashing through his armour. He was hurled back against the stone supports of the bridge, his sword wrenched from his hand. The beast's head lunged at him. He tried to avoid\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 330\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 it, but the terrible teeth caught him in the midsection, \expndtw-1 ripping him apart.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 The monster reared up and the stone work trembled as \expndtw0 it let out a howl of pain. The wound in its belly ripped \expndtw-1 further open, spilling its entrails to the bridge. Twisting \expndtw-3 its head it saw Antikas standing alone at the centre of the \expndtw0 bridge. It made two faltering steps towards him, then stumbled sideways. The side bridge supports crumbled \expndtw-1 under its weight and it toppled into the rushing river.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas moved to the edge, staring down. The body \expndtw-4 was moving slowly out of sight, towards the distant falls.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\fs21 Remembering Kalizkan's warning about the near mirac\-\expndtw-2 ulous healing powers of the Krayakin Antikas ran to the \expndtw0 first body and heaved both sections into the river. He \expndtw-2 paused at the second, and stared down at the decapitated head. The helm visor was still closed. Antikas flipped it \expndtw0 open and found himself staring into glowing eyes, that were alive and full of hatred. The mouth moved, but without vocal chords no sound issued forth. Antikas picked up the head and tossed it into the water, then \expndtw-1 rolled the body after it. Lastly he moved to the armour-\expndtw-2 less body of Golbar. This too he fed to the river.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Returning to Dagorian he slumped down beside the \expndtw-2 dying officer. 'How do you feel?' he asked.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'There is no pain, but I can no longer move my legs. I am dying, Antikas.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Yes, you are. But we won, Drenai.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Perhaps. Then again, perhaps we merely delayed the inevitable. There are four more Krayakin, and the \expndtw-1 Ventrian army has closed off the road to the sea.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li24\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Let tomorrow take care of itself, Dagorian. You fought well, and bravely. It was an honour to stand \expndtw-1 beside you. I do not know much about your religion. Is there a Hall of Heroes contained in it?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-16\fs21 331\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-245\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li24\ri24\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Then you should convert to mine, my friend. In it you \expndtw-3 will find a palace full of young virgins ready to obey your \expndtw0 every whim. There will be wine and song and endless \expndtw-3 sunshine.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-245\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It\expndtw25 ...\expndtw0  sounds . .. very fine,' whispered Dagorian.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri19\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I will say a prayer for your spirit, Drenai, and that prayer will shine above you like a lantern. Follow it to the palace that awaits me. I will see you there.' Antikas reached across and closed the dead eyes. Then he \expndtw-2 scabbarded the Storm Swords and walked slowly back to \expndtw0 the horses. The cut on his ribs was stinging now as the blood clotted over it. He stepped into the saddle and \expndtw-2 gazed back along the bridge.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li14\ri14\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Then he fulfilled his promise and sent a prayer-light to \expndtw-2 shine for Dagorian.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-245\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Swinging the horses he rode after the others.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri10\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The cave was deep, and curved like a horn. The biting wind could not reach them here and the group huddled around two fires. Nogusta stood apart from the others, heavy of heart. He had not lied to Dagorian. He had not \i seen \i0 him die. Yet he had known that the young man \expndtw-1 would not survive the encounter on the bridge, for in the \expndtw0 vivid flashes of the future which had come to him there \expndtw-2 had been no sign of the officer.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li48\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kebra moved from the fire and stood beside him. 'How long before we come down from this mountain?' \expndtw-6 he asked.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li245\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Some time late tomorrow.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li58\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I have fed the last of the grain to the horses, but they need rest, Nogusta, and good grass and water.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li72\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta unrolled the parchment map, and held it up \expndtw-1 so that they could both see it in the firelight. 'Tomorrow\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 33Z\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 we will reach the highest point. It will be bitterly cold and the road will be ice covered and treacherous. After that we begin the long descent to the five valleys and \expndtw-7 Lem.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'The fires will not last the night,' said Kebra, 'and it will be below freezing in here without them.' They had \expndtw-2 gathered wood in the last valley, and Bison had also tied \expndtw-4 several bundles of dried timber from the smashed wagon. \expndtw-1 It was these which were burning now.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Then we will be cold,' said Nogusta. Though not as \expndtw-1 cold as Dagorian.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'You think we should have stayed?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Nogusta shook his head. 'The other Krayakin are close \expndtw-6 by.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'What have you seen?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Too much,' said Nogusta, sadly. The Gift is more of a curse than ever. I see, but I cannot change what I see. Dagorian asked me if he was to die. I did not tell him. I \expndtw-1 think he knew nonetheless. He was a good man, Kebra, \expndtw0 a man who should have lived to build, to sire children and teach them the virtues of honesty, courage and honour. He should not be lying dead on a forgotten \expndtw-4 bridge.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'We will not forget him,' said the silver-haired bow\-\expndtw-6 man.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No, we will not. And what does that count for? We \expndtw-2 are old men, you and I. Our time is passing. And when I \expndtw-1 look back over my life I wonder whether it has been for \expndtw-2 good or ill. I have fought for most of my life. I defended \expndtw0 the Drenai cause, even though most of my comrades \expndtw-3 either feared me or loathed me for the colour of my skin. \expndtw-1 Then I took part in the invasion of Ventria, and saw the \expndtw0 destruction of an ancient empire. All for the vanity of one arrogant man. What will I say to the Keeper of the\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\sb197\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 333\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li34\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Book when I stand before him? What excuses shall I \expndtw-4 offer for my life?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kebra looked closely at his friend, and he thought \expndtw-1 carefully before speaking. 'This is probably not the time \expndtw0 to consider it,' he said, at last. 'Despair touches you, and \expndtw-2 there is no comfort to be found in melancholy. You have in your life rescued many, and risked yourself for others. \expndtw0 You do so now. Such deeds will also be recorded. I am not a philosopher, Nogusta, but there are things I know. If your Gift sees us fail, and the child is destined to fall into the hands of evil, no matter what we do, will you ride then away and leave him to his fate? No you will not. Even if death and defeat are inevitable. No more will I. No-one can ask more of us than that.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta smiled. He would have reached out and embraced the man, save that Kebra was not tactile, \expndtw-1 and disliked being touched. 'My father once told me that \expndtw0 if a man could count true friends on the fingers of one hand then he was blessed beyond riches. I have been \expndtw-4 blessed, Kebra.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I too. Now get a little rest. I will keep watch for a \expndtw-6 while.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Listen for a single horse, for Antikas Karios will be \expndtw-1 trying to find us.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li29\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I have to say that I do not like the man,' admitted Kebra. 'His arrogance sticks in my throat.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta smiled again. 'Reminds you of us some \expndtw-1 twenty years ago, doesn't he?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi163\li38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kebra nodded and walked to the mouth of the cave. \expndtw-1 Sitting back from the wind he looked out over the peaks \expndtw0 and shivered. They were thousands of feet above the valley floor, and the clouds looked close enough to touch. Drawing his cloak about him he leaned back against the wall. Dagorian's death had saddened him\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb187\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 334\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 also. He had liked the young man. His fear had been \expndtw-3 great, his courage greater still. He would have raised fine \expndtw-2 sons, thought Kebra.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 The rocks were cold and he lifted his hood into place. \expndtw0 Fine sons. The thought saddened him. What kind of a \expndtw-2 father would I have been, he wondered? He would never \expndtw0 know. And, unlike Bison or Nogusta, there was no \expndtw-2 chance that he had sired children with any of the whores he had encountered through thirty years of campaigning, \expndtw0 for he had never coupled with any of them. He had, of course, visited the brothels with both his comrades, but upon reaching the quiet of the bedroom he had merely \expndtw-1 paid the girls to sit and talk with him. To make love one had to touch, and Kebra could not even bear the thought \expndtw-2 of it. Flesh upon flesh? He shuddered.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 From out of the past the memory came. It caught him \expndtw0 unawares, for he had long ago buried it beyond the reaches of his imagination. The dark walls of the barn, the huge hairy hands of his father, the pain and the \expndtw-1 terror, and the threats of death if ever he spoke of it. He \expndtw-2 blinked and focused his gaze on the mountain peaks.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Conalin crept up to sit alongside him, a blanket \expndtw-1 wrapped tight around his thin shoulders. 'I brought your \expndtw0 bow and arrows,' said the boy.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Thank you - but I don't think we'll need them tonight.' He glanced down at the boy, seeing the fear in \expndtw-8 his eyes.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Antikas Karios and Dagorian held the bridge. Antikas \expndtw-2 will be coming soon.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'How do you know?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Nogusta had a vision. His visions are always true.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri43\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'You said Antikas will be coming. What about \expndtw-2 Dagorian?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 There was no other way to say it. 'He died for us,' said\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb202\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-14\fs21 335\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li29\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kebra. 'He fought like a man, and he died like a man.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I don't want to die,' said Conalin, miserably.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'But you will, one day,' observed Kebra. He chuckled suddenly. 'I had an old uncle, and he used to say, "Only one thing in life is certain, son, you won't get out of it \expndtw-2 alive." He lived every day to the full. He was a man who \expndtw-1 loved life. He was a soldier for a while, then a merchant, \expndtw0 and lastly a farmer. He never did anything brilliantly, but he always gave it his best. I liked him - and he once \expndtw-2 did me a great service.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What did he do?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'He killed my father.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Conalin was shocked. 'And that was a service?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Indeed it was. Sadly he killed him too late, but that was not his fault.' He fell silent for a moment. Conalin wanted to ask him other questions, but he saw the sad\-ness in the old man's eyes. Then Kebra spoke again. 'What would you like to be, Conalin?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li202\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Married to Pharis,' answered the boy, instantly.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Yes, I know that. But what career do you desire?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Conalin thought about it. 'Something to do with horses. \expndtw0 That's what I'd really like.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'A good occupation. Nogusta has similar plans. Once his family were renowned for their horses. But his wife \expndtw-1 and all of his kin were murdered, the great house burned \expndtw0 to the ground, the stables destroyed. The herd escaped into the mountains. Nogusta has a dream of returning to the family estate and rebuilding it. He says that deep in the mountains there are many valleys, and that the herd will have grown now. He plans to find them.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Conalin's eyes were shining now. 'I'd like to do that. Would he let me, do you think?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You would have to ask him.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Could you not ask him for me?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li29\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 336\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I could,' agreed Kebra, 'but that is not the way it should be. A strong man makes his own way in the \expndtw-1 world. He does not ask others to do that which he fears \expndtw-5 himself.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Conalin moved out of the wind. He was a little too \expndtw-3 close to Kebra now, and the bowman felt uncomfortable. 'I will ask him,' said the boy. 'Will you be there with us?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I might be - if the Source wills it.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 The boy's excited expression suddenly faded. 'What is wrong?' asked Kebra.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What is the point of talking about horses? We are \expndtw-1 going to die here.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'We've made it this far,' Kebra pointed out. 'And I have yet to see the enemy who could defeat Nogusta. \expndtw-2 And as for Bison . . . well, he is the strongest man I ever \expndtw0 knew, and he has more heart than any ten demons. No, Conalin, do not dismiss them so lightly. They may be old, but they are canny.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What about you?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Me? I am quite simply the finest archer ever to walk \expndtw-1 the earth. I could hit a fly's testicles from thirty paces.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Do flies have testicles?' asked Conalin.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Not when I'm close by,' answered Kebra, with a \expndtw-12 smile.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri19\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas Karios reached the cave just before midnight. His beard was caked with ice, as was his horse's mane, \expndtw-2 and both he and his mount were mortally weary. For the \expndtw-5 last 2 miles he had been swaying in the saddle, and fight\-\expndtw-1 ing to stay awake.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Kebra stepped out into the biting wind, taking hold of \expndtw-1 the horse's bridle and leading him into the cave. It took \expndtw0 Antikas two attempts before he could summon the \expndtw-2 energy to dismount. Nogusta approached him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\sb197\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-12\fs21 337\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Sit by the fire and warm yourself,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Horse first,' muttered Antikas. From the back of his saddle he untied a thick bundle of wood and handed it \expndtw-1 to Nogusta. 'I thought the fuel might be running low,' he \expndtw-2 said. Dragging off his gauntlets Antikas rubbed life back \expndtw-1 into his cold fingers, then began to unsaddle the chestnut \expndtw-2 gelding. His movements were stiff and slow.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Let me help you,' said Kebra, lifting the saddle clear and laying it over a rock. Antikas did not thank him, but moved to the saddlebags. His cold, swollen fingers fumbled at the buckles, but, at last he opened them, taking out a body brush and a cloth. Returning to the horse he rubbed the animal dry then, with deep circular strokes, brushed him. Conalin watched with interest. He had seen Kebra and Nogusta do the same some hours \expndtw-1 before, when they had first arrived at the cave. 'Why is it \expndtw0 so important for the horse to have a brushed coat?' he whispered to the bowman.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Grooming is not just about the coat,' answered Kebra. 'That horse is cold and tired. The brush helps to improve \expndtw0 the circulation of blood, and tones the muscles.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas stepped back from the horse, cleaned the brush and returned it to his saddlebag. Then he removed his crimson cloak and laid it over the gelding's back. It was then that the others saw the dried blood on his torn, satin shirt. Ulmenetha rose from the first of the fires and bade Antikas to remove his shirt. He did so with great \expndtw-2 difficulty. Satin fibres had stuck to his wounds, and as he \expndtw0 pulled the shirt clear the small cuts in his chest and the long, jagged slice along his ribs began to bleed once \expndtw-1 more. Sitting him down by the fire Ulmenetha examined \expndtw-2 the wounds. The smaller cuts she could heal immediately \expndtw0 without stitches, but the wound caused by Golbar's last thrust first needed more traditional treatment. Nogusta\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\fs21 338\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 handed Antikas a cup of broth, which he accepted grate\-\expndtw0 fully. As Ulmenetha prepared her needle and thread Antikas stared around the firelit cave. The ape, Bison, \expndtw-5 was asleep by the far wall. Alongside him, huddled close \expndtw-2 for warmth was a young girl and a child. Beyond them \expndtw-1 the queen was sitting in the shadows, holding her babe \expndtw-4 close to her breast. Antikas saw that the child was feed\-\expndtw-5 ing, and looked away guiltily.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Stand up,' ordered Ulmenetha. Antikas did so. The priestess came to her knees, and began to stitch the \expndtw-5 wound, beginning first at the centre, drawing the flaps of \expndtw0 skin together. Antikas looked across at Nogusta, and \expndtw-7 their eyes met.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'He died well,' said Antikas.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I know.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Good, for I am too tired to discuss it further.' He \expndtw-2 winced as Ulmenetha drew tight the centre stitch. 'You \expndtw-3 are not knitting a rug, woman,' he snapped.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I'll wager you did not whine so when the Krayakin faced you,' she responded. Antikas grinned, but said \expndtw-3 nothing. Three more stitches were inserted, then \expndtw0 Ulmenetha laid a slender hand over the wound, and \expndtw-3 began to chant in a low voice. Antikas glanced down at \expndtw-2 the priestess, then gave a questioning look to Nogusta. \expndtw0 The black man had turned away and was untying the \expndtw-6 bundle of wood.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Antikas felt a tingling sensation begin in the wound, \expndtw-5 heat flaring from it. It was mildly uncomfortable, but not \expndtw-2 at all painful. After some minutes Ulmenetha removed \expndtw-1 her hand, then, with a small knife, cut the stitches and \expndtw-5 pulled them clear. Antikas touched the cut. It was almost healed. More than this he felt curiously rejuvenated, as if \expndtw-4 he had slept for several hours.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'You are very talented, lady,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\sb192\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 339\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\fs21 'You should see me knitting a rug,' she answered, rising \expndtw-9 to stand before him. She repeated the Healing Prayer on the \expndtw-2 smaller chest wounds, then reached up to pull clear the \expndtw0 blood-stained satin strip around his brow. 'Bend your \expndtw-7 head,' she ordered him. Antikas obeyed.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 As she healed the cut she spoke again. 'You are a lucky \expndtw-3 man, Antikas. Had the blow been two inches lower you \expndtw-4 would have lost an eye.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 'Strangely, the more I practise the luckier I get,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Ulmenetha stepped back from him, and appraised her \expndtw-4 work. Satisfied she moved back to the fire and sat down. \expndtw-1 'Had you remained at the bridge you might have saved \expndtw-3 Dagorian,' he said. Ulmenetha shook her head.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'His internal injuries were far beyond my powers.' So \expndtw-1 saying she turned away from him. Kebra handed him a clean, folded tunic of off-white wool. Antikas thanked \expndtw-4 him. Lifting it to his nose he smiled. 'Scented rosewood,' \expndtw0 he said. 'How civilized. You are a man after my own \expndtw-2 heart.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Probably not,' said Kebra.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Antikas slipped on the shirt. The arms were too long, \expndtw0 and he folded back the cuffs. 'Well, Nogusta,' he said, \expndtw-2 'what now? What do your visions tell you?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'We go to the ghost city,' answered Nogusta. 'That is \expndtw-5 all I can say. I do not yet know the outcome of this quest. \expndtw-4 But all questions will be answered in Lem.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 The child sleeping beside Bison suddenly cried out and \expndtw0 sat up. The girl beside her awoke, and took her in her arms. 'What is wrong, Sufia?' she asked, stroking the \expndtw-3 child's blond hair.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'I had a dream. Demons in my dream. They were eat\-\expndtw-6 ing me up.' The child began to cry. Then she saw Antikas, \expndtw-5 and her eyes widened.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 'Hello,' said Antikas, giving her his best smile. Sufia let\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li34\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-10\fs21 340\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 out a wail and buried her head in Pharis's chest. 'I've \expndtw-7 always had a way with children,' said Antikas, drily.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\fs21 The noise awoke Bison, who gave a great yawn, then belched loudly. He too saw Antikas, and looked around \expndtw0 for Dagorian. Rising he scratched at his groin then \expndtw-4 moved to the fire, where he belched again. 'Killed 'em \expndtw-7 all, did you?' he asked Antikas.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 'One of them. A huge beast came from the forest and \expndtw-7 slaughtered the others.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li197\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\fs21 Fear showed in Bison's face. 'Is it still alive?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li202\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'No. It fell into the river and drowned.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-8\fs21 'Well, that's a relief,' said Bison. 'Almost makes up for \expndtw-7 the fact that you survived. Where is the lad, Dagorian?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 'He died.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Bison absorbed the information without comment, \expndtw-6 then swung to Kebra. 'Is there any broth left?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'No, Antikas ate the last of it.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 'What about the biscuits?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'A few left,' said Kebra. 'But we are saving them for \expndtw-2 the morning. The children can have them for break\-\expndtw-7 fast.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-10\fs21 Antikas removed his sword belt, and laid it beside him. \expndtw-2 There are four more Krayakin,' he said. 'Believe me, \expndtw-4 Nogusta, that is four too many. I fought one. He had a sense of honour, and removed his armour to fight me. \expndtw-2 He was faster than any man I have ever known. I am \expndtw-7 not sure I could defeat another, and I certainly could not defeat more than one.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\fs21 'What then do you suggest?' asked Nogusta.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li24\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I have no suggestions. What I am saying is that I \expndtw-2 treated them too lightly. I thought of them merely as \expndtw-5 men, and there is no man more skilled than I. But they \expndtw-3 are not men. Their reflexes are astonishing, and their \expndtw-9 strength prodigious.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb197\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 34i\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri14\sl-254\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'And yet we must face them,' said Nogusta. 'We have \expndtw-1 no choice.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Whatever you say,' said Antikas. He stretched out beside the fire, then glanced up at Bison. 'We could always send him against them,' he said. 'His body odour would fell an ox.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri10\sl-254\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Bison glared at him. 'I'm beginning to \i really \i0 dislike you, little man,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Breakfast was a sorry affair, with the last of the oatcake biscuits being shared by Sufia, Pharis and Conalin. Pharis offered hers to the queen, but Axiana smiled and shook her head. Bison grumbled about starvation as he \expndtw-1 saddled the horses.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 As she finished her food little Sufia climbed onto Ulmenetha's lap. 'Did you sleep well, in the end, little \expndtw-1 one?' asked the priestess.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Yes. I didn't dream no more. It's very cold,' she added, \expndtw0 snuggling close. The last of the wood had long burnt \expndtw-1 away, and the temperature in the cave was dropping fast.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'We are going down into the valleys today,' Ulmenetha \expndtw0 told her. 'It will be much warmer there.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I'm still hungry.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'We are all hungry.' Sufia gave a nervous glance across \expndtw0 at Antikas. 'He looks like a demon,' she said. Antikas heard her and gave her a grin. She scowled at him from \expndtw-1 the perceived safety of Ulmenetha's lap.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I am not a demon,' said Antikas. 'I am earth born, as you are.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What does that mean?' Sufia asked the priestess.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It means that we come from the earth, whereas demons are born of the wind. We are solid. We can touch things. Demons are like the wind. They can blow against us, but they cannot live and breathe as we do.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li38\sb173\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 342.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Pharis came and sat alongside them. 'If that is true, \expndtw-2 how can the Krayakin fight us? Are they not solid?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'There is an old story,' said Antikas, 'that my father \expndtw-3 used to tell. It is part of Ventrian history and myth. Once \expndtw0 there were two Windborn gods, great and powerful. \expndtw-1 They floated above the earth, and watched the deer and \expndtw0 the lion, the eagle and the lamb. They were envious of \expndtw-1 them, and their ability to walk the land. These gods had many Windborn subjects, and they too looked upon the \expndtw-2 earth with jealousy. One day the two gods - who did not like one another . . .'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Why didn't they like one another?' asked Sufia.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li202\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'That's not important. Anyway . . .'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I think it is important,' said Pharis. 'Why would gods \expndtw-2 not like one another?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Antikas suppressed his irritation. 'Very well, let us say \expndtw-2 that one of the gods was evil, the other good. One was a \expndtw-1 lord of chaos and destruction, while the other loved the \expndtw0 light, and delighted to see things grow. They were like \expndtw-2 night and day.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'All right,' said Pharis. 'I can understand that. Go on.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Thank you. One day these gods decided to use their \expndtw-3 great power to cast a spell that would allow their people, \expndtw-1 the Illohir, to take on fleshly forms. These spirit beings \expndtw-4 floated down to the earth, and wherever they landed they \expndtw0 drew matter to themselves, creating bodies that could \expndtw-1 walk upon the earth.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'How did they do that?' asked Sufia.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I don't know how they did it,' snapped Antikas.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I do,' said Ulmenetha. 'All matter is made up of tiny \expndtw-2 molecules - so tiny that the human eye cannot see them. \expndtw-5 They literally drew these molecules to them, like so many \expndtw-2 bricks and built their bodies.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'There,' said Antikas to Sufia. 'Does that satisfy you?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb197\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 343\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The child looked mystified. Axiana, who had been listening to the tale, walked across to them, the babe asleep in her arms. Antikas rose and bowed to her. She responded with a smile. 'I too heard this story,' she said, \expndtw-1 softly. There is great beauty in it. Some of the Windborn \expndtw0 landed in forests, and drew their strength from the trees. They became Dryads, protectors of woodland, their souls entwined with the trees they loved. Others came down in the mountains, building their forms from the rocks and stones. These were the High Trolls. Some \expndtw-3 groups emerged near living creatures, like wolves. \expndtw0 Because they drew particles from everything around them they became Shape-Shifters, manlike during the day, but becoming wolves at night. All over the world the Illohir took on different forms, and rejoiced in their \expndtw-1 new-found freedom.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Did any become birds?' asked Sufia.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I expect that they did,' said Axiana.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'That means Bison is a demon,' said Sufia, 'because he \expndtw0 once had big white wings and flew over mountains.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Must have been \i really \i0 big wings,' said Antikas.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Conalin joined them. 'If they were all so happy why did they start a war with people?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha answered him. 'They weren't \i all \i0 happy. Some of the Windborn had landed in places that were . . . unclean. Battlefields, graveyards, scenes of violence or terror. What they drew into themselves was dark and fearsome. These became the Hollow Tooths, who suck blood from sleepers. Or the Krayakin, who live for war and slaughter.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'A\lang2057 n\lang1033 d these were the ones who started the war?' per\-\expndtw-2 sisted Conalin.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas took up the story again. 'Yes. The real prob\-lem was in the nature of the spell which brought the\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li43\sb187\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 344\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Windborn to the earth. They were . . . are . . . creatures of spirit, and though they could build their bodies with magick, they could not hold them together for long. They could not feed as we do, and, as the years passed, some of the Illohir began to wither away, and return to \expndtw-1 the air. Those that remained needed to find a new source \expndtw0 of nourishment. \i We \i0 were that nourishment. The Illohir began to feed on human emotions. The Dryads, the fauns, and other creatures of the forest found they could \expndtw-2 draw energy from human happiness and joy. That is why \expndtw0 there are so many stories of wild celebration involving fauns and humans. Fauns were said to have invented wine, to further enhance human joy. But the darker demons fed on terror and dismay - as you saw back in Usa. It was said that the fear and pain inspired in a human tortured to death could feed a demon for years. \expndtw-1 And because they had magick - which gave them domi\-\expndtw0 nation over us - they treated us like cattle, as a food \expndtw-1 source. Mankind suffered through many centuries \expndtw0 under their rule, until at last three human kings rebelled against them. The war was long and terrible, the battles \expndtw-4 many.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sb5\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'How did we win?' asked Conalin.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'No-one really knows,' Antikas told him, 'for it was so \expndtw0 long ago, and there are so many legends. However, \expndtw-1 Kalizkan told me that Emsharas the Sorcerer - himself a \expndtw0 demon - betrayed his own people and cast a great spell that banished all his brethren from the earth. He made them Windborn again, and locked them away in a great \expndtw-6 void.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'And now they are coming back,' said Conalin.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta stepped forward. 'It is time to ride,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li48\sb259\cf1\lang1033\fs21 For the first hour they rode in single file along the\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb206\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-10\fs21 345\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 narrowing ridge road, Nogusta leading, followed by \expndtw-3 Kebra and Conalin. Ulmenetha was walking, and hold\-\expndtw-2 ing to the bridle of the queen's mount. Behind her came \expndtw0 Bison, also walking, and leading the horse ridden by \expndtw-4 Pharis and Sufia. Antikas Karios rode at the rear, leading \expndtw0 the two spare horses. The wind was cold, hissing over \expndtw-3 jagged rocks, whipping snow into their faces.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 By noon they had reached the highest point and Nogusta drew rein, scanning the road ahead. It dipped gently, curving round a mountain towards an area of \expndtw-3 high timber several hundred feet below them. From here \expndtw-2 Nogusta could see a waterfall and a river emptying into \expndtw-3 a wide lake. Ducking his head against the wind he urged \expndtw-2 Starfire on. The road widened, and Antikas Karios rode \expndtw-4 past the others, drawing rein alongside the black \expndtw-3 warrior.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'We need to rest the horses,' shouted Antikas. Nogusta \expndtw-1 nodded and pointed to the distant falls.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Til scout the area,' said Antikas, and rode on ahead.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 There were patches of ice on the road, and the queen's \expndtw0 horse slipped. Axiana lurched in the saddle, and found herself staring down into a deep abyss. Grabbing the \expndtw-2 saddle pommel with her free hand she righted herself in \expndtw-4 the saddle. The sudden jerk woke the babe. But, safe and \expndtw-2 warm in his blanket, he went straight back to sleep.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kebra spotted movement in the trees below. Several small deer moved out of the trees. Taking his bow he \expndtw-2 also rode alongside Nogusta. Til see you at the falls,' he said, and followed Antikas Karios down the mountain.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 They journeyed on for another hour before reaching \expndtw-6 the falls. It was still cold here, for they were several thou\-\expndtw0 sand feet above the valley floor, but the thick stand of trees dispersed the wind, and there was enough dead wood to light a good fire. Kebra returned with a deer,\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li38\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\fs21 346\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 which he had already skinned and quartered, and soon \expndtw-1 the smell of roasting meat filled the air.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Nogusta ate swiftly, then walked away from the group \expndtw0 to stand at the edge of the falls. Antikas Karios joined him there. 'I see you ride the king's horse,' he said. 'I thought it was dying.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li202\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It had a lung infection caused by poor stabling.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 'It was a fine beast once,' said Antikas. 'But it is old now.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Old it may be, Antikas, but it will outrun any horse among the Ventrian cavalry, and it would ride through the fires of Hell for a rider it trusted.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Trusted? It is just a horse, black man. No more, no \expndtw-1 less. A beast of burden.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta did not reply. 'I think it is time to tell me what you have seen,' said the Ventrian.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li14\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta swung back towards him. 'You want to \expndtw-1 know if you live or die?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No. Time will tell about that. But you are carrying a \expndtw-3 great weight. I can tell. It might be better if you shared it.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta thought about it for a moment. 'My Gift,' he \expndtw-1 said, at last, 'is not precise. If it were I would have saved \expndtw0 my family from massacre. What I see are sudden, vivid \expndtw-3 scenes. You remember the king's birthday celebrations? I \expndtw0 was talking to Dagorian. I saw him fighting you in the final of the sabres. I could not see if he was winning or \expndtw-2 losing. The vision lasted a heartbeat only. But then I saw \expndtw0 him beside you again, on a bridge. He was sitting against the wall, badly wounded. I had no way of knowing where that bridge was, or when in the future the event would take place. All I knew was that Dagorian would probably die alongside you. Indeed, you may have been the one to cause the wound.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li43\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I understand,' said Antikas. 'So now tell me what else \expndtw-5 you have seen.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb197\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 347\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 For a moment Nogusta did not speak, and stood staring out over the lake. 'I have seen the death of a friend,' he said, at last, dropping his voice. 'And the \expndtw-1 question that haunts me is this, can I change his destiny? \expndtw0 Could I have prevented Dagorian from standing on that bridge with you? And if I had would you have won \expndtw-4 alone?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Probably not. Dagorian took out three soldiers. Ten would have been too many - even for me.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'That is what I thought,' said Nogusta. 'Which could mean that, although I could change the future and save my friend, by doing so I might bring about the return of the demons.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Alternatively, by changing the future you might bring \expndtw0 about the opposite,' Antikas pointed out. 'Have you ever tried to alter events, based on your visions?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta nodded. 'I saw a wagon crushing a child to death outside an inn. I knew the inn, and I could tell the event was to happen just before dusk. I went to the area, \expndtw-3 seeking out the child. I waited at the inn. She came on the \expndtw0 second day, and I spoke with her. I told her to beware of running out in front of wagons. I went every day for a \expndtw-1 week, and we talked often. Then, one afternoon, she was \expndtw0 running towards me when I saw a wagon turn the corner. I shouted to her, and she stopped running. The wagon missed her.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Then you can alter the future for the good,' said \expndtw-5 Antikas.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta shook his head. 'No. I thought I had ac\-complished the task. The following day she was struck by another wagon and killed. But that was not the worst of it. She was running to meet \i me, \i0 because she enjoyed our conversations. Had I not sought her out she might never have been outside the inn at all.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\fs21 348\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'It is all very complicated,' said Antikas. 'I am glad that \expndtw-4 I do not have visions. I do have one observation, however. \expndtw0 The Demon Lord needs to sacrifice the babe in order to bring about the end of the Spell. If the child were to die \expndtw-3 before the sacrifice the Spell would be thwarted.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li197\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'That has occurred to me,' admitted Nogusta.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'And what conclusion did you reach?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Whatever destiny holds in store for me it will not be as a killer of children. What the Demon Lord plans is \expndtw-1 evil. I do not believe that the way to fight great evil is to commit a lesser one. My role now is to protect the child. That I will do.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You are very rigid in your thinking,' Antikas pointed out. 'Kill one babe to save the world? It seems a small \expndtw-1 price to pay.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It is not a question of scale,' said Nogusta. 'If it were \expndtw-1 then ten thousand babes would be a small price for such \expndtw0 a great reward. It is a question of right and wrong. That \expndtw-2 child may prove to be one of the greatest men ever born, \expndtw0 a peacemaker and a builder, a prophet or a philosopher. Who can say what wonders he may bring about?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas chuckled. 'More likely he will be another \expndtw-1 Skanda, full of vanity and arrogance.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Is that your advice then, Antikas Karios, to kill the \expndtw-7 child?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Answer me this first,' responded the Ventrian. 'If your \expndtw0 vision told you that the babe was certain to fall into the \expndtw-1 clutches of the Demon Lord, would you reconsider?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'No. I will defend it to the last drop of my blood. Now \expndtw-2 answer my question.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li29\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I am no longer a general, Nogusta. I am merely a \expndtw-4 man. You are in command here. As long as you live I will \expndtw-1 follow your orders, and I too will defend the child to the \expndtw-5 last.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb197\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 349\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li240\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'And if I do not live, and you survive me?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I will do whatever I think is right by my own prin\-\expndtw-2 ciples. Does that satisfy you?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Of course.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas smiled and began to turn away. Then he stopped. 'You are a romantic, Nogusta, and an idealist. \expndtw-1 I have often wondered how men like you find happiness \expndtw0 in such a corrupt and selfish world.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Perhaps one day you will find out,' Nogusta told him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas returned to the camp. Conalin was rubbing down the horses, while Bison sat by the fire eating roast meat, the juices running down his chin and staining his \expndtw-2 already filthy tunic. Antikas moved to where Axiana was \expndtw0 sitting with Ulmenetha and the young girl, Pharis. The priestess was holding the sleeping babe, and the queen was daintily picking at her food.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'A far cry from palace banquets,' observed Antikas, making a deep bow.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'And yet very welcome, sir,' she told him. Axiana's \expndtw-1 dark eyes met his gaze. 'We thank you for coming to our \expndtw-2 assistance.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li202\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'My pleasure, highness.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 As Antikas moved away Ulmenetha leaned in to the queen. 'Do you trust him, child?' she asked.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'He is a Ventrian noble,' she replied, as if that answered the question. Reaching out she took back her son, and held him close to her, carefully supporting his head. His tiny hand flapped out from the blanket. 'Look at his finger nails,' she said, 'how small and perfect they \expndtw-1 are. So tiny. So beautiful.' She gazed down into his face. \expndtw0 'How could anyone wish to hurt him?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha gave no answer. Stretching out upon the cold ground she released her spirit and flew high above \expndtw-3 the trees. The fierce winds were merely a sound here, and\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li34\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 350\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 they shrieked around her, as if angry that they could not buffet her spirit. Like a shaft of light she sped south, \expndtw-1 searching the land for sign of the Krayakin.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Her spirit soared over woodland and valleys, over tiny \expndtw-1 settlements and farms. Nowhere could she find evidence \expndtw0 of the black-armoured riders. She moved north, back over the canyon and along the Great River. The army of \expndtw-2 Ventria was marching here, in columns of threes, cavalry \expndtw0 riding on the flanks. Ulmenetha drew away from them, afraid that the Demon Lord would sense her spirit.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Back over the canyon she flew, until, far below, she \expndtw-3 saw the camp-site.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Pain struck her like an arrow, claws digging into her spirit flesh. Instantly she produced the fire of \i halignat, \i0 which blazed around her. The claws withdrew, but she could sense a presence close by. Hovering in the air she \expndtw-1 gazed around her, but could see nothing.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li202\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Show yourself,' she commanded.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Just outside the white fire, so close that it shocked her, \expndtw0 a figure materialized. It was that of a man, with ghost-\expndtw-2 white hair, and a pale face. His eyes were blue and large, \expndtw0 his mouth thin lipped and cruel. 'What do you want of \expndtw-3 me?' she asked him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Nothing,' he told her. 'I want only the child.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You cannot have him.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li14\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He smiled then. 'Six of my brothers have returned to the great void. You and your companions have done well, and have acted with great courage. I admire that. I \expndtw-1 always have. But you cannot survive, woman.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'We have survived so far,' she pointed out.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li29\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'By flight. By running into the wilderness. Think about \expndtw0 where you are heading. To a ghost city, whose walls have long since crumbled. A stone shell offering no\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri34\sb197\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-10\fs21 351\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li29\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 sanctuary. And what is behind you? An army who will reach the city by dusk tomorrow. Where then will you \expndtw-2 run?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha could think of no answer. 'You seek to protect a flower in a blizzard,' he said. 'And you are ready to die to do so. But the flower will perish. That is \expndtw-3 its destiny.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'That is \i not \i0 its destiny,' she told him. 'You and your kind have great powers. But they have not prevailed so far. As you say six of your brothers have gone. The rest of you will follow. Nogusta is a great warrior. He will \expndtw-1 kill you.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Ah, yes, the descendant of Emsharas. The last \expndtw0 descendant. An old man, tired and spent. He will defeat the Krayakin and the army of Anharat? I think not.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha remembered the Demon Lord's words as he floated above the wagon. He had looked at Nogusta \expndtw-1 and said, 'Yes, you look like him, the last of his mongrel \expndtw0 line.' Ulmenetha smiled and looked into the eyes of the \expndtw-1 Krayakin. 'Do you not find it strange that the descendant \expndtw0 of Emsharas should be here now, defying you as his ancestor defied you? Does it not cause you concern? Does it not have a feeling of destiny at work?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Yes, it does,' he admitted. 'But it will not alter the \expndtw-1 outcome. He has no magick. He is not a sorcerer. All his \expndtw0 gifts stem from the talisman he wears. It can turn aside spells, but cannot deflect a sword blade.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Your evil will not conquer,' she said.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He seemed genuinely surprised. 'Evil? Why is it you humans always speak of evil as something that exists \expndtw-2 outside of yourselves? Do your cattle think of you as evil \expndtw0 because you devour them? Do the fish of the ocean see you as evil? Such arrogance. You are no different to the cattle, and we are not evil for feeding upon you. You\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li43\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 352.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 wish to hear my view of evil? The actions of Emsharas, \expndtw-3 banishing his people to a soulless hell, void of sound and \expndtw0 smell, of taste and joy. I see our return as no more than \expndtw-4 simple justice.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I will not debate with you, demon,' she told him, and \expndtw-2 yet she did not move away.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Not \i will not, \i0 woman. \i Cannot! \i0 By what right do you deny us a chance at life under the moon and stars?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I do not deny you,' she said. 'But by what right do you seek to kill a child?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Kill? Another interesting concept. Do you believe in \expndtw-4 the soul?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I do.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Then we kill nothing. All we do is end the mortal \expndtw-1 existence of humans. Their souls go on. And since their \expndtw-2 mortal existence is fragile and short-lived anyway, what have we really taken from them?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Your kind are immortal. You can never know the \expndtw-4 value of what you so casually remove from others. Death \expndtw0 is alien to you. Yes, I believe in the soul, but I do not \expndtw-1 know if it is immortal. All I know is the pain you cause \expndtw0 to those who are left behind. The misery and the \expndtw-5 despair.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He smiled again. 'These things you speak of are our \expndtw-3 food source.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'There is no point in this conversation,' she told him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Wait! Do not go yet!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi168\li34\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 In that moment, as she looked into his eyes, Ulmenetha \expndtw0 saw a moment of panic. Why did he want her to stay? \expndtw-7 Could it be she was reaching him, in some indefinable way. \expndtw-5 She relaxed and prepared to talk on. Then, though he tried to hide it, she saw the triumph in his eyes. And she knew! \expndtw0 She was the only one among the group who could use \expndtw-4 magick. His only purpose was to detain her.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb202\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-14\fs21 353\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li38\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Spinning away from him she sped for her body. \expndtw0 It was too late. Three Krayakin burst from the bushes \expndtw-1 and charged into the camp.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Drasko stepped into the clearing, Mandrak to his left, \expndtw-1 Lekor to his right. Their swords were in their hands, and \expndtw0 Drasko felt the long forgotten surging of battle fever in his veins. The bald giant who had killed Nemor ran at him. Drasko spun and plunged his sword through the \expndtw-1 man's ribs, then backhanded him across the face, hurling \expndtw0 the giant to the ground.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 On the far side of the fire a hawk-eyed swordsman leapt to his feet. Drasko saw that he carried two Storm Swords. Beyond him a silver-haired man had rolled to his left, coming up with a bow, and notching an arrow to the string. Opening his hand Drasko tossed a small, black crystal globe across the clearing, then closed his \expndtw-13 eyes.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 The explosion was deafening, and Drasko's eyes, even \expndtw0 through tightly closed lids, were hurt by the blinding light which followed. Opening his eyes he saw that the swordsman had been hurled across the clearing and was lying, stunned, beside a tall pine. The bowman was sprawled some distance from him. The queen had also been caught by the blast, and was lying unconscious by \expndtw-1 the bushes, the babe beside her. A red-headed youngster \expndtw0 came running from the trees, grabbing the hand of a skinny girl and dragging her away. Drasko had no \expndtw-1 interest in them.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He turned towards the queen. At that moment the \expndtw-1 blond-haired woman lying beside her lunged to her feet. \expndtw0 The holy fire of \i halignat \i0 burst around his helm. He \expndtw-2 staggered back. The priestess advanced, holy fire blazing \expndtw0 from her fingers. Instantly all was confusion. A fireball\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li29\sb187\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 354\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 enveloped Mandrak, who fell back into the under\-growth. Then Lekor hurled a knife, that spun through the air, slamming hilt first into the woman's temple. She dropped to her knees, the fire extinguished. The stunned swordsman was stirring, and Drasko turned once more to where the queen lay unconscious.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Flipping open the visor of his helm he looked for the baby. It was nowhere in sight. The shock was immense. The infant could not have vanished. He knew enough of humans to know that newborn babes could not crawl! He glanced around. The giant human had also gone, and \expndtw-2 where he had fallen there was now only a bright red stain \expndtw0 of blood upon the grass.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'The bald one has the child,' he told the others. 'Find him, kill him, and then return here.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li19\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Lekor and Mandrak turned and ran back through the undergrowth, following a grisly trail of blood.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li19\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Drasko moved towards the swordsman. The man was on his knees now, sucking in great gulps of air.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Gather your swords and face me,' said Drasko. 'It is \expndtw-1 long since I killed a Storm Swordsman.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Then face me, demon,' came a voice from behind.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Drasko spun on his heel and saw the black warrior, Nogusta standing by the camp-fire. He too held a Storm Sword. 'Very well, old one,' said Drasko. 'You shall be -as you humans say - the appetizer before the main \expndtw-5 course.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li24\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Behind him Antikas Karios fell once more, then rolled \expndtw-2 to his side, his vision swimming.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi168\li29\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Drasko leapt to meet Nogusta. The black man moved \expndtw-2 in, then swayed away from a wild cut. Their swords met, \expndtw-3 and lightning flared from the blades. The sound of clash\-\expndtw0 ing swords filled the clearing with savagely discordant \expndtw-1 music. As his vision cleared Antikas Karios watched the\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sb202\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\fs21 355\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 warriors circle one another, their blades shimmering in \expndtw-1 the sunlight, lightning leaping up from every exchange. He knew what Nogusta was going through, and, worse, \expndtw-3 he knew the end result.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Drasko knew also that the old man was tiring. Always \expndtw0 a careful fighter he took no chances. The moment a \expndtw-2 swordsman went for the kill, was also the most danger\-\expndtw-1 ous time. If such an attack was mis-timed a fatal riposte \expndtw0 could follow. Therefore Drasko fought on, making no attempt to end the contest, merely waiting for the tiring \expndtw-2 old man to leave an opening.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Nogusta leapt back, then stumbled, his fatigue \expndtw-2 obvious. From the ground Antikas watched him. A slow smile began as he recalled the fight with Cerez. Nogusta \expndtw0 was trying the same tactic. It worked. Drasko suddenly leapt to the attack. Nogusta swayed away from the \expndtw-2 thrust. But not fast enough. The blade slammed home in \expndtw0 his shoulder, smashing the bone, and emerging at the back. Then his own Storm Sword swept across and down, striking Drasko's sword arm at the elbow. The enchanted blade slid through armour, flesh and bone, \expndtw-3 severing the limb in one strike. Drasko screamed in pain. \expndtw0 The severed arm flopped to the ground, and the black \expndtw-3 man stood stock still facing his enemy, the sword jutting from his shoulder.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'Time,' said Nogusta, 'to return from whence you came.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Drawing a dagger with his left hand Drasko lunged. \expndtw-2 But the Storm Sword flashed in a glittering arc behead\-\expndtw-1 ing the warrior cleanly. As the body fell Nogusta \expndtw0 staggered, then fell to his knees beside it. Flipping his sword he held it dagger fashion, plunging it into \expndtw-1 Drasko's heart.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 Antikas Karios came to his feet and stumbled to where \expndtw-1 Nogusta knelt. 'Let me help you,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li43\sb163\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 356\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li197\sl-245\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No. Follow the trail. Bison has the babe.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li187\sl-245\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas began to run through the trees. He had seen\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sl-245\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Bison stabbed. The wound was mortal. And Bison's\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi-182\li187\sl-245\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 sword was still lying where it fell. \expndtw0 Unarmed and dying he was the only hope now for the\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sl-245\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 child.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb250\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Bison stumbled on, his body wracked by spasms of pain. \expndtw0 Sweat dripped into his eyes as he ran. Sufia's arms were around his neck, and she was crying. He couldn't remember picking her up. He did, however, remember \expndtw-1 picking up the baby and staggering into the wood. It was \expndtw0 all so confusing. He glanced down. There was blood on the baby's head. For a moment he was worried. Then he realized that the blood was his, and that the child was unhurt. Relieved he moved on. Why am I running, he thought, suddenly? Why am I hurting? His shoulder struck a tree trunk and he spun and almost fell. \expndtw-1 Regaining his balance he pushed on.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The Krayakin had come. One of them had stabbed him, then struck him on the temple. He had never felt \expndtw-2 such a blow in his life.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The ground was sloping upwards now. He struggled \expndtw-1 to the top of a rise and stood, breathing heavily. Then he \expndtw0 began to cough. He could feel warm liquid in his throat, \expndtw-2 choking him. He spewed it out, then gasped for air. Sufia \expndtw0 pulled back in his arms and stared at him, her blue eyes wide and fearful. 'Your mouth is bleeding,' she cried.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He couldn't remember being hit in the mouth. He coughed again. Blood dribbled to his chin. Dizziness \expndtw-2 swamped him. 'They're coming!' shouted the child. Bison \expndtw-4 swung round.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li38\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Two Krayakin in black armour were walking purpose\-\expndtw0 fully towards him, black swords in their hands. Holding\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb197\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 357\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li29\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 firmly to the babe and the child Bison pushed on. He had \expndtw-3 no idea where he was going. All he knew was that he had \expndtw0 to carry the children to safety.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 But where was safety?\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Emerging from the tree line he saw a towering cliff face, and a narrow ledge winding along the face. \expndtw-2 Blinking sweat from his eyes he struggled on.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Where are we going?' asked Sufia. Bison did not \expndtw-1 answer. He felt weak and disoriented, and his breath was \expndtw0 coming now in short, painful gasps. I've been wounded before, he told himself. I always heal. I'll heal again. Glancing back he saw the Krayakin reach the top of the rise some 70 yards behind him. Where is Nogusta, he wondered. And Kebra.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 They'll be coming! Then I can rest for a while. Nogusta can stitch my wound. Blood was pooling in his boot, and his leggings were drenched. So much blood. He stumbled on. The ledge was narrow here, no more than 3 feet wide. He looked down over the edge. They \expndtw-1 were impossibly high. Below him Bison could see wispy \expndtw0 clouds clinging to the side of the abyss, and through them he could just make out a tiny river flowing through the base of the canyon. 'We are above the clouds,' he told Sufia. 'Look!' But she clung to his shoulder, her head buried against his neck. 'Above the clouds,' he said again. He swayed and almost fell. The \expndtw-2 baby began to cry. Bison focused his mind on movement \expndtw0 and continued along the ledge.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Another coughing spasm shook him, and this time there was a rush of blood, that exploded from his mouth in a crimson spray. Sufia was crying again. Bison stopped moving. The ledge ended here, in a blank, grey wall of rock. Gently he laid the baby on the ledge, then pulled Sufia's arms from around his neck.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li29\sb173\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\fs21 358\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Old Bison needs a rest,' he said. 'You . . . look after \expndtw-2 the baby for me.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li10\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He was on his knees, but couldn't remember falling. \expndtw-1 There's lots of blood,' wailed Sufia.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Look . . . after the baby. There's a good girl.' Bison crawled to the edge and \i gazed \i0 down again. 'Never . . . \expndtw-2 been this high,' he told her.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li202\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'What about when you had wings?' she asked.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Big . . . white . . . wings,' he said. He looked back \expndtw-4 along the ledge. The Krayakin must be close now, but he could not see them yet.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 I don't want to die! The thought was a terrible one, and far too frightening to contemplate. I'm not going to die, he told himself. I'll be fine. A few stitches. The sun was shining, but it was cold here on this exposed face. The cold wind felt good. The wind had been cold back at Mellicane. It was winter then, a hard, harsh winter. The rivers had frozen solid and no-one had \expndtw-1 expected an army to march through the raging \expndtw0 blizzards. But the Drenai had, crossing mountains and lakes of ice. The Ventrian army had been surprised at \expndtw-4 Mellicane. That's where I got my medal, he re\-\expndtw0 membered. The medal he had sold for a night with a \expndtw-3 fat whore.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 She was a good whore, though, he recalled.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 He sat with his back to the cliff, a great wave of weari\-\expndtw-1 ness covering him like a warm blanket. Sleep, that was \expndtw0 what he needed. Healing sleep. When he woke up the wound would be mending. That priestess, she can heal me. A few days' rest and I'll be good as new. Where is \expndtw-4 Nogusta? Why has he left me alone here?\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi168\li43\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 The baby wailed. Bison thought it best to pick him up, \expndtw-1 but he didn't seem to have the strength. Sufia screamed \expndtw0 and pointed back along the ledge. The two Krayakin\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb192\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\fs21 359\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 were in sight now, moving in single file along the narrow finger of rock.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Twisting round Bison scrabbled at the rock face, drag\-ging himself to his feet. So this is how it ends, he thought. \expndtw-2 And this time there was no fear. He glanced at Sufia. The \expndtw0 child was terrified. Bison forced a smile. 'Don't you worry . . . little one,' he said. 'No-one's going \expndtw27 ...\expndtw0  to hurt you. You just. . . look after . . . the little prince until. .. \expndtw-1 Nogusta comes.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What are you going to do?' she asked him.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 The Krayakin were closer now. The ledge had widened, \expndtw0 and they were advancing together.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Bison pushed at the rock wall, and stood blocking \expndtw-2 their way.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Did you know,' he told them, 'that I have wings? Big white wings? I fly \expndtw27 ...\expndtw0  over . . . mountains.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Suddenly he launched himself at them, spreading his arms wide. The Krayakin had nowhere to run. In des\-peration they stabbed at him, plunging their blades into his chest. With a last desperate lunge he hurled his weight forward, into the cold metal that clove through his heart. Dying, he clamped his huge arms to their armour and propelled them over the edge.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Sufia looked out, and saw them spiralling away, down and down, Bison with outstretched arms, falling into the \expndtw-5 white, wispy clouds.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas Karios had arrived just in time to see them fall. He ran to Sufia and knelt beside her.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'He got his wings back,' she said, her eyes bright with wonder. 'Big, white wings.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\ri10\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Little Sufia put her arms around Antikas Karios's neck. Instinctively his own arm curled around her. Then he \expndtw-1 looked down at the baby. This was the source of all their\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li53\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 360\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 problems, this tiny package of flesh, soft bone and tissue. \expndtw0 It was crying still, thin piping wails that echoed from the rocks. It would be so easy to choke off that sound. The baby's neck was so slender that Antikas could crush the life from it by merely pinching the flesh \expndtw-4 between his thumb and index finger.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 The world would be safe from the demons. His hand \expndtw-4 reached down. As his finger touched the baby's cheek its \expndtw-1 head turned towards it, mouth open, seeking to suckle. \expndtw-4 'Got to look after the baby,' Sufia whispered into his ear.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li202\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'What?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'That's what Bison said before he flew away.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 He pondered what to do. If he killed the baby, then he \expndtw0 would have to kill Sufia too. He could toss them both from the ledge and say he had arrived too late to help them. His thoughts turned to Bison. The grotesque old man had run for almost half a mile, with a wound that \expndtw-6 should have killed him instantly. Then he had carried two \expndtw-2 Krayakin to their deaths. He had shown enormous \expndtw-3 courage, and in that moment Antikas realized that, were \expndtw0 he now to kill the child, it would sully the memory of \expndtw-7 Bison's deed. Gathering up the baby he walked back along \expndtw-6 the ledge, and down the slope to the camp-site. Kebra and \expndtw-5 the queen were still unconscious, and Conalin and Pharis \expndtw-4 were sitting by the fire, hand in hand. The girl looked up \expndtw0 as Antikas walked into the camp. Her thin face broke \expndtw-5 into a wide smile. Surging to her feet she ran to him, lift\-\expndtw-2 ing Sufia clear. The little girl immediately began to tell \expndtw-6 her of Bison's wings.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li14\ri38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 Ulmenetha was sitting beside Nogusta. Antikas walked \expndtw-4 over to them. Nogusta was looking twenty years older, a \expndtw-2 grey sheen covering the ebony of his features. His pale \expndtw-1 blue eyes were tired beyond description. The black \expndtw-4 sword still jutted from his shoulder.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri48\sb158\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\fs21 361\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li38\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Can you remove the sword?' Ulmenetha asked \expndtw-4 Antikas. Laying the baby on the grass he took hold of the \expndtw-3 hilt. Nogusta gritted his teeth.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Brace yourself,' said Antikas, setting his boot against \expndtw-3 Nogusta's chest. With one savage wrench he dragged the \expndtw0 blade clear. Nogusta cried out, then sagged against Ulmenetha. Holding her hands over the entry and exit \expndtw-2 wounds she began to chant.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas moved away from them to where Kebra lay. Kneeling beside him he felt for the man's pulse. It was \expndtw-2 firm and strong. Conalin appeared alongside him. 'He is \expndtw0 just sleeping,' said the boy. 'Ulmenetha has already \expndtw-2 prayed over him.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li202\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Good,' said Antikas.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Did you see Bison's wings?' asked Conalin.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'No.' He gazed up at the boy, angry now. 'There were \expndtw-3 no wings,' he snapped. 'Such stories are for children who \expndtw0 cannot deal with the harsh realities of life. A brave man gave his life to save others. He fell thousands of feet and his dead body was smashed upon the rocks \expndtw-1 below.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Why did he do it?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Why indeed? Go away and leave me, boy.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Conalin walked back to the fire, and the waiting \expndtw-1 Pharis. Antikas pushed himself to his feet and made his way to the water's edge, where he drank deeply.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The death of Bison had moved him in a way he had difficulty understanding. The man was an animal, ill \expndtw-1 bred and uncultured, uncouth and coarse. Yet when the \expndtw0 Krayakin had attacked he had been the first to tackle them, and had, without doubt, saved the children. He \expndtw-1 had gone willingly to his death. All his life Antikas had \expndtw0 been taught that nobility lay in the blood line. Nobles \expndtw-4 and peasants, thinking beings and near animals. Only the\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-12\fs21 362\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 nobility were said to understand the finer points of honour and chivalry.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 The manner of Bison's sacrifice was unsettling. Axiana \expndtw0 was a Ventrian princess, her child the son of the man who had spurned Bison's services. Bison owed them nothing, but gave them everything.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li192\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 It was more than unsettling. It was galling.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 In Ventrian history heroes had always been noblemen, \expndtw0 full of courage and virtue. They were never belching, groin-scratching simpletons. A thought struck him, and he smiled. Maybe they were. Conalin had asked him if Bison had grown wings. If they survived this quest the \expndtw-1 story would grow. Antikas would tell it. Sufia would tell it. And the story to be believed would be the child's. And \expndtw0 why? Because it was more satisfying to believe that heroes never die, that somehow they live on, to return in another age. In a hundred years the real Bison would be remembered not at all. He would become golden haired and handsome, perhaps the bastard son of a Ventrian \expndtw-2 noble. Antikas glanced at the sleeping queen. Most likely \expndtw0 he would also, in future legends, become Axiana's lover and the father of the babe he saved.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas returned to the camp. Nogusta was sleeping now. Axiana was awake and feeding the child. \expndtw-1 Ulmenetha signalled for Antikas to join her. 'The wound \expndtw0 is a bad one,' she said. 'I have done what I can, but he is very weak, and may still die.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li24\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I would lay large odds against that, lady. The man is \expndtw-2 a fighter.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li24\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'And an old man devastated not just by a wound, but \expndtw-4 by grief. Bison was his friend, and he knew his friend was \expndtw-2 to die.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li38\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas nodded. 'I know this. What would you have \expndtw-5 me do?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb158\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 363\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li240\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs22 'You must lead us to Lem.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li29\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs22 'What is so vital about the ghost city? What is it we \expndtw-6 seek among the ruins?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs22 'Get us there and you will see,' said Ulmenetha. 'We \expndtw-3 can wait another hour, then I will wake the sleepers.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs22 As she turned her head he saw the angry, swollen \expndtw-2 bruise upon her temple, and remembered the knife hilt \expndtw0 laying her low. 'That was a nasty blow,' he said. 'How \expndtw-7 are you feeling?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs22 She smiled wearily. 'I feel a little nauseous, but I will live, Antikas Karios. I have the maps here. Perhaps you \expndtw0 would like to study them.' He took them from her and unrolled the first. Ulmenetha leaned in. 'The Ventrian \expndtw-6 army are moving from here,' she said, stabbing her finger \expndtw-2 at the map, 'and they have swept out in a sickle forma\-\expndtw-1 tion, expecting us to make for the sea. Within the next \expndtw-3 two days they will have secured all the roads leading to \expndtw-10 Lem.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs22 'There is no proper scale to this map,' he said. 'I can\-\expndtw-2 not tell how far we are from the ruins.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs22 'Less than forty miles,' she told him. 'South and west.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs22 'I will think on a route,' he said. He glanced at Axiana, \expndtw-3 who was sitting just out of earshot. Tt would have been \expndtw-5 better for the world had Bison jumped with the babe,' he \expndtw-7 said, softly.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs22 'Not so,' she told him. 'The Demon Lord has already \expndtw-5 begun the Great Spell. The child's death will complete it, \expndtw-3 with or without a sacrifice.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs22 Antikas felt suddenly chill. He looked away, and \expndtw-4 remembered his fingers reaching for the babe's throat.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs22 'Well,' he said, at last, 'that, at least, adds a golden \expndtw-3 sheen to the old man's death.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs22 'Such a deed needs no sheen,' she told him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs22 'Perhaps not,' he agreed. He left her then and moved\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li29\sb139\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-16\fs22 364\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 to the fire. Little Sufia was sitting quietly with Conalin and Pharis. She scampered over to Antikas. 'Will he fly back to us?' she asked him. 'I keep looking in the sky.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li192\sl-245\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas took a deep breath, and he looked at Conalin.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\sb5\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'He will fly back one day,' he told the child, 'when he \expndtw-1 is most needed.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li38\sb7195\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 365\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li168\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\i\fs30 Chapter Eleven\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb475\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta was only vaguely aware that he was riding a horse. Someone was sitting behind him, holding him in \expndtw-3 the saddle. He opened his eyes and saw that the company \expndtw0 was moving slowly across a verdant valley. Up ahead \expndtw-2 Antikas Karios was riding Starfire. Nogusta felt a stab of \expndtw0 irritation, but then remembered he had commanded the \expndtw-2 Ventrian to take his horse. Starfire was a spirited animal, \expndtw0 and Nogusta was in no condition to ride him.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He glanced down at the hands supporting him. They \expndtw-6 were slender and feminine. Patting the hands he whispered, \expndtw0 'Thank you.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Do you need to stop and rest?' Ulmenetha asked him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No.' His vision swam and he leaned back into the \expndtw-6 woman.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi149\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Bison was gone, and the pain of loss struck him savagely. He swayed in the saddle and felt Ulmenetha's \expndtw-1 arms holding him firmly. Then he drifted into dreams of \expndtw-2 the past. The day passed in a haze. When they stopped to \expndtw-1 rest the horses Kebra helped him down. Nogusta did not \expndtw0 know where he was, only that the sun was warm on his \expndtw-2 face, the grass cool against his back. It was blissful here, \expndtw-1 and he wanted to sleep for ever. From somewhere close \expndtw-3 came the cry of an infant. Then he heard a child singing a \expndtw-5 song. He seemed to remember the child had been killed by \expndtw-4 a wagon, but obviously this was not so. He was relieved -\expndtw-3 as if a burden had been lifted from him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\sb163\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 366\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 At some point he was fed a thick soup. He remem\-bered the taste, but could not recall who had fed him, nor why he had not fed himself.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Then he saw his father. They were all sitting in the main room of the house, his brothers and sisters, his mother, and his old aunt. T shall show you some magick,' his father said, rising from the old horse hide chair he cherished. He had lifted the talisman from \expndtw-2 around his neck. The chain was long, the gold glinting in \expndtw-1 the lantern light. Father walked to the eldest of \expndtw0 Nogusta's brothers and tried to loop the chain over his head. But the chain shrank, and would not pass over the boy's skull. Each of the brothers in turn marvelled at the magick. Then he came to Nogusta. The chain slid \expndtw-1 easily over his head, the talisman settling to his chest.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What is the trick?' asked his eldest brother.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'There is no trick,' said father. 'The talisman has chosen. That is all.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'That is not fair,' said the eldest. 'I am the heir. It \expndtw-1 should be mine.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I was not the heir,' father pointed out. 'Yet it chose \expndtw-6 me.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'How does it choose?' asked the youngest brother.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I do not know. But the man who made it was our ancestor. He was greater than any king.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 That night, alone in their room, his eldest brother had struck him in the face. 'It should have been mine,' he said. 'It was a trick because father loves you more.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li24\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta could still feel the pain of the blow. Only now, for some strange reason that he could not fathom, the pain was emanating from his shoulder.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li34\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 He was riding again, and he opened his eyes to see the \expndtw0 stars shining in the night sky. A new moon hung like a sickle over the mountains, just like on his talisman. He\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li29\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-8\fs21 367\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 almost expected to see a golden hand reach out to encircle \expndtw-4 it. High above him an owl glided by on white wings.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 White wings . . .\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Poor Bison,' he said, aloud.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'He is at peace,' said a voice. The voice confused Nogusta. Somehow Ulmenetha had transformed into \expndtw-9 Kebra.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'How did you do that?' he mumbled. Then he slept \expndtw-2 again, and awoke beside a camp-fire. Kebra had become \expndtw0 Ulmenetha again, and her hand was upon his wound. \expndtw-4 She was chanting softly.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 A figure floated before his vision, blurred and in\-\expndtw-1 distinct, and Nogusta fell away into a deep dream.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 He was sitting in the Long Meadow back at home, and \expndtw0 he could hear his mother singing in the kitchen. A tall \expndtw-2 man was sitting beside him, a black man, but one he did \expndtw-1 not know.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'This was a peaceful time for you,' said the man.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It was the best of times,' Nogusta told him.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'If you survive you must come back and rebuild. The descendants of your herds are back in the mountains. \expndtw-1 There are great stallions there, and the herds are strong.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'The memories are too painful.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Yes they are painful, but there is peace here, if you \expndtw-3 seek it.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He looked at the man. 'Who are you?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I am Emsharas. And you are the last of my human \expndtw-4 line.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'You cast the Great Spell.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I began it. It is not complete yet.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Will the child die?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'All of Man's children die, Nogusta. It is their weak\-ness - and their strength. There is great power in death. \expndtw-1 Rest now, for you have one last test before you.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li43\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-12\fs21 368\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta opened his eyes. The glorious light of a new dawn was edging over the mountains. He groaned as he sat up. Kebra grinned at him.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\ri5\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Welcome back, my brother,' he said. There were tears \expndtw0 in Kebra's eyes as he leaned forward, and, for the first \expndtw-1 time, embraced Nogusta.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri5\sb250\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Anharat's anger had cooled now, as he sat in his tent, listening to the reports from his scouts. The renegades had crossed the last bridge before Lem, and were now less than iz miles from the ruins. A five-man scouting party had attacked them, but Antikas Karios had killed two, a third being shot from the saddle by a bowman. 'Bring in the survivors,' ordered Anharat.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi173\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Two burly scouts entered the tent, then threw them\-selves to the floor, touching their brows to the rug at \expndtw-2 Anharat's feet.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Up!' he commanded. The men rose, their expressions \expndtw-1 fearful. 'Tell me what you saw.' Both men began speak\-\expndtw0 ing at once, then glanced at one another. 'You,' said Anharat, pointing to the man on the left. 'Speak.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'They were coming down a long slope, my lord. \expndtw-1 Antikas Karios was leading them. He was followed by a \expndtw0 white-haired man, then by the queen and her servant. There was a small child, and two youngsters. And a black man with a bandage around his chest. There was blood on it. Captain Badayen thought we could surprise them with a sudden charge. So that's what we did. He \expndtw-3 was the first to die. Antikas Karios wheeled his horse and \expndtw0 charged us! The captain went down, then Malik. Then the bowman shot an arrow through the throat of Valis. \expndtw-2 So me and Cupta turned our horses and galloped off. We \expndtw0 thought it best to report what we'd seen.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Anharat looked deep into the man's dark eyes. They\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sb173\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 369\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 both expected death. The Demon Lord wished he could \expndtw0 oblige them. But morale among the humans was low. \expndtw-2 Most of them had friends and family back in the tortured \expndtw0 city of Usa, and they did not understand why they were pursuing a small group across a wilderness. Added to this Anharat had noticed a great wariness among his \expndtw-2 officers when they spoke to him. At first it had confused \expndtw0 him, for even while inhabiting the decaying body of Kalizkan, the Warmth Spell had maintained the popu\-\expndtw-1 larity the sorcerer had enjoyed. The same spell had little \expndtw-2 effect on Malikada's men. This, he reasoned, at last, was \expndtw0 because Malikada had never been popular. He was \expndtw-3 feared. This was not a wholly undesirable state of affairs, \expndtw-1 but with morale suffering Anharat would gain no added \expndtw0 support from these humans by butchering two hapless \expndtw-6 scouts.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You acted correctly,' he told the men. 'Captain Badayen should not have charged. He should have ridden ahead, as ordered and held the last bridge. You are blameless. Had the captain survived I would have hanged him. Go and get some food.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 The men stood blinking in disbelief. Then they bowed \expndtw0 and swiftly backed from the tent. Anharat gazed at his \expndtw-4 officers, sensing their relief. What curious creatures these \expndtw0 humans are, he thought.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Leave me now,' he told them.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 No-one moved. Not a man stirred. All stood statue still, not a flickering muscle, not the blink of an eyelid, As if from a great distance Anharat heard the gentle tinkling music of wind chimes. He spun around to see \expndtw-2 Emsharas standing by the tent entrance. His brother was \expndtw0 wearing a sky-blue robe, and a gold circlet adorned his \expndtw-1 brow. It was no vision! Emsharas was here in the flesh.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 A cold fury grew within Anharat, and he began to\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li58\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 370\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 summon his power. 'Not wise, brother,' said Emsharas. \expndtw-7 'You need all your strength for the completion of the Spell.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 It was true. 'What do you want here?' demanded \expndtw-3 Anharat.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Peace between us - and the salvation of our people,' \expndtw-5 said Emsharas.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'There will never be peace between you and I. You betrayed us all. I will hate you until the stars burn out and die, and the universe returns to the dark.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I have never hated you, Anharat. Not now, not ever. But I ask you - as I asked you once before - to consider \expndtw-1 your actions. The Illohir could never have won. We are \expndtw-3 few, they are many. Their curious minds grow with each \expndtw0 passing generation. The secrets of magick will not be \expndtw-1 held from them for ever. Where then shall we be? What \expndtw-4 must we become, save dusty legends from their past? We \expndtw0 opened the gateways, you and I. We brought the Illohir to this hostile world. We did not kill when we were Windborn, we did not lust after terror and death.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li29\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Anharat gave a derisive laugh. 'And we knew no \expndtw-1 pleasures, save those of the intellect. We knew no joys, \expndtw-6 Emsharas.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I disagree. We saw the birthing of stars, we raced \expndtw-1 upon the cosmic storm winds. There was joy there. Can you not see that we are alien to this planet? It conspires \expndtw0 against us. The waters burn our skin, the sunlight saps \expndtw-1 our strength. We cannot feed here, unless it be from the \expndtw0 emotions of humans. We are parasites on this world. \expndtw-3 Nothing more.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li38\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Emsharas stepped further into the tent, and looked \expndtw-2 closely at the frozen officers. 'Their dreams are different \expndtw-3 from ours. We will never live among them. And one day they will destroy us all.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li240\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 They are weak and pitiful,' said Anharat, his hand\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li29\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 slowly moving towards the dagger at his belt. It would need no magick to plunge a dagger into his brother's \expndtw-1 heart. Then he too would be cast into Nowhere.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I offer a new world for our people,' said Emsharas.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Tell me the source of your power,' whispered \expndtw-2 Anharat, his fingers curling around the dagger hilt.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Emsharas swung to face him. 'Why have you not \expndtw-4 already guessed it?' he countered. 'All the clues are there, \expndtw-2 in the failure of your search spells, and the nature of the \expndtw-5 Great Spell itself.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You found a place to hide. That is all I know.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li202\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No, Anharat. I am not hiding.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You liar! I see you standing before me, drawing \expndtw-2 breath.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'Indeed you can. Tonight I opened a gateway, Anharat, \expndtw-6 to bring me through to you. But where is \i tonight? \i0 It is four \expndtw-2 thousand years in the past and I am with the army of the \expndtw-5 Three Kings, and tomorrow you and I will fight above the \expndtw-2 battlefield. You will lose. Then I will prepare myself for \expndtw-4 the Great Spell. You can help me complete it. Our people \expndtw-3 can have a world of their own!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'This is the world I want!' snarled Anharat, drawing the dagger. Leaping forward he slashed the blade at his \expndtw-2 brother. Emsharas swayed aside. His form shimmered.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 And he was gone.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\ri5\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Bakilas sat quietly in the dark. The Illohir had no need \expndtw-3 of sleep. There was no necessity to regenerate tissue. All \expndtw-5 was held in place by magick fuelled by feeding. The Lord \expndtw0 of the Krayakin needed no rest. He was waiting in this \expndtw-3 place only because his horse was weary.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li43\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Truth to tell he had not been surprised when his \expndtw-2 brothers had been defeated. This quest was flawed from \expndtw0 the beginning. The priestess was right. It was no co-\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li38\sb173\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-17\fs21 372-\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 incidence that a descendant of Emsharas should be \expndtw-1 guarding the baby. There was some grand strategy here, \expndtw-2 whose significance was lost on Bakilas.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li192\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 What do I do now, he wondered? Where do I go?\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 He stood and walked to the brow of the hill and gazed \expndtw-3 down on the ruins of Lem. He could remember when this \expndtw0 city had been like a jewel, shimmering in the night with a hundred thousand lights.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He gazed up at the stars, naming them in his mind, recalling the times when, formless, he had visited them. \expndtw-1 In that moment he wished he had never been offered the \expndtw-4 gift of flesh.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Anharat and Emsharas had brought it to the Illohir. \expndtw-3 The Twins, the gods of glory. Their power combined had \expndtw0 created the link between wind and earth. They had been the first. Emsharas had taken human form, while \expndtw-1 Anharat had chosen wings. The Krayakin had followed.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Who could have guessed then that the gift was also,a \expndtw-11 curse?\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 True the sunlight had caused great pain, and the water \expndtw0 of the rivers had been deadly, but there were so many other pleasures to be enjoyed, and an eternity in which \expndtw-3 to enjoy them.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Until Emsharas betrayed them all.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi168\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Even now, after 4,000 years of contemplation, Bakilas \expndtw-1 could not begin to understand his reasons. Nor what had \expndtw0 become of him. Where could an Illohir hide? Even now Bakilas could sense all his brothers in the void of Nowhere. Emsharas had shone like the largest star. It was impossible not to know his whereabouts. Bakilas could feel the powerful, pulsing presence of Anharat at his camp a few miles away. Equally, had Anharat been Windborn, he could have felt his spirit across the \expndtw-3 universe. Where then did Emsharas dwell?\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb202\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 373\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 One day the answer will become clear, he thought. One \expndtw-3 day, when the universe ends and the Illohir die with it.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Bakilas shivered. Death. To cease to be. It was a terrifying thought. Humans could not begin to com\-prehend the true fear of mortality. They lived always \expndtw-1 with the prospect of death. They understood its \expndtw0 inevitability. A few short seasons and they were gone. \expndtw-1 Worse yet they tasted death throughout their few heart\-\expndtw-4 beats of existence. Every passing year brought them fresh \expndtw0 lines and wrinkles, and the slow erosion of their strength. Their skin sagged, their bones dried out, until \expndtw-2 toothless and senile they flopped into their graves. What could they know of immortal fear?\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Not one of the Illohir had ever known death.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Bakilas recalled the Great Birthing in the Coming of \expndtw-1 Light, when the first chords of the Song of the Universe \expndtw0 rang out across the dark. It was a time of discovery and \expndtw-3 harmony, a time of comradeship. It was life. Sentient and \expndtw0 curious. Everything was born at that time, the stars and then the planets, the oceans of lava, and finally the \expndtw-4 great seas.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 There had been joys then of a different kind; the \expndtw-4 increase of knowledge and awareness. But there had been \expndtw0 no pain, no disappointments, no tragedies. Absolute \expndtw-2 serenity had been enjoyed - endured? - by all the Illohir. \expndtw0 Only with the coming of the flesh did the contrasts \expndtw-3 begin. How could one know true joy until one had tasted \expndtw0 true despair? Contrast was everything. Which was why \expndtw-1 the Illohir lusted after the life of \i form.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Bakilas moved back from the hilltop and drew his sword. Moving silently alongside the sleeping horse he \expndtw-1 beheaded it with one terrible sweep of his blade. As the \expndtw0 beast fell Bakilas tore out its heart and held it up to the \expndtw-2 night sky, calling upon Anharat.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li38\sb187\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 374\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li202\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The heart burst into flame.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I am glad that you called upon me, brother,' said the voice of Anharat. 'Emsharas has returned.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I do not sense him.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'His powers are great. But he is here. He seeks to prevent our destiny.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'But why?' asked Bakilas. 'You and he are the Twins. \expndtw-1 Since time began you were One in all things.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'We are One no longer,' snapped Anharat. 'I will defeat him. I will hold his spirit in the palm of my hand and I will torment it until the end of time.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Bakilas said nothing. He sensed a joy in Anharat that had been missing since the betrayal. He was \i pleased \i0 that Emsharas had returned! How curious! Bakilas had felt Anharat's pain, and his sense of loss. His hatred of Emsharas had become all consuming. Throughout the \expndtw-1 centuries he had never given up the hunt for his brother, \expndtw0 sending search spell after search spell. His hatred was \expndtw-2 almost as strong as his love had been. A thought came to \expndtw0 Bakilas then. Perhaps hatred and love were, in some \expndtw-2 ways, the same. Both echoed an intense need in Anharat. \expndtw0 His existence without Emsharas had been hollow and empty. Even now the Demon Lord dreamed only of holding his brother's spirit in his hand. Hatred and love. \expndtw-4 Indistinguishable.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You must go into Lem,' said Anharat. 'Hide there until the time to strike! When the babe dies, and my power swells, I will find Emsharas and there will be a \expndtw-2 reckoning.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\sb250\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nayim Pallines had always disliked Antikas Karios, though he had wisely kept this information to himself for several years. He had known Kara since childhood, and was one of the guests at her wedding. He had seen\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sb202\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 375\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 her radiant joy, and had envied the look of love she gave her husband as the vows were made, and the ceremonial cord had been looped about their wrists.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Two days later both were dead, the husband slain by the killer Antikas Karios, Kara dead by her own hand. Love, Nayim knew, was far too precious to be so \expndtw-2 casually destroyed. When the tragedies occurred his dis\-\expndtw0 like of Antikas Karios turned to hatred.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 And yet, as a colonel in the Royal Lancers he had been \expndtw0 obliged to serve this man, to take his orders, and to bow before him. It had been hard.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 But today - with the help of the Source, and the courage of the fifty men riding behind him - he would put an end to both the hatred and the object of it. His scouts had spotted them 3 miles from the ruins of Lem, and Nayim was less than half a mile behind them.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Soon they would see the pursuing riders. Nayim could \expndtw0 picture it. The fleeing group would lash at their mounts in a last, desperate attempt to evade capture. But their tired horses would soon be overhauled by the powerful mounts of the lancers. Nayim half hoped that Antikas Karios would beg for his life. Yet even as the thought occurred he knew it would not be so. Antikas, for all his vileness, was a man of courage. He would attack them \expndtw-8 all.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nayim was no more than a capable swordsman. He would have to be sure to hang back when the attack \expndtw-2 began. While not afraid to die he did not wish to miss the \expndtw-1 capture of Antikas Karios.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 His sergeant, Olion, rode alongside him, his white \expndtw-2 cape fluttering in the breeze. There was a mud stain upon \expndtw0 the cape. Olion was a superb horseman, and a fine soldier, but incapable of smartness, no matter what \expndtw-1 disciplinary measures were taken against him. The high,\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li38\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-8\fs21 376\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 curved helm of bronze and the ceremonial cape had been \expndtw0 designed to add grandeur to the armour of the Lancers. But for Olion, short, stocky, and round shouldered, his \expndtw-1 face endlessly marked by angry red spots, the end result \expndtw-5 was comic.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nayim glanced at the man as he rode alongside. Yet another boil was showing on the nape of Olion's neck. \expndtw-1 'The lads are worried, sir,' said the sergeant. 'I don't like \expndtw0 the mood.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Are you telling me that fifty men are frightened of \expndtw-2 tackling one swordsman?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It's not about them, sir. In fact they'll be relieved to see a little action. No, it's not that, sir.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Spit it out, man. You'll not lose your head for it.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I could, sir, if you take my meaning?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nayim understood perfectly. His face hardened. 'I do indeed. Therefore it will be better to say nothing. Ride up to the top of the slope there and see if you can see \expndtw-1 them yet.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Yes, sir.' Olion galloped off towards the south-east. \expndtw-2 Nayim glanced back. His men were riding in columns of twos behind him, the butts of their lances resting on their \expndtw-3 stirrups. Signalling them to continue at their present pace \expndtw-1 he flicked his heels and rode after Olion.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi182\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 At the top of the slope he hauled in his mount, and \expndtw-4 found himself gazing over the distant, ruined city of Lem. \expndtw-2 Said to be one of the greatest cities ever built it was now a place of ghosts and lost memories. The huge walls had \expndtw0 been eroded by time, brought down by earthquakes, many of the stones removed to build houses at the far \expndtw-2 end of the valley. What remained of the north wall stood \expndtw-1 before the ghost city like a row of broken teeth.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri48\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Then he saw the riders, still around a half mile ahead. \expndtw0 At this distance he could not make out individuals, but\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb197\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\fs21 377\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 he could see that their horses were tiring, and they were \expndtw0 still some way from the city. Once his men caught up \expndtw-1 they would ride them down within minutes.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Be swift and say what you have to say,' he told Olion. \expndtw0 'For then we must do our duty.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'This is all wrong, sir. The men know it. I know it. I mean, what happened back in the city? There are thou\-sands dead, by all accounts. That's where we ought to \expndtw-1 be. And why bring the whole army into this wilderness. There's no-one to fight, sir. So why are we here?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'We are here because we are ordered to be,' said Nayim, anxious to capture the runaways.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 'And what about supplies, sir? According to the quarter\-\expndtw0 master we only have enough food to bring us to Lem. What are we supposed to do then? We've not even been put on half rations. Come the day after tomorrow there'll be no food at all for three thousand men. It's madness!'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'I'll tell you what madness is, Olion, it is a soldier in the \expndtw-1 army of Malikada who starts spouting mutinous words.' \expndtw-2 Nayim tried to make the threat sound convincing, but he could not. He shared the man's concern. 'Listen,' he said, \expndtw0 in a more conciliatory tone. 'We will do our duty here, \expndtw-2 then return the prisoners to Malikada. We saw the tracks \expndtw0 of elk a few miles back. Once we have the prisoners \expndtw-3 secured you can lead a unit after them. Then at least we'll \expndtw-2 eat well tonight.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Yes, sir,' said the man, dubiously.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nayim cast a nervous glance back. The lancers were almost within earshot. 'I take it there is something else? Make it quick!'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Why is the queen running away? Malikada is her cousin. They have always been close, so it's said. And \expndtw-4 why would a general like Antikas Karios be helping her?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li29\sb173\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-12\fs21 378\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I don't know. Perhaps we shall ask Antikas when we take him.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 As the troops drew reins behind him Nayim raised his \expndtw-1 arm. 'Follow me!' he shouted.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Picking up the pace he cantered his mount along the old road, swiftly closing the distance between himself \expndtw-2 and the fleeing riders. A red-headed youngster riding the last horse looked back, then kicked his mount into a run.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Now the chase was on. Nayim drew his sabre. He \expndtw-2 could see Antikas Karios now, riding a huge black geld\-\expndtw-4 ing. The man swung his horse, and, for a moment, Nayim \expndtw-2 thought he would charge them. Instead he galloped back \expndtw0 to the rear of his group, urging them on. Nayim gently drew back on his reins, allowing some of his men to \expndtw-3 overtake him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 The silver-haired bowman swung in the saddle, send\-\expndtw0 ing a shaft flashing towards him. Nayim swayed and ducked. He heard a man cry out behind him. Glancing back he saw the arrow jutting from a rider's shoulder.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Nayim was anxious to catch the runaways before they \expndtw0 entered the ruins, for once there Antikas and the others could dismount and take cover. They would not last \expndtw-2 long, but it would cost him men. One of the reasons why Nayim was a popular commander was that he was care\-ful with the lives of his soldiers. No reckless charges, no \expndtw0 seeking after glory. He was a professional soldier who \expndtw-1 always thought out his strategies.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 They were closing fast now. Up ahead Antikas Karios was now leading a second horse upon which sat a young \expndtw0 woman in a blue dress. It was with some surprise that \expndtw-1 Nayim recognized the queen. He had always seen her in \expndtw0 gowns of silk and satin, looking like a goddess from \expndtw-1 myth. Now she was merely a woman on a slow horse.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Only around 40 yards separated them now. Antikas\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb192\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\fs21 379\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 would have no time to seek cover, for they would catch him at the city walls!\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Suddenly one of his men shouted a warning. Nayim \expndtw-2 soon saw why.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Armed men were pouring from the ruins of the city, forming a deep fighting line before the broken gates. \expndtw-1 They were Drenai soldiers, wearing full-faced helms and \expndtw0 sporting long, red cloaks. Hundreds of them, moving smoothly into place with the easy discipline of veterans. \expndtw-2 Nayim could scarce believe his eyes.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The Drenai army had been destroyed. How then could \expndtw-4 this be?\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Then he realized with shock that he was charging down towards them. Hauling on the reins he held up his arm. All around him his men slowed their mounts.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The fleeing group rode towards the fighting line, which parted smoothly before them, allowing them \expndtw-2 access to the city.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ordering his men to wait Nayim rode slowly forward. 'Where is your commander?' he called out. Silence \expndtw-1 greeted his words. He scanned the line, calculating num\-bers. There were close to a thousand men in sight. It was \expndtw-5 inconceivable!\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The line parted once more and a tall, thin old man walked out to stand before him.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nayim felt a sudden chill touch him, as he gazed into \expndtw-1 the cold eyes of the White Wolf.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 As soon as he rode past the old city wall Conalin jumped \expndtw0 down from his horse and ran back, scrambling up a jut\-ting stump of stone and squatting down to watch the soldiers. They looked terrifyingly impressive in their \expndtw-1 bronze breastplates, full-faced bronze helms and crimson \expndtw0 cloaks. Their spears were held steady, and their shields\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li34\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 380\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 presented a strong wall between Conalin and those who \expndtw-2 had sought to kill him. For the first time in his young life \expndtw0 he felt utterly safe. What force on earth could penetrate such a wall of men. He wanted to leap up and dance, to shout his scorn at the waiting Ventrian riders. They \expndtw-1 looked so puny now. Conalin glanced up at the blue sky, and felt a cool breeze upon his face.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He was safe - and the world was beautiful.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Pharis scrambled up to sit beside him. He took her hand. 'Look at them!' he said. 'Are they not the most \expndtw-1 wonderful soldiers you ever saw?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi216\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Yes,' she agreed, 'but where did they come from? \expndtw-1 Why are they here?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Who cares? We get to live, Pharis. We get to have that \expndtw0 house in Drenan.' Conalin fell silent, for the old general was talking to the Ventrian lancer. Conalin strained to hear their words, but they were speaking softly.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Nayim dismounted and approached Banelion, offering a respectful bow, which the old man acknowledged with \expndtw0 a brief nod. 'We are instructed by the Lord Malikada to \expndtw-1 return the queen to her palace,' said Nayim. 'We have no \expndtw0 quarrel with you, sir.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'The queen and her son travel with me to Drenan,' \expndtw-1 said the White Wolf. 'There she will be safe.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Safe? You think I mean to do her harm?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Banelion looked into the young man's eyes. 'What you \expndtw0 do or do not do is entirely your own affair. Malikada -or the beast who inhabits Malikada - intends to kill the babe. This I know. This I shall prevent.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li24\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nayim was taken aback by the words, but, on reflec\-tion, was not surprised by them. If Malikada wished to \expndtw-3 seize the throne then he would certainly see that all rivals \expndtw0 were put to the sword. 'Let us assume, sir, for the sake \expndtw-2 of argument, that you are correct in your assessment. By\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb158\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-10\fs21 381\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 my judgement you have less than a thousand men here, and no cavalry. A half a day to the north is the Ventrian \expndtw0 army. We are three times your number. And we were \expndtw-3 trained by you, sir. You cannot prevail.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\fs21 Banelion gave a mirthless smile that chilled the \expndtw-1 younger man. 'I have followed your recent career with \expndtw0 interest, Nayim Pallines. You are an efficient, cour\-ageous and disciplined officer. Had I remained with \expndtw-2 the army I would have secured promotion for you. But \expndtw0 you are wrong, young man. Armies fight best when they have something to fight for, something they believe in. In such instances numerical advantage is \expndtw-1 lessened considerably. Do you believe in what you are \expndtw0 fighting for, Nayim? Do you believe that two armies \expndtw-2 should fight over whether a child is put to the knife?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'I believe in doing my duty, sir.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'Then go back to the Beast, and prepare to die for him. \expndtw0 But do not be deceived, Nayim, you are not following \expndtw-5 Malikada. Malikada is dead. A Demon Lord has possessed his body.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'With respect, sir, you do not expect me to believe \expndtw-1 that?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 The White Wolf shrugged. Nayim bowed once more \expndtw-6 and returned to his horse. 'The army will be here by sun\-\expndtw0 set, sir. It is my hope that you will reconsider your \expndtw-1 position.' Swinging his horse he rode back to his men, \expndtw-3 then led them north.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 The White Wolf watched them go, then gave the order \expndtw0 to stand down. The troops broke formation and laid \expndtw-4 down their spears and shields, removing their helms. On \expndtw-1 the broken wall Conalin watched them, a sick sense of \expndtw-4 dread flowing through him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 Old men! They were all old men, grey haired or bald.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\sb139\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw25\sub\i\fs22 3\nosupersub 8z\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 Where moments before had been an invincible force, he now saw them shuffling around on what he perceived to \expndtw0 be arthritic limbs, slowly lowering themselves to the ground. Conalin felt betrayed by them. Pharis saw his \expndtw-3 anger and reached out to him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'What is it, Con?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He did not reply, could not reply. Emotions surged \expndtw-3 within him. He jumped down from the wall and walked to his horse. Taking it by the bridle he led it further into \expndtw-1 the ruins. There was only one building mostly intact, a \expndtw-2 huge structure built from white marble, and it was here \expndtw0 that the other horses had been tethered. A flight of cracked steps led to a huge, arched doorway. Conalin \expndtw-4 stepped inside. There was an enormous chamber within, \expndtw0 with a high domed roof, part of which had collapsed. Fallen stones littered the remains of the mosaic which \expndtw-4 had once decorated the entire floor. There was no furni\-\expndtw0 ture here, but against the far wall were several broken \expndtw-3 benches. Light was streaming into the building through \expndtw-4 high, arched windows. Fragments of coloured glass still \expndtw-5 clung to some of the frames.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Conalin saw his companions at the far end of the \expndtw-5 chamber, sitting upon a raised octagonal dais. Kebra saw \expndtw0 him and smiled. Conalin strode to where the bowman \expndtw-2 sat. They are all old men,' he said, bitterly.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li29\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'They were our comrades,' said Kebra. 'Most of them \expndtw-5 are younger than Bison.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'And Bison's dead,' snapped Conalin. Instantly he regretted it, for he saw the pain in Kebra's eyes. 'I'm sorry,' he said, swiftly. 'I didn't mean it like that. It's just . . . they looked so strong when we first saw \expndtw-3 them.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'They \i are \i0 strong,' said Kebra. 'And they have the \expndtw-3 White Wolf to lead them. He has never lost a battle.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb173\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 383\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs22 'We should ride on,' said the boy. 'Leave the old men to fight.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs22 Kebra shook his head. 'This will be the final battle, Con. Here, in this ruined place. I will not run any \expndtw-2 further.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs22 Conalin sat beside the bowman, his shoulders bowed. \expndtw-3 'I wish I had never come with you,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs22 'I am glad that you did. You have taught me a great \expndtw-5 deal.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs22 'I have? What could I teach you?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs22 Kebra gave a sad smile. 'I have always wondered what \expndtw-4 it would be like to have a son, a boy I could be proud of; \expndtw-1 someone I could watch grow into manhood. You have \expndtw0 shown me what it could have been like. And you are \expndtw-4 quite right, there is no reason for you to stay here. There \expndtw0 is nothing you can do. Why not take Pharis and Sufia, \expndtw-5 and some supplies and head off into the hills. If you head \expndtw0 west you will eventually reach the sea. I will give you \expndtw-3 money. I do not have much, but it will help.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs22 The thought of leaving touched Conalin like the cool \expndtw-4 breeze that follows a storm, blowing away his anger and \expndtw0 his fear. He and Pharis would be safe. And yet, in that \expndtw-3 moment, it wasn't enough. 'Why can you not come with us? One man won't make a difference.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs22 'These are my friends,' said Kebra. 'A true man does \expndtw-3 not desert his friends in time of need.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs22 'You think I am not a man?' asked Conalin.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs22 'No, no! I am sorry for the way that sounded. You will \expndtw0 be a fine man. But you are young yet, and war is not \expndtw-6 for ...' He was going to say children, but as he looked into Conalin's young face he saw the man there, waiting to be born. 'I do not want to see you hurt, Con,' he said, lamely.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs22 'Nor I you. I think I will stay.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs22 Kebra  cleared  his  throat  and  held  out  his  hand.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\sb163\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-16\fs22 384\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Conalin looked embarrassed, but he gripped it firmly. 'I \expndtw0 am proud of you,' said Kebra.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 They sat in pleasant silence for a while and Conalin gazed around the enormous building. 'What was this \expndtw-2 place?' he asked.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I don't know,' admitted Kebra. 'But it has the feel of a temple, don't you think?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I have never been in one,' said Conalin. Sufia was sitting on the floor close by, rubbing at the stones with \expndtw-3 the ragged sleeve of her dress.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'There's pictures on the floor,' she said, happily.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Ulmenetha moved to her side, kneeling down. 'They are called mosaics,' she told the child. 'They are created \expndtw-1 with lots of coloured stones.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Come look!' Sufia called out to Conalin. He did so. There was no way of telling what the original mosaic had depicted, for many of the coloured stones had been shattered by falling masonry from the ceiling, the rest \expndtw-1 covered by the dust of centuries. There was a tiny patch \expndtw-2 of blue, and a line of red. It could have been a flower, or \expndtw-3 a section of sky.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It's very pretty,' he told her.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I shall clean it all up,' she said, with the confidence of \expndtw-1 the very young, and began to scrub at a tiny section.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Tt will take you weeks,' he said, staring around the \expndtw-5 vast temple.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Weeks,' she repeated. 'That's all right.' She rubbed at the stones for a few more seconds then sat back. T'm \expndtw-1 hungry now.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Conalin picked her up, and kissed her cheek. 'Then let \expndtw0 us find you some food,' he said. Perching her on his shoulders he walked back out into the sunlight. Pharis was sitting on the steps. Off to the left was a line of seven wagons. Cookfires had been lit close by, and\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sb173\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-12\fs21 385\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 the \i three \i0 of them moved off in search of a meal.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 As they approached the cookfires an elderly soldier \expndtw-1 called out to them. The man had a wicked scar upon his \expndtw-3 face, and a black patch over what had once been his right \expndtw-1 eye. Beside him was a trestle table, stacked with pewter \expndtw-2 plates. 'You look in need of something hot and savoury,' \expndtw0 he said. Moving to a huge, black cooking pot he ladled \expndtw-1 thick stew into three deep plates and handed them to the youngsters. 'Take some spoons,' he said, 'but bring them \expndtw0 back, with the plates, when you're finished. Then I've \expndtw-2 some honey cakes for you.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Conalin thanked the man. The soup was thick and nourishing, though with too much salt for the boy's \expndtw-4 liking. But he was famished, and consumed it with relish. \expndtw0 The old soldier did not wait for them to return the \expndtw-3 utensils, but came over with a plate of honey cakes. Sufia \expndtw-2 grabbed two, then looked anxiously up at Conalin, wait\-ing for a rebuke. When none came she happily devoured \expndtw-5 them.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Why did you come here?' Conalin asked the soldier.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'White Wolf brought us,' said the man.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Yes, but why?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li24\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'He didn't say. Just offered us twenty gold pieces a man. Said there might be a battle.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'There will be,' said Conalin.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Good. Wouldn't want to come all this way for nothing,' said the soldier. Collecting the plates and spoons he moved away. Moments later other soldiers began to file past the cookfires, and soon the area was crowded. Everyone seemed at ease, and many of the \expndtw-1 soldiers took time to speak with the youngsters. Conalin \expndtw-2 was confused.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li43\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'They seem to be looking forward to fighting,' he said \expndtw0 to Pharis. 'I don't understand it.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li53\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-14\fs21 386\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'It is what they do,' replied the girl. 'It is what they are. \expndtw0 We should take some food back to the queen.' \expndtw-1 'Can I carry it?' asked Sufia. \expndtw0 'Of course you can, little one.' 'I won't spill any,' she promised. 'Not even a drop.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri14\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Axiana watched as four veteran soldiers erected \expndtw-3 Banelion's tent at the far end of the temple. Simple furni\-\expndtw-1 ture was carried in, a hinged bed, several canvas-backed \expndtw0 chairs and a folding table. Then they swept the floor \expndtw-3 inside and laid simple rugs upon it. Not once did the men \expndtw0 look at her. It was as if she was invisible. While they \expndtw-2 were working the youngsters returned. The blonde child, \expndtw-1 Sufia, brought her a bowl of soup. She thanked her with \expndtw-2 a smile, and turned away from the soldiers while she ate.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Some distance away Antikas Karios and Kebra were sitting beside the sleeping figure of Nogusta. The black \expndtw-3 man's wounds were healing, but his continuing weakness \expndtw-2 was a source of concern.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 As Axiana finished her meal the tall, slim, armoured figure of Banelion entered the temple, followed by two soldiers carrying a wooden chest. The White Wolf approached the queen and bowed low. 'I am pleased to see you safe, your highness,' he said. 'My tent is yours, \expndtw-1 and I took the liberty of bringing some spare clothes for you.' Gesturing the men forward he had the chest placed \expndtw0 on the dais before her, and opened. The first item she saw was a dress of sky blue satin. 'I do not have an eye \expndtw-4 for fashion, your highness,' said Banelion, 'but I borrowed \expndtw-3 these from a noble lady in Marain. It is a small town, and \expndtw-1 there was little to choose from.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li24\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It was kind of you, sir, and I thank you.' Ulmenetha appeared alongside her, taking the sleeping baby from the queen's arms. Axiana reached out and stroked the\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\sb192\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 387\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 dress. It was wonderfully soft. Then she noticed - against \expndtw0 the clean pure satin - how dirty her hands were. For the \expndtw-1 first time in days she felt embarrassment.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'There is an antechamber just beyond where the tent is \expndtw0 placed,' said Banelion. 'There is a spring there. Some of my men have prepared a fire, and warmed some water. When you are ready you and your maidservant can refresh yourselves. I brought a small amount of scented oil with me to perfume the water.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Before Axiana could reply another soldier entered, \expndtw-2 carrying a rough made crib, and a small, woven mattress. \expndtw-1 Setting it beside the queen he placed the mattress within \expndtw0 it. 'Best I could do in the time, my lady,' he said, with a bow. Ulmenetha placed the babe within it. The child \expndtw-3 settled contentedly on the mattress, his sleep undisturbed.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The unexpected kindness left Axiana close to tears. She smiled at the soldier. 'You are most kind.' The man \expndtw-1 blushed and backed away.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The White Wolf gazed down at the babe, a far-away look in his eye. Then he straightened. 'There are some clothes for an infant at the bottom of the chest,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'You seem to have thought of everything,' said \expndtw0 Axiana. 'I am most grateful. But tell me, how is it that you are here in our hour of need? We are a long way from the sea.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He glanced at Ulmenetha. 'First Kalizkan appeared to me in a dream, then this lady came. She told me of your peril, and the threat to your son. She asked me to bring my men to this city. I did so willingly. And, if it is humanly possible I shall take you on to Drenan.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Axiana sat quietly for a moment, gathering her thoughts. For the last few days she had been like a straw \expndtw0 in the wind, swept along without the benefit of choice. Her life as a queen had meant less than nothing in the\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-10\fs21 388\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 wilderness, and she had given birth to her child while kneeling in the mud like a peasant. But, here and now, was the moment of decision. Was she still a queen? \expndtw-1 Would her son live to find his destiny. She looked into \expndtw0 the pale eyes of the White Wolf and saw the strength \expndtw-2 there, the iron will that had carried Skanda to a score of \expndtw0 victories. 'And if I do not wish to go to Drenan?' she \expndtw-3 said, at last.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Drenan would be safest,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'You swore an oath to Skanda. Do you accept his son \expndtw-3 as his rightful heir?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I do, lady.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Then I ask you again, as the mother to the king, what \expndtw-1 if I do not wish to go to Drenan?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 She knew this was difficult for him. Continued war between the two nations was more than likely. If Axiana remained in Ventria the Drenai would almost certainly declare independence. If she went to Drenan the Ventrians would find another emperor. At least \expndtw-2 with her and the child in Drenan the Drenai would have \expndtw0 legitimate cause to reinvade Ventria. She held to his \expndtw-1 iron gaze without flinching. He smiled. 'If not Drenan,' he said, 'then I will escort you to wherever you wish to \expndtw0 travel. You are not my hostage, your highness, nor my prisoner. I am your servant, and will do whatever you \expndtw-2 bid.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Axiana rose. 'I will think on what you have said, \expndtw-5 general. But first I would like to bathe and lay aside these \expndtw0 garments of travel.' He bowed and one of the soldiers stepped forward to lead the queen and Ulmenetha \expndtw-4 towards the antechamber.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 The White Wolf strode to where Nogusta lay. Antikas \expndtw0 Karios and Kebra rose. Banelion gave Antikas a cold look, then knelt beside the wounded warrior. Nogusta\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sb158\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-10\fs21 389\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 opened his eyes as Banelion took his hand. 'Am I always \expndtw-3 to rescue you, my boy?' he said, fondly.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It would seem so. It is good to see you, general.' \expndtw-2 Nogusta's smile faded. 'Bison didn't make it.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 'I know. The priestess showed me his death in a dream. \expndtw0 It was valiant, and no less than I would have expected \expndtw-2 from him. He was an obdurate man, and I liked him not \expndtw-1 at all. But he had heart. I admired that.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta relaxed and closed his eyes. 'It is not over, \expndtw-2 general. There are three thousand Ventrians riding with the Demon Lord. They think he is Malikada.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'I wish he was,' said Banelion, sourly. 'I'd have dearly-\expndtw-2 loved to slit his treacherous throat.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'A feeling I am sure he would have reciprocated,' said \expndtw-4 Antikas Karios. The White Wolf ignored him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I am not troubled by the numbers of the enemy,' he \expndtw-1 told Nogusta. 'I am more concerned that they are being \expndtw0 duped. Ulmenetha tells me that if the Demon Lord is \expndtw-1 successful the soldiers riding with him will - like \expndtw-3 Malikada - be possessed and destroyed. It is bad enough \expndtw-2 having to kill men in a good cause. But those Ventrians are going to die for the wrong reasons.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Good of you to concern yourself,' said Antikas, his \expndtw-4 words edged with sarcasm.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Once again Banelion ignored him. 'Rest now,' he told \expndtw-1 Nogusta. 'Regain your strength. I will do all that needs \expndtw-2 to be done.' Then he rose and his pale eyes rested, for a \expndtw0 moment, on Antikas. 'I watched you fight alongside Dagorian on the bridge,' he said. 'I loved that boy, and it was good of you to say that prayer for him. I am not a religious man, but I would like to think that a light did appear for him, and lead him to your palace.' Without waiting for a response he strode \expndtw-1 away, calling his soldiers after him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li48\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-10\fs21 390\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb101\cf1\lang1033\fs83 j\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'He hates me, yet he praises me,' whispered Antikas. 'Truly he is a strange man.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Maybe he does, maybe he doesn't,' said Kebra. 'One rarely knows what the White Wolf is thinking. That's what makes him the best. There's never been a general \expndtw-2 like him.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You think he genuinely cares about what happens to the Ventrian troops?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Oh yes,' Kebra told him. 'He does not revel in slaugh\-\expndtw0 ter. There is no battle madness in him.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Antikas looked down. Nogusta was sleeping again. He knelt beside the black man and looked closely at his face. \expndtw-1 A thin sheen of sweat lay upon the skin, and snow white \expndtw0 bristles were showing on his shaven head. 'It is easy to forget how old he is,' said Antikas, with a sigh. He looked up and smiled at Kebra. 'I watched him fight Cerez, and I marvelled at his skill. I thought him to be around forty years of age. Had I known he was this old I would have bent my knee to him.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Glancing down once more he saw the talisman on Nogusta's chest begin to glow, the silver moon in the golden hand, shining like a tiny lantern.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What does that mean?' asked Antikas.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Evil is near,' said Kebra, lifting his hand and making \expndtw-1 the sign of the Protective Horn.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The White Wolf stood outside the ruins and once more \expndtw-2 cast his eyes over the landscape. There was a line of hills \expndtw0 to the left and right, thinly covered by trees and brush, but the ground was flat and uncluttered between the hills. The Ventrian army was mainly cavalry, and he \expndtw-1 pictured all possible lines of attack.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He glanced back at the ruins. They could, of course, \expndtw-1 decline a pitched battle here, and move around the ruins,\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\sb158\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 391\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 coming at him from all sides, but he thought this unlikely. Cavalry could not operate effectively in the \expndtw-2 ruins themselves, and by spreading themselves thin they \expndtw0 would hand the advantage to the Drenai foot soldiers. No, the best chance of victory for the enemy lay in a direct frontal assault, seeking to sunder the line and \expndtw-3 scatter the defenders.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri10\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Banelion summoned his officers to him, and began to \expndtw0 give out orders. They listened without comment, then \expndtw-2 moved back to their men.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri5\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 The sun was sinking towards the mountain peaks, and \expndtw-1 there was perhaps an hour before dusk.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li24\ri10\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Ulmenetha walked out to stand alongside the old man. \expndtw-1 'How is Nogusta?' he asked.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-245\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'A little better, I think.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi216\li14\sb5\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Good. It is bad enough that Dagorian had to die. I \expndtw-1 dearly want Nogusta to survive.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li14\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Did you mean what you said to the queen?' she asked \expndtw-3 him, her frank blue eyes meeting his iron gaze.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I always mean what I say,' he told her. 'I think she \expndtw-1 would be safer in Drenan, but I am her servant, and it is \expndtw-2 not for me to gainsay her wishes.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li24\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'But you do foresee problems if she decides to remain \expndtw-3 in Ventria?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Of course. The Drenai nobles will either elect a new \expndtw-2 king, or declare for a new republic. As for the Ventrians \expndtw0 - will they accept Skanda's heir, without an army to back his claim? I doubt it.' He raised his arm and \expndtw-1 gestured to the surrounding land. 'But then the \expndtw0 mountains will still be here, and the rivers will run to the sea. It does not matter to Nature who rules or who dies. However, these are problems for another \expndtw-2 day.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li235\sl-245\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Indeed they are,' she agreed. 'I have not thanked you\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li48\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\fs21 392\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\fs21 for coming to our aid. I do so now. My gratitude is more than my words can convey.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You needn't thank me, lady. All my life has been \expndtw-8 occupied by thoughts of duty and responsibility. I am too \expndtw-6 old to change now.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\fs21 'Even so you have pledged most of your fortune to the \expndtw-4 men who now follow you. Not many would have done \expndtw-2 that.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I think you would be surprised at \i how \i0 many would \expndtw-7 do exactly that. It has become fashionable to believe that \expndtw0 all actions have a cynical base. That's what comes of \expndtw-5 believing the lies of politicians. I have lived long, \expndtw-8 Ulmenetha, and I have seen much. There is among many \expndtw-2 people a desire to help others. Perhaps it is this which \expndtw-8 binds us all together. Dagorian and Bison gave their lives \expndtw-2 to protect the mother and child. They did it willingly, \expndtw-4 with no thought of profit.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'You say that, and yet your men have followed you \expndtw-8 here for the promise of gold. Is this not at odds with your \expndtw-9 philosophy?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-6\fs21 'Not at all. I offered them the gold because a soldier is worth his pay. But had I been penniless and asked them \expndtw0 to follow me, most would have. Now let us speak of \expndtw-6 more pressing matters. I have seen your magick, but not \expndtw-8 your power. Is there any way in which you might help us \expndtw-6 tonight?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 'I cannot kill,' she explained. 'Land magick is of a heal\-\expndtw0 ing nature. If I drew fire from the land and used it \expndtw-5 against the Ventrians the power would vanish from me \expndtw-7 instantly.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li29\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I was not thinking about using it against a human \expndtw-7 foe,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li29\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'There is nothing I can do to hurt Anharat. He is too \expndtw-8 powerful.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sb192\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 393\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri19\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Banelion fell silent, staring out once more over the battleground. 'There is no doubt that we can withstand \expndtw-1 their charges,' he said. 'They will impale themselves on \expndtw0 our spears, seeking to break through. They will not succeed. But I would like to avoid unnecessary casu\-\expndtw-2 alties.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-245\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I do not see how that can be achieved,' she admitted.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri14\sl-254\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I think I do,' he told her, 'but I do not know whether \expndtw-2 your power can achieve it.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\ri14\sb250\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Nogusta awoke just before dusk. His mouth was dry and his left shoulder throbbed with pain. He winced as he sat up. The interior of the temple was gloomy now, save for \expndtw0 two lanterns which burned in a tent by the far wall. Nogusta pushed himself to his feet, and, for a moment, felt light headed and dizzy. Twenty feet away Conalin was sitting on some rubble, drinking water from a \expndtw-2 pottery cup. Nogusta called him over.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 The black man sat down as the boy moved alongside. \expndtw-1 'I want you to take Bison's sword,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'Why?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'If the enemy breaks through then we will be the last \expndtw-4 line of defence.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Conalin gazed up at the black warrior, noting his \expndtw-2 weakness. 'I'll get you some water,' he said. The boy ran \expndtw0 off to the antechamber and returned with a full cup of cool, clear water. Nogusta drank gratefully. Then he handed Conalin the scabbarded short sword. The boy flipped the belt around his waist, but it was too big. \expndtw-4 Using his dagger Nogusta made a new hole and \expndtw-2 shortened the sword belt. Conalin buckled it into place.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Draw it,' said Nogusta. The boy did so.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'It is heavier than I thought,' said Conalin.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Remember it is a stabbing blade, not a cleaver. When\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\sb192\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 394\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 your enemy is close thrust towards the heart. Let me see \expndtw-2 you practise.' Conalin made several clumsy lunges. 'That's good,' said Nogusta. 'We'll make a fine swords\-\expndtw0 man of you, given time. But thrust off your lead foot. \expndtw-2 That will put your body weight behind the movement.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Conalin grinned, and tried again. This time the thrust \expndtw0 was smooth and swift. He looked at Nogusta. 'Your \expndtw-3 talisman is glowing,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I know.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Pharis and Sufia ran in to the doorway of the temple. 'They're here! So many!' shouted Pharis. They ran back \expndtw-7 outside.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Conalin went to join them, but Nogusta called him \expndtw-2 back. 'I want you to wait with me,' he said, softly.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I just wanted to see them.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It is important that you stay.' Nogusta turned away \expndtw-3 from the boy and climbed to the octagonal dais, then sat \expndtw0 back upon the stone altar placed there. 'This is one of \expndtw-2 the oldest buildings anywhere in the world. Most of the \expndtw-3 city was built after it. Like the palace back in Usa it was \expndtw0 said to have been erected in a single night by a giant. I don't believe it, of course, but it is a pretty tale when heard in full.' He took a deep breath. 'This wound is \expndtw-2 bothersome,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Why do you not want to see the battle?' asked Conalin, stepping up to the dais. 'Antikas, Kebra and \expndtw-3 Ulmenetha are all there. Why should we not go?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'I have seen battles, Conalin. I had hoped never to see \expndtw-4 another. Kebra tells me you want to work with horses. Is \expndtw-1 that right?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Yes, I do.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It is my plan to return to the northern mountains of \expndtw-2 Drenan and find the descendants of the herds my father raised. I will rebuild our house. It was set in a beautiful\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sb197\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-15\fs21 395\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 location. My wife loved it there, especially in spring, \expndtw-2 when the fruit trees were in blossom.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Did she die?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Yes, she died. All my family died. I am the last of my line.' He could see that the boy was anxious to leave, and \expndtw0 decided to distract him. 'Would you like to see some \expndtw-4 magick?' he asked.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'Yes.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Carefully Nogusta lifted the talisman from around his \expndtw0 neck and looped it over the boy's head. It settled neatly into place around his neck. 'Where is the magick?' said \expndtw-4 the boy.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta was surprised, but did not show it. Pharis and the child had returned looking for Conalin. He \expndtw-3 called them over. 'Try to place it around Sufia's neck,' he \expndtw-2 said. Conalin lifted the talisman clear, but when he tried \expndtw-1 to put it on the child he found that the golden chain was \expndtw-3 too short by several inches.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I don't understand,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Put it back on me,' said Nogusta. The boy stepped forward, and found, to his amazement, that it was still too short. 'It is yours now,' said the warrior. 'It has chosen you.' Softly he spoke the words his father had used. 'A man greater than kings wore this charm and \expndtw-1 while you wear it make sure that your deeds are always \expndtw-3 noble.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li226\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'How do I do that?' asked Conalin.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'A good question. Follow your heart. Listen to what it \expndtw0 tells you. Do not steal or lie, do not speak or act with \expndtw-1 malice or hatred.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'I will try,' promised the boy.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'And you will succeed, for you are chosen. This talis\-\expndtw-5 man has been in my family for many generations. Always \expndtw-1 it chooses its owner. One day, when your sons are near\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 396\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 grown you will play the magick game, and you will see \expndtw-1 it choose again.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Why didn't you keep it?' asked Conalin. 'You are still young enough to sire sons. You could take a wife.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It is done,' said Nogusta. 'And I am pleased. You are \expndtw-3 a fine lad, brave and intelligent. If you wish to come back \expndtw0 to Drenan with me we will build the house together. Then we can hunt the horses.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Will Kebra come too?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I hope that he will.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 From outside came the sound of war horns blaring. Axiana emerged from her tent, wearing a shimmering dress of blue satin. Her dark hair was drawn up, and a \expndtw-1 string of pearls had been braided there. Pharis gasped to see her. The queen approached Nogusta. She was hold\-\expndtw-2 ing the sleeping babe close to her chest.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'If I am to die,' she said, 'I shall die \i looking \i0 like a \expndtw-2 queen.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Conalin felt heat upon his chest. The talisman was glowing with a bright light now. A sudden vision came to him. A man in black armour moving through the \expndtw-5 ruins.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'What did you see?' asked Nogusta.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'The last of the Krayakin is coming,' said Conalin.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'He will soon be here,' said the warrior.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'You knew?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'It was the last of my visions. You now have the gift. \expndtw-4 Use it wisely.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You cannot beat him. You are wounded and weak.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li24\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'A great evil is coming,' said Nogusta. 'You will need \expndtw0 all your courage. Never lose heart. You hear me, boy? \expndtw-2 Never lose heart!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb691\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 397\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 The Ventrian cavalry appeared on the hills on either side, \expndtw0 lancers in their white cloaks and curved bronze helms, light cavalry with wicker shields and wooden spears, \expndtw-4 mounted archers in garish red shirts, and heavily \expndtw-3 armoured swordsmen in black cloaks and breastplates of \expndtw-4 burnished bronze.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The Drenai soldiers waited. Not a man moved. They stood silently their spears pointing towards the sky, their long, rectangular shields held to their sides.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The White Wolf glanced to left and right, and felt a \expndtw-2 surge of pride in the fighting men who stood ready. The \expndtw-3 sun was dipping low now, the sky golden, the mountains \expndtw0 crowned with fire. At the centre of the Ventrians came \expndtw-2 Anharat-Malikada, riding a white stallion. He raised his \expndtw0 arm, ready to order the attack.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Prepare!' bellowed the White Wolf. A thousand shields swept up, and a thousand spears dropped down to face the enemy. The movement was perfectly co\-\expndtw-3 ordinated.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The Ventrians rode slowly down from the hills, \expndtw-4 creating a fighting wedge.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri10\sb5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Anharat galloped his horse to the front of the line, \expndtw-2 then drew rein.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 From the highest point of the ruined wall Ulmenetha \expndtw-2 watched him. Her concentration grew as she summoned \expndtw0 the power of the land, feeling it swell inside her. Her \expndtw-3 body began to shake, and she felt her heart beating faster \expndtw-2 and faster. Still the power flowed into her. Pain, terrible \expndtw0 pain burst in her head and she cried out. But even \expndtw-1 through the pain she continued to draw on the power of \expndtw0 the earth. Tears flowed, and her vision misted. Raising \expndtw-3 her arms she released the fire of \i halignat.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\i0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 A huge ball of white flame flew from her hands screeching above the Drenai defenders, and passing\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-13\fs21 398\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 through the Ventrian riders. Not one of them was \expndtw-7 harmed, though their horses reared in panic. The blazing \i halignat \i0 swept on, curling around Anharat, swelling into \expndtw-1 a white globe that hid him from his army. Slowly the \i halignat \i0 faded away. Anharat's horse was unharmed, \expndtw-6 and the Demon Lord laughed aloud.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 T am safe,' he told the officers around him. 'Attack \expndtw-5 now, and kill them all!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-8\fs21 But no-one moved. Anharat looked at the closest man. \expndtw-6 His eyes were wide, and he was staring in horror. 'What \expndtw-4 is it, man?' he said. He looked at the others. They were \expndtw-8 all staring at him. Several made the sign of the Protective \expndtw-6 Horn.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Then he saw the White Wolf walking towards him. \expndtw-1 Antikas Karios was beside him, and the silver-haired \expndtw-7 bowman, Kebra. 'There is the enemy!' he shouted, lifting \expndtw-4 his arm to point at the three warriors. Only then did he \expndtw-8 see what had terrified his men. The flesh of his hand was \expndtw0 grey and rotting. The \i halignat \i0 had burned away the \expndtw-6 spell, and the body of Malikada was decaying fast.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 'He is not Malikada,' he heard Antikas shout. 'He is a \expndtw-6 demon. Look at him!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\fs21 All around Anharat riders were pulling away.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The sun fell behind the mountains, and the moon \expndtw-7 shone in the darkening sky.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi178\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 Anharat suddenly laughed, and spread his dead arms \expndtw-7 wide. The body of Malikada burst open, the clothes rip\-\expndtw-8 ping and falling away. The head fell back, then split from \expndtw0 the brow to the chin, and black smoke billowed up \expndtw-8 into the night sky. Slowly it solidified, forming two wide \expndtw-5 black wings around a powerful body. The wings began \expndtw-4 to beat, and the grotesque beast flew above the waiting \expndtw-14 armies.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-7\fs21 Kebra reacted first, notching an arrow to his bow, and\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\sb192\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-9\fs21 399\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 sending a shaft flashing into the sky. It pierced Anharat's \expndtw0 side, but did not stop his flight.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He flew on over the ruined walls towards the ancient \expndtw-4 temple.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas Karios ran to the nearest horseman and dragged him to the ground. Then he vaulted into the saddle and kicked the horse into a run. He thundered through the Drenai line and into the ghost city. The winged beast hovered above the temple.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 His taloned hand gestured towards the ground. Red fire leapt up, flames zo feet high encircling the building. Antikas Karios tried to ride through them, but the horse reared and turned away. Antikas leapt to the ground and tried to run through the flames. His shirt caught fire and he fell back, hurling himself to the ground and rolling through the dirt. Two soldiers ran to him, covering him with their cloaks and beating out the flames.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas glanced up and saw the winged demon land upon a high window and disappear into the temple.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li14\sb250\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta stood on the dais and gazed around the temple. \expndtw-1 Some 30 feet to his left was the queen's tent, and beyond \expndtw0 that the entrance to the antechamber. Two hundred feet ahead of him were the main doors. He glanced up at the high, arched window above the doors. From here would come the winged terror.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The queen emerged from her tent. Nogusta smiled at her. Carrying the babe she walked to the dais. There was in her movement now a renewed pride and strength, and her bearing was once more regal. Nogusta bowed.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I thank you for your service to me,' she said. 'And I apologize for any apparent lack of gratitude upon the \expndtw-1 journey.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Stay close to the dais, your highness,' he told her. The\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li19\sb173\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\f1\fs18 400\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\f0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 last hour is upon us.' Pharis and Sufia were sitting close by. Nogusta ordered them to move to the far wall.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li206\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Where do you want me?' asked Conalin.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'Stand before the queen. The beast will come from that \expndtw-2 high window.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Conalin looked up fearfully, but then strode to the \expndtw-1 dais and took up his position.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Nogusta drew the Storm Sword and stepped from the \expndtw0 dais. At that moment a figure in black armour moved \expndtw-2 from the shadows behind the queen's tent. He too held a \expndtw-5 sword.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'We meet at last,' said Bakilas, removing his helm. 'I \expndtw-2 commend your bravery.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta swayed, and reached out to steady himself. \expndtw-1 He took a deep breath, and his vision swam.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You are sick, human,' said Bakilas. 'Stand aside. I \expndtw-1 have no wish to kill you.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 Nogusta's vision cleared. He wiped the sweat from his \expndtw-2 eyes. 'Then leave,' he said.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I cannot do that. My Lord Anharat requires a sacri\-\expndtw-5 fice.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'And I am here to prevent it,' said Nogusta. 'So, come \expndtw0 forward and die.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri5\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Beaten back by the pillars of flame surrounding the \expndtw-1 building Antikas Karios stood with the White Wolf and \expndtw0 his men. Ulmenetha ran to stand alongside them. 'Is \expndtw-2 there nothing your magick can do?' hissed Antikas.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Nothing,' she said, her voice echoing her despair, \expndtw-1 Antikas swore, then ran for the horses. Starfire was still \expndtw0 saddled and the warrior heeled him back towards the temple. The White Wolf stepped into his path and \expndtw-3 grabbed the bridle.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No horse will run into those flames - and even if it\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri10\sb158\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-11\fs21 401\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 did, both horse and rider would be burned to a cinder.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Get out of my way!'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Wait!' shouted Ulmenetha. 'Fetch water. There may yet be something we can do.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Several soldiers ran and collected buckets of water. Under Ulmenetha's direction they doused the gelding. Antikas pulled off his cloak, and this too was drenched. The priestess reached up and took hold of Antikas's \expndtw-1 hand. 'Listen to me. I shall lower the temperature around you, but I will not be able to hold the spell for long. You \expndtw0 must ride through at full gallop. Even then . . .' her words tailed away.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Do what you can,' he said, drawing his sword.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li19\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'The horse will swerve and throw you into the flames!' \expndtw-4 said Banelion.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Antikas grinned. 'Nogusta told me he would ride through the fires of Hell. Now we will see.' Tugging on the reins he rode the giant gelding back 50 yards, then swung again to face the flames. Swirling his dripping cloak around his shoulders he waited for Ulmenetha's \expndtw-7 signal.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 She gestured towards him, and he felt a terrible chill \expndtw-2 sweep over him. With a loud battle cry he kicked Starfire \expndtw0 into a run. The gelding powered forward, his steel shod \expndtw-1 hooves striking sparks from the stone.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Soldiers scattered ahead of him. Antikas continued to shout his battle cries as Starfire reached full gallop. As they came closer to the pillars of fire he felt the horse begin to slow. 'On Great Heart!' he shouted. 'On!'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 The gelding responded to his call.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 And the flames engulfed them.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\sb250\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Bakilas was about to attack when suddenly flames burst around the temple, and a fierce glow shone through the\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li29\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 402\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 windows bathing the temple in crimson light. Then came \expndtw0 the beating of giant wings and Nogusta saw the mon\-strous form of Anharat glide down from an upper window. The wings beat furiously as his huge form descended, and a great wind blew across the temple sending up a dust storm, and exposing the mosaic at the \expndtw-1 centre of the floor. It was a surreal sight, for the exposed mosaic depicted a winged creature, with long talons, and \expndtw0 blood-red eyes - the mirror image of the creature now \expndtw-1 hovering above it.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Conalin stood on the dais, the queen and her babe behind him. The boy wanted to run, but in that moment remembered the bravery of Dagorian and the courage of Bison. He drew his sword and stood his ground, tiny against the monstrous creature before him. The beast's talons scrabbled on the mosaic floor and his wings stretched out a full 20 feet in both directions. He gazed \expndtw-1 at Conalin through blood-red eyes. 'It is fitting that I find \expndtw0 you all in my own temple,' he said. He looked beyond the boy, his gaze fixing on Axiana. 'Your work is done, \expndtw-1 my queen,' he said. 'You have delivered salvation for my \expndtw-2 people.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta was about to attack the beast, but felt a cold blade against his throat. Bakilas spoke. 'You have done all that you can, human. And I respect you for it. Lay down your sword.' Nogusta's blade flashed up, knock\-ing away the Krayakin's sword. He lunged at the black-armoured warrior, but Bakilas sidestepped and parried the Storm Sword, sending a riposte that slammed into Nogusta's ribs. As the blade plunged home, and terrible \expndtw-1 pain tore through him, Nogusta reached out and \expndtw0 grabbed Bakilas's sword arm. Then, with the last of his strength he rammed his own blade into Bakilas's belly. The Krayakin cried out, then fell back, pulling Nogusta\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri43\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-10\fs21 403\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 with him. They both fell to the ground. Nogusta \expndtw-4 struggled to rise, but his legs failed him, and he slumped down. Bakilas reared over him, dragging his sword clear \expndtw-3 of Nogusta's body. Then he rose unsteadily and advanced towards the dais.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Anharat moved towards Conalin, who stood on the \expndtw-4 dais, holding Bison's sword before him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li14\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'You have only moments to live, child,' said Anharat. \expndtw0 'I shall tear out your heart.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He started to move, when suddenly there came the \expndtw-3 sound of distant chimes. Dust motes hung in the air, and the boy stood unblinking before him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Time stood still and the shining figure of Emsharas appeared on the dais, next to the statue-still queen and \expndtw-4 the frozen, armoured figure of Bakilas.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li14\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You are in time to see my victory, brother,' said \expndtw-4 Anharat.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li24\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Indeed I am, brother. And tell me what you will \expndtw-8 achieve?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I will undo your spell, and the Illohir will walk upon \expndtw-1 the earth.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'And they will be consigned to the void, one by one. It \expndtw0 may take centuries, but in the end you will all be \expndtw-2 returned to the place that is Nowhere,' said Emsharas.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'And where will you be?' roared Anharat. 'What \expndtw-6 place of pleasure have you found that you have not shared \expndtw-5 with your people?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'You still do not see, Anharat,' said Emsharas, sadly. \expndtw-2 'Do you truly not know what became of me? Think, my \expndtw-6 brother. What could prevent you finding me? We are twin \expndtw0 souls. Since the dawn of time we have been together. \expndtw-5 Where could I go that you could not feel my soul?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li34\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 'I have no time for riddles,' said Anharat. 'Tell me, and \expndtw-3 then be gone!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li34\sb168\qc\cf1\lang1033\f1\fs18 404\cf0\lang2057\f0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Death,' said Emsharas. 'When I cast the Great Spell in \expndtw0 that tomorrow that is already four thousand years past, I shall power it with my life force. I shall die. Indeed, in this time I am already dead. That is why you could not find me. Why you will never find me. From tomorrow I \expndtw-1 will no longer exist!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Dead?' echoed Anharat. 'That is impossible. We can\-\expndtw0 not die!'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'But we can,' said Emsharas. 'We can surrender our souls to the universe. And when we do so the power we release is colossal. It was that power which dragged the Illohir from the surface of this planet and held them in the limbo that is Nowhere. But it was only the first step, Anharat. Not even my death could propel our people to the world I found, a world where we can take form, and eat and drink, and know the joy of true life.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No,' said Anharat, 'you cannot be dead! I will not have it. I \expndtw27 ...\expndtw0  I will not believe it!'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I do not lie, brother. You know that. But it was the only way I could think of to save our people, and give \expndtw-3 them a chance of life in the pleasure of the flesh. I did not \expndtw0 want to leave you, Anharat. You and I were a part of each other. Together we were One.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Aye, we were!' shouted Anharat. 'But now I do not \expndtw-1 need you. Go then and die! And leave me to my victory! \expndtw0 I hate you, brother, more than anything under the stars!'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The shining figure of Emsharas seemed to fade under the power of Anharat's rage, and his voice when he spoke again was distant. 'I am sorry that you hate me, \expndtw-1 for I have always loved you. And I know how much you \expndtw0 want to thwart me, but think on this: With all the power \expndtw-2 you have amassed what have you achieved? The \expndtw0 Krayakin are returned to the void, the \i gogarin \i0 is dead, and an army awaits you outside the temple. Once you\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri29\sb154\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 405\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 have killed the child you will need all your power to draw back the Illohir. After that you will be merely a \expndtw-1 sorcerer. The army will kill you, and all across the world \expndtw-2 mankind will unite against our people. But you will have \expndtw0 thwarted me. You will have made my death useless and \expndtw-1 unnecessary. It will be your final victory.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Then that will be enough for me!' roared Anharat.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li5\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Will it?' asked Emsharas. 'Our people have two destinies, and both are in your hands, my brother. They can pass to a world of light, or they can return to the void. The choice is yours. My death alone could not \expndtw-3 complete the spell. But yours will. If you choose to be the \expndtw0 third king to die then our people shall know joy. But \expndtw-2 whatever your choice I shall not remain to see it. We will \expndtw-1 never speak again. Goodbye, my twin!'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Emsharas stepped back and vanished. Anharat stood very still, and a great emptiness engulfed him. He \expndtw-1 realized in that moment what Bakilas had sensed the day \expndtw0 before. His hatred of Emsharas was almost identical to his love. Without Emsharas there was nothing. There \expndtw-1 never had been. Throughout the last four thousand years \expndtw0 thoughts of Emsharas, and the revenge he would know, had filled his mind. But he had never desired his brother's death. Not to lose him for all time.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I love you too, my brother,' he said. He looked around the temple, and saw that the humans were still frozen. Against the wall a young girl had her arms around a child, and upon the dais a teenage boy stood holding a sword. Behind him the queen had turned away, shielding her baby with her body. Bakilas was close by, his sword raised. The black warrior was lying sprawled beside the dais, his blood pooling on the \expndtw-2 mosaic floor.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Anharat blinked and remembered the journeys upon\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 406\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri19\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 the cosmic winds, when he and Emsharas had been as \expndtw-2 one, twin souls, inseparable.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri10\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 To die? The thought filled him with terror. To lose \expndtw-3 eternity? And yet what joy would there be in immortality \expndtw-9 now?\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri10\sb5\sl-245\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Then the music of the chimes began to fade, and the \expndtw-1 humans started to move.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Conalin watched the beast as it landed on the mosaic floor. 'You have only moments to live, child,' said Anharat. 'I shall tear out your heart.' The beast seemed to flicker for a moment, then it moved slowly forward, towering above the boy. Suddenly it dropped down, arms outstretched, its huge dark head lunging forward. Conalin leapt, plunging the sword deep into the thick, black neck. The talons swept down and settled over Conalin's shoulder. But they did not pierce the skin. \expndtw-1 Gently the beast pushed Conalin aside. Cream-coloured \expndtw-2 ichor spilled from the wound as the sword was torn free. \expndtw0 Anharat dragged himself up onto the dais. Conalin \expndtw-2 hacked at his back, the blade slashing open the skin. The \expndtw0 demon crawled past the queen and hauled himself up onto the altar. Twisting he spread his wings and lay back. Conalin jumped up and holding his sword with both hands drove it down into Anharat's chest. The boy stared down into the demon's eyes. Only then did he realize that the creature had made no move to attack \expndtw-12 him.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Confused, Conalin released the sword. Anharat's \expndtw0 taloned fingers curled round the hilt. But he made no attempt to draw it forth.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Emsharas!' whispered the demon.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 A black shadow moved alongside Conalin. He swung \expndtw0 to see the armoured knight moving towards the queen.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb178\qc\cf1\lang1033\f1\fs18 407\cf0\lang2057\f0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'No!' he shouted. With no weapon he sprang at the knight. A mailed fist hit him with a back handed blow that spun him from his feet.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Bakilas struggled on, the Storm Sword still thrust deep \expndtw0 in his belly. Clinging to life he raised his blade. Axiana backed away. 'Do not harm my son,' she pleaded. Twenty feet away Nogusta pushed himself to his knees and drew a knife. His arm snapped forward. The blade flashed through the air, plunging deep into Bakilas's left eye. The Krayakin staggered back, then dragged the knife clear, hurling it to the floor. Nogusta tried to draw another. Then he passed out.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 The sound of galloping hoofs filled the air. Bakilas turned to see a horseman with a cloak of fire bearing down upon him. Desperately he swung towards the queen and made one last attempt to reach her. Antikas Karios lifted the Storm Sword high and threw it with all his strength. The blade scythed through the air and \expndtw-1 slammed through Bakilas's neck. The Krayakin \expndtw0 crumpled and fell across the body of Anharat.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Casting aside the blazing cloak Antikas leapt from Starfire. The horse's mane was aflame and the warrior smothered the fire with his hands. The gelding was \expndtw-2 burned across the lower body, and his legs were \expndtw0 blistered and bleeding. Antikas himself had injuries to his arms and hands, and the skin over his cheek bone showed a vivid red burn.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Upon the dais Anharat's body began to glow with a \expndtw-2 brilliant, blinding light which filled the temple. \expndtw0 Temporarily blinded Antikas fell to his knees, his hands \expndtw-3 over his face.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li29\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Behind him he could hear the pounding of feet, and \expndtw-1 guessed the pillars of fire had vanished.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Hands grabbed him, hauling him upright. He opened\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li34\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-10\fs21 408\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 his eyes. At first he could see only vague shapes. But then \expndtw-2 he saw the face of the White Wolf swim into focus.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'That was a fine ride,' said Banelion. Antikas \i gazed \i0 upon the altar. There was no sign now of the Demon \expndtw-1 Lord, nor of the dead Krayakin. Both had vanished.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Conalin ran to where Nogusta lay, and knelt down beside him. 'I killed it,' he said. 'I killed the beast!'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Nogusta gave a weak smile. 'You did well, my friend. \expndtw0 I \expndtw22 ...\expndtw0  am proud of you.' He took the boy's hand and lifted it to the talisman. 'What \expndtw27 ...\expndtw0  do \expndtw24 ...\expndtw0  you see?' he \expndtw-2 asked, his voice weak and fading.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-4\fs21 Conalin closed his eyes. 'I see a strange land, with pur\-\expndtw-1 ple mountains. The Krayakin are there. They are bewil\-\expndtw-3 dered.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'What . . . else?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I see a woman. She is tall and black and beautiful.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li5\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta leaned against the boy. 'I\expndtw27 ...\expndtw0  see her too,' he said. Kebra ran forward and threw himself down by \expndtw-1 Nogusta's side.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Don't you dare die on me!' he said.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Nogusta released Conalin's hand and gripped Kebra's arm. 'No . . . choice,' he whispered. 'Take Starfire . .. \expndtw-1 back to the mountains.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'Ulmenetha!' shouted Kebra.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li10\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I am here,' she said. Conalin moved back and allowed the priestess to kneel beside the dying man.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li14\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'You can heal him,' said Kebra. 'Lay your hands on \expndtw-2 him.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I cannot heal him,' she said. 'Not now.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 Kebra looked down into Nogusta's dead eyes. 'Oh no,' \expndtw0 he said. 'You can't leave me like this! Nogusta!' Tears \expndtw-2 fell to his cheeks. 'Nogusta!' Ulmenetha leaned over and \expndtw0 closed the bright blue eyes. Kebra hugged the body to \expndtw-1 him, cradling the head. Ulmenetha moved back, and, as\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\sb158\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-5\fs21 409\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li5\ri43\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Conalin tried to reach Kebra she took hold of his arm \expndtw-1 and drew him away.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Leave them together for a little while,' she said.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I just wanted to tell him what I saw. He found his wife. On a world with two moons.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I know.' Ulmenetha walked to where Starfire was \expndtw-3 standing. The horse was shivering, and in great pain. She \expndtw-4 stroked his neck, then went to work on his wounds, heal\-\expndtw0 ing the blisters and the burns. The worst of the wounds \expndtw-1 was in his right eye, which was almost blinded. But this \expndtw-3 too she healed.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Antikas approached her. 'He is a great horse,' he said. \expndtw0 'Nogusta was right.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li14\ri10\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Let me heal your burns,' she said, reaching up \expndtw-1 towards his blistered face. He shook his head.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi216\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'I will carry the pain. It will remind me of what we lost \expndtw-2 here today.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li14\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 She smiled up at him. 'That sounds dangerously like \expndtw-2 humility, Antikas Karios.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 He nodded. 'Yes it does. How depressing. Do you \expndtw-1 think it will wear off?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I hope not,' she told him.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li24\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I will see that it does not,' he said. Offering her a bow \expndtw0 he turned and walked back to the queen.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li24\sb245\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 The White Wolf stood silently gazing down at Kebra and \expndtw0 Nogusta, his expression unreadable. Then he moved to \expndtw-3 the queen's side. 'Where would you like to go, highness?' he asked, his voice weary.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-3\fs21 'Back to Usa,' she said. 'And I would like you and your \expndtw-2 men to help me restore order in the city, and bring peace \expndtw-1 to the land. Will you do this for me, Banelion?'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li240\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'I will, highness.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Stepping forward she summoned Antikas Karios. He\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li48\sb144\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 410\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 bowed deeply. 'Will you swear allegiance to me, and promise to defend the rights of my son?'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li211\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'With my life,' he told her.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Then you will take command of the Ventrian army.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li10\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Lastly she called Conalin to her. 'What is it I can do for you?' she asked. 'Name it and it is yours.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li5\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Kebra and I are going to Drenan,' he said. 'We are going to find Nogusta's horses and rebuild his house.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li10\ri29\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'I shall see you have gold for the journey,' she said. Conalin bowed then walked to where Pharis was sitting \expndtw-3 with Sufia.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi206\li10\ri38\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Will you come with me to Drenan?' he asked them. Pharis took his hand.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li216\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\fs21 'Where you are I will be,' she said. 'Always.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li221\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'And me! And me!' said Sufia.\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi197\li14\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kebra walked out into the night, grief overwhelming \expndtw-1 him. Ulmenetha stepped out of the shadows and took his \expndtw0 arm. 'He knew he was to die,' she said. 'He saw it. But \expndtw-1 he saw something else, something incredible. He wanted \expndtw0 me to tell you. He was descended from Emsharas, and that meant he was part Illohir. As was Ushuru, for they were cousins. He saw himself walking with her in a strange land, under a violet sky. The Krayakin were there, and Dryads and Fauns and many other Illohir. I think he saw it as some kind of paradise.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi192\li19\ri19\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Kebra said nothing, and gazed up at the bright stars. 'I \expndtw0 know the pain you are feeling,' said Ulmenetha. 'I too have lost loved ones. But the three of you saved us all. None of you will ever be forgotten.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi187\li24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Kebra turned on her. 'Do you think I care about fame? They were my family. I loved them. I feel their loss as if \expndtw0 someone has cut them from me. I wish I had died with \expndtw-1 them.'\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li230\sl-250\slmult0\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 Ulmenetha was silent for a moment. Conalin came out\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri5\sb149\qc\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-10\fs21 411\cf0\lang2057\expndtw0\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\ri43\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 of the temple, holding hands with Pharis and little Sufia. The child broke away and ran to Kebra, who was weep\-\expndtw0 ing once more. She reached up and took his hand.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li10\ri34\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Don't be sad,' she said. 'Please don't be sad.' Then she \expndtw0 too began to cry. Kebra dropped down beside her.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li19\ri24\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-1\fs21 'Sometimes,' he said, 'it is good to be sad.' He brushed her blond hair back from her eyes. Conalin came along\-\expndtw0 side him and laid a hand on his shoulder.\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi202\li29\ri5\sl-250\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'You are not alone, Kebra,' said Ulmenetha. 'You have \expndtw0 a family to raise. Conalin and Pharis and Sufia. And I \expndtw-2 shall come with you for a while, for I have an urge to run \expndtw0 over mountain trails and see the wild flowers grow.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\fi211\li38\sl-269\slmult0\qj\cf1\lang1033\expndtw-2\fs21 'We will find Nogusta's horses,' said Conalin. 'And we \expndtw0 will rebuild his house.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li245\cf1\lang1033\fs21 Kebra smiled. 'He would like that.'\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
\pard\cbpat2\li144\sb754\qc\cf1\lang1033\fs21 THE END\cf0\lang2057\fs20\par
}