{\rtf1\ansi {\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green255\blue255;\red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;}{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\cpg0\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\froman\cpg1252\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\froman\cpg1251\fcharset204 Times New Roman;}{\f3\froman\cpg1250\fcharset238 Times New Roman;}{\f4\froman\cpg1257\fcharset186 Times New Roman;}{\f5\froman\cpg1254\fcharset162 Times New Roman;}{\f6\froman\cpg1253\fcharset161 Times New Roman;}{\f7\froman\cpg1255\fcharset177 Times New Roman;}{\f8\fswiss\cpg0\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f9\fswiss\cpg1252\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f10\fswiss\cpg1251\fcharset204 Arial;}{\f11\fswiss\cpg1250\fcharset238 Arial;}{\f12\fswiss\cpg1257\fcharset186 Arial;}{\f13\fswiss\cpg1254\fcharset162 Arial;}{\f14\fswiss\cpg1253\fcharset161 Arial;}{\f15\fswiss\cpg1255\fcharset177 Arial;}}{\stylesheet {\sbasedon222\f1\fs20 Normal;}}\paperw11909\paperh16834\margl1440\margr6115\margt1440\margb720 \sectd \sbknone\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn6115\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li1368\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-15\f1\lang1033\fs23 Acknowledgements}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi0\sb283\sa0\sl-192\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs20 Grateful thanks also to Liza Reeves, for the direction, Jean Maund for copy-editing, and Tom Taylor, Stella Graham, Edith Graham and Val Gemmell for the test \expndtw-11 reading.}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5414\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri19\fi0\sb0\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-16\f1\lang1033\fs36 PROLOGUE}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi0\sb485\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Three men were down, the other four formed a half circle \expndtw-6 around the huge, ugly man in the bearskin jerkin.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You want to know what it's like on the mountain?' he \expndtw-1 asked them, his voice slurred. He spat blood from his \expndtw0 mouth, which stained his red and silver beard. His \expndtw-6 attackers hurled themselves forward and he met the first \expndtw-3 with a crashing blow to the chin which sent the victim \expndtw-6 sprawling to the sawdust-covered floor. Blows rained in \expndtw0 on him. He ducked his bald head and charged at the \expndtw-8 remaining three, but his foot slipped and he fell, dragging \expndtw-3 a man with him. A booted foot lashed into his face but \expndtw-2 he swung his arm to knock the man from his feet. The \expndtw-5 ugly man staggered upright and leaned back against the \expndtw-10 wooden counter, his eyes narrowing as two of his attackers \expndtw-3 drew daggers from their belts. Dropping his right arm, \expndtw0 he pulled a long skinning-knife from his boot. It was \expndtw-9 double-edged and wickedly sharp.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi187\sb10\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 The innkeeper moved silently behind him and the blow \expndtw-6 to the back of the ugly man's neck was sudden. His eyes \expndtw-2 glazed. The knife dropped from his fingers and he fell \expndtw-9 face down to crash alongside his victims.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Til cut his puking heart out,' said one of his attackers, \expndtw-12 moving forward.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'That would not be wise,' the innkeeper told him. 'The \expndtw-4 man is a friend of mine. And I would be obliged to kill \expndtw-10 you.' The words were spoken softly, but with a confidence \expndtw-4 which cut through the atmosphere of anger and sudden \expndtw-16 violence.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-11\f1\lang1033\fs23 The man slammed his dagger home in its sheath. 'Some\-\expndtw-7 one will kill him one day,' he said.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Sadly that is true,' the innkeeper agreed, opening the}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5410\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri34\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 flap on the counter and kneeling beside the unconscious man in the bearskin. 'Are your friends alive?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri29\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Two of the men were groaning, and a third struggled to sit. 'Yes, they're alive. What was that nonsense about \expndtw-10 a mountain?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It's not important,' replied the innkeeper. 'There's a \expndtw-3 pitcher of ale by the barrel. You're welcome to it - and \expndtw-7 there'll be no charge for your drinks this evening."}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'That's good of you,' said the man. 'Here, let me give \expndtw-9 you a hand with him.' Between them they hauled the ugly \expndtw-2 man upright and carried him through to a room at the \expndtw-1 rear of the inn, where a lantern burned brightly and a \expndtw0 bed was ready, the sheets drawn back. They laid the \expndtw-2 unconscious warrior on the bed and the innkeeper sat \expndtw0 beside him. He looked up at his helper; all the man's \expndtw-9 anger had disappeared.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi226\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Go and enjoy your ale,' said the innkeeper. 'My wife \expndtw-5 will bring it to you.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 After the man had gone the innkeeper checked his \expndtw-6 friend's pulse. It was beating strongly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You can stop pretending now,' he remarked. 'We are \expndtw-9 alone.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi173\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 The ugly man's eyes opened and he eased himself up \expndtw-8 on the thick pillows. 'I didn't want to have to kill anyone,' \expndtw-6 he said, smiling sheepishly and showing a broken tooth. \expndtw-5 'Thanks for stopping it, Naza.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It was nothing,' Naza told him. 'But why do you not \expndtw-5 let it rest? The past is gone.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I was there, though. I was on the mountain. No one \expndtw-6 can take that from me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li254\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No one would want to, my friend,' said Naza sadly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 The ugly man closed his eyes. 'It wasn't what I dreamed \expndtw-6 of,' he said.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Nothing ever is,' replied Naza, standing and blowing \expndtw-7 out the lantern.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Later, after Naza and his wife Mael had cleared away \expndtw-4 the tankards, pitchers and plates, and locked the doors, \expndtw-9 they sat together by the dying fire. Mael reached over and}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li5\ri0\fi0\sb216\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f9\lang1033\fs20 8}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5391\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 touched her husband's arm; he smiled and patted her \expndtw-12 hand.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why do you put up with him?' asked Mael. 'That's \expndtw-4 the third fight this month. It's bad for business.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He's my friend.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'If he was truly your friend, he would not cause you so \expndtw-6 much grief,' she pointed out.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri29\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 He nodded. 'There's truth in that, Mael my love. But \expndtw-5 I feel his sadness; it hurts me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Moving from her seat, she leaned over to kiss his brow. \expndtw-4 'You are too soft-hearted. But that is one of the reasons \expndtw-6 I love you. So I won't complain too much. I just hope he \expndtw-5 doesn't let you down.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 He pulled her into his lap. 'He will; he can't help it. \expndtw-2 He climbed the mountain, and now he has nowhere to}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li14\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-17\f1\lang1033\fs23 go-'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What mountain?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 The worst kind, Mael. The kind that first you climb -\expndtw-6 and then you carry.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is too late for riddles.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes,' he agreed, surging to his feet and holding her in \expndtw-4 his arms. 'Let me take you to bed.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Which bed? You put your drunken friend in ours!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The upper guest room is free.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And you think you're still young enough to carry me \expndtw-10 there?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 He chuckled and lowered her to the floor. 'I could -\expndtw0 but I think I'll conserve what little strength I have for \expndtw-3 when we get there. You go up and light the lantern. I'll \expndtw-6 be with you in a little while.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 He wandered back to his own room and pulled the \expndtw-7 boots from the sleeping man. A second knife clattered to \expndtw-5 the floor. Covering his friend with a blanket, he crossed \expndtw-11 the room.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Sleep well,' he whispered, pulling shut the door behind \expndtw-18 him.}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5419\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li1282\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs36 CHAPTER ONE}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi0\sb466\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 Seventeen people watched the duel, and not a sound could \expndtw-8 be heard above the whispering of the blades and the dis\-\expndtw-10 cordant music of steel upon steel. The Earl rolled his wrist \expndtw-3 and sent a lancing stroke towards the face-mask of his \expndtw-7 opponent, but the man dropped his shoulder and swayed \expndtw-9 aside, flashing a riposte which the Earl barely parried. For \expndtw-8 some minutes the two duellists were locked in a strategic \expndtw0 battle, then the Earl launched a blistering attack. His \expndtw-3 opponent - a tall, lean man wearing the grey habit of a \expndtw-10 monk beneath his mask and mail-shirt - defended desper\-\expndtw-8 ately. With a last hissing clash the swords came together, \expndtw-6 the Earl's blade sliding free to touch the monk's chest.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 The duellists bowed to one another, and a light ripple \expndtw-8 of applause came from the spectators. The Earl's wife and \expndtw-7 his three sons moved out on to the floor of the hall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You were wonderful, Father,' said the youngest, a \expndtw-6 blond-headed boy of seven. The Earl of Talgithir ruffled the boy's hair.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Did you enjoy the exhibition?' he asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes, Father,' the boys chorused.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And what was the move by which your father defeated \expndtw-7 me?' asked the monk, pulling off his mask.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li245\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The \i Classic Chare,' \i0 replied the eldest.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li58\ri5\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 The monk smiled. 'Indeed it was, Lord Patris. You are \expndtw-10 studying well.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li43\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Earl allowed his wife to lead his sons from the hall \expndtw-3 and waved away his retainers. With the hall empty he \expndtw-8 took the monk's arm and the two men strode to the south \expndtw-7 gallery where a pitcher of fruit juice and two goblets had \expndtw-10 been set aside.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Earl filled the goblets. 'Are you really content \expndtw-9 here?' he asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 10}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5390\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri48\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 The monk shrugged. 'As content as I would be any\-\expndtw-3 where, my lord. Why do you ask?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 The Earl gazed into the eyes of the man before him. \expndtw-1 The face he saw was strong, the nose long and aquiline, \expndtw0 the mouth full below a trimmed moustache. 'There are \expndtw-1 many legends concerning you, Chareos,' he said. 'Some \expndtw-3 have you as a prince. Did you know that?"}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs22 'I have heard it,' Chareos admitted. 'It is unimportant.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 'What is important? You are the finest swordsman I ever saw. You were one of the heroes of Bel-azar. You \expndtw-6 could have been rich beyond the dreams of common men.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 'I am rich beyond the dreams of common men, my lord. And \i that \i0 is what is important. This life suits me. I am by nature a student. The libraries here in Gothir are \expndtw-4 among the best anywhere. Far south, they say, the librar\-\expndtw-3 ies of Drenan contain more books, but here are the com\-\expndtw0 plete works of Tertullus. It will take me many years to \expndtw-2 study them all.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 'It doesn't seem right,' said the Earl. 'I remember my \expndtw-1 father putting me on his shoulder so that I could see the \expndtw-3 heroes of Bel-azar as they marched through the streets of \expndtw0 New Gulgothir. I remember everything about that day. \expndtw-6 You were riding a white stallion of some seventeen hands, \expndtw0 and wearing a silver mail-shirt and a helm with a white horsehair plume. Beltzer was behind you, carrying his \expndtw-5 axe. Then Maggrig and Finn. People in the crowd reached \expndtw0 out to touch you, as if you were some lodestar. It was a \expndtw-4 wonderful day.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri14\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 'The sun shone,' agreed Chareos, 'but it was only a \expndtw-1 parade, my lord - and there are many parades.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri10\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 'What happened to the others?' asked the Earl. 'Did you remain friends? I have heard nothing of them for \expndtw-7 years.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri0\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Nor I,' Chareos answered. The dark-eyed monk looked \expndtw0 away, seeing Beltzer as he had been on the last day -\expndtw-2 drunk, red-eyed and weeping, his axe auctioned to settle \expndtw0 his debts. The farmer had become a hero, and it had \expndtw-4 destroyed him in a way the Nadir could not. Maggrig and}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li14\ri0\fi0\sb197\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-18\f1\lang1033\fs22 11}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5415\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri19\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn had been there; they had left Beltzer alone in the \expndtw-5 back room of the inn and walked with Chareos out into \expndtw-9 the sunshine.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We are going back to the mountains,' said Finn.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'There's nothing there,' Chareos told him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn had smiled. 'There's nothing anywhere, Blade-\expndtw-6 master.' Without another word the black-bearded archer \expndtw-7 had taken up his pack and moved off.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri14\fi182\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 The youth Maggrig had smiled, offering Chareos his \expndtw-3 hand. 'We will meet again,' he said. 'He probably only \expndtw-7 needs a little time to himself, away from crowds.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri10\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'How do you suffer his moods and depressions?' asked \expndtw-14 Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I do not see them,' Maggrig answered. 'I see only the man.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Now Chareos sipped his fruit juice and gazed out of the \expndtw-8 tall window. He was sitting too far back to see the court\-\expndtw-1 yard and the gardens beyond. But from here he could \expndtw-7 look over the high wall of the monastery and off into the \expndtw-5 southern distance, where the forest lay like a green mist \expndtw-6 on the mountains. His gaze swept across to the east, and \expndtw-4 the ridges of hills which led to the Nadir Steppes. For a \expndtw-7 moment only, he felt the touch of icy fear.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You think the Nadir will attack come summer?' asked \expndtw-5 the Earl, as if reading his thoughts. Chareos considered the question. The Nadir lived for war - a dour, nomadic \expndtw-6 tribal people, joyous only in battle. For centuries Gothir \expndtw-7 kings had held them in thrall, sure in the knowledge that \expndtw-6 the tribes hated one another more than they detested the \expndtw-8 conquerors. Then had come Ulric, the first great warlord. \expndtw0 He had united them, turning them into an invincible \expndtw-11 force, an army numbering hundreds of thousands of fierce-\expndtw-5 eyed warriors. The Gothir were crushed, the King slain \expndtw-1 and refugees fled here to the north-west to build new \expndtw-4 homes. Only the great Drenai citadel of Dros Delnoch, \expndtw-8 far to the south-east, had turned them back. But a century \expndtw-10 later another warlord arose, and he would not be thwarted. \expndtw-2 Tenaka Khan had crushed the Drenai and invaded the}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 12}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5386\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 lands of Vagria, his armies sweeping to the sea at Mashra-\expndtw-7 pur and along the coastline to Lentria. Chareos shivered. \expndtw0 Would they attack in this coming summer? Only the \expndtw-7 Source knew. But one point was as certain as death - one \expndtw-8 day the Nadir would come. They would sweep across the \expndtw-1 hills, their battle cries deafening, the grass churned to \expndtw-5 muddy desolation under the hooves of their war ponies. \expndtw-7 Chareos swallowed, his eyes fixed to the hills, seeing the \expndtw-10 blood-hungry hordes flowing across the green Gothir lands \expndtw-6 like a dark tide.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Well?' queried the Earl. 'Do you think they will \expndtw-8 attack?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I could not say, my lord. I do not listen to the reports \expndtw-1 as once I did. It is said that the Drenai are in rebellion again, led by yet another who claims to be the Earl of \expndtw-6 Bronze reborn. I think that makes it the fifth in the thirty \expndtw-1 years since Tenaka Khan stormed Dros Delnoch. But \expndtw-5 perhaps such an uprising will put off the Nadir plans.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He went the way of all the others,' said the Earl. 'He \expndtw-7 was caught and crucified; the rebellion was crushed. It is \expndtw-5 said the new Khan has ordered his troops north.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'People have been saying that for years,' said Chareos. \expndtw-3 There is little here for them. The spoils they took from \expndtw-6 the conquests of Drenan, Vagria and Lentria made them \expndtw-5 rich. We have nothing to offer them - we are not even a \expndtw-4 gateway to richer kingdoms. Beyond New Gulgothir is \expndtw0 the sea. Perhaps they will leave us alone.' Even as he \expndtw-5 spoke, Chareos felt the lie sitting cold in his throat. The \expndtw-4 Nadir did not live for plunder but for blood, and death, \expndtw-3 and conquest. It would matter nothing to them that the \expndtw-4 riches were few. No, they would be fired with thoughts \expndtw-8 of ancestral revenge on the Gothir people.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You do not believe that, Blademaster. I see it in your \expndtw-4 eyes,' said the Earl, standing. 'No, the Nadir hate us for \expndtw-5 the past, and they are tormented by the memory of Bel-\expndtw-3 azar - the only defeat to stain the reputation of Tenaka \expndtw-7 Khan.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos rose and assisted the Earl into his caped coat.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li34\ri0\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 13}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5415\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 He looked into the younger man's face. 'Bel-azar was a \expndtw-5 miracle. I do not know how we did it - nor why Tenaka Khan \i allowed \i0 us to hold. But it was twenty years ago; I \expndtw-6 very rarely think of it now.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The old fortress is in ruins,' said the Earl. 'It's as good as Nadir territory now. Thank you for the lesson. I think I am getting closer to you.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Better than that, my lord. You beat me today.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri19\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Are you sure you did not let me win - just because my \expndtw-11 sons were watching?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You won fairly, my lord. But next week I will be \expndtw-5 better.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Next week, you come to the castle. Afterwards we will \expndtw-6 ride out into the Hunting Woods and see if we can flush \expndtw-5 out a boar or two.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos bowed as the Earl strode from the hall. There \expndtw0 was still some juice in the pitcher, and he refilled his \expndtw-10 goblet and wandered to the window, watching as the Earl's \expndtw-7 retinue rode from the monastery.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi173\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 It had been a long time since those names had been \expndtw-7 voiced: Beltzer, Maggrig and Finn. He could still see the \expndtw-9 red-bearded giant hammering his battle-axe into the Nadir \expndtw-10 as they swarmed over the gate-tower wall. And each eve\-\expndtw-2 ning the bowmen, Maggrig and Finn, would compare scores and write them in charcoal on the granite wall. \i\expndtw-10 Maggrig killed eleven today, making his tally 31. Death to \expndtw-3 the Nadir! \i0 Old Kalin would dispute their figures as he cooked the evening meal over the brazier. Such a way \expndtw-1 with food, that man, Chareos remembered - he could \expndtw-7 make sirloin steak taste like sheep's bowels. He had died \expndtw-8 on the last day.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 The gate-tower section took the most casualties \expndtw-9 throughout. Of the original complement of forty-five only \expndtw-4 Beltzer, Maggrig, Finn and Chareos had survived. The \expndtw-5 Nadir had taken the fortress, but Beltzer had leapt from \expndtw-11 the gate-tower and singlehandedly retaken the Gothir stan\-\expndtw-8 dard, hacking and cutting his way back to the tower door. \expndtw-3 Once inside, the soldiers had barricaded themselves in}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li29\ri0\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 14}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5380\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 and defied the encircling Nadir warriors. For most of the \expndtw-3 day the enemy had scaled the wall, only to be repulsed \expndtw-7 by the swords and axes of the defenders.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri34\fi197\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 That night Tenaka Khan himself had walked, with his \expndtw-9 shaman, below the gate-tower.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Surrender to me, and you may leave here alive,' he \expndtw-10 had called.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri29\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'That would be contrary to our orders,' Chareos had \expndtw-11 answered him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri29\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What is the most important to you, duty or freedom?' \expndtw-6 the Khan had asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'An interesting question, sir,' Chareos replied. 'Why \expndtw-5 not come up here and debate the point?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Throw down a rope,' the Khan had answered.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-11\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos smiled at the memory now as he heard footsteps \expndtw-6 in the hall behind him and turned to see the Senior Bro\-\expndtw-8 ther approaching.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Am I disturbing you?' asked the old man.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Not at all, Parnio. Please join me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri14\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 The white-robed Senior sat by the table and gazed up \expndtw-3 at the sky. 'The Heavens are incredible,' he whispered. \expndtw-5 'Ever changing, yet constant in their beauty.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri10\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Indeed they are,' agreed Chareos, sitting opposite the \expndtw-11 old man.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Have you touched the power of the Source yet, my \expndtw-15 son?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No, Father. I am still a doubter. Is this a concern to \expndtw-14 you?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Senior waved a slender hand. 'Not at all. Those \expndtw-1 who seek Him find Him . . . but in His own time. But \expndtw-3 you have been here two years now, and I wonder what \expndtw-6 holds you. You do not need to wear the robes in order to use the library.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li43\ri19\fi192\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos smiled. 'There is comfort in belonging, Father. \expndtw-6 There is a certain anonymity.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li43\ri5\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'If it was anonymity you were seeking, you would not \expndtw-5 have kept your own name, and certainly you would not}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li48\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 15}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5409\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri34\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 have acceded to the Earl's request to teach him the finer \expndtw-10 techniques of swordsmanship.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 True. Perhaps the answer is, simply, that I do not \expndtw-9 know. Yet I have no desire to leave."}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'By \b0 my lights, my son, you are a young man. You \expndtw-6 should have a wife and children; there should be love in your life. Am I at fault in my thinking?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri24\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos stood and moved once more to the window. \expndtw0 'Not at fault, Senior Brother. I loved once . . . and in \expndtw-10 truth I could love again. But the pain of loss was too much \expndtw-6 for me. I would rather live alone than suffer it.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Then you are here to hide, Chareos, and that is not a \expndtw-6 good reason. The gift of life is too great to waste in such \expndtw-1 a fashion. Think on it. Why should the famed hero of \expndtw-9 Bel-azar fear such a wondrous joy as love?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi163\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos swung on the old man, his dark eyes hooded \expndtw-8 and angry. 'Bel-azar! I have heard that name twice today. \expndtw-4 It means nothing. I had a sword \expndtw39 ...\expndtw0  \expndtw-4 I used it well. Men \expndtw-6 died. I see nothing heroic in that, Senior Brother. A long \expndtw-7 time ago I watched an old man, crippled in the joints, try to aid a woman who was being attacked. One blow from \expndtw-5 a fist killed that old man. But his action was heroic - for \expndtw-8 he, had no chance. Do you understand what I am saying? \expndtw0 The soldier always has a chance. There are men and \expndtw-6 women in the world who perform heroic acts daily, and \expndtw-2 no one sees them. But I - because of a good eye and a \expndtw-5 fast arm - I am one of the heroes of Bel-azar. My name \expndtw-6 is sung in the long halls and the taverns.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You are wrong, Chareos. \i Men \i0 sing of you. But the \expndtw-4 action of that old man was sung before God. There is a \expndtw-9 difference.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 There would be - if I believed. But I do not.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Give it time - and beware of the Earl, my son. There \expndtw-2 is strength in him, but there is cruelty also. And when \expndtw-4 you go to teach him at his castle, do not wear the Grey. \expndtw-8 We are not warriors here; this is no Temple of the Thirty.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'As you wish, Father.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 The old man rose. 'When I came upon you,' he said}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li19\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 16}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5390\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 softly, \i 'you \i0 were lost in thought. Will you share your \expndtw-12 memories?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I was thinking of Bel-azar and Tenaka Khan. I was \expndtw-8 wondering about that last night when he climbed the wall \expndtw-7 alone and sat with us until the dawn. He talked of his life \expndtw-5 and his dreams and we spoke of ours. Beltzer wanted to hold him for a hostage, but I overruled him. At dawn he \expndtw-10 climbed down from the gate-tower and led his force away. \expndtw-5 We still had the Gothir standard so - in theory, at least -\expndtw-7 the victory was ours.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You admired the man?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes. There was a nobility of spirit. But I do not know why he let us live.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Did he not tell you?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No. But he was not a man to act without a reason and \expndtw-3 it has haunted me for years. When he died I journeyed \expndtw-8 into Nadir lands and stood before the great tomb of Ulric, \expndtw0 where Tenaka Khan was buried. I was drawn there. I \expndtw-2 rode into the camp of the Wolves and knelt before the \expndtw-3 shaman. I asked him why we were spared on that day. \expndtw-7 He shrugged. He told me we were the \i Shio-kas-atra - \i0 the \expndtw-9 ghosts-yet-to-be.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Did you understand him?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No. Do you?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I will pray on it, my son.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi0\sb442\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer awoke to a roaring sea of pain within his skull. He groaned and hauled himself to a sitting position, his stomach heaving. He pulled on his boots and staggered \expndtw0 upright, wandered around the bed to the window and opened it. Fresh air drifted in on a light breeze. He \expndtw-7 hawked and spat; his lip was split and a little blood could be seen in the phlegm. There was a mirror on the dresser \expndtw-6 and he sank down into the seat before it and stared at his \expndtw-4 reflection. One eye was swollen and dark; his forehead \expndtw-10 was grazed and there was a shallow cut on his right cheek; \expndtw-7 his red and silver beard was matted with dried blood. He}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li43\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 17}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5415\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri19\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 felt sick. The door opened behind him, causing the cur\-tains to billow. He turned to see Mael entering, bearing \expndtw-1 a tray on which was a platter of toasted bread and cheese \expndtw0 and a jug - he prayed it contained ale.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Thank you,' he said, as she set down the tray. She \expndtw-1 looked at him and shook her head.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You are a disgrace,' she told him, planting her hands \expndtw-1 on her ample hips.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No lectures, Mael. Have pity! My head . . .'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Your pain is your own affair. And I have no pity for drunken louts. Look at the blood on these sheets! And the stink is enough to turn a decent man's stomach. How \expndtw-2 long since you bathed?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It was this year, I know that.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'When you've finished your breakfast, you will go to \expndtw-2 the woodshed. There you will work until you have settled \expndtw-1 your bill. Axe and saw will clear your head.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Where's Naza?' he asked, straining to focus on the \expndtw-5 flaxen-haired woman.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He's gone into the city. It's market day. When he returns you will be gone - you understand that?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He . . . owes me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi182\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He owes you nothing. You hear me? Nothing! You've \expndtw0 been here two months. You've not paid a single Raq for food, lodging or ale, and in that time you've insulted our \expndtw-1 customers, picked fights and generally done your best to \expndtw0 ruin the trade my husband lives on. You will chop wood \expndtw-1 and then you will go.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 His fist slammed down on the dresser and he surged to \expndtw0 his feet. 'You dare to talk to me like that?' he stormed. \expndtw-1 'You know who I am, woman?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I know,' she said, moving closer. 'You are Beltzer. \expndtw-1 Beltzer the drunkard. Beltzer the sloth. Beltzer the brag\-\expndtw0 gart. And you stink. You stink of sweat, sour ale and vomit. Of course I know who you are!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 He raised his hand as if to strike her, but she laughed at him. 'Go ahead, mighty hero of Bel-azar. Come on!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer pushed past her and out into the empty room}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li19\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 18}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5386\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 beyond, but she followed him, her anger lashing him with \expndtw-4 whips of fire. He stumbled out into the yard beyond the \expndtw-7 tavern, blinking in the harsh sunlight. The woodshed was \expndtw-6 to his right; open fields lay to his left.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 He took the left path and headed off into the high \expndtw-2 country, but he had travelled only a half-mile when he \expndtw-10 sat down on a rock and gazed over the rugged countryside. \expndtw0 Three miles ahead was his cabin. But there would be \expndtw-9 no one there: no food, no drink; merely the howling of the \expndtw-8 wolves and the emptiness only the lonely could know.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 His heart full of shame, he turned back towards the \expndtw-14 woodshed.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Stopping at a stream he stripped himself of his bearskin \expndtw-1 jerkin and grey woollen tunic. Then placing his boots beside his clothes, he stepped into the water. With no \expndtw-9 soap to cleanse himself, he scrubbed at his body with mint \expndtw-2 leaves and washed the blood from his beard. When he \expndtw-3 returned to the bank and lifted his tunic the smell from \expndtw-7 it almost made him nauseous. 'You've fallen a long way,' \expndtw-6 he told himself. He washed the tunic, beating it against a \expndtw-2 rock to drive out the dirt, then wrung it clear of excess \expndtw-7 water and struggled into it. His bearskin jerkin he carried \expndtw-9 over his arm.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Mael watched him walk back into the yard and cursed \expndtw-2 softly under her breath. She waited until she heard the \expndtw-4 sound of the axe thudding into the tree rounds and then \expndtw-7 returned to the kitchen, preparing the pies and pasties the farm workers and labourers would require at noon.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 In the woodshed Beltzer worked hard, enjoying the heft \expndtw-7 of the single-bladed axe and the feel of the curved wood. \expndtw-1 His arm had lost none of its skill and each stroke was \expndtw-3 clean, splitting the rounds into chunks that would burn on the iron-rimmed braziers at each end of the tavern's \expndtw-11 main room.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Just before noon he stopped and began to cart the wood \expndtw-7 across the yard. Then he carried it into the tavern to stack \expndtw-2 beside the braziers. Mael did not speak to him, and he \expndtw-1 had no desire to feel the sharpness of her tongue. She}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li58\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 19}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5419\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri29\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 handed him a plate of broth and some bread when the \expndtw-2 noon-time custom died down and he ate it in silence, \expndtw-7 longing to ask for a tankard of ale but fearing the inevi\-\expndtw-12 table refusal.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri24\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Naza returned at dusk and carried a pitcher of ale out \expndtw-11 to the woodshed.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'How are you feeling, my friend?' he asked, filling a \expndtw-7 tankard and passing it to the grateful Beltzer.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Worse than death,' he replied, draining the tankard.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi206\sb14\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You didn't have to do all this,' said Naza. 'You should have rested today. You took quite a beating last night.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi154\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer shook his head. 'Your wife understands me \expndtw-4 better than you. This is what I need,' he said, lifting the tankard. 'You know, there's an insanity to it all, Naza. I \expndtw-10 was the most famous person in Gothir. I was the standard-\expndtw0 bearer. I was wined and dined, money and presents \expndtw-7 poured into my hands. I was on top of the mountain. But \expndtw0 there was nothing there. Nothing. Just clouds. And I \expndtw-3 found that you can't live on that mountain. But when it \expndtw-5 throws you off - oh, how you long for it! I would kill to \expndtw-6 climb it again. I would sell my soul. It is so stupid. With \expndtw-1 fame I thought I would \i be \i0 someone. But I wasn't. Oh \expndtw-7 yes, the nobles invited me to their castles for a while, but \expndtw-4 I couldn't talk to them in their own language, of poetry \expndtw-6 and politics. I was a farmer. I can't read or write. I stood \expndtw-7 with them and sat with them and I felt like the fool I am. \expndtw-1 There is only one skill I know - I can swing an axe. I \expndtw-5 killed a few Nadir. I took the standard. And now I can't \expndtw-9 even become a farmer again. The mountain won't let me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri0\fi216\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why don't you visit Maggrig and Finn? They still have \expndtw-7 that house in High Valley. They'd be glad to see you and you could talk of old times.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi206\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 They were always loners and we were never close. No, \expndtw-3 I should have died at Bel-azar. Nothing has gone right \expndtw-7 since then.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri19\fi206\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Death comes soon enough to all men,' said Naza. \expndtw-5 'Don't wish for it. Come inside and have a drink.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 20}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5385\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri48\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No, tonight I will sit out here and think. No drinking. No fighting. I will sit here.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Til send a jug out to you - and a hot meal. I'll have \expndtw-6 some blankets brought out too.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You needn't do this for me, Naza.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I owe you, my friend.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No,' said Beltzer sadly, 'you owe me nothing. And \expndtw-6 from now on I work for my food.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi0\sb446\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Forty wooden pegs two inches in diameter had been \expndtw-4 driven into the lawn; each was set some three feet apart in rows of eight. The eight young students stood before \expndtw-9 the pegs awaiting instructions from Chareos. The morning \expndtw-4 sun was bright and a light breeze caressed the elm trees \expndtw-8 which bordered the lawn.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Now, gentlemen,' said Chareos, 'I want you to walk \expndtw-8 along the pegs, turn and come back as swiftly as you can.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Might I ask why?' enquired Patris, the Earl's eldest \expndtw-7 son. 'Are we not supposed to learn the use of the sword?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Indeed you are, my lord. But you hold a sword in the \expndtw-7 hand, and that is only one aspect of the bladesman's skill. Balance is everything. Now kindly take your positions.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 The youngsters stepped on to the pegs and made a wary \expndtw-5 start. Patris moved smoothly out, turned and ran back to where Chareos waited. The other youths followed more \expndtw-3 carefully. Three slipped and had to make the attempt a \expndtw-7 second time; these three Chareos took aside.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You will continue on the pegs until I return,' he told \expndtw0 them. One was the fat child, Akarin, son of the city's \expndtw-4 Elder Magistrate. He would never be a swordsman, but \expndtw-8 he was a game boy and Chareos liked him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 He took the other five youths to the Run. It had been \expndtw-10 finished the day before and Chareos was well pleased with \expndtw-6 it. A long plank was angled up to join a platform of logs some six feet above the ground. The logs were balanced \expndtw-8 on greased spheres of wood, allowing them to roll gently. \expndtw-3 At the end of the log run was tied a knotted rope. With}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 21}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5419\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri19\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 this it was possible to swing the twenty feet to the second \expndtw-6 set of logs and down a greased plank to the ground. The \expndtw0 youths looked at the structure, then gazed one to the \expndtw-12 other.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Who wishes to be first?' asked Chareos. No one spoke. \expndtw-7 'Then it will be you, young Lorin,' said the monk, point\-\expndtw-6 ing to the red-headed son of Salida, the Earl's Captain of \expndtw-14 Lance.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Gamely the boy ran up the plank and on to the logs. They rolled and twisted under his feet and he half fell, \expndtw-6 but righted himself and slowly made it to the rope. With a leap he sailed over to the second run, released the rope \expndtw-3 and missed his footing, tumbling to the soft earth. The \expndtw-4 other youths did not laugh; they knew their turn would come. One by one each of them failed the Run until, at \expndtw-7 last, only Patris was left. He nimbly ran up the plank and \expndtw-1 on to the logs. Moving carefully, he reached the rope \expndtw-5 and then swung. Just before landing he angled his body \expndtw-7 sideways and, bending his knees, dropped into a crouch. \expndtw-6 Although the log rolled, his balance was perfect. But the \expndtw-2 greased plank at the end of the Run foxed him, and he \expndtw-8 slipped and fell sideways to the mud.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos called them to him. Their fine tunics of embro\-\expndtw-8 idered silk were covered in mud and grime.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Gentlemen, you are in sorry condition. But war will \expndtw-5 render you yet more sorry. The soldier will fight in rain \expndtw-6 and mud, snow and ice, drought and flood. It is rare that \expndtw-2 a warrior ever gets to fight in comfort. Now make the attempt twice more - in the same order, if you please. Patris, walk with me a moment.' He led the Earl's son \expndtw-6 some way from the others. 'You did well,' he said, 'but it \expndtw-10 was not innovative thought. You watched and you learned \expndtw-8 from the errors of your friends. The greased plank fooled \expndtw-7 you because you did not consider the problem.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I know now how to descend it, master Chareos,' said \expndtw-9 the boy.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I don't doubt it. But in real war an officer may have \expndtw-8 only one chance to succeed. Consider each problem.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri5\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 22}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5386\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I will.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos wandered back to the three youths on the pegs. \expndtw-8 Each was coping more ably with the course, save Akarin. \expndtw-1 'Let me look at you,' said the monk and the boy stood \expndtw-8 red-faced before the Swordmaster as Chareos gripped the \expndtw-4 flesh above the youth's hips. 'You know, of course, that \expndtw-6 you are carrying too much weight. Your legs are strong, \expndtw0 but your body is out of balance. If you truly wish to \expndtw-6 become a swordsman, then limit your diet to one meal a \expndtw-10 day. Make it a broth, with meat and vegetables. No honey-\expndtw0 cakes. No sweetmeats. You are a fine boy, but your \expndtw-6 mother spoils you.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 The other two boys were allowed to attempt the Run, \expndtw-6 but they fared badly. Akarin pleaded with Chareos to be \expndtw-9 allowed to try.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'They will make fun of me,' he pleaded. 'Please let me \expndtw-3 attempt it.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos nodded and the fat youngster ran at the plank, made it to the logs and wobbled towards the rope. Under \expndtw-6 his great weight the logs did not roll as badly as with the \expndtw-7 other youths. He swung on the rope, but lost his grip and \expndtw-10 dropped into a mud pool. A huge splash went up, followed \expndtw-6 by a roar of laughter from the other boys.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 Akarin hauled himself clear of the pool and stood blink\-\expndtw-7 ing back his tears.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 There was always one, Chareos knew, who had to \expndtw-5 endure the taunting. It was the nature of the pack.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 He led them to a nearby pasture and opened the chest \expndtw-8 containing swords, masks and mail-shirts. Then he paired \expndtw-2 off the youngsters, partnering Patris with Akarin. The \expndtw-5 Earl's son stalked across to the monk. 'Why must I have \expndtw-7 the Piglet?' he demanded.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Because you are the best,' answered Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I do not understand.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Teach him.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And who teaches me?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li43\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'As an officer, my lord, you will have many men under \expndtw-7 your command and not all will be gifted. You must learn}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li38\ri0\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 23}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5415\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri24\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 to use each man to his best advantage. Akarin will gain \expndtw-6 more from partnering you than he would with any other \expndtw-4 boy . . . and I will teach you.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'So from now on he is my problem?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I believe that will be in his best interests - and yours.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We will see,' said Patris.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 When the afternoon session ended, Akarin had learned \expndtw0 a great deal from Patris, but his arms and legs were \expndtw-3 bruised from the countless blows the older boy landed \expndtw-8 with their wooden practice blades.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I will see you tomorrow, gentlemen,' said Chareos, \expndtw-3 watching as they trudged wearily back to their homes. \expndtw-4 'Wear something more in keeping tomorrow,' he called \expndtw-8 after them.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 The following afternoon the youths assembled by the \expndtw0 pegs and Chareos came out to them. Akarin was not \expndtw-7 present; instead, a slim boy stood beside Patris.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And who is this?' enquired Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'My cousin, Aleyn,' answered Patris.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Where is Akarin?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He has decided not to continue his lessons.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And you arranged this, my lord?' asked Chareos softly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I did. You were wrong, master Chareos. When I am \expndtw0 an officer I will have no one in my force who is not \expndtw-4 excellent in every department. I shall certainly have no \expndtw-8 pigs.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Neither will I, my lord. I suggest that you and your \expndtw-5 cousin remove yourselves immediately. The rest of you \expndtw-7 gentlemen can begin on the pegs.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No one move!' ordered Patris and the youths froze. \expndtw-7 'You dare to insult me?' the boy demanded of Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You have brought discredit on yourself, my lord,' \expndtw-4 Chareos answered him icily, 'and I will no longer be at \expndtw-8 your service. Since these youngsters are your friends, and \expndtw-6 in some way dependent on your good graces, I shall not \expndtw-9 ask them to remain and incur your displeasure. There will \expndtw-7 be no more lessons. Good day to you.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos bowed to the group and walked away.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li5\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 24}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5382\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You'll pay for this!' Pat\lang2057 ri\lang1033 s shouted.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 The monk ignored him and returned to his rooms, his \expndtw-2 fury hard to control. He was not angry with Patris, but \expndtw-5 with himself; he should have seen it coming. The Earl's \expndtw-2 son was a fine athlete, but his personality was flawed. \expndtw-10 There was in him an arrogance which could not be curbed, \expndtw-7 and a cruelty which would never be held in check.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 After a while he calmed his emotions and walked to the \expndtw-8 library. Here in the cold, stone quiet of the reading hall he \expndtw-6 sat and studied the writings of the philosopher Neucean.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri34\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Lost in his studies, he did not feel the hours flow by. \expndtw-7 A hand touched his shoulder.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The Earl is waiting for you in the Long Hall,' said the \expndtw-9 Senior Brother.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi0\sb446\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos left the library and walked through the arched \expndtw0 gardens towards the steps to the Long Hall. He had \expndtw-4 expected some reaction to his dismissal of Patris - but a \expndtw0 visit from the Earl? And so swiftly? It made him feel uneasy. In Gothir the old feudal laws had been much \expndtw-3 revised, but the Earl was still the ultimate power in the \expndtw-8 Southlands and, on a whim, he could have a man flogged \expndtw-7 or imprisoned or both.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri14\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos gathered his thoughts and climbed the stairs to \expndtw0 the Hall. The Earl was standing alone by the south \expndtw-8 window, his fingers tapping rhythmically at the sill.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri5\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Welcome, my lord,' said Chareos and the slim young \expndtw-2 man turned to him, forcing a smile. His face was fine-\expndtw0 featured, his hair long and blond, heat-curled in the \expndtw-6 manner of the Lord Regent's Court.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li48\ri5\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What are we to do about this business, Chareos?' asked \expndtw-4 the Earl, beckoning the monk to a seat by the window. \expndtw-7 Chareos sat but the Earl remained standing.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You are speaking of the lessons?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li58\ri0\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why else would I be here? You have caused quite a \expndtw-9 stir. My wife wants you flogged; the Captain of the Guard \expndtw0 wishes to challenge you; my son wants you hanged -}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li19\ri0\fi0\sb211\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f9\lang1033\fs20 25}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5395\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri43\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 though I pointed out that withdrawing from lessons is \expndtw-7 hardly a crime. So, what can we do?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri38\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Is the subject so important, my lord? There are many \expndtw-11 swordmasters.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'That is not the point and you know it, Chareos. You \expndtw-5 have insulted the heir to the earldom and, in doing so, it \expndtw-6 could be argued that you have insulted me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri38\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The question of right and wrong must be considered,' \expndtw-8 said the monk.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The fat boy? Yes. But I want this business resolved. I \expndtw-5 suggest you invite the child - what's his name? Akarin? \expndtw0 - to return to the classes. You can then pair him with \expndtw-7 someone else, and the lessons can continue.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos considered the question and shook his head. 'I \expndtw-5 am indeed sorry that you feel the need to be involved in \expndtw-3 this . . . petty matter. What with thoughts of the Nadir, \expndtw0 the Slave raids and the many duties you face, this is \expndtw-2 an unnecessary irritant. However, I do not see that the \expndtw-8 resumption of lessons is what is called for here. Your son is highly gifted, but arrogant. Resumption of lessons will, \expndtw-3 for him, be a victory. It will be the better for the boy if \expndtw-6 he is placed with another master.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri14\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You speak of arrogance?' snapped the Earl. 'He has \expndtw-5 every right to be arrogant. He is my son - and we of the \expndtw-1 House of Arngir are used to victory. The lessons will \expndtw-9 resume.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos rose and met the Earl's icy stare. 'I should \expndtw-3 point out, my lord, that I receive no pay. I chose - as a \expndtw-11 free man - to administer the lessons. I choose as a free man \expndtw-10 to cease them. I am contracted to no one, and therefore am \expndtw-5 not under the law.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri14\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Then you are telling me that the insult to my family \expndtw-6 stands? Be careful, Chareos. Think of what that means.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 The monk took a deep, slow breath. 'My lord,' he said \expndtw-4 at last, 'I hold you in the highest regard. If you feel that \expndtw-8 my actions have brought discredit to you, then accept my \expndtw-10 sincerest apologies. But at the beginning it was made clear \expndtw-7 to the students that, in the matter of my lessons, they had}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri14\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 26}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5391\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li0\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 no rank. There would be no privilege. Patris not only \expndtw-6 dismissed one of my pupils, but stopped the others from \expndtw-5 obeying a command. By all the rules that he - and you -agreed, he had to go. I cannot reverse that decision.' \expndtw-6 'Cannot? Say it honestly, man. You \i will \i0 not.' \expndtw-5 'I will not.' A cold silence grew between the men, but \expndtw-6 the Earl seemed unwilling to end the meeting and paced \expndtw-8 by the window for several minutes.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li0\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Very well,' he said finally. 'It will be as you say. Logar \expndtw-5 will take over the duties of Swordmaster. I will see you, \expndtw-6 as agreed, at the castle hall on Petition Morning.' 'You still wish me to practise with you, my lord?' \expndtw-5 'I do. Or are you withdrawing from that duty also?' \expndtw-4 'Not at all, sir. I will look forward to it.' \expndtw-1 The Earl smiled. 'Until then,' he said, turning on his heel and striding from the hall. Chareos sat down, his \expndtw-7 hands trembling and his heart beating wildly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 It did not make sense for the Earl to retain him, and \expndtw-7 he had an uneasy feeling that the next practice would not be a pleasant experience. Was he to be publicly \expndtw-11 humiliated?}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 He wandered to the window. Now would be a good \expndtw0 time to leave. He could travel north to the capital, or \expndtw-4 south-east into Vagria. Or even south through the lands \expndtw-5 of the Nadir and on to Drenan and the Great Library.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 He thought of the twelve gold coins he still had hidden \expndtw-5 in his room. He could buy two horses and supplies for a \expndtw-6 journey. His gaze flickered around the Hall; he had been \expndtw-8 almost content here.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li38\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 His mind journeyed back to the last night on the gate-\expndtw-9 tower, as they sat with Tenaka Khan, the violet-eyed Lord \expndtw-7 of the Nadir. 'Why did you let us live?' whispered Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li48\ri0\fi0\sb446\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 The two-hour service was drawing to a close. Chareos \expndtw-5 enjoyed the singing of hymns, the chanting of the ritual \expndtw-9 prayers and the feeling of belonging that accompanied the}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li38\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 27}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5400\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri34\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 morning worship. It did not matter to him that his faith \expndtw-6 was less than that of his brothers. He felt at one with the Grey Order, and that in itself was enough for the former \expndtw-14 soldier.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi163\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 He rose from his knees and filed out with the others, \expndtw-10 head bowed, face shadowed by the deep hood. The morn\-\expndtw-5 ing sunshine was welcome after the cold of the Nave as \expndtw-7 Chareos stepped out into the Long Garden and down the \expndtw-4 terraces towards the southern gate. Once beyond it, the peace of the monastery was lost within the noise of the \expndtw-10 crowds heading for the market meetings. Chareos allowed \expndtw0 himself to be swept along until he reached the main \expndtw-4 square, where he pushed clear of the crowd and moved \expndtw-6 down a narrow alleyway to the Livestock Market. Daily \expndtw-3 auctions were watched here by discerning farmers and \expndtw-7 noblemen, the pedigrees of bulls and horses discussed at \expndtw-9 length in the stalls surrounding the circular arena. Chareos \expndtw-3 eased himself on to the front bench by the rail, and sat \expndtw-2 in silence while the bulls were led into the circle. The \expndtw-10 bidding was brisk, especially for the Drenai bulls - power\-\expndtw-4 ful beasts, short-horned but weighed down with "flesh. \expndtw-3 After an hour the horses were led in. Chareos bid for a \expndtw0 bay gelding, but lost out to a young nobleman sitting \expndtw-2 three rows back. He bid again for a dun mare, but this \expndtw-9 time was beaten by a bid from the back of the arena. Most \expndtw-6 of the other horses were swaybacks, or past their prime, \expndtw-7 and he began to lose interest. Then the grey was brought \expndtw0 in. Chareos had no wish to bid for a grey; out in the \expndtw-8 Wildlands they stood out too much, unlike the bay or the \expndtw-2 chestnut. But this animal had the look of eagles about \expndtw-3 him. His neck was long and arched, his ears flat to his \expndtw-9 skull, his eyes fierce and proud. The man leading him had \expndtw-8 a nervous look, as if fearing that at any moment the beast \expndtw-4 would rear and smash his skull. Bidding was slow, and \expndtw-8 Chareos was surprised to find himself raising an arm, and \expndtw-10 even more surprised when he won the auction with a price \expndtw-6 less than half the sum he had bid for the gelding.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 The man beside him leaned in close. 'Beware, brother,}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li19\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 28}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5372\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri38\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 that is the mount that killed Trondian - threw him, then \expndtw-5 trampled him to death.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Thank you for your concern,' said Chareos, rising and \expndtw-1 moving to the rear of the arena. The stallion had been \expndtw0 stabled there and the monk moved in alongside him, \expndtw-8 stroking his gleaming flank. 'I understand you are a killer, \expndtw-2 White One. But I daresay there is another side to your \expndtw-4 story.' Carefully he checked the stallion's legs. 'You are \expndtw-8 a fine beast.' Edging back, he made his way to the auction \expndtw-13 table.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri24\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I will ride him this afternoon,' he said, 'but I wish him stabled with you until Petition Day.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri24\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'As you wish,' replied the auction clerk. 'That will be \expndtw-8 twelve silvers for the horse, and six coppers for the week. \expndtw-3 Will you require a saddle? We have several that would \expndtw-6 suit.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi182\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos chose a Vagrian saddle with high pommel and \expndtw-3 a good harness, settled his account and left the market. \expndtw-6 After a short walk he entered Wool Street. Here he pur\-\expndtw-3 chased riding clothes - soft leather boots, dark woollen \expndtw-8 troos, two thick white shirts and a leather topcoat, double-\expndtw0 shouldered and vented at the ribs to allow for ease of \expndtw-10 movement. He also bought a cloak of shining black leather \expndtw-7 lined with fur.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri14\fi192\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'A fine choice, sir,' the merchant told him. 'The leather is Ventrian and will stay soft through the fiercest winter. It is deeply oiled and will repel rain.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri19\fi192\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Thank you. Tell me, who is the finest swordsmith \expndtw-14 here?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li48\ri14\fi187\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Well, that is a matter of debate, of course. But, my brother. . . .'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Does your brother supply the Earl?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No, but . . .'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li245\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Who does supply the Earl?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li62\ri19\fi178\sb0\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 The man sighed. 'It is not far from here. You are seeking Mathlin, he has a forge by the Eastern Gate. \expndtw-7 Follow Wool Street until you reach the Grey Owl tavern}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li10\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 29}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5438\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri14\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 turn right and continue to the Temple. Then it is the \expndtw-8 second on the left.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi197\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Mathlin - a dark-bearded, powerfully built Drenai -\expndtw-9 took the monk through his workshop to a building behind \expndtw-7 the forge. Here on the walls hung swords of every kind -\expndtw-5 broad-bladed glaves, short stabbing swords, sabres and the rapiers carried by the Gothir noblemen. There were \expndtw-9 even tulwars and double-headed axes on display.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What blade were you seeking, sir monk?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'A cavalry sabre.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Might I suggest that you try Benin's establishment? \expndtw-8 His weapons are cheaper than mine, and would probably \expndtw-7 suit you just as well.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi197\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos smiled. 'What suits me, swordsmith, is the \expndtw-8 best. Show me a sabre.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi197\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Wandering to the far wall, Mathlin lifted clear a shining \expndtw0 weapon. The blade was only slightly curved, the hilt \expndtw-8 topped with a crossguard of iron. He tossed it to Chareos, \expndtw-7 who caught it expertly, then hefted the blade, slashed the \expndtw0 air twice, rolled his wrist and executed a lunge. 'The \expndtw-5 weight is wrong,' he said. 'The lack of balance makes it \expndtw-7 unwieldy. Perhaps you should direct me to Benin.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi197\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Mathlin smiled. That was made by my apprentice and \expndtw-6 he has much to learn. Very well, sir monk. Perhaps you \expndtw-3 would follow me.' He led the way through to a second \expndtw-4 room. The swords here were beautifully fashioned, but \expndtw0 without adornment - no gold leaf, no filigree silver. \expndtw-8 Mathlin took down a sabre and passed it to Chareos. The \expndtw-9 blade was no wider than two fingers and sharp as a razor. \expndtw-3 The hilt-guard extended around the fist, protecting the \expndtw-11 sword hand.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi216\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Forged of the finest Ventrian steel, and tempered with \expndtw-3 the blood of the smith,' said Mathlin. 'If there is a finer \expndtw-5 sabre, then I have not seen it. But can you afford it?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li202\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What are you asking?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li202\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Three gold pieces.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li202\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I could buy five horses for that sum.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri29\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 30}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5420\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 That is the price. There is no haggling to be done here, \expndtw-5 sir monk.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Throw in a hunting-knife and a good scabbard and we will strike the bargain,' said Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Mathlin shrugged. 'So be it. But the knife will be one \expndtw-7 made by my apprentice. Nothing I make comes cheap.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li62\ri0\fi0\sb7310\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 31}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5414\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li1243\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs36 CHAPTER TWO}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi0\sb461\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 That afternoon, in his new clothes, Chareos prepared to \expndtw-3 ride the grey for the first time. He checked the saddle's \expndtw-4 underblanket for rucks or folds which would rub at the \expndtw-6 beast's back, then examined the bridle and bit. The latter \expndtw-9 was heavy and ridged.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Take it out,' Chareos told the hostler.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'This is a trouble beast, sir. You may need that bit.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I want a sound horse. That . . . monstrosity . . . will \expndtw-6 tear his mouth to pieces.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Maybe so. But it will keep him in check.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos shook his head. 'Look at his mouth - there are \expndtw-5 scars there already . . . old scars. And on his flanks. His \expndtw-6 masters have been hard men.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 He took an apple from the barrel by the door and cut \expndtw0 it into quarters with his new hunting-knife. Then he \expndtw-6 offered a quarter to the grey, who turned his head away. \expndtw-3 Standing to one side of the horse, Chareos ate the first quarter himself; then he offered another. This time the \expndtw-7 grey accepted the gift, but his eyes were still wary.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I reckon he'll be fast,' said the hostler. 'He's built for \expndtw-5 it. And with that colour he'll need to be. You using him \expndtw-7 for afternoon rides, sir?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li245\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Perhaps. I may take him on a journey or two.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 The hostler chuckled. 'Don't try the Wildlands. They'll \expndtw-10 see a horse of this colour from a mile away and you'll have \expndtw-7 robbers around you thicker than flies on dog droppings.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I'll bear that in mind,' said Chareos irritably. Stepping \expndtw-4 into the saddle, he steered the stallion out into the back \expndtw-7 street behind the auction yard.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Twenty minutes later he was in the foothills to the \expndtw-8 south of the city, with the wind in his hair and the stallion \expndtw-3 galloping at full stretch. He let the beast have his head}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 32}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5391\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 for a full quarter mile and then drew him back, pulling \expndtw-7 left to climb a gentle rise. At the top he allowed the horse \expndtw-3 to walk for a while, watching the beast's breathing. He \expndtw-6 need not have been concerned; within a few minutes the stallion was no longer snorting, and there was little evi\-\expndtw-8 dence of sweat on his flanks.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You are strong,' said Chareos, stroking the long sleek neck, 'and fast. But when will you let me know why you are such a troubled beast?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 The stallion plodded on, but when Chareos urged him into a canter over the hills the horse responded instantly. \expndtw-1 At the end of an hour's riding the city was far behind, \expndtw0 though Chareos could still see its turrets in the misty distance. He made up his mind to turn back, for dusk \expndtw-3 was fast approaching and the great stallion was finally tired. Angling the beast down a short slope, he spotted \expndtw-2 billowing clouds of smoke from the south, beyond the \expndtw-5 hills. He rode on, entering a circle of trees. In a clearing \expndtw-10 he came on a group of soldiers sitting around several small \expndtw-3 fires. He recognised the officer - who was sitting apart \expndtw-5 from his men - as Logar, the Earl's champion.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 There is a large fire south of you beyond the hill,' \expndtw-6 Chareos told him. 'Have you not noticed the smoke?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What business is it of yours?' asked Logar, rising \expndtw-3 smoothly. A tall, lean young man with cold eyes and a \expndtw-2 dark trident beard, he moved forward to stand close to \expndtw-3 the stallion. The horse did not like the proximity of the \expndtw-9 soldier and backed away; Chareos calmed him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is not my business,' he said. 'Good day to you.' He rode from the clearing, topped the rise and gazed down \expndtw-10 on a scene of devastation. There were twelve homes burn\-\expndtw-8 ing, and several bodies lay sprawled on the ground. Else\-where people were trying to bring the blaze under control \expndtw-5 at a large communal barn. Chareos cursed and returned \expndtw-7 to the soldiers' camp.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri10\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Logar was dicing with a junior officer and both men \expndtw-9 looked up as Chareos rode in. 'There is a village close by,' said Chareos, 'which has been under attack. You will take}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li29\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 33}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5410\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri29\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 your men and help with the fire-fighting. And know this \expndtw-5 - I shall report you to the Earl for dereliction of duty.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri24\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 All colour fled from Logar's face as he rose and grasped \expndtw-4 the hilt of his sabre. 'Step down, you whoreson! I'll not \expndtw-6 be insulted by the likes of you.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You have been,' said Chareos. 'Now do as I told you.' \expndtw-7 Swinging the stallion he rode to the village, tethering the \expndtw-2 horse upwind of the smoke before running to help the villagers. The fire at the barn was out of control. As a \expndtw0 man ran by him bearing a bucket of water, Chareos \expndtw-4 dragged him to a halt. 'You must get out what you can. \expndtw0 The barn is beyond saving,' he told him. The man \expndtw-3 nodded, and ran on to the others as the soldiers arrived \expndtw-7 and hurled themselves into the work. Three of the homes \expndtw-4 were saved, but the barn fire raged on. Several axemen \expndtw-10 hammered an entrance at the rear of the building, allowing \expndtw-5 others to enter and drag clear what grain sacks could be \expndtw0 saved. The battle went on long into the evening, but \expndtw-10 finally the fires died down.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos walked to a nearby stream and washed his face \expndtw-6 and hands of grime. He looked down at his new clothes. \expndtw-3 The jerkin was singed, as were the troos; the shirt was \expndtw-8 blackened by smoke, the boots scuffed.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 He sat down. His lungs felt hot, and his mouth tasted \expndtw-9 of woodsmoke. A young man approached him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li43\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 They took eleven of our women, sir. When will you \expndtw-7 ride after them?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos stood. 'I am not a soldier, I was merely passing \expndtw-6 by. You need to see the officer with the troop; his name is Logar.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'A thousand curses on him!' spat the young man. \expndtw-8 Chareos said nothing, but looked more closely at the vil\-\expndtw-3 lager. He was tall and slender, with long dark hair and \expndtw-4 keen blue eyes under thick brows. The face was hand\-\expndtw-8 some, despite the blackening of the smoke and charcoal.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Be careful what you say, youngster,' warned Chareos. \expndtw-5 'Logar is the Earl's champion.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I don't care. Old Paccus warned us of the raid and we}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li10\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 34}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5381\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 sent to the Earl for aid three days ago. Where were the \expndtw-8 soldiers when we needed them?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'How did he know of the raid?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri38\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He's a seer: he told us the day and the hour. We tried \expndtw-6 to fight them, but we've no weapons.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Who were they?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri43\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Nadren. Outlaws who trade with the Nadir. For slaves! \expndtw-6 We must get them back. We must!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Then see the officer. And if that does not satisfy you, go to the Earl. It will soon be Petition Day.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Do you think he will care about what happens to a few poor farmers?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I do not know,' said Chareos. 'Where is Paccus?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri19\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 The young man pointed across the ruined village to \expndtw-6 where an old man was sitting on the ground, wrapped in \expndtw-7 a blanket. Chareos made his way over to him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Good day, sir.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri24\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 The old man looked up, his eyes bright in the moon\-light. 'So, it begins,' he said softly. 'Welcome, Chareos. \expndtw-7 How can I help you?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You recognise me? Have we met?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No. How can I help you?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'There is a young man who claims you knew of the \expndtw0 raid. He is angry - understandably so. How did you \expndtw-12 know?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I saw it in a dream. I see many things in dreams. I saw \expndtw-5 you in the clearing beyond the hill asking the vile Logar \expndtw-9 about the smoke. He and his men have been camped there \expndtw0 all day but he did not want to be involved in a battle. \expndtw-8 Who can blame him?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I can. There is no place for cowardice in an army.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You think it cowardice, Chareos? We are talking of a \expndtw-9 man who has killed sixteen men in duels. No, he was paid \expndtw-10 by the Slavers. Since slavery was outlawed in Gothir lands \expndtw-2 the price per head has quadrupled. Our eleven women \expndtw-7 will fetch perhaps fifteen gold pieces each; Ravenna will fetch more.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li250\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'That is a great deal of money,' Chareos agreed.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 35}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5434\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri29\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Nadir can afford it. Their treasuries are bulging \expndtw-6 with gold and jewels from Drenan, Lentria, Vagria and \expndtw-10 Mashrapur.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'How do you know that Logar accepted a bribe?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'How do I know that you are planning to leave the city \expndtw-7 on Petition Day? How do I know that you will not travel \expndtw-4 alone? How do I know that an old friend awaits you in \expndtw-6 the mountains? How? Because I am a seer. And today I wish I had never been born with the Talent.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 The old man turned his head away, gazing down at the \expndtw-3 cinder-strewn ground. Chareos rose, and as he walked \expndtw-10 back towards his stallion a tall figure stepped into his path.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What do you want, Logar?' he asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You insulted me. Now you will pay the price!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You wish to duel with me?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I do not know you, therefore the Laws of the Duel do \expndtw-8 not apply. We will merely fight.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'But you do know me, Logar. Look closely, and picture \expndtw-7 this face above the robes of a grey monk.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Chareos? Damn you! Will you hide behind the rules \expndtw-7 of the Order? Or will you meet me like a man?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi178\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Firstly, I will see the Earl and discuss your . . . curious \expndtw-3 behaviour today. Then I will consider your challenge. \expndtw-4 Good night to you.' He moved on, then turned. 'Oh, by \expndtw-1 the by \expndtw34 ...\expndtw0  \expndtw-1 when you spend the gold you made today, \expndtw-4 think of the bodies that lie here. I noticed two children \expndtw0 among the corpses. Perhaps you should help to bury \expndtw-8 them.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 The stallion stood quietly as Chareos stepped into the \expndtw-4 saddle. The rider looked back once at the smouldering \expndtw-8 remains of the village and then rode warily for the distant \expndtw-13 city.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi0\sb442\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I am deeply sorry that you have decided to leave us,' said \expndtw0 the Senior Brother, rising from his chair and leaning \expndtw-10 across the desk with one hand extended. Chareos accepted \expndtw-9 the handshake.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri5\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 36}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5395\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I also am full of regrets, Father. But it is time.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Time, my son? What is time but the breath between \expndtw-10 birth and death? I had thought you were coming to under\-\expndtw-3 stand the purpose of Being, to establish the Will of the \expndtw0 Source in all things. It saddens me greatly to see you \expndtw-6 armed in this way,' he said, pointing to the sabre and the \expndtw-8 hunting-knife.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Where I am travelling I may have need of them, \expndtw-3 Father.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I learned long ago that the sword is no protection, \expndtw-9 Chareos.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I have no wish to argue, Father. Yet it must be said that the monks exist here in peace and security only because of \expndtw-5 the swords of the defenders. I do not belittle your views - I wish all men shared them. But they do not. I came to you as a broken man and you made me whole. But if all \expndtw-9 men lived as you and I, there would be no children and no \expndtw-6 humanity. Where then would be the Will of the Source?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Brother smiled. 'Oh, Chareos, how narrow is your \expndtw-9 thinking! Do you believe that \i this \i0 is all there is? You were \expndtw-5 an acolyte, my son. In five or ten years you would have \expndtw-3 been ready to study the true Mysteries, and you would \expndtw-6 have seen the magic of the universe. Give me your hand \expndtw-7 once more.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos reached out and the monk took his fingers and \expndtw-5 turned his palm upwards. The Senior Brother closed his \expndtw-1 eyes and sat statue-still, seeming not even to breathe. \expndtw-10 Slowly the minutes passed and Chareos found his shoulder \expndtw-4 stiffening as he sat with arm stretched. Easing his hand from the Brother's grip, he waited in silence. At last the \expndtw-6 monk opened his eyes, shook his head and reached for a \expndtw-9 goblet of water.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Your journey will be long, my friend, and perilous. \expndtw-6 May the Lord of All Harmony travel with you.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What did you see, Father?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Some sorrows are not for sharing before their time, my \expndtw-6 son. But there is no evil in you. Go now, for I must rest.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos took a last stroll around the monastery grounds}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li29\ri0\fi0\sb221\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f9\lang1033\fs20 37}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5405\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 before walking on towards the Keep at the centre of the \expndtw-2 city. Several centuries ago the Keep had been built to \expndtw-5 guard the northern toll road, but when the Nadir hordes of Ulric first gathered they destroyed the great southern \expndtw-6 city of Gulgothir, the capital of the Gothir kingdom, and the land was torn in two. Refugees streamed north, over \expndtw-7 the mountains and far from Nadir tyranny. A new capital was built on the western edge of the ocean, and the Keep \expndtw0 at Talgithir became the southernmost point of Gothir \expndtw-2 lands. It had grown in size since those early days, and now the Keep was but a small island at the centre of a \expndtw-9 bustling metropolis.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Great Gates of Oak and Iron were shut, but \expndtw-4 Chareos joined the queue at the side gate which slowly \expndtw-7 filed through to the outer courtyard. There were the pet\-\expndtw-5 itioners, men and women with grievances only the Earl could settle. There were more than two hundred people \expndtw-11 already present, and each carried a flat disc of clay stamped \expndtw-4 with a number. When that number was called, the pet\-itioner would walk inside the main hall and present his \expndtw-3 case to the Earl. Of the hundreds waiting, only about a \expndtw-9 dozen would be dealt with, the rest returning next Petition \expndtw-17 Day.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri10\fi182\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos walked up the wide stone steps towards the \expndtw-7 two guards at the top; their spears were crossed, but they \expndtw-3 lifted them to allow him to pass through into the inner \expndtw-8 chambers. Three times already he had tried to contact the \expndtw-4 Earl, to inform him of the deeds of his soldiers. But on \expndtw-7 each occasion he had been turned away and told that the Earl was too busy to be interrupted.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 A servant led Chareos through to the Dining Hall. The \expndtw-5 long tables had been removed and now the Earl and his \expndtw-1 retainers sat facing the doors. The first petitioner was \expndtw-5 already before them, talking of a broken promise in the \expndtw-6 matter of the sale of three bulls; he had received half the \expndtw-7 payment on delivery, but the remainder had been denied \expndtw-4 him. The accused was a nobleman, a distant relative of the Earl. The case was found to be proved and the Earl}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri24\fi0\sb216\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f9\lang1033\fs20 38}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5390\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 ordered the money to be paid, plus five silver pieces to be \expndtw-5 given to the plaintiff to offset the waste of time the case \expndtw-2 had incurred. He also fined the nobleman twenty gold \expndtw-14 pieces.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 The plaintiff bowed low and backed from the chamber. \expndtw-6 The next person to be called was a widow, who claimed \expndtw-10 that her inheritance had been stolen by a man who claimed \expndtw-7 to love her. The man was dragged into the hall, weighted \expndtw-5 down with chains. His face was bruised and bloody and \expndtw-8 he admitted the charge against him. The Earl ordered him \expndtw-12 hanged.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 One by one the petitioners came forward until, at noon, \expndtw-6 the Earl rose. 'Enough for one day, by the gods,' he said.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 A young man pushed through the main doors, the \expndtw-4 guards running after him. 'My lord, hear me!' he called. \expndtw-6 The two guards seized the man's arms and began to drag \expndtw-12 him away.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Wait!' called the Earl. 'Let him speak.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos recognised the tall young villager and eased \expndtw-7 himself forward to hear him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'My village was attacked by raiders. Eleven of our \expndtw-5 women were taken to be sold to the Nadir. We must get them back, my lord.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Ah yes, the village. A sad affair,' said the Earl. 'But \expndtw-5 there is little we can do. We followed their tracks to the \expndtw-6 mountains, but they escaped into Nadir lands and I have \expndtw-5 no jurisdiction there.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Then you will do nothing?' the man shouted.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Do not raise your voice to me, peasant!' roared the \expndtw-9 Earl.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We pay taxes to you, and we look to you for protection. \expndtw-3 But when we asked for it, your men stayed hidden in a \expndtw-11 wood while our people were slaughtered. Do cowards now \expndtw-6 rule the Gothir?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Take him!' shouted the Earl and the guards leapt on \expndtw-4 the villager, pinning his arms. 'I want him flogged. Get him but of here.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li245\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Is that your answer?' yelled the youth. 'Is this justice?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li48\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 39}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5420\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Earl ignored him and the youth was hauled away, \expndtw-1 the doors closing behind him. 'Ah, Chareos,' said the \expndtw-7 Earl. 'Welcome. Are you ready for the exhibition?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi221\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I am indeed, my lord,' replied Chareos, stepping for\-ward. 'But may I first say a word about the young man's \expndtw-14 claims?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You may not!' snapped the Earl. 'Logar!' The cham\-\expndtw0 pion rose from his seat and walked out to stand with the two men. 'I hurt my shoulder during last week's \expndtw-6 exhibition,' said the Earl, 'and it is troubling me still. But \expndtw-1 rather than disappoint our guests, would you take my \expndtw-8 place against the hero of Bel-azar?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It would be a pleasure, my lord,' replied Logar. 'Might \expndtw-4 I suggest that it would imbue the spectacle with greater \expndtw-5 tension were we to exhibit our skills without masks and \expndtw-9 mail-shirts?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Is that not dangerous?' the Earl queried. 'I would not \expndtw-7 like to see a tragic accident.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'There is danger, my lord, but it might add spice to \expndtw-7 the exhibition.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Very well,' agreed the Earl, ignoring Chareos. 'Let it \expndtw-8 be as you say.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi173\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 A page came forward bearing two rapiers. Chareos \expndtw-6 chose the left-hand blade and moved away to loosen his \expndtw-8 muscles. He laid his sabre and knife on a ledge, his mind racing. He had no doubt that Logar would try to kill him, \expndtw-6 yet if he killed Logar the Earl would have him arrested. \expndtw-5 Mechanically he went through his exercises, stretching \expndtw-8 the muscles of his arms, shoulders and groin. He glanced \expndtw-7 at the two rows of spectators, his eye catching the young \expndtw-3 Lord Patris. The boy was grinning wolfishly. Chareos \expndtw-9 turned away and approached Logar.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 The two men lifted their blades high, saluting each \expndtw-7 other, then touched swords.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Begin!' called the Earl.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Logar launched a sudden attack, rolling his wrist in \expndtw-8 the \i Classic Chare, \i0 but Chareos parried the blow, moving \expndtw-9 smoothly to his right. Logar's eyes narrowed. Three times}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri5\fi0\sb211\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-17\f9\lang1033\fs20 40}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5386\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 the soldier hurled himself forward, and on each occasion \expndtw-1 was parried. Chareos was growing angry. Logar was \expndtw-7 making no attempt to defend himself, sure in the knowl\-\expndtw-3 edge that Chareos could not - in an exhibition - deliver \expndtw0 a killing thrust. Twice his blade flashed by Chareos' \expndtw-4 throat, and the monk knew it was only a matter of time \expndtw0 before the Earl's champion found a way through his \expndtw-9 defences. Chareos blocked a thrust and leapt back, wrong-\expndtw-5 footing Logar. As the champion cursed and moved for\-\expndtw-4 ward, Chareos took a deep breath and prepared to meet \expndtw-6 the attack, knowing now that Logar intended to kill him. But was it the Earl's plan, or merely the result of Logar's \expndtw-5 wounded pride? Logar's sword-blade lanced for his eye \expndtw-3 but he sidestepped, spun on his heel and jumped back. \expndtw-7 Logar swung and grinned broadly. Back and forth across the hall the two swordsmen battled. The spectators could not hold themselves in silence and began wildly cheering \expndtw-8 every attack made by Logar. Several minutes passed, and \expndtw0 still there was no resolution to the encounter. Logar \expndtw-7 lunged. Chareos only partly blocked, and felt his opponent's sword blade slice into the skin of his cheek.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 At the sight of blood a hush fell on the spectators, who \expndtw-6 looked to the Earl to end the exhibition. But he made no \expndtw0 move. So it was the Earl's plan, thought Chareos and \expndtw-6 anger flared within him, but he held it trapped. He could not kill Logar, for then the Earl would have him arrested and on trial for murder. Coldly furious, Chareos circled, \expndtw-3 then moved swiftly to his right. Logar lunged forward. \expndtw-7 Chareos parried three thrusts, then slashed his own blade \expndtw-1 high over Logar's sword. The point of Chareos' rapier \expndtw-7 split the skin above Logar's right eye and sliced on across \expndtw-6 his brow. Blood billowed into the swordsman's eyes and \expndtw-8 he fell back.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos turned to the Earl. 'Is the exhibition over, my \expndtw-9 lord?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 That was foul work,' said the Earl. 'You could have \expndtw-6 killed him.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Indeed I could, for he is not very skilful. But for good}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li19\ri0\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 41}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5424\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 luck this blow,' said Chareos, pointing to the cut on his \expndtw-9 own cheek, 'would have pierced me to the brain. Happily \expndtw-7 there is little harm done; his cut is not serious. And now, \expndtw-2 with your permission . . .' A sound from behind made \expndtw-7 him spin on his heel. Logar had wiped most of the blood \expndtw0 from his face and was running at him with sword \expndtw-9 extended. Chareos sidestepped and rammed his hilt guard behind Logar's left ear and the champion fell unconscious to the marble floor. 'As I was saying,' said Chareos coldly, \expndtw-7 'with your permission I will leave.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You are not welcome here,' hissed the Earl, 'nor any\-\expndtw-7 where within my jurisdiction.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Bowing, Chareos backed three steps and took up his \expndtw-9 sabre and knife. He marched from the hall with head held \expndtw-8 high, feeling the hostility following him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Out in the courtyard most of the petitioners had \expndtw-5 remained to watch the flogging. Chareos descended the \expndtw-7 steps, his eyes locked to the writhing form of the villager as the lash snaked across his skin.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Approaching the Captain of the Guard, he asked, 'How many strokes has he suffered?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Eighteen. We'll stop at fifty.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You'll stop at twenty,' Chareos told him. That is the \expndtw-7 penalty for insubordinate behaviour.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The Earl did not specify the number,' the officer \expndtw-12 snapped.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Perhaps he thought you would know the law,' \expndtw-9 remarked Chareos as the lash sounded once more.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 That's enough,' said the Captain. 'Cut him down.' \expndtw-4 They dragged the villager out through the postern gate \expndtw-7 and left him lying beside the path.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos helped him to his feet. Thank you,' the man \expndtw-13 whispered.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You'll not get home in that state,' Chareos told him. 'You'd best come with me. I'll book a room at the Grey \expndtw-7 Owl tavern and we'll see to your back.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri5\fi0\sb634\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 42}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5386\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Grey Owl tavern was a rambling building, built \expndtw-2 around an ancient inn which sat on the mountain road \expndtw-6 leading to Gulgothir. At its centre was an L-shaped hall, where drinkers and diners were waited upon by serving-\expndtw-4 maids. Two new buildings had been constructed on the \expndtw-6 east and west sides, and a stableyard added to the rear.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri38\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 As Chareos eased his way through the milling taverners, \expndtw-7 his jutting scabbard cracked against a man's leg.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi206\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Watch what you're doing, you whoreson!' hissed the \expndtw-1 drinker. Chareos ignored him, but as he walked on he \expndtw-4 gripped the hilt of his sabre, holding the scabbard close \expndtw-3 to his leg. It was a long, long time since he had worn a \expndtw-6 sword-belt and it felt clumsy, out of place.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi197\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 He passed through a doorway and mounted the circular \expndtw-4 stair to the first-floor corridor. At the far end he entered \expndtw0 the double room he had paid for that afternoon. The villager still slept, his breathing deep and slow; the \expndtw-5 draught of \i lirium \i0 administered by the apothecary would keep him unconscious until dawn. Chareos had cleaned \expndtw-4 the whip wounds and covered them with goose-grease, \expndtw-8 pressing a large square of linen to the villager's back. The \expndtw-1 lash cuts were not deep but the skin around them had \expndtw-5 peeled back, burnt by the leather of the whip.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi178\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos banked up the fire in the hearth on the south \expndtw-5 wall. Autumn was approaching, and a chill wind hissed \expndtw0 through the warped window-frames. He removed his \expndtw-10 sword-belt and sat in a wide, deep leather chair by the fire. \expndtw-9 Tired now, yet his mind would not relax. The sanctuary of \expndtw-8 the monastery seemed distant, and depression hit him like \expndtw-2 a physical blow. Today the Earl had tried to have him killed - and for what? All because of the actions of an \expndtw-4 arrogant child. He glanced at the sleeping villager. The \expndtw-6 boy had seen his village razed, his loved ones taken, and \expndtw-5 had now been whipped to add to his agony. Justice was \expndtw-6 for the rich \expndtw42 ...\expndtw0  \expndtw-6 it always had been. Chareos leaned for\-\expndtw-5 ward and threw a chunk of wood on the fire. One of the \expndtw0 three lanterns on the wall guttered and died and he}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li34\ri0\fi0\sb211\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-17\f9\lang1033\fs20 43}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5429\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri29\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs22 checked the others. They were low and he pulled the bell-rope by the west wall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs22 After some minutes a serving-maid tapped at the door. \expndtw-3 He asked for oil and ordered a meal and some wine. She \expndtw-4 was gone for half an hour, in which time a second lantern \expndtw-10 failed.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs22 The villager groaned in his sleep, whispering a name. \expndtw0 Chareos moved over to him, but the youth faded back \expndtw-5 into slumber.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 The maid returned with a jug of oil. Tm sorry for the \expndtw-3 delay, sir, but we're full tonight and two of the girls have \expndtw0 not come in.' She refilled the lanterns and lit them with \expndtw-5 a long taper. 'Your food will be up soon. There is no beef, \expndtw-2 but the lamb is good.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs22 'It will suffice.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 She stopped in the doorway and glanced back. 'Is he \expndtw-5 the villager who was scourged today?' she whispered.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 'He is.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs22 'And you would be Chareos the monk?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi182\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 He nodded and she stepped back into the room. She was short and plump, with corn-coloured hair and a \expndtw-3 round, pretty face. 'Perhaps I shouldn't speak out of turn, \expndtw-4 sir, but there are men looking for you - men with swords. \expndtw-3 One of them has a bandage upon his brow.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Do they know I am here?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Yes, sir. There are three men in the stable and two \expndtw-3 others are now sitting in the main hall. I think there may be more.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Thank you kindly,' he said, pressing a half silver piece \expndtw-3 into her hand.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs22 After she had gone he bolted the door, returned to the \expndtw-3 fire and dozed until there was another tap at the door. He \expndtw-2 slid his sabre from the scabbard. 'Who is it?' he called.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs22 'It's me, sir. I have your food and wine.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 He pulled back the bolts and opened the door. She \expndtw-3 came in and laid the wooden tray on the narrow table by \expndtw-1 the chair. They are still there, sir. And the man with the \expndtw-2 bandage is talking to Finbale - the owner.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri0\fi0\sb221\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f9\lang1033\fs20 44}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5390\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Thank you.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You could leave through the servants' quarters,' she \expndtw-13 offered.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'My horses are in the stable. Do not fear for me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 She smiled. 'It was good what you did for him,' she \expndtw-4 said and then she left, pulling the door shut behind her. \expndtw-2 Chareos pushed home the bolt and settled down to his \expndtw-8 meal. The meat was tender, the vegetables soft and over\-\expndtw-5 cooked and the wine barely passable; even so, the meal filled his belly and he settled down to sleep in the chair. \expndtw-7 His dreams were troubled, but when he awoke they van\-\expndtw-9 ished like smoke in the breeze. Pre-dawn light had shaded \expndtw0 the sky to a dark grey. The fire was almost dead, the \expndtw-6 room chill; Chareos added tinder to the glowing embers, \expndtw-4 blowing the flames to life, then piled on larger chunks. \expndtw-5 He was stiff and cold, and his neck ached. With the fire \expndtw-7 blazing once more, he moved to the villager. The youth's \expndtw-3 breathing was more shallow now. Chareos touched his \expndtw-7 arm and the villager groaned and opened his eyes.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 He tried to sit up but pain hit him and he sank back.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Your wounds are clean,' said Chareos, 'and though \expndtw-6 they must be painful I suggest you rise and dress. I have \expndtw0 bought a horse for you. And we leave the city this \expndtw-6 morning.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Thank you \expndtw43 ...\expndtw0  \expndtw-5 for your help. My name is Kiall.' The \expndtw-4 youth sat up, his face twisted by the pain clawing at his \expndtw-15 back.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The wounds will heal well,' Chareos told him. 'They \expndtw-6 are clean and not deep. The pain is from the whip-burns, \expndtw-5 but that will pass in three or four days.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I do not know your name,' said Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Chareos. Now get dressed. There are men waiting who \expndtw-6 will make our departure troublesome.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Chareos? The hero of Bel-azar?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes,' snapped Chareos, 'the wondrous giant of song \expndtw-6 and tale. Did you hear me, boy? We are in danger. Now \expndtw-7 get dressed.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li245\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall pushed himself to his feet and struggled into his}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 45}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5429\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri19\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 troos and boots, but could not raise his arms to pull on \expndtw-6 his shirt. Chareos helped him. The lash marks extended \expndtw-7 all the way to Kiall's hip and he could not fasten his belt. 'Why are we in danger?' he asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos shrugged. 'I doubt it is to do with you. I had \expndtw-6 a duel with a man named Logar and I would imagine he \expndtw-4 is feeling somewhat humiliated. Now I want you to go \expndtw-7 down to the stable. My horses are there. Mine is the grey \expndtw-6 and the saddle is by the stall. You know how to saddle a \expndtw-11 horse?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I was once a stable-boy.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Good. Make sure the cinch is tight enough. Two stalls \expndtw-10 down, there is a swaybacked black gelding; it was the best \expndtw-5 I could find for you. He's old and near worn out, but he \expndtw-8 will get you back to your village.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I will not return to the village,' said Kiall softly. 'I will \expndtw-8 hunt down the raiders who took Ravenna and the others.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'A sound and sensible idea,' said Chareos irritably, 'but for now be so good as to saddle my horse.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall reddened. 'I may owe you my life, but do not \expndtw-4 mock me,' he said. 'I have loved Ravenna for years and I will not rest until she is free, or I am dead.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The latter is what you will be. But it is your life. My \expndtw-8 horse, if you please?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall opened his mouth, but said nothing. Shaking his \expndtw-10 head, he left the room. Chareos waited for several minutes \expndtw-9 and then walked down the stairs to the kitchen where two \expndtw-6 scullery servants were preparing the dough for the day's \expndtw-10 bread. He summoned the first and asked her to pack some \expndtw-6 provisions for him - salt beef, a ham, corn biscuits and a \expndtw0 small sack of oats. With his order filled, he paid her \expndtw-5 and wandered through the now deserted main hall. The \expndtw-8 innkeeper, Finbale, was hanging freshly washed tankards \expndtw-10 on hooks above the bar. He nodded and smiled as Chareos \expndtw-3 moved towards the door and Chareos stopped and \expndtw-10 approached the man.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi221\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Good morning,' said Finbale, a wide grin showing the gaps in his teeth.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri10\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 46}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5404\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And to you,' responded Chareos. 'Will you have my \expndtw-6 horse brought to the door?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The stable is only across the yard, sir. And my boy is \expndtw-4 not here yet.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Then do it yourself,' said Chareos coldly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I'm very busy, sir,' Finbale answered, the smile vanish\-\expndtw-6 ing and he turned back to his chores.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 So, thought Chareos, they are still here. Holding his \expndtw-5 provisions in his left hand, he stepped out into the yard. \expndtw-8 All was quiet, and the dawn was breaking to the east. The \expndtw-9 morning was chill and fresh, and the smell of frying bacon \expndtw-4 hung in the air. Glancing around the yard, Chareos saw \expndtw-8 a wagon close by and a short wall leading to the chicken-\expndtw-4 run. To the left the stable door was open, but there was \expndtw-5 no sign of Kiall. As Chareos moved out into the open, a \expndtw-2 man ran towards him from the side of the building; he dropped his provisions and drew his sabre. Two more \expndtw-1 men came into view from behind the wagon and then \expndtw-5 Logar appeared from the stable. His forehead was ban\-\expndtw-7 daged, but blood was seeping through the linen.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You are very good with a rapier,' said Logar. 'But how \expndtw-6 do you fare with the sabre?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I am better with a sabre,' Chareos answered.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'In that case we will take no chances,' hissed Logar. \expndtw-5 'Kill him!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 As two swordsmen leapt forward Chareos blocked a \expndtw-6 wild slash, spun on his heel to avoid a second thrust and \expndtw-7 backhanded his blade across the first man's throat. Blood \expndtw-2 welled from the cut and the attacker fell, dropping his sword and thrusting his fingers at the wound in a vain \expndtw-5 attempt to stem the flow of his life. The second attacker \expndtw-2 sent a cut at Chareos' head but he ducked under it and \expndtw0 thrust his own blade through the man's chest. A third \expndtw-8 swordsman fell back, his eyes widening.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Well?' said Chareos, glaring at Logar, and the Earl's \expndtw0 champion screamed and launched an attack. Chareos \expndtw-5 blocked the first slash, leapt back from a sweeping slice \expndtw-11 which would have disembowelled him, then swept a flash-}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li29\ri0\fi0\sb216\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f9\lang1033\fs20 47}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5434\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 ing riposte that plunged into Logar's groin, severing the \expndtw-5 huge artery at the top of the inner thigh. Logar dropped \expndtw-4 his sabre and stared in disbelief at the blood drenching \expndtw-2 his leggings; then his legs gave way and he fell to his \expndtw0 knees before Chareos. He looked up at his killer and \expndtw-7 blinked before toppling sideways to the ground. Chareos \expndtw-9 moved to the body, pulling free the sword-belt and sliding \expndtw-7 the dead man's sabre back into the scabbard. When Kiall \expndtw0 rode into the yard, leading Chareos' grey, the former \expndtw-4 monk tossed Logar's sabre to the villager, gathered his \expndtw-10 provisions and swung into the saddle. The last swordsman \expndtw-11 stood by, saying nothing. Chareos ignored him and steered \expndtw-8 his mount towards the southern gate.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi0\sb442\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 The yard had been roped off and guards stood by the \expndtw-6 entrances. Behind them a crowd had gathered, straining \expndtw-9 to see the stiffening corpses. The Earl stood over the body \expndtw-8 of Logar, staring down at the grey, bloodless face.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The facts speak for themselves,' he said, pointing at \expndtw-4 the body. 'See, he has no sword. He was murdered and \expndtw0 I want the killer brought to justice. Who would have \expndtw-9 thought that a hero of Bel-azar would stoop to such a base \expndtw-4 deed?' The retainers grouped around him said nothing, and the surviving swordsman turned his eyes from the \expndtw-12 Earl.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Take twenty men,' the Earl ordered Salida, his Captain \expndtw-7 of Lancers, 'and bring Chareos back here.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Salida cleared his throat. 'My lord, it was not like Logar \expndtw-6 to walk unarmed - and these other two men had swords \expndtw-7 drawn. Chareos is a master bladesman. I cannot \expndtw-4 believe . . .'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Enough!' snapped the Earl and swung to the survivor. \expndtw-6 'You . . . what is your name again?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Kypha, my lord,' replied the man, keeping his eyes \expndtw-10 fixed on the ground.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Was Logar armed when Chareos slew him?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No, my lord.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri19\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 48}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5395\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 There you have it then,' said the Earl. 'And you have \expndtw-7 the evidence of your eyes. Do you see a sword?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No, my lord,' said Salida. 'I will fetch him. What of \expndtw-12 the villager?"}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He was an accessory to murder; he will hang alongside Chareos.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi0\sb446\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 The twenty-two captive women sat close together in four \expndtw-2 open wagons. On either side, warriors rode, grim men \expndtw-11 and fierce-eyed. Ravenna was in the second wagon, separ\-\expndtw-7 ated from her friends. Around her were women and girls \expndtw-4 taken in two other raids. All were frightened, and there \expndtw-9 was little conversation.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Two days before a girl had tried to escape; she had \expndtw-7 leapt from a wagon at dusk and run for the trees, but they \expndtw-3 had ridden her down in seconds and dragged her back. \expndtw-6 The captives had been assembled in a circle to watch the \expndtw-1 girl being whipped, and her whimpering screams still \expndtw-7 sounded in Ravenna's ears.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 After that, several of the men had dragged her away from the camp and raped her. Then her arms were tied \expndtw-7 and she was flung down near the other prisoners.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'There is a lesson to be learnt here,' said a man with a \expndtw-6 scarred face. 'You are slaves and you will begin to think \expndtw-4 like slaves. That way, you will survive. Any slave who \expndtw0 attempts to run will be treated more harshly than this \expndtw-7 one. Remember these words.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Ravenna would remember . . .}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 The time to escape would not be while the Nadren held \expndtw-10 them. No, it was necessary to be more cunning. She would \expndtw-6 wait until she was bought by some lecherous Nadir. She \expndtw-5 would be pliant and helpful, loving and grateful . . . and \expndtw-6 when he had grown confident of her emotions - then she \expndtw-9 would run.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Where are you from?' whispered the woman beside \expndtw-7 her. Ravenna told her.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I visited your village once. For the Summer Solstice}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li19\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 49}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5425\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri34\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Fair.' Ravenna looked at the bony figure, scanning the \expndtw-6 lean, angular face and the shining black hair. She could \expndtw-9 not remember her.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Are you wed?' she asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri34\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes,' said the woman, shrugging. 'But that does not \expndtw-8 matter any more.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No,' Ravenna agreed.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-11\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And you?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I was due to marry. Eighteen - no, seventeen - days \expndtw-10 from now.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Are you a virgin?' asked the woman, her voice drop\-\expndtw-13 ping lower.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You are from now on. They will ask. Virgins fetch higher prices. And it will mean these . . . pigs . . . will \expndtw-7 not touch you. You understand?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes. But surely the man who buys me. . . .'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri29\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What do they know? Men! Find yourself a sharp pin, and on the first night cut yourself.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Ravenna nodded. 'Thank you. I will remember that.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 They lapsed into silence as the wagons moved on. The \expndtw-4 raiders rode warily and Ravenna could not stop herself \expndtw-9 scanning the horizon.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Do not expect help,' the woman told her.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'One should always hope.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 The woman smiled. 'Then hope for a handsome savage \expndtw-8 with kindly ways.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi0\sb442\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 The mountains towered before them like a fighting line \expndtw-6 of white-bearded giants and an icy wind drifted over the \expndtw-5 peaks into the faces of the riders. As Chareos pulled his \expndtw-7 fur-lined cloak about him and belted it, he glanced at the \expndtw-10 villager. Kiall's face was grey and he swayed in the saddle, but offered no complaint. Chareos gazed back towards the \expndtw-1 city. It was far behind them now, and only the tallest \expndtw-7 turrets could be seen beyond the hills. \expndtw-9 'How are you faring?' he asked Kiall. The villager gave}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri24\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 50}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5395\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 a weak smile. The \i lirium \i0 was wearing off and pain was \expndtw0 eating into his back like hot coals. The old swayback \expndtw-5 gelding was a serene beast and normally the ride would \expndtw-7 have been comfortable, but now every movement pulled \expndtw-1 at Kiall's tortured flesh. 'We will stop in a while,' said \expndtw-6 Chareos, 'once we are in the trees. There are lakes there, \expndtw-1 with crystal-clear water. We will rest and I will see to \expndtw-4 your injuries.' Kiall nodded and gripped the pommel of \expndtw-7 his saddle. He felt sick, and sweat had formed a sheen on his face. Cursing inwardly, Chareos moved alongside the \expndtw-9 swayback. Suddenly the white stallion arched its neck and \expndtw-8 flashed a bite at the older animal. Chareos dragged on the \expndtw-3 reins and the gelding reared. Kiall all but toppled from \expndtw-5 the saddle. The stallion bucked and dipped its head, but \expndtw-3 Chareos clung on grimly, his thighs locked tight to the \expndtw-7 barrel of the animal's body. For several seconds the horse \expndtw-4 tried to unseat him, then settled down as if nothing had \expndtw-7 happened and stood calmly. Chareos stepped down from \expndtw-3 the saddle, stroking the stallion's long neck. Moving to \expndtw-6 stand before the horse's head, he rubbed at its nose, then \expndtw-4 blew a long slow breath into each of its nostrils. 'Know \expndtw-5 me,' whispered Chareos, over and over again. 'I will not \expndtw-4 harm you. I am not your master. I am a friend.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 At last he remounted and continued the journey south. \expndtw0 Chareos had never travelled these hills, but travellers \expndtw-7 spoke of a settlement built around a tavern. He hoped the \expndtw-8 village was close - and that they had a healer. Kiall's fever \expndtw-9 was climbing, and for all Chareos knew the wounds could be festering. As a soldier, he had seen many men die from \expndtw-8 what appeared to be small wounds. The skin would swell \expndtw-6 and discolour; fever would deepen and flesh melt away. \expndtw-8 He recalled a young warrior at Bel-azar who cut his hand \expndtw-5 on a thorn. The hand had swelled to three times its size, then turned blue, and finally black. The surgeon had cut \expndtw-8 it from him. But the boy died . . . And he died screaming. \expndtw-9 Chareos glanced at Kiall and forced a smile, but the youth \expndtw-7 did not respond.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 By late afternoon Kiall could ride no more. He was}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li10\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 51}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5401\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 feverish and moaning, and two of the long wounds in his \expndtw-5 back had opened. Chareos had lashed the young man's \expndtw-9 wrists to the pommel and was now leading the gelding as \expndtw-4 he guided the horses along the shores of a wide lake; it \expndtw-8 was smooth as a mirror and the mountains were reflected \expndtw-5 on its surface. Dismounting, he hobbled the horses and \expndtw-9 helped Kiall to the ground. The villager sagged, his knees \expndtw0 giving way. Chareos let him lie and built a fire. As a \expndtw-5 soldier he had seen many men flogged. Often the shock of the beating was what laid a man low, the humiliation \expndtw-1 more than the agony. With the fire blazing, he turned \expndtw-2 Kiall to his stomach and sniffed at the wounds. There \expndtw-6 was no smell of corruption. Chareos covered him with a \expndtw-4 blanket. The young man was strong and proud. He had \expndtw-8 not complained about his pain and Chareos admired that.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 He sat by the fire, staring out over the mountains and \expndtw-4 the stands of pine which grew green through the snow. \expndtw-7 There was a time when such a view had made him think \expndtw-3 of freedom, the wide beauty, the towering grandeur of \expndtw-9 the peaks. Now, he realised, they spoke only of the futility \expndtw-2 of Man. Wars, plagues, kings and conquerors were as \expndtw-7 nothing to these peaks.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri5\fi168\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What do you care for my dreams?' asked Chareos, his \expndtw-2 mind drifting back to Tura as it so often did when the \expndtw-7 reflective mood came upon him. Beautiful, black-haired \expndtw-10 Tura. She had made him feel more of a man than he could \expndtw-9 have wished for. With her he was complete. But what she \expndtw-2 seemed to give so freely, she had cruelly stolen back. Chareos' face reddened with the memory. How many \expndtw-8 lovers had she taken before Chareos discovered her infi\-\expndtw0 delity? Ten? Twenty? How many of his friends had \expndtw-3 accepted the gift of her body? The hero of Bel-azar! If only they knew. Chareos the Bladesman had not gone \expndtw-7 there to fight; he had gone there to die.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 There was little heroism in that. But the bards did not \expndtw-6 care for realism. They sang of silver blades and dashing \expndtw-4 deeds - the cuckold's shame had no place in the saga of \expndtw-15 Bel-azar.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li10\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 52}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5381\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 He stood and wandered to the lakeside, kneeling to \expndtw-8 drink, closing his eyes against his reflection. Returning to \expndtw-9 the fire he saw that Kiall was sleeping peacefully. The sun \expndtw-5 drifted low in the west and the air grew cooler. Chareos loosened the saddle cinches on the horses and stretched \expndtw-7 out his blanket close to the fire.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi197\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Lying back, he stared at the stars. He had wanted to \expndtw-7 forgive Tura, to take her far from the fort and start a new \expndtw-3 life, but she had laughed at him. She liked it where she was - where there were men to hand, strong men, lusty \expndtw-8 men, men who would give her presents. In his mind's eye he could see himself striking her and smashing her beauty \expndtw-5 beneath his fists. But he never had. He had backed from \expndtw0 the room, forced by the strength of her laughter - the \expndtw-8 love he had allowed into his heart torn away by the talons \expndtw-1 of treachery. He had never loved again, never taken a \expndtw-6 woman to his heart or his bed.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri29\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 A wolf howled in the distance, a lonely mournful sound. \expndtw-7 Chareos banked the fire and slept.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri10\fi197\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Bird-song drifted through his dreams and he awoke. \expndtw-5 He did not feel refreshed for his sleep, and knew that he \expndtw-7 had dreamt of Tura. As always he could remember little, \expndtw-6 save her name echoing in his mind. He sat up and shiv\-\expndtw-9 ered. The fire was near gone and he knelt before it, blow\-\expndtw-8 ing the embers to life and adding twigs to the tiny flames. Then he rose and wandered from the camp-site, gathering \expndtw-12 dead wood.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri5\fi192\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 With the fire blazing once more he moved to the stal\-lion, stroking its neck. He took some cold meat from his \expndtw0 sack of provisions and returned to the warmth of the \expndtw-2 blaze. Kiall woke and carefully sat up. His colour had \expndtw-6 returned, and he smiled at Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri5\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 The former monk sliced the ham with his hunting-knife \expndtw-7 and passed it to the villager.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li250\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Where are we?' asked Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li48\ri0\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'About ten miles from the old toll road. You look \expndtw-3 better.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li38\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 53}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5420\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri24\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I am sorry to be a burden to you. And even more sorry \expndtw-6 that you had to kill for me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It wasn't for you, Kiall. They were hunting me. A \expndtw-8 haughty child is disciplined and now three men are dead. \expndtw-9 Insane.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You were amazing in the fight. I have never seen any\-\expndtw-7 thing like it. You were so cool.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You know why they died?' Chareos asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 They were not as good as you?' ventured Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No, they weren't, but that's not the whole reason. \expndtw-7 They died because they had something to live for. Finish your breakfast.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi0\sb610\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 For three days they moved higher into the range, crossing \expndtw-13 streams and rivers. Above them the snow-geese flew, head\-\expndtw-5 ing for their distant breeding grounds. In the waters the \expndtw-2 beaver battled against the floods, building their dams. \expndtw-4 Kiall's wounds were healing fast in the clean mountain \expndtw-6 air, and now he wore Logar's sabre at his side.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi182\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 The companions had spoken little during the climb and at night, at the camp-fire, Chareos would sit facing north, \expndtw-7 lost in thought.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Where are we going?' asked Kiall as they saddled their \expndtw-8 horses on the fifth morning.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li48\ri5\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos was silent for a moment. \i 'We \i0 are heading into \expndtw-9 a settlement called Tavern Town. There \i we \i0 will purchase \expndtw-4 supplies. But after that / will be riding south across the \expndtw-7 Steppes. And I will be riding alone, Kiall.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You will not help me rescue Ravenna?' It was the first \expndtw-5 time since the tavern that the villager had spoken of the \expndtw-4 raid. Chareos tightened the saddle cinch on the stallion \expndtw-8 before turning to face the young man.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri0\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You do not know which direction the raiders took. \expndtw-4 You do not know the name of their leader. By now the \expndtw-6 women will be sold. It is a hopeless cause, Kiall. Give it \expndtw-2 up.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li19\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 54}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5386\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I cannot,' said the young man. 'I love her, Chareos. I \expndtw-9 have loved her since a child. Have you ever been in love?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Love is for fools. It is a surging of blood in the \expndtw-6 loins . . . there is no mystery, and no magic. Find some\-one else, boy. By now she has been raped a dozen times and she may even have found she likes it.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall's face went white and Logar's sabre flashed into \expndtw-6 the air. Chareos leapt back. 'What in the devil's name are \expndtw-9 you doing?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Apologise! Now!' ordered Kiall, advancing with sabre \expndtw-6 pointing at Chareos' throat.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'For what? For pointing out the obvious?' The sabre \expndtw-6 lanced forward but Chareos swayed aside from the point \expndtw-4 and drew his own sword. 'Don't be a fool, boy. You are \expndtw-8 in no condition to fight me. And even if you were, I could \expndtw-6 cut you to pieces.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Apologise,' repeated Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No,' said Chareos softly. The villager attacked wildly, \expndtw0 but Chareos parried with ease and, off balance, Kiall \expndtw-3 tumbled to the ground, dropping the sabre. He reached \expndtw-5 for it, but Chareos' boot trapped the blade. Kiall twisted \expndtw-1 and dived, his head ramming into Chareos' belly, and \expndtw-5 both men fell. Kiall's fist cracked against Chareos' chin. \expndtw0 The former monk blocked a second blow, but a third \expndtw-7 stunned him and he lost his grip on his sabre. Kiall swept \expndtw-3 up the blade and lurched upright. Chareos tried to rise, \expndtw-1 but the point of his own sabre touched the skin of his \expndtw-9 throat.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You are a surprising lad,' remarked Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri5\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And you are a whoreson,' hissed Kiall, dropping the \expndtw0 sabre to the snow and turning away. His wounds had opened and fresh blood was seeping in jagged lines \expndtw-6 through the back of his tunic.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos rose and slid the sabre back in its scabbard.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li58\ri0\fi182\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 " am sorry,' he said and Kiall stopped, his shoulders sagging. Chareos moved to him. 'I mean it. I am not a \expndtw-7 man who likes women very much, but I do know what it is to be in love. Were you married long?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li14\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 55}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5415\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We were not wed,' Kiall told him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Betrothed?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What then?' asked Chareos, mystified.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'She was going to marry another man. His father owns \expndtw0 the whole of the east pasture land and it was a good \expndtw-9 match.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'But she loved you?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No,' admitted Kiall. 'No, she never did.' The young \expndtw-8 man hauled himself into the saddle.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I don't understand,' said Chareos. 'You are setting off \expndtw-7 on a quest to rescue a woman who doesn't love you?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Tell me again what a fool I am,' Kiall said.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No, no, forgive me for that. I am older than you, and \expndtw-2 cynical, Kiall. But I should not mock. I have no right. \expndtw-6 But what of her betrothed? Is he dead?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No. He has made an arrangement with Ravenna's \expndtw-5 father and now he will marry her younger sister, Karyn - she was not taken.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He did not grieve for long then,' Chareos observed.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri10\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He never loved her; he just wanted her because she is \expndtw-1 beautiful and her father is rich - he breeds pigs, cattle \expndtw0 and horses. He is the ugliest man I ever saw, but his \expndtw-8 daughters have been touched by Heaven.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos picked up the boy's sabre and handed it to \expndtw-7 him, hilt first.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li43\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall gazed down at the blade. 'There's little point in \expndtw-7 my carrying this sword. I have no skill with such things.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You are wrong,' said Chareos, smiling. 'You've a good hand, a fast eye and a proud heart. All you lack is tuition. \expndtw-6 I'll supply that - as we search for Ravenna.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You'll come with me? Why?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Never count the teeth of a gift horse,' answered \expndtw-9 Chareos, moving to the grey and stepping into the saddle. \expndtw-8 The horse trembled.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Oh no,' whispered Chareos. The stallion bucked viol\-\expndtw-8 ently, then reared and twisted in the air and Chareos flew \expndtw-1 over his head to land in the snow with a bone-jarring}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li19\ri0\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 56}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5376\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri43\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 thud. The stallion walked forward to stand over him. He \expndtw-7 pushed himself upright and remounted.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri43\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'A strange beast,' observed Kiall. 'I don't think he likes \expndtw-7 you.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri38\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Of course he does, boy. The last man he didn't like he \expndtw-5 trampled to death.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos touched his heels to the stallion and led the \expndtw-11 way south.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 He stayed some lengths ahead of Kiall as they rode \expndtw-9 through the morning, aware that he had no answers which \expndtw-4 the boy would understand. He could have told him of a \expndtw-9 child thirty years ago who had no hope, save that a warrior \expndtw-3 named Attalis had rescued him and become a father to \expndtw-7 him. He could tell him of a mother also named Ravenna, \expndtw-8 a proud, courageous woman who had refused to leave the \expndtw-3 husband she adored, even for the son she loved. But to \expndtw-4 do so would mean sharing a secret that Chareos carried \expndtw-2 with shame - a duty unfulfilled, a promise broken. He \expndtw-9 felt the fresh breeze whispering against his skin, and could \expndtw-3 smell the trees and the promise of snow. He glanced at \expndtw-9 the sky.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 There was nothing he could say to Kiall. The boy \expndtw-1 was happy. The legendary Blademaster had agreed to \expndtw-8 accompany him and in Kiall's mind success was assured.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos' thoughts turned to the farm-girl and the man \expndtw-1 who loved her - just as he had loved Tura, a hopeless \expndtw-8 one-sided emotion. Yet even now, after the bitterness and \expndtw-1 the pain, Chareos would walk through a lake of fire if \expndtw0 Tura needed him. But she did not need him \expndtw43 ...\expndtw0  she \expndtw-9 never had.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 No, the one in need was a pig-breeder's daughter. He \expndtw-9 twisted in the saddle and looked back at Kiall, who smiled \expndtw-12 and waved.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri5\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Returning his gaze to the mountains ahead, Chareos remembered the day Tura had left him. He was sitting \expndtw-4 alone in the small courtyard behind the house. The sun \expndtw-9 was sinking behind the clouds, which seemed to burn like \expndtw-6 red fire. Finn had found him there.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb211\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f9\lang1033\fs20 57}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5424\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 The bowman sat alongside him on the stone seat. 'She \expndtw-5 didn't love you, man,' said Finn, and Chareos had wept \expndtw-3 like a child. For some time Finn sat in silence, then he \expndtw-5 placed his hand on Chareos' shoulder and spoke softly. \expndtw-6 'Men dream of many things, Blademaster. We dream of \expndtw-9 fame we can never know, or riches we can never win. But \expndtw-4 the most foolish of all is the dream of love, of the great \expndtw-5 abiding love. Let it go.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I can't,' answered Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Then mask it, for the troops are waiting and it is a \expndtw-7 long ride to Bel-azar.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li34\ri0\fi0\sb6250\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f9\lang1033\fs20 58}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5391\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li1066\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs35 CHAPTER THREE}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi0\sb485\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 The stag dipped its head to the stream, its long tongue \expndtw-5 lapping at the clear water. Something struck it a wicked \expndtw-2 blow in the side; its head came up and an arrow sliced \expndtw-7 through one eye, deep into the brain. Its forelegs buckled \expndtw-8 and it dropped to the earth, blood seeping from its mouth.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 The two hunters rose from the bushes and splashed \expndtw-10 across the stream to the carcass. Both were wearing buck\-\expndtw-6 skins, fringed and beaded, and they carried curved hun\-\expndtw-1 ting-bows of Vagrian horn. The younger of the men -\expndtw-2 slight, blond-haired, with wide eyes of startling blue -\expndtw-8 knelt by the stag and opened the great artery of the beast's \expndtw-4 throat. The other man, taller and heavily bearded, stood \expndtw-8 watching the undergrowth.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri24\fi197\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 There's no one about, Finn,' said the blond hunter. \expndtw-6 'You are getting old, and starting to imagine things.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi197\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 The bearded man swore softly. 'I can smell the bastards \expndtw-7 - they're hereabouts. Can't see why. No raiding for them. \expndtw0 No women. But they're here, right enough. Puking \expndtw-7 Nadren!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi197\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 The smaller man disembowelled the stag and began to skin the carcass with a double-edged hunting-knife. Finn \expndtw0 notched an arrow to his bow and stood glaring at the \expndtw-9 undergrowth opposite.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri5\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You are making me nervous,' the younger man told \expndtw-15 him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri5\fi202\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We been together twenty years, Maggrig, and you still \expndtw-6 read sign like a blind man reads script.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri0\fi192\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Truly? Who was it last year said the Tattooed Men \expndtw-7 were hunting? Stayed guard for four days and not a sight of the head-hunters?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li245\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 They were there. They just didn't want to kill us right}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li29\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 59}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5405\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri29\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 then,' said Finn. 'How long you going to be quartering \expndtw-8 that beast?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri24\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Just then four men rose from the bushes on the other side of the stream. They were all armed with bows and \expndtw-7 swords, but no arrows were notched and the blades were \expndtw-12 scabbarded.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You want to share some of that?' called a lean, bearded \expndtw-17 man.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We need it for the winter store. Deer are mighty scarce \expndtw-6 these days,' Finn told him. Maggrig, kneeling beside the \expndtw-7 carcass, sheathed his hunting-knife and took up his bow, sliding an arrow from his quiver.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'There's two more on this side,' he whispered.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I know,' said the older man, cursing inwardly. With \expndtw-8 two Nadren hidden in the undergrowth behind them, they \expndtw-9 were trapped.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You are not being very friendly,' said the Nadren war\-\expndtw0 rior as he and the others began to wade towards the \expndtw-9 hunters.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri10\fi173\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You can stop there,' Finn told him, drawing back the \expndtw-3 bow-string. 'We are in no need of company.' Maggrig, \expndtw-6 confident that Finn could contain the men at the stream, notched an arrow to his bow, his blue eyes scanning the \expndtw-8 undergrowth to the rear. A bowman rose from the bushes \expndtw-5 with his arrow aimed at Finn's back. Maggrig drew and \expndtw0 loosed instantly, his shaft flashing through the man's \expndtw-6 throat, and the raider's arrow sailed over Finn and spla\-\expndtw-7 shed down into the water before the four men.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li48\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I didn't order him to do that,' said the lean man across \expndtw-10 the water, waving his arm at the men alongside him. They \expndtw-8 began to back away but Finn said nothing, his eyes fixed \expndtw-10 on them.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li48\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The other one is ready to chance a shaft,' whispered \expndtw-6 Maggrig. 'Do you have to stand there inviting it?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li48\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Hell's Gates, I'm tired of standing around in the cold,' \expndtw-5 said Finn. 'Make the whoreson show himself.' Maggrig \expndtw-3 drew back on the bow-string and sent an arrow slicing \expndtw0 into the bushes. There was a yelp of surprise and a}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li14\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 60}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5371\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri38\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 bowman reared up with a shaft through his upper arm. Finn spun on his heel and sent a second arrow into the \expndtw-6 man's chest and he fell face down into the undergrowth. \expndtw0 Finn swung back, but the men across the stream had \expndtw-7 vanished into the bushes.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Getting old, am I?' snapped Finn. 'Your boots have more brains that you.' Maggrig grabbed Finn's jerkin, \expndtw-5 hauling him from his feet as three arrows slashed the air \expndtw-8 where he had been standing. Maggrig loosed a shaft back \expndtw-5 across the stream, but he knew he had struck nothing.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Time to be going home, old man,' said Maggrig. An \expndtw0 arrow hit the ground before him, striking a stone and \expndtw-8 ricocheting into the carcass. Hastily the two men dragged the butchered deer back out of range, stacked the choicest \expndtw-2 cuts of meat inside the skin and faded into the woods. \expndtw-3 They moved warily for several miles, but there was no \expndtw-7 sign of pursuit.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finally they angled across the slopes of the mountain \expndtw-2 to the partially hidden cabin set against the north face. \expndtw-4 Once there Finn built up the fire and tugged off his wet boots, hurling them against the stone of the hearth. The \expndtw-10 cabin was two-roomed. A large bed was placed against the \expndtw-8 wall opposite the fire, and a single window was fashioned beside the door. Bearskin rugs covered the floor. Maggrig \expndtw0 opened the door to the workshop beyond, where they \expndtw-2 crafted their bows and arrows and beat the iron for the \expndtw-6 heads. He heard Finn swear.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri14\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Damn Nadren! When I was your age, Maggrig, we \expndtw-8 had mounted patrols that scoured the mountains for scum \expndtw-5 like that. It's a bad day when they feel they can come in, \expndtw-6 bold as a brass mirror, to steal an innocent man's supper. \expndtw-8 Damn them!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why so annoyed?' asked Maggrig. 'We killed two of \expndtw0 them, \i and \i0 kept our supper. They haven't caused us a \expndtw-6 problem, save for three lost arrows.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri14\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'They will. Murderous savages, the lot of them. They'll \expndtw-4 be hunting us.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Ah yes, but we have the Great Hunter Finn, the smeller}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri0\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 61}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5434\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri29\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 of trouble! Not a bird can break wind in the mountains \expndtw-7 without Finn picking up the scent.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You're as funny as a broken leg. I've got a bad feeling, \expndtw-6 boy; there's death in the air smelling worse than winter.' \expndtw-4 He shivered and stretched out his large, bony hands to \expndtw-13 the fire.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Maggrig said nothing. He could feel it too.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Carrying the quartered stag through to the back of the \expndtw-9 workshop, Maggrig hung it on iron hooks by the far wall. \expndtw-11 Then he spread the skin and began the long job of scraping \expndtw-5 the fat from it. He'd need a new shirt for the winter, and he liked the russet colour of the hide. Finn wandered in \expndtw-8 and sat at the work-bench, idly picking up an arrow shaft and judging the line. He put it down. Normally he would \expndtw-3 cut feather flights, but now he merely sat staring at the \expndtw-13 bench-top.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Maggrig glanced up at him. 'Your back troubling you \expndtw-15 again?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Always does when winter's close. Damn! I hate going down to the Tavern Town, but needs must. Have to pass \expndtw-6 the word about the raiders.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We could look in and see Beltzer.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn shook his head. 'He'll be drunk as usual. And one \expndtw-5 more insult from that pig and I swear I'll gut him.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Maggrig stood and stretched his back. 'You don't mean \expndtw-4 that. Neither does he. He's just lonely, Finn.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-11\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Feel sorry for him, do you? Not me. He was cantanker\-\expndtw-10 ous when he was married. He was vile at Bel-azar. There's \expndtw-5 a streak of mean in the man - I can't stand him.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Then why did you buy his axe when they auctioned \expndtw-4 it?' demanded the blond hunter. 'Two years of trapping \expndtw-11 to pay for that! And what have you done with it? Wrapped \expndtw-5 it in oilskin and left it at the bottom of the chest.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-11\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn spread his hands. 'No accounting for myself some\-\expndtw-9 times. Didn't like the thought of some northern nobleman \expndtw-3 hanging it on his wall, I guess. Wish I hadn't now; we \expndtw-4 could do with some ready coin. Buy some salt. Damn, \expndtw-9 but I miss salt. I suppose we could trade some bows. You}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri14\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 62}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5367\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri43\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 know, we should have stopped long enough to take the \expndtw-9 weapons from those Nadren. Could have got some salt for \expndtw-5 them, right enough.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 A wolf howl rent the night.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri48\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Puking sons of bitches!' said Finn, standing and strid\-ing back into the main room.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri43\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Maggrig followed him. 'Got it in for wolves now, have \expndtw-12 you?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Wolf call makes no echo, boy. Don't you remember \expndtw-6 nothing at all?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri34\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I was raised to be a priest, Finn. My father didn't \expndtw-6 think I'd have much need for wolf calls and echoes.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri34\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn chuckled. 'If they find the cabin, you can go out and preach to them.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'How many do you think there are?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri34\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Hard to say,' Finn told him. 'Usually they keep to \expndtw-5 bands of around thirty, but there may be less.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Or more?' suggested Maggrig, softly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn nodded. The wolf call sounded once more.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 And this time it was closer . . .}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri24\fi0\sb446\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos drew rein on a hill-top and glanced back down \expndtw-3 towards the valley. 'What is it?' asked Kiall. 'That's the \expndtw-5 fourth time you've checked the back trail.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I thought I saw riders, sunlight gleamed from helms \expndtw-5 or lances. It could be a patrol.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'They would not be looking for us, would they? I mean, \expndtw-8 we have broken no laws.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri19\fi178\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos looked into Kiall's face and read the fear there. \expndtw-5 'I have no idea. The Earl is a vengeful man and he feels \expndtw-2 I have insulted him. But even he could find no way to \expndtw-3 accuse me on this matter. Let's move. We should be in \expndtw-7 Tavern Town by mid-morning, and I would sell my soul \expndtw-6 for a hot meal and a warm bed.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li58\ri0\fi173\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 The clouds above them were heavy with the promise of \expndtw-4 snow, and the temperature had dropped sharply during \expndtw-3 the past two days. Kiall wore only a woollen shirt and}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 63}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5409\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-11\f1\lang1033\fs23 leggings, and just looking at him made Chareos more cold. \expndtw-1 'I should have bought gloves,' he said, blowing at his \expndtw-14 hands.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is not too cold yet,' said Kiall cheerfully.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is when you are my age,' Chareos snapped.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall chuckled. 'You don't look much past fifty.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos bit back an angry retort and urged the stallion \expndtw-10 on down the slope. All life is a circle, he reminded himself, \expndtw-7 remembering the days when he had chided old Kalin for \expndtw-4 being near senile. Old Kalin? The man had been forty-\expndtw-7 two - nearly three years younger than Chareos was now.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 The stallion slithered on the slope. Chareos pulled his \expndtw-10 head up and leaned back in the saddle. The grey recovered \expndtw-6 his balance and reached the foot of the hill without inci\-\expndtw-3 dent. The trail widened into a mountain road, flattened by the wide leather-rimmed wheels of the wagons that \expndtw-4 carried timber to Talgithir. The trees gave shelter from \expndtw-5 the wind and Chareos felt more comfortable. Kiall rode \expndtw0 alongside, but the grey nipped at the gelding, which \expndtw-8 reared. The villager clung on grimly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You should sell that beast,' said Kiall. 'There is a devil \expndtw-5 in him.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 It was good advice, but Chareos knew he would keep \expndtw-7 the grey. 'He is bad-tempered and a loner. But I like him. \expndtw-6 He reminds me of me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 They emerged from the woods above a cluster of build\-\expndtw-2 ings, at the centre of which was a tavern. Grey smoke \expndtw-8 rose from its two stone chimneys, and men could be seen \expndtw-9 gathering outside the main doorway.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Bad timing,' muttered Chareos. 'The timber workers \expndtw-7 and labourers are waiting for their midday meal.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 The two men rode down into the settlement. The sta\-\expndtw-1 bles were at the rear of the tavern, and there Chareos \expndtw-2 unsaddled the grey and led him into a stall. He forked \expndtw-6 hay into the feeding-box and brushed the animal's back. \expndtw-7 Then he and Kiall walked through into the tavern. It was \expndtw-6 near full and there was no room close to the fires, so the \expndtw-7 two men sat at a bench table.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li14\ri0\fi0\sb211\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f9\lang1033\fs20 64}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5409\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 A plump woman approached them. 'Good morning, \expndtw-8 sirs. We have pies, and good roast beef and a rich honey-\expndtw-6 cake served hot.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Do you have rooms available?' asked Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes, sir. The upper guest room. I will have a fire lit; \expndtw-6 it will be ready shortly.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We will take our food there,' he told her. 'But for now, two goblets of mulled wine, if you please.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 She curtseyed and moved back into the throng. The \expndtw-10 crowd made Chareos uncomfortable; the air was close and \expndtw-6 reeked of wood-smoke, sweat and broiling meat. After a \expndtw-3 while the woman returned and led them through to the stairs and on to the upper guest room. It was large and cold, despite the newly-lit fire, but there were two soft \expndtw-6 beds, a table and four deep leather chairs.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It will warm up soon enough,' said the woman. 'Then \expndtw-7 you'll need to open the window. The left shutter is a little stiff, but a good push will move it; the wood has warped. \expndtw-6 I will bring your food presently.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos removed his cloak and dragged a chair to the \expndtw-3 fire. Kiall sat down opposite him, leaning forward; his \expndtw-7 back was healing fast, but still the wounds were sore.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Where do we go from here?' he asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'South-west into Nadir lands. There we'll hear of the \expndtw-7 Nadren who raided your village. With luck Ravenna will \expndtw-6 have been sold and we should be able to steal her back.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What of the others?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'For pity's sake, boy! They'll be spread all over the \expndtw-3 Nadir lands. Some of them will be sold twice over and \expndtw-6 we'd never find them all. Use your brain. Have you ever \expndtw-7 been to the Steppes?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No,' admitted Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs22 'It's a big land. Huge. Endless prairies, hidden valleys, \expndtw-1 deserts. The stars seem close, and a man could walk for \expndtw-5 a year without seeing a single tent village. The Nadir are a \expndtw-4 nomadic people. They could buy a slave in \expndtw47 ...\expndtw0  \expndtw-4 Talgithir, \expndtw0 say . . . and three months later be in Drenan. They go where they will - unless they are summoned to war by}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li5\ri0\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-18\f1\lang1033\fs22 65}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5419\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri34\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 the Khan. It will be task enough merely to find Ravenna. \expndtw-12 Believe me!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I keep thinking of her,' said Kiall, turning to stare at \expndtw-4 the fire. 'How frightened she must be. It makes me feel \expndtw-6 guilty to be sitting in comfort by a fire.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Nothing worth while was ever done in haste, Kiall. \expndtw-4 She is a beautiful woman, you say. Therefore they will \expndtw-5 not harm her. Is she virgin still?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Of course!' hissed Kiall, face reddening.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Good. Then they will not rape her either. They will \expndtw-4 set a high price, and that might mean they keep her for \expndtw-6 a month or two. Relax, boy.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'With respect, Chareos, would you mind not calling me \expndtw0 boy? I last heard that more than five years ago. I am \expndtw-7 nineteen.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And I am forty-four - that makes you a boy to me. \expndtw-4 But I am sorry if it offends you . . . Kiall.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 The villager smiled. 'It does not offend me. I think I \expndtw0 am too sensitive. It is just that, in your company, I \expndtw-8 feel . . . young and useless. I am an apothecary's assistant; \expndtw-7 I know herbs and medicines, but nothing of swordplay. I \expndtw-9 wouldn't know where to begin to look for Ravenna. Call\-\expndtw-6 ing me "boy" just highlights my . . . lack of worth in this \expndtw-5 quest.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos leaned forward and added a chunk of wood to \expndtw-4 the blaze. Then he looked up into the earnest grey eyes \expndtw-1 of the young man. 'Do not speak of lack of worth,' he \expndtw-8 said. 'You proved your worth when you spoke out before \expndtw-6 the Earl . . . and more. Not one man in a hundred would \expndtw0 set out on a quest such as this. You will learn, Kiall. \expndtw-11 Every day. And this is your first lesson: A warrior has only \expndtw-9 one true friend. Only one man he can rely on. Himself. So \expndtw-4 he feeds his body well; he trains it; works on it. Where he lacks skill, he practises. Where he lacks knowledge, \expndtw-10 he studies. But above all he must believe. He must believe \expndtw-5 in his strength of will, of purpose, of heart and soul. Do \expndtw-6 not speak badly of yourself, for the warrior that is inside \expndtw-5 you hears your words and is lessened by them. You are}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li5\ri0\fi0\sb226\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-16\f9\lang1033\fs19 66}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5382\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 strong and you are brave. There is a nobility of spirit \expndtw-5 within you. Let it grow - you will do well enough. Now \expndtw-7 where is that damned food?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri48\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Outside two hunters were loping into the settlement. \expndtw-6 The taller man glanced back and cursed.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 From the woods came forty riders, swords in their \expndtw-10 hands.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi0\sb451\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn ran up the tavern steps, hurled open the door and \expndtw-9 all but recoiled from the mass of humanity wedged inside. \expndtw-3 'Raiders!' he bellowed, then turned and sprinted across \expndtw-9 to the barn, where Maggrig was scaling a rope to the hay\-\expndtw-7 loft. The rolling thunder of hooves grew louder. Finn did \expndtw-4 not look back, but leapt for the rope and hauled himself \expndtw-3 up to kneel alongside his slender companion. Maggrig \expndtw-5 notched an arrow to his bow. 'We should have stayed in the woods,' he said. 'I don't believe it will be safer here.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn said nothing. The riders galloped in to the settle\-ment, screaming war-cries and slashing the air with their \expndtw-3 curved blades. Some among them were Nadir warriors in lacquered breastplates, others were renegade Gothir \expndtw-7 outlaws bearing axes and knives. All carried small round \expndtw-1 bucklers strapped to their left forearms. As they leapt \expndtw-2 from the horses and ran for the buildings, Finn sent an \expndtw-4 arrow which skewered a man's neck. Maggrig loosed a \expndtw-2 shaft, but it struck a horned helm and glanced away to tear at the flesh of another warrior's arm. Seven of the \expndtw0 raiders charged towards the barn and Finn cursed. A \expndtw-2 second shaft sang from his bow, but thudded against a raised buckler. Maggrig's next arrow hammered into a \expndtw-6 man's groin and he stumbled and fell. The six remaining raiders ran into the barn below.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn stood and scanned the hay-loft, seeing a ladder by \expndtw-9 a trapdoor some ten paces back. He moved to it and began \expndtw-5 to haul it up, but before he could lift it out of reach a tall \expndtw-2 raider leapt and dragged it back. Pulled forward, Finn \expndtw-6 almost toppled into the trap.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li19\ri0\fi0\sb216\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f9\lang1033\fs20 67}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5405\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri34\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I remember you, you puking bastard,' yelled the \expndtw-1 Nadren warrior at the foot of the ladder, staring up at \expndtw-4 Finn. 'You are dead meat. I'll rip your guts out through \expndtw-10 your bowels.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri48\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Holding his buckler ahead of him, he began to climb. \expndtw-8 Finn swore and ran back to Maggrig.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Good place you chose,' whispered Finn. Maggrig drew \expndtw-5 back on his bowstring and sent an arrow slicing into the \expndtw-7 back of a man running towards the tavern.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You think we should leave?' he asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri19\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No, I think we should stay and plant flowers,' muttered \expndtw-4 Finn. Behind them the Nadren warrior had reached the \expndtw-3 hay-loft. Finn sent a shaft at him, but the man blocked \expndtw-7 it with his buckler and began to haul himself through the \expndtw-8 opening. Dropping his bow, Finn launched himself at the warrior feet first, his right foot cracking home against the \expndtw-4 man's chin. Half stunned, he slumped back, but he still \expndtw-1 had a grip on his sword which he swung wildly. Finn \expndtw-5 rolled away from the cut. Maggrig ran back to aid him, \expndtw-7 but Finn waved him away. Rolling to his feet, the black-\expndtw0 bearded hunter scooped up his bow and quiver, and \expndtw-4 looped them over his shoulder. 'Let's go!' he shouted at \expndtw-3 Maggrig. 'Now!' Dropping to his belly, he grabbed the \expndtw-4 rope and slithered over the hay-loft opening. Half-way \expndtw-3 down he released his hold and dropped to the ground. \expndtw-11 Maggrig joined him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Deep in the barn, behind the winter wood-store, Beltzer \expndtw-11 awoke. His head was pounding and he sat up and groaned. \expndtw0 He blinked and saw the Nadren warriors around the \expndtw-5 ladder. Worse, one of them swung round and saw him. \expndtw0 Staggering upright as the man raised his sword and \expndtw-6 charged, Beltzer curled his right hand around the haft of \expndtw-10 a hatchet whose head was half-buried in a round of wood. \expndtw-9 He dragged it clear and leapt to meet the swordsman. The \expndtw-4 thin sabre slashed for his head, but Beltzer ducked and sent the hatchet blade cleaving through the man's ribs. \expndtw-5 The wooden haft snapped under the impact. Four more \expndtw-7 warriors came at him and, with a bellow of rage, Beltzer}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri24\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 68}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5391\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 dropped his head and dived at them. Three of the Nadren \expndtw-6 were hurled from their feet but the fourth moved in with sword raised. An arrow punched through his temple and \expndtw-7 he staggered before dropping to his knees. Beltzer's huge \expndtw-9 fists clubbed at the men around him - in the close confines \expndtw-6 of the brawl they could not use their swords. He scram\-\expndtw-3 bled to his feet, kicked a man in the head and ran back \expndtw-6 towards the wood-store. The Nadren surged after him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 At the back of the barn the long-handled tree-axe rested against the wall. Beltzer swept it into his hands and swung \expndtw-7 on the attackers. Two men died in the first seconds of the combat, the survivor first backing away and then turning \expndtw-4 to sprint for the safety of the outer yard. An arrow from Finn stopped him in his tracks and he pitched face first \expndtw-8 to the floor.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What in the Seven Hells is going on?' bellowed Beltzer \expndtw-6 - but Maggrig and Finn were gone and he sat down on a \expndtw-2 tree round and stared at the bodies. A movement from \expndtw-9 the ladder caught his eye and a Nadren warrior clambered \expndtw-2 down from the hay-loft. The man took one look at the \expndtw-7 giant with the axe and made off at speed.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Outside, Finn had dropped his bow and now held two \expndtw-7 bloodstained hunting-knives. Beside him lay two Nadren \expndtw-4 warriors and the body of Maggrig. Eight raiders circled \expndtw-5 him. 'Come on, my boys,' he snarled. 'Come in and die!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer strolled out into the open with his axe on his \expndtw-6 shoulder and saw Finn surrounded. 'Bel-azar!' he \expndtw0 screamed. The circle around Finn broke as the giant \expndtw-4 charged, and the slashing axe scattered the attackers. A \expndtw-3 warrior carrying a short stabbing spear rushed at Finn, \expndtw-8 but he sidestepped and rammed his hunting-knife into the man's belly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri5\fi0\sb442\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Inside the tavern all was chaos. The raiders had forced their way in and hacked and slashed at the defenceless \expndtw-4 workers. Several were dead, others wounded. The sur\-\expndtw-11 vivors cowered on the floor, eyes averted from the warriors}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li34\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 69}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5415\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri19\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 who stood guard over them. One Nadren warrior had \expndtw-5 climbed over the counter and was holding Naza's wife, \expndtw-7 Mael, by the throat. A knife-blade hovered over her right eye. Naza lay in a pool of blood by the man's feet.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Where is it, you fat cow?' hissed the warrior, but \expndtw-9 suddenly a movement at the back of the room caused him \expndtw-2 to twist, his eyes narrowing. A door had opened and a \expndtw0 tall man stepped into view carrying a shining sabre. \expndtw-9 Behind him came a second man, younger but also armed. \expndtw-8 The Nadren's eyes flickered back to the first man; he was \expndtw-7 no youngster, but he moved well. 'Don't just stand there,' \expndtw-5 the Nadren told the warriors. 'Take them!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 The farm workers scrambled back to form a pathway \expndtw-7 and several of the Nadren ran at the newcomers. Swords \expndtw-9 flashed and the clash of steel was punctuated by the scre\-\expndtw-6 ams of the dying. The Nadren holding Mael watched as \expndtw-5 his men were butchered by the tall swordsman. Hurling \expndtw-3 Mael aside, he vaulted the counter and ran to the door, \expndtw-9 shouting for aid.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 But he stopped in the doorway - and cursed, for gallop\-\expndtw-7 ing from the woods to the north were twenty lancers. He \expndtw-1 leapt down and stepped into the saddle of the nearest \expndtw-4 horse, dragging the reins clear of the post round which \expndtw-8 they had been loosely tied.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'To horse! To horse!' he shouted. Then the lancers were upon them. The raiders, most of them on foot, \expndtw-7 scattered before the charge, but the lancers wheeled their \expndtw-5 mounts and bore down on the fleeing Nadren. A dozen \expndtw-6 of the raiders, mounted now, counter-attacked, trying to \expndtw-5 cut a path to the south.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Inside the tavern Chareos stumbled. A sword flashed \expndtw-3 for his head and he hurled himself to his right, landing on the massed forms of the labourers. The last Nadren \expndtw-8 loomed over him with sword raised, but Kiall slashed his \expndtw-5 sabre across the man's throat. Chareos regained his feet \expndtw-7 and moved to the doorway. On the open ground beyond \expndtw-8 he saw Salida and his lancers battling desperately against the raiders. The Nadren, realising now that they outnum-}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li10\ri0\fi0\sb216\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f9\lang1033\fs20 70}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5390\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 bered the soldiers, were attacking with renewed frenzy. Chareos sheathed his sabre and drew his hunting-knife. \expndtw-10 He ran among the milling horsemen and dragged a Nadren \expndtw-3 from the saddle, plunging his knife between the rider's \expndtw-5 ribs. Vaulting to the horse's back, he drew his sabre and \expndtw-8 battled his way towards Salida.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Inside the tavern, Kiall glared at the workmen. 'Is this \expndtw-4 what you will brag about to your children?' he shouted. \expndtw-1 'How you cringed in the face of danger? Get up! Arm \expndtw-11 yourselves!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Seven of the men pushed themselves to their feet, but \expndtw-7 most of them remained where they were. The seven took \expndtw-3 weapons from the dead Nadren and followed Kiall out \expndtw-5 into the open. 'At them!' yelled the young villager, run\-\expndtw-4 ning forward and plunging his sabre deep into the back \expndtw-9 of a horseman.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 By the barn Beltzer knelt by Finn, who sat with Mag-\expndtw0 grig's head in his lap. The blond hunter was bleeding \expndtw-7 from a wound to the scalp.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer reached for Maggrig's wrist. 'He's not dead,' he \expndtw0 said, but Finn ignored him. Beltzer cursed and stood, \expndtw-8 pushing Finn aside and grabbing Maggrig by his shirt. He \expndtw-7 dragged the unconscious hunter back into the barn, away \expndtw-8 from the slashing, stamping hooves of the milling horses.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn blinked and followed him. 'Not dead?' he \expndtw-11 whispered.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Stay with him,' said Beltzer, hefting his axe.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Where are you going?' asked Finn.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I'm going to kill a few Nadren. Then I am going to \expndtw-4 have a drink - many drinks.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 The giant vanished back into the fray. Finn sat back \expndtw-1 and looked down at Maggrig. He felt for the younger \expndtw-6 man's pulse; it was strong and even.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You are nothing but trouble for me,' said Finn.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Slowly the battle turned. The lancers, fighting with \expndtw-4 sabres now, were more disciplined than the raiders and \expndtw-2 Chareos had linked with Salida at the centre. The two \expndtw-10 swordsmen seemed invincible.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li29\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 71}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5415\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Several of the Nadren turned from the fight and kicked \expndtw-4 their horses into a gallop. Others followed them. In all, \expndtw-10 seventeen Nadren escaped.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 The others were killed where they stood . . .}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Eleven lancers were dead, four more seriously \expndtw-1 wounded, and the open ground before the tavern was \expndtw-10 blood-drenched. Six horses had been killed and two others \expndtw-2 crippled and put down. Everywhere lay the corpses of \expndtw-3 dead warriors. In the sudden calm Salida lifted one leg \expndtw-8 and slid from the saddle. He wiped his sabre clean on the \expndtw0 shirt of a dead man, and returned it to his scabbard. \expndtw-10 Chareos dismounted alongside him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'A timely arrival, Captain,' said the former monk.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Indeed, Chareos. My thanks. You fought well.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Needs must when demons rise,' quoted Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We need to talk,' said Salida, leading his horse away \expndtw-6 from the slaughter field. Chareos followed him to a well \expndtw0 at the rear of the tavern where both men drank, then \expndtw-4 Salida sat down on the well wall. The Earl has ordered \expndtw-6 your arrest. He means to see you hanged.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'For what?' said Chareos. 'Even an earl must have a \expndtw-9 reason.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The murder of Logar.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'How can a man be accused of murder when he is \expndtw-8 attacked by three swordsmen?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Logar was unarmed.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Un . . . Wait a moment.' Chareos moved back to the \expndtw0 battle-ground and called Kiall to him. 'Give me your \expndtw-2 sword for a second.' He took the sabre to Salida. 'You \expndtw-10 recognise this?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Captain examined the blade and looked up. 'Yes, \expndtw0 it is Logar's sabre. But that means nothing, Chareos. \expndtw-4 There is a witness against you and the Earl wishes you \expndtw-8 dead.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li245\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Do you believe me?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li48\ri0\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Captain smiled wearily. 'I believed in you even before I saw the sword. Logar was a snake. But that is \expndtw-6 not the point at issue and you leave me with a problem.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li14\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 72}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5391\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 My orders are to take you back - if I do, you will hang \expndtw-6 for certain; if I don't, I will be stripped of my command. \expndtw-7 Why in Bar's name did you cancel those cursed lessons?' Without waiting for an answer, Salida stood and returned \expndtw-3 to the tavern. He summoned an under-officer and gave \expndtw-7 instructions for the clearing away of the bodies.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos sat by the well with Kiall beside him. 'What \expndtw-6 will you do?' asked the villager. Chareos shrugged. 'You \expndtw-5 can't go back,' said Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No,' Chareos agreed, 'I can't go back.' A shadow fell \expndtw-9 across them and Chareos was suddenly lifted from his feet \expndtw-6 and held in a crushing bear-hug. Beltzer spun him round several times, then kissed him on both cheeks.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I couldn't believe my eyes,' said the giant. 'Blade-\expndtw-5 master? What are you doing here? Did you come to see \expndtw-9 me? Have you a task for me? Dear Gods of Heaven, what \expndtw-8 a day!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tut me down, you ape!' thundered Chareos. Beltzer \expndtw-5 dropped him and stepped back, hands on hips.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Gods, but you look older. Maggrig and Finn are here. \expndtw-9 We're all here! It's wonderful. I've been waiting for some\-\expndtw0 thing to happen. Anything! But to have you here . . . \expndtw-8 well, say something, Blademaster.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You look dreadful,' said Chareos, 'and your breath \expndtw-5 would make rotting fish smell like perfume. Moreover I think you've broken one of my ribs.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Who is the boy?' asked Beltzer, jerking a thumb at \expndtw-11 Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'His name is Kiall. We are travelling together.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Good to meet you,' said Beltzer, thumping Kiall on \expndtw-7 the back. The villager groaned and staggered. 'What's the \expndtw-6 matter with him?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He suffered a whipping,' snapped Chareos, rubbing at \expndtw-7 his ribs, 'which I think you just reminded him of. Do you \expndtw-8 live here now?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'After a fashion. I've been helping Naza - the tavern \expndtw-4 owner. Come, you must be dying of thirst. Let's have a \expndtw-1 drink or two \expndtw33 ...\expndtw0  \expndtw-1 or three. Gods, what a lucky day! I'll}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li29\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 73}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5415\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri24\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 fetch us some ale.' Beltzer ambled away towards the \expndtw-13 tavern.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What \i was \i0 that?' Kiall asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'That \i0 was Beltzer. Once seen, never to be forgotten.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Beltzer?' whispered Kiall. The golden-haired hero of \expndtw-14 Bel-azar?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You will find, Kiall, that song and fable are not reliable. \expndtw-8 There could once have been a blind sow who would have \expndtw-3 considered Beltzer handsome - but I doubt it. I've seen whores turn him away while his pockets were bulging \expndtw-7 with gold coin.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It's incredible,' whispered Kiall. 'He's ugly and fat -\expndtw-7 and he smells.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Those are his good points,' said Chareos. 'Wait until \expndtw-5 you get to know him.' He stood and walked towards the \expndtw-7 barn, where Finn was helping Maggrig to stand.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Still drawn to trouble like moths to candles,' remarked \expndtw-11 Chareos, smiling.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It would seem so, Blademaster,' answered Finn. The \expndtw-6 boy here got a crack to the skull.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Bring him to my room.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I don't want to stay here too long,' said Finn. 'I hate \expndtw-7 crowded places - you know that.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I remember. But spare me an hour, if you will. Kiall \expndtw-8 will show you the way.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos walked over to where Salida sat on the raised \expndtw-9 walkway around the tavern.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I have met some old friends, Captain. I will be in my \expndtw-6 room if you wish to talk to me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Salida nodded. 'Get your friend another sabre. I will \expndtw-5 take Logar's back to the Earl.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And what of me, my friend? And what of you?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You go where you will, Chareos. And may the Source \expndtw-6 guide you. As for me . . . who knows? I wasn't always a Captain of Lance - there may be other roles I will enjoy. \expndtw-4 But I think the Earl will send others after you. He is no \expndtw-8 longer rational where you are concerned.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Be careful, Salida.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li14\ri0\fi0\sb216\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f9\lang1033\fs20 74}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5395\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li0\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes, this is a world for careful men,' he replied, waving \expndtw-6 a hand at the battlefield.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi0\sb437\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 Inside the tavern the bodies had been dragged away, leav\-\expndtw-8 ing trails of blood on the wooden boards. The eastern end \expndtw-10 of the dining room was now a hospital area, where soldiers \expndtw-5 were stitching wounds and applying bandages. Chareos \expndtw-8 saw the innkeeper's wife sitting beside her husband. With \expndtw-5 a deep wound in his shoulder and a lump on his temple, \expndtw-8 Naza was white-faced and deeply in shock.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos joined them and the woman looked up and \expndtw-5 smiled wearily. 'Thank you for your aid, sir,' she said. 'I \expndtw-6 thought they would kill me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What did they want?' asked Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The timber workers are paid tomorrow. We keep the \expndtw-7 silver coin hidden here. There are four hundred men, and \expndtw-6 they are paid each quarter year; it is a sizeable sum.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I see. Would you mind if I took some food from the \expndtw-6 kitchen? My companion and I still have not eaten.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I will prepare you something presently,' she offered, \expndtw-9 her face flushing.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Not at all,' said Chareos swiftly. 'Stay with your hus\-\expndtw-4 band. It is no trouble to me, I assure you.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You are kind, sir,' said Mael.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos walked through to the kitchen. Several tables \expndtw0 had been overturned and there were broken pots and \expndtw-10 crockery on the floor, but a large pot of stew still simmered \expndtw-6 on the huge iron stove. A serving-maid entered from the rear of the building. Short and slender, with dark, curled \expndtw-5 hair, she curtseyed. 'May I help you, sir?' she enquired.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Bring some food, stew, meat, bread . . . whatever, to \expndtw-8 the upper guest room. We will also need some wine - five \expndtw-5 goblets. Oh yes, and some linen for bandages. Will you \expndtw-6 do it now?' he asked, handing her a half silver piece. She \expndtw-7 pocketed the coin and curtseyed once more.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos returned to his room where Finn was sitting \expndtw-4 on one wide bed, dabbing with a cloth at the wound on}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 75}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5410\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Maggrig's head; it was a shallow cut, and his temple was \expndtw-6 bruised and swollen. Beltzer was sitting by the fire with \expndtw-3 a pitcher of ale in his hands; Kiall was standing by the window, looking down at the former battleground. He had surprised himself today, leading the farm workers \expndtw-1 into the fight - the excitement had been great, and his \expndtw-6 fears had vanished in the chaos of the skirmish. Now he \expndtw-3 felt like a warrior. He glanced up at the sky. How blue \expndtw-7 it was, how fresh and clean the air. He turned and smiled \expndtw-4 at Chareos, then switched his gaze to Beltzer. Ugly the \expndtw-9 man was, but he had swung his axe like a giant of legend. \expndtw-6 He had not seen Maggrig and Finn in action, but merely \expndtw-10 to be in the same room as the heroes of Bel-azar filled him \expndtw-9 with pride.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi182\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 A serving-maid brought food, but Kiall was no longer \expndtw-7 hungry. Beltzer took his share, while Chareos sat quietly \expndtw-6 opposite the giant, gazing into the fire. Finn had applied a linen bandage to Maggrig's head and the younger man \expndtw-9 lay back on the bed and fell asleep. There was no conver\-\expndtw-5 sation and Kiall pulled up a chair and sat in silence. His \expndtw-6 hands began to shake, and his stomach heaved. Chareos \expndtw-7 saw this and passed across a chunk of black bread.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi211\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Eat it,' he said. Kiall nodded and chewed at the crust \expndtw-8 and the nausea passed.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi206\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What now?' said Beltzer, laying the empty pitcher \expndtw-5 beside the chair. 'Back to chopping wood and punching \expndtw-7 timber men?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What do you want?' asked Chareos softly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I want it to be the way it was,' the giant answered him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri10\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Nothing is the way it was. And I'll tell you something, \expndtw-6 Beltzer, old friend - it never was the way it was.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi187\sb5\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I'm supposed to understand that, am I? You always \expndtw-9 were so clever with words. But they don't mean pig-wind. \expndtw-8 I'm not old, I can hold my own with any man. I can drink \expndtw-3 a mountain of ale and still lift a barrel of sand over my \expndtw-4 head. And there's no man alive can stand against me in \expndtw-7 battle.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li14\ri0\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 76}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5391\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'That's probably true,' Chareos agreed, 'but you are \expndtw-6 not young either. What are you, Beltzer? Fifty?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Forty-eight. And that's \i not \i0 old.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri38\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It's older than Kalin was at Bel-azar. And didn't you \expndtw0 advise him to go home and leave the fighting to the \expndtw-10 younger men?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It was a jest,' snapped Beltzer. 'And I didn't know \expndtw-3 then what I know now. Gods, Blademaster, there must \expndtw-8 be something for me!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos eased himself back in his chair and stretched his legs to the fire. 'I am on a quest,' he said softly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri19\fi197\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer leaned forward, his eyes shining. Tell me,' he \expndtw-10 invited.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I am helping young Kiall to rescue a woman stolen by \expndtw-4 the Nadren.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'A noblewoman? A princess?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No, a village girl - the daughter of a pig-breeder.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What? Why? Where is the glory in that? The Nadren \expndtw-2 have been stealing women for centuries. Who'll sing a \expndtw-6 song about the rescue of a pig-breeder's daughter?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No one,' admitted Chareos, 'but if you'd rather stay \expndtw-4 here and chop wood . . .'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri24\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I didn't say that - don't put words in my mouth. \expndtw-7 Which group took her?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No one knows.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Which Nadir camp did they head for?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos shrugged. 'We don't know.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'If you are mocking me I'll break your head,' said \expndtw-6 Beltzer. 'What DO we know?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We know she was taken. Now all we have to do is find \expndtw-4 her - and steal her back.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You'd need the Tattooed Man for that - and he's gone. Probably dead by now.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'My thoughts exactly," agreed Chareos, 'but I shall ride \expndtw-3 into the Valley and seek him. Unless you have a better \expndtw-10 plan?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Anything's better than that,' said Beltzer. 'They'll take}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li29\ri0\fi0\sb216\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f9\lang1033\fs20 77}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5395\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri34\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 your head and shrink it down to wear on a belt. You don't even speak the language.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You do.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I need some more ale,' said Beltzer, lurching to his feet and striding from the room.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Who is the Tattooed Man?' asked Kiall. 'And where \expndtw-3 is the Valley?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The Gateway is not of this world,' answered Finn, \expndtw-1 moving to join them. 'And only a moonstruck fool would \expndtw0 venture there. What game are you playing, Chareos? No \expndtw-1 one goes into the Valley.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri24\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is no game, Finn,' Chareos told him. 'The quest, as \expndtw-1 it stands, is impossible . . . unless we can find a man who \expndtw0 can follow spirit-trails. Do you know of any as skilled as \expndtw-6 Okas?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri24\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'None,' admitted Finn. 'But the Valley? I wouldn't go there if my soul depended on it. Neither will Beltzer. They don't like visitors.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Til go there with you,' said Kiall. Til go anywhere if \expndtw-1 it means a chance to find Ravenna.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I can remember when \i we \i0 sounded like that,' mused \expndtw-1 Finn. 'It's a wonder we've survived so long, Blademaster. \expndtw0 If you want to die, why not leap from a cliff, or open your veins with a sharp blade? The Tattooed People will kill you slowly. But then you know that.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri19\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos turned to Finn and smiled. 'I know the perils, Finn, and I won't go without Beltzer. For some reason, Okas seemed to like him.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Perhaps it was the smell,' offered Finn. 'He was the only man I ever met who stank worse than the big man. Even so, it is not a journey I would undertake.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What is so terrible there?' Kiall asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn scratched at his beard. 'According to Okas the \expndtw-1 land is hot, and there are beasts there who feed on human \expndtw0 flesh. Also, the Tattooed People collect heads and shrink \expndtw-3 them down by magic. About twenty years ago a nobleman \expndtw0 named Carsis led a small force into the Valley; their shrunken heads were left on spears at the entrance. For}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri10\fi0\sb216\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f9\lang1033\fs20 78}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5391\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 ten years, whenever a traveller passed by, the heads would \expndtw-6 shriek warnings. I saw them once - aye, and heard them. \expndtw-5 They spoke of the terrors of Hell.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 They are not there now, then?' said Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No. The Lord Regent sent a section of lancers into the \expndtw-5 hills - they built a great fire and burned the heads.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Do the Tattooed People venture into our lands?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Sometimes, boy. And that's when a man locks his \expndtw-3 doors and sits up at night with sword and bow close to \expndtw-6 hand. You still want to go there?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall swallowed hard. 'I will go wherever I have to.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Spoken like a hero,' said Finn sourly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 The door opened and Beltzer entered, carrying two \expndtw-5 pitchers of ale. Til come with you,' he told Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Spoken like an idiot,' whispered Finn.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi0\sb610\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 The soldiers dug a shallow trench a half-mile from the \expndtw-2 settlement. The bodies of the Nadren, stripped of their \expndtw-9 armour and weapons, were unceremoniously flung into it. \expndtw-5 The corpses of the soldiers, eleven in all, were wrapped \expndtw-4 in their blankets and reverently placed on the back of a \expndtw-6 wagon, ready for burial with honours in Talgithir.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Salida ordered the Nadren grave to be filled with rocks, \expndtw-8 to prevent wolves and foxes from digging for food. It was \expndtw-6 almost dusk, and he was bone-weary. Seven of the dead \expndtw0 had been new recruits, unused to war, but four were seasoned veterans. One of these had been his valet, a \expndtw-4 bright, amusing man named Caphes; he had a wife and \expndtw-7 five sons in Talgithir and Salida did not relish the visit he \expndtw-6 would have to make to the family home. The sound of a \expndtw-8 horse's hooves made him turn, and he saw Chareos riding towards him on a huge white stallion.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 The former monk dismounted and approached.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri10\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I wanted to make sure,' said Chareos, 'that you had no \expndtw-6 second thoughts on the matter of my arrest.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Salida gazed into the man's dark eyes, unable to read}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li29\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 79}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5414\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri29\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 the thoughts of the tall swordsman before him. 'No, I \expndtw-7 have not,' he said and Chareos nodded.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You are a good man, Salida. Here, I have brought \expndtw-6 Logar's sabre.' He handed the scabbarded weapon to the \expndtw-4 officer. Dipping his hand into the sack hung behind his \expndtw-6 saddle, he produced a wineskin and two leather-covered brass cups. 'Join me?' he enquired.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why not? But let's move away from the stench of death \expndtw-3 - I've had my fill of it.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi202\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You look tired,' Chareos told him. 'And not just \expndtw-5 because of the battle, I think?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi182\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 They strolled to a group of boulders and sat down; \expndtw-4 Salida unbuckled his iron breastplate and laid it beside \expndtw0 him. 'No, it is not. I am a family man now, Chareos. \expndtw-10 There was a time when I believed that soldiers could make \expndtw-9 a difference.' He accepted a goblet of red wine and sipped \expndtw-6 it. 'But now? I have three sons and a beautiful wife. The \expndtw-2 Nadir are gathering again, and one day soon they will \expndtw-4 cross the mountains and destroy the Gothir. What then \expndtw-7 of my sons and their dreams?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Maybe they will not come,' said Chareos. 'The Gothir \expndtw-5 have little; this is not a rich land.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'They don't care about riches, they live for war. And \expndtw-8 what do we have to oppose them? The army has been cut \expndtw-2 to two thousand men. We couldn't even hold Bel-azar \expndtw-8 now.' He drained his wine and held out the cup for more. Chareos filled it and sat silently.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi211\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I was born out of my time,' continued Salida, forcing \expndtw-4 a smile. 'I should have been an officer in the great days \expndtw-6 when the Gothir swept across Nadir lands all the way to \expndtw-7 the Delnoch mountains.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi192\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is all a circle,' Chareos told him. 'The Gothir had \expndtw-3 their day, as did the Drenai and the Vagrians. Now we \expndtw-1 live in Nadir days. Their time will come, and then an \expndtw0 officer just like you will sit at the last outpost of the \expndtw-9 Nadir empire bewailing his fate, and wondering about the \expndtw-8 dreams of his sons.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li19\ri0\fi0\sb226\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f9\lang1033\fs19 80}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5377\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri48\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Salida nodded. 'May that day come soon,' he said, \expndtw-5 grinning. 'Is it true that you were once a Drenai prince?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri43\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos smiled and refilled his own cup. 'So the singers \expndtw-8 would have us believe.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Have you never thought to return to your homeland?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri43\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 'This is my homeland. But yes, I have considered cross\-\expndtw-4 ing the Delnoch mountains . . . one day, perhaps.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I once visited Castle Tenaka,' said Salida. 'It is an \expndtw-2 incredible place: six great walls and a keep with walls \expndtw-5 three feet thick.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I knew it as Dros Delnoch,' Chareos told him. 'It was \expndtw-4 said that it could never be taken. I was raised on stories \expndtw0 of Druss the Legend, and Rek, the Earl of Bronze. Strange that it should have been conquered by one of \b\expndtw-7 Rek's \b0 descendants. Castle Tenaka? I don't like the sound \expndtw-6 of the name.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You met him once, did you not? The Great Khan?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes. A very long time ago. Another lifetime.' Chareos \expndtw-6 rose. 'If you do not object, I would like to find my com\-\expndtw-3 panion another sabre. I doubt the Nadren had anything \expndtw-6 of similar workmanship, but then he is no swordsman.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'There's no point in going through the Nadren weapons \expndtw-6 - poor iron, badly fashioned. I gave a sword to my valet. \expndtw-5 It is a good blade, and he will have no further use for it. \expndtw-1 Take it with my blessing.' Salida walked across to the \expndtw-11 wagon and lifted clear a cavalry sabre in a wooden, leather-\expndtw-6 covered scabbard. 'The balance is good, the edge keen.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Thank you, my friend,' said Chareos, offering his \expndtw-6 hand. Salida gripped it.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'At least I can tell my sons I fought alongside a hero of \expndtw-10 Bel-azar.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'May the Source go with you, Salida.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri19\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Captain watched as Chareos swung into the saddle. \expndtw-7 The stallion reared and came down at a run. Salida stood \expndtw-4 for several minutes as the rider grew ever smaller, then \expndtw0 he returned to the tasks at hand - ordering the wagon \expndtw-5 hitched, and the riderless horses tied to the rear.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li245\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 It would be a sad ride back to Talgithir.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li19\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 81}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5419\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li1162\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs36 CHAPTER FOUR}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi0\sb480\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 An eerie silence covered the high forest like an invisible \expndtw-2 cloak as the dawn light bathed the tavern. Kiall gazed \expndtw-10 around the seemingly deserted settlement. There were few \expndtw-6 signs now of the battle, save for the dried bloodstains on \expndtw-4 the snow. Beltzer hoisted his pack to his shoulders and \expndtw-5 stamped his feet. 'I hate the cold,' he declared.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri19\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We haven't started yet,' said Finn, 'and already you're \expndtw-10 complaining.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall struggled to get his arms through the pack ropes \expndtw-8 and Maggrig assisted him, lifting the loops over the thick \expndtw-9 goatskin jerkin Kiall now wore.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It's too big for me,' said Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'There's gratitude,' snapped Beltzer, 'after all the trou\-\expndtw-4 ble I took to get it for you.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi202\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You stripped it from a dead Nadren,' Chareos pointed \expndtw-13 out.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Had to kill him first,' retorted Beltzer, aggrieved.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi197\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos ignored him, and shrugged into his pack. Finn \expndtw-9 had loaned him a fur-lined cloak with a deep hood, which \expndtw-8 he lifted into place and tied under his chin. Moving away \expndtw-7 from the others, he drew his sabre. After several practice \expndtw-8 lunges and parries, he scabbarded the sword and adjusted \expndtw-6 the loops of the pack. He dropped his arms and the pack \expndtw-5 fell away \expndtw46 ...\expndtw0  \expndtw-5 the sabre flashed into the air. Twice more \expndtw-2 Chareos repeated the manoeuvre. At last, satisfied, he \expndtw-6 rejoined the others. The pack was less comfortable now, \expndtw-7 the ropes biting into his shoulders, the weight too low on \expndtw-2 his back. But it could be swiftly jettisoned if the need \expndtw-7 arose, and that was worth a little discomfort.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi197\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 The group set off on the ice-covered trail. Chareos had \expndtw-5 never enjoyed walking but on Finn's advice had left the}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 82}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5381\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri38\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 horses in the settlement, paying Naza a retainer to feed \expndtw-8 and groom the mounts while they were gone.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Both the bowmen had declined the opportunity to join \expndtw-4 the three questors, but Finn had at least agreed to guide them to the Shrieking Gate. As he walked behind Finn, \expndtw-1 Chareos considered all aspects of the way ahead. The \expndtw-6 Nadren were still in the forest, but these were not a great \expndtw-9 fear. Five well-armed men should prove deterrent enough, \expndtw-7 especially after the mauling the raiders had received. No, \expndtw-5 the biggest problem was what awaited them beyond the \expndtw-17 Gate.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Tattooed People were a mystery. Some said they \expndtw-8 had once been of this world, forced back by the migration \expndtw-7 of nations ten centuries before when the war-like Drenai, \expndtw-6 the Gothir and the ferocious Nadir tribes came sweeping from north, south and east. One legend claimed the Tat\-\expndtw-3 tooed People used sorcery to open a doorway between worlds, allowing the tribe to escape to a hidden land of \expndtw-5 riches and plenty. Another maintained that the Gateway \expndtw-2 had been there from the days before the Ice Fall, a last \expndtw-4 remnant of a once proud civilisation and that beyond it \expndtw-9 lay mountains of gold.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 But whatever the truth the Gateway did exist and, on \expndtw-9 rare occasions, one or more of the Tattooed People passed through it. Such had been the case when Okas had wand\-\expndtw-4 ered into the army camp six months before the battle at \expndtw-9 Bel-azar. He had squatted down at Chareos' camp-fire and \expndtw-8 waited in silence until Beltzer offered him a plate of meat \expndtw-3 and bread. He was a small man, no more than five feet \expndtw-5 tall, pot-bellied and wearing only a loin-cloth decorated \expndtw-1 with pale stones. His entire body was covered in blue \expndtw0 tattooes - some in the shape of leaves, others in runic \expndtw-4 symbols around what appeared to be camp-fire scenes. \expndtw0 His face also was tattooed with curving lines and his \expndtw-6 beardless chin was completely blue, shaped like a beard \expndtw-7 with a waxed moustache above it. Amazingly he spoke a \expndtw-6 little of the Common Language and, more amazing still, \expndtw0 in the four months Okas was with them the uncouth}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li38\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 83}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5415\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer mastered the tribesman's tongue. Okas proved invaluable during that time. In the skills of tracking he \expndtw-7 had no peers - at least not among the Gothir. And he was \expndtw-1 a great 'finder'. Chareos' senior officer, Jochell, lost a \expndtw-5 valuable golden ring and had the quarters of all enlisted \expndtw-8 men searched. Through Beltzer, Okas told the officer that he would find the missing item.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Jochell was dubious, yet he had seen Okas' skills in \expndtw0 action during the hunt for Nadir raiders. Much to the \expndtw-5 amusement of the men Okas took the officer's hand and \expndtw-10 held it in silence for a while, eyes closed. Then he released \expndtw-3 his grip and trotted from the camp. Jochell saddled his \expndtw-2 horse and rode after him; Chareos and Finn followed, \expndtw-7 anxious to see the outcome. Two hours later they were at \expndtw-9 the scene of the previous day's battle with Nadir outriders. \expndtw-4 There was a small stream to the west of the battlefield. \expndtw-2 Okas moved to it and knelt by the water-line. Then he \expndtw0 grunted and pointed. Jochell joined him. There, just \expndtw-3 below the surface, nestling among the pebbles was the \expndtw-7 gold ring, its pale central opal glistening blue.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Jochell was delighted and gave Okas two gold pieces. \expndtw0 The tribesman stared at them for a while, then tossed them to Chareos. That night Okas left them, but not \expndtw-7 before he had sat with Beltzer for more than an hour. He \expndtw-11 said farewell to no one else, merely gathered up his blanket \expndtw-8 and walked from the camp.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 In the morning Chareos had asked Beltzer, 'What did \expndtw-8 he say to you?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He told me to stay close to you, Maggrig and Finn \expndtw-3 during the coming days. He also told me that Jochell's \expndtw-6 ring would grace a Nadir hand before the winter moon.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I wish I hadn't asked,' Chareos said.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He's only been gone a few hours - and already I miss \expndtw-6 him,' said Beltzer. 'You think we'll see him again?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Now, as he walked through the early morning frost, \expndtw-1 Chareos remembered that conversation and the many \expndtw-10 which had followed it. Beltzer told him of the land beyond \expndtw-5 the Gateway. It was hot and humid, with towering trees}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li5\ri0\fi0\sb216\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-17\f9\lang1033\fs20 84}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5391\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri38\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 and vast open veldts and lakes. There were huge animals \expndtw-2 there, higher than houses, and hunting cats with fangs \expndtw-1 like long knives. It was a world of sudden storms and \expndtw-8 sudden deaths.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri53\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Are you thinking of going there?' Chareos had asked. \expndtw-8 Beltzer looked away, his face reddening.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 1 would have liked to, but Okas said the Tattooed \expndtw-6 People kill any interlopers. Their history is full of mass\-\expndtw-4 acres and the murder of their people by our races - they \expndtw-7 are terrified it will happen again.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi197\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 The sky darkened and thunder jolted Chareos' mind \expndtw-5 back to the present. Finn called a halt and turned to face \expndtw-3 Chareos. 'It will be dusk soon and there's going to be a \expndtw-10 heavy snowfall,' he said. 'I suggest we look for somewhere \expndtw0 to camp and sit it out. We will build two shelters and \expndtw-5 gather wood for fires.' The group walked on into a thick \expndtw-9 stand of pine; Finn and Maggrig scouted the area, locating \expndtw-7 two good sites. Kiall watched as the hunters tied twine to \expndtw-1 the tops of four sapling trees. These were then pulled \expndtw-7 together and fastened. Finn sent Beltzer and Chareos out \expndtw0 to cut branches from the surrounding pine, and these \expndtw-10 were threaded through the tied saplings to form a spherical \expndtw0 shelter some ten feet across. The bowmen left Kiall, \expndtw-5 Chareos and Beltzer to complete the walls, then walked \expndtw-7 some thirty feet away to build their own shelter.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi211\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Snow began to fall - gently at first, then thick and fast. \expndtw-4 The wind strengthened, gusting the snow into the faces \expndtw-9 of the workers, ice forming on brows and beards. Chareos \expndtw-4 continued to pack the walls of the shelter while Beltzer \expndtw-7 and Kiall gathered dead wood for a fire. The temperature plummeted as the sun dipped below the peaks.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos had left a rough doorway on the south side of \expndtw-7 the structure and Kiall and Beltzer crawled inside. A tiny \expndtw-8 fire surrounded by stones was burning at the centre of the \expndtw-2 circle, but there was not heat enough to warm a man's \expndtw-6 hands, let alone keep death from his body, thought Kiall \expndtw-3 miserably. The snow fell harder, covering the shelters,}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li5\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 85}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5429\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri34\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 blocking the gaps in the walls and cutting out the icy \expndtw-13 draughts.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri29\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 The temperature began to rise. Take off your cloaks \expndtw-8 and jerkins,' ordered Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tm cold enough already,' Kiall argued.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'As you please,' said Chareos, removing his fur-lined \expndtw-9 cloak and heavy woollen overshirt. Adding fuel to the fire \expndtw-2 he lay down, his head resting on his pack. Beltzer did \expndtw-5 likewise, having discarded his bearskin jerkin. Kiall sat \expndtw-6 shivering for some minutes. Neither of the others spoke \expndtw-4 for a while, then Kiall undipped the brooch which held \expndtw-6 his Nadren cloak in place. Immediately he struggled out \expndtw-9 of the goatskin jerkin, the warmth from the fire enveloped \expndtw-18 him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I don't understand,' he said. Chareos raised himself on \expndtw-10 one elbow and smiled.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Wool and fur are made not just to keep cold out, but to keep warmth in. Therefore it will work in reverse. If \expndtw-5 your body is cold and there is heat outside, the furs will \expndtw-6 stop it getting through to you.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why did you not just tell me?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I find some men learn best by suffering,' said Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall ignored the rebuke. 'Why did Finn and Maggrig \expndtw-7 choose to have their own shelter?' he asked. 'Surely there is enough room in here with us?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'They prefer their own company,' answered Beltzer. \expndtw-8 'They always did. But I am sorry they will not be coming \expndtw-7 with us beyond the Gate. I never knew a better shot than Maggrig, nor a cooler fighting man than Finn.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why won't they come with us?' Kiall asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'They have more sense,' Chareos told him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi0\sb610\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Ravenna's dreams were strange and fragmented. She was \expndtw-11 a child in the arms of her mother - safe, warm and comfor\-\expndtw-4 ted. She was a doe running through the forest, pursued \expndtw-6 by wolves with long yellow fangs, sharp as swords. She}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri5\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 86}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5367\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri43\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 was a bird, trapped in a gilded cage and unable to spread \expndtw-10 her wings.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri38\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 She awoke. All around her the other women lay sleep\-\expndtw0 ing. The air was close and there were no windows. \expndtw-1 Ravenna closed her eyes. Tomorrow she would stand \expndtw0 naked on the auction block. Her heart began to beat \expndtw-6 wildly; she calmed her breathing and tried to relax.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 The dreams flowed once more. Now she saw a knight \expndtw-3 in shining armour riding through the gates, the Nadren \expndtw-1 scattering before him. Leaning from his saddle, he \expndtw-9 plucked her from the auction platform and rode out across \expndtw0 the steppes. Safe in the trees he helped her down and \expndtw-2 dismounted beside her. He lifted his visor . . . the face \expndtw0 inside was rotted and long dead, the flesh hanging in \expndtw-6 leather strips from the grinning skull.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 She screamed . . .}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri24\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 And woke. The other women were still sleeping - the \expndtw-1 scream then had been part of the nightmare. Ravenna was glad of that. Wrapping the thin blanket round her \expndtw-8 shoulders, she sat up. Her dress of yellow-dyed wool was \expndtw-7 filthy, and she could smell stale sweat upon it.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri24\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I will survive this,' she told herself. 'I will not give in to despair.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 The thought strengthened her for a moment only, but \expndtw-3 the weight of her captivity bore down on her, crushing \expndtw-9 her resolve.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 She wept silently. The woman from the wagon rose \expndtw-7 from her blankets and walked over to her, putting a slen\-\expndtw-6 der arm about her shoulders.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Tomorrow,' she said, 'when you stand on the platform, \expndtw-2 do not try to entice a buyer. The Nadir put no stock in \expndtw0 women. They view them like cattle. They fear proud \expndtw-8 women. You understand me? Keep your head down, and \expndtw-2 obey the commands of the auctioneer. Do not think of \expndtw-8 nakedness. Be meek and submissive.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri19\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'If they fear proud women, perhaps no one would buy \expndtw-7 me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li245\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Do not be a fool!' snapped the older woman. 'If you}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li29\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 87}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5438\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 look defiant, the auctioneer will have you whipped into \expndtw-4 submission - or you'll be bought by a man who enjoys \expndtw-10 inflicting pain on women. What you need is a master who will treat you casually. There is no such animal as a gentle \expndtw-4 Nadir, but better to be bedded swiftly by an indifferent \expndtw-7 savage than to be beaten like a dog.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'How is it you know so much?' asked Ravenna.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I have been sold before,' said the woman. 'I spent three \expndtw-9 years as a whore in New Gulgothir. Before that I was sold \expndtw-6 to a Nadir chieftain.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'But you escaped?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes. And I will escape again.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'How is it you are so strong?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I was once wed to a weak man. Sleep now. And if you \expndtw-2 cannot sleep, rest. You will not want dark rings under \expndtw-7 those pretty eyes.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What is your name?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What does it matter?' the woman answered.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi0\sb442\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Salida strode into the main hall, his armour dust-stained and dull, his eyes bloodshot and weary. Yet still he kept \expndtw-2 his back straight, his chin high. There were more than \expndtw-4 forty noblemen present. He bowed before the Earl and \expndtw-9 their eyes met.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Do you bring me Chareos?' asked the Earl softly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No, my lord. But I bring you Logar's sabre.' He held \expndtw-9 the scabbarded blade high and placed it on the dais before \expndtw-2 the Earl. 'Also I bring you the owner of the Grey Owl \expndtw-3 tavern, who witnessed the fight; he is outside. He says that Logar and two others attacked the monk, and that \expndtw-4 Chareos defended himself nobly. The man Kypha was \expndtw-9 lying.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You took this investigation on yourself?' said the Earl, rising from his ebony chair, his eyes cold.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I know, my lord, how highly you value justice. I must \expndtw-5 also tell you that Chareos and the villager, Kiall, fought \expndtw-3 alongside myself and the men from Talgithir against a}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5386\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 large band of Nadren. Chareos slew at least six of them \expndtw-3 in a pitched battle. Without him, and Beltzer, Maggrig \expndtw-8 and Finn, we might well have lost the encounter. I judged \expndtw-1 - perhaps wrongly - that you would not appreciate the \expndtw-7 waste of time involved in bringing Chareos back.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Earl stood in silence for several seconds, then he \expndtw-5 smiled. 'I like my officers to show initiative, Salida, and \expndtw-6 this you have done. You also destroyed a band of raiders \expndtw-4 and showed, I understand, great personal courage. You \expndtw-6 are to be commended - both for your action in battle and your discretion. Go now. Rest. You have earned it.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Salida bowed and backed two paces before turning and \expndtw-5 striding from the hall. Aware that all eyes were on him, \expndtw-6 the Earl turned back to his guests. For an hour he moved \expndtw0 among them, his mood light, his humour good. Just \expndtw-3 before dusk he left the hall and walked swiftly through \expndtw-8 the stone corridors of the Keep until he reached the stair\-way to his private rooms.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 He entered the study and pushed shut the door. A tall \expndtw-6 man was standing at the window. Lean and hawk-faced, \expndtw-2 with pale eyes separated by a curved beak of a nose, a \expndtw-7 scar ran from his brow to his chin in an angry white line. \expndtw0 He wore a black leather cloak that shimmered in the \expndtw-7 lantern light, and three knives hung from a baldric on his \expndtw-10 chest.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Well, Harokas?' said the Earl.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The man, Kypha, is dead. Somehow he contrived to drown in his bath,' answered Harokas. 'I hear the other \expndtw-8 business is finished.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Earl shook his head. 'Nothing is finished. The man insulted me, through my son, then disgraced me publicly. \expndtw-2 Find him - and kill him.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I am skilful with a blade, my lord - but not that \expndtw-7 skilful.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I did not say fight him, Harokas. I said \i kill \i0 him.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is not for me to criticise \expndtw40 ..."}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No, it is not!' stormed the Earl.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Harokas' green eyes narrowed, but he said nothing.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li48\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 89}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5419\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I want him to know why he is dying,' the Earl \expndtw-11 continued.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What should I tell him, my lord?' asked Harokas. \expndtw-9 'That a hero of Bel-azar is doomed because he disciplined \expndtw-8 an arrogant boy?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Beware, Harokas,' the Earl hissed. 'My patience is not limitless - even with those who have served me well and \expndtw-8 faithfully.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It will be as you order,' said Harokas. He bowed and \expndtw-7 left the study.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi0\sb437\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall's dreams were troubled. Again and again he saw the \expndtw-9 Nadren sweep down on the village, heard their wild battle \expndtw-6 cries and saw the sunlight gleaming on their swords and \expndtw-11 helms. He had been high in the woods, supposedly gather\-\expndtw-5 ing herbs for the apothecary - but in reality he had been wandering, dreaming, imagining himself as a knight, or \expndtw-2 a bard singer, or a nobleman on a quest. In his fantasy \expndtw-7 he was a man of iron courage and lethal skills. But when \expndtw0 the Nadren war cries sounded he had stood frozen to \expndtw-3 the spot, watching the carnage, the looting, raping and \expndtw0 burning. He had seen Ravenna and the others hauled \expndtw-2 across the saddles of the conquering raiders and taken \expndtw-7 away to the south. And he had done nothing.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 He knew then, as he knew now, why Ravenna had \expndtw-8 rejected him, and suffered again the pain of their meeting \expndtw-7 in the high meadow by the silver stream.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You are a dreamer, Kiall,' she had said, 'and I like \expndtw-4 you. Truly I do. But I need more than dreams. I want a \expndtw-8 man who will build, who will grow. I need a strong man.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I can do all these things,' he had assured her.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Only in your head. Now you must leave me. If Jarel \expndtw-5 sees you talking to me, he will be jealous. And it would \expndtw-7 not be wise for you to make Jarel angry.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I am not afraid of Jarel. But I \i love \i0 you, Ravenna. I \expndtw-7 cannot believe that means nothing to you.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Poor Kiall,' she whispered, stroking his cheek. 'Still}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 90}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5366\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri48\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 the dreamer. Love? What is love?' She had laughed at \expndtw-8 him then and walked away.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri43\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall awoke. His body was warm under the blanket, \expndtw-5 but his face was cold. Raising himself on one elbow, he saw that the fire was dying. He added wood and sat up. \expndtw-10 Beltzer was snoring and Chareos remained in a deep sleep. \expndtw-1 The flames licked the fuel and rose. Kiall wanned his \expndtw-6 hands and wrapped his blanket around his shoulders.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 He sniffed. The air inside the shelter was close and full \expndtw-8 of smoke, but still he could smell the rank odour emanat\-\expndtw-3 ing from Beltzer. This was no dream. Here he sat with \expndtw-2 the heroes of Bel-azar, on a quest to rescue a beautiful \expndtw-4 maiden from the clutches of evil. Yet in no way did the \expndtw-9 reality match the fantasies. A bad-tempered Swordmaster, a vile-smelling warrior, and two hunters who spoke barely \expndtw-6 a civil word to anyone but each other.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri29\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer snorted and turned over, his mouth open. Kiall \expndtw-2 saw that he had lost several teeth and that others were \expndtw-1 discoloured and bad. How could this fat old man \i ever \i0\expndtw-8 have been the golden-haired hero of legend?}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri24\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 I should have stayed in the village, he told himself, and \expndtw-7 learned the apothecary's skills. At least then I would have \expndtw-6 been able to afford to take a wife, and build a home. But no, the dreamer had to have his way.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 He heard the crunching of boots on the snow outside, \expndtw-4 and fear rose in him as he pictured the Nadren creeping \expndtw-2 up on them as they slept. He scrambled to his feet and \expndtw-5 dressed swiftly. Then he heard Maggrig's voice. Pulling \expndtw-4 on his boots, he dropped to his knees and eased himself \expndtw-3 out into the snow-covered clearing. The sky was a rich \expndtw-7 velvet blue, and the sun was just rising above the moun\-\expndtw-3 tains to the east. Maggrig and Finn were skinning four \expndtw-6 white rabbits, the nearby snow spattered with blood.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Good morning,' said Kiall. The younger man smiled \expndtw-3 and waved, but Finn ignored the villager. Kiall moved \expndtw-5 alongside them. 'You're out early,' he remarked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Early for some,' grunted Finn. 'Make yourself useful.' \expndtw-7 He tossed a rabbit to Kiall, who skinned it clumsily. Finn}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li10\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 91}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5424\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 gathered up the entrails and threw them out into the \expndtw-6 bushes, then he scraped the fat from the furs and pushed \expndtw-7 them deep into his pack.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall wiped his blood-covered hands on the snow and sat back on a rock. Finn's bow was resting against it and \expndtw-7 Kiall reached for it.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li202\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Don't touch it!' snapped Finn.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li202\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall's anger rose. 'You think I would steal it?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I don't much care - but don't touch it.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Maggrig moved alongside Kiall. 'Don't take it to heart,' \expndtw-7 he said softly. 'No bowyer likes another man to touch his \expndtw-2 bow. It is \expndtw49 ...\expndtw0  \expndtw-2 a superstition, I suppose. You see, each \expndtw-7 bow is made for one archer. It is designed for him alone. Finn makes his own bows. Even I am not allowed to use \expndtw-6 them.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No need to make excuses for me,' said Finn sourly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Maggrig ignored him. 'When we get to the cabin,' he \expndtw-5 told Kiall, 'you will see many bows. Finn will probably \expndtw-4 give you one - a weapon to suit your length of arm and \expndtw-6 your pulling strength.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi206\sb14\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It would be no use,' said Kiall. 'I have no eye for \expndtw-8 archery.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi197\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Neither had I when I first met Finn. But it is amazing \expndtw-3 what a man can learn when he is paired with a master. \expndtw-7 Finn won every prize worth the taking. He even took the \expndtw-1 Lord Regent's talisman against the best archers of six \expndtw0 lands: Drenai, Vagrians, Nadir, Ventrians, and even bowmen from Mashrapur. None could compete with \expndtw-2 Finn.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi206\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Not then or now,' muttered Finn, but his expression \expndtw-1 softened and he smiled. 'Don't mind me, boy,' he told \expndtw0 Kiall. 'I don't like people much. But I don't wish you \expndtw-5 harm - and I hope you find your lady.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi197\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I am sorry you will not be travelling with us,' said \expndtw-15 Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi202\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tm not. I have no wish to have my head shrunk on a \expndtw-3 pole, or my skin flayed outside a Nadir tent. My battle}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri5\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 92}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5381\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 days are long gone. Quests and the like are for young men \expndtw-7 like you.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'But Beltzer is coming,' Kiall reminded him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn grunted. 'He never grew up, that one. But he's a \expndtw-5 good man in a scrap, right enough.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Chareos too,' said Maggrig softly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes,' agreed Finn. 'A strange man, Chareos. But you watch him, boy, and learn. His kind don't come around \expndtw-6 so often, if you catch my meaning.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I'm not sure that I do.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi206\sb10\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He's a man with iron principles. He knows the world \expndtw-3 is shades of grey, but he lives like it's black and white. \expndtw-5 There's a nobility in him - a gallantry, if you like. You'll \expndtw-4 see what I mean, come the finish. Now that's enough of \expndtw-2 talking. Wake your companions. If they want to break \expndtw-3 their fast, they'd better be up. I'll not wait for them.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi0\sb619\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 The snow held off for several days, but even so the travel\-\expndtw-9 lers made slow progress across the peaks. On the fifth day \expndtw-6 Maggrig, leading the group, came too close to the lair of \expndtw0 a snow leopard and her cubs. The leopard seemed to explode from the undergrowth, spitting and snarling. \expndtw-10 Maggrig was hurled from his feet, a jagged tear across one \expndtw0 arm of his tunic. Beltzer and the others ran forward, shouting at the tops of their voices - but the animal \expndtw-1 crouched before them, ears flat to her skull and fangs \expndtw-9 bared. Finn dragged Maggrig clear and the travellers gave \expndtw-3 the beast a wide berth. Maggrig's arm was slashed, but \expndtw-2 not deeply, and the wound was stitched and bound by \expndtw-8 Finn.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri19\fi202\sb10\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-11\f1\lang1033\fs23 On the following morning they reached the valley where \expndtw-8 the hunters' cabin was hidden. A blizzard blew up around \expndtw-7 them and they forced their way, heads bowed against the \expndtw-9 wind, to the frozen doorway. Snow had banked against it, \expndtw-10 blocking the door and filling the window-frame alongside. \expndtw-8 Beltzer cleared it, shovelling it aside with his huge hands.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li19\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 93}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5410\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Inside was icy, but Finn got a fire going; it was more than \expndtw-6 an hour before the heat wanned the cabin.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 That was good luck,' said Beltzer, finally stripping his \expndtw-5 bearskin jerkin and squatting on the rug beside the fire. \expndtw-6 'That blizzard could have hit us days ago, and we'd have been trapped out in the mountains for weeks.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It may be lucky for you, dung-brain,' said Finn, 'but \expndtw-9 I do not relish my home being rilled with sweating bodies \expndtw-6 for days on end.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer grinned at the black-bearded hunter. 'You're \expndtw-8 the least welcoming man I've ever known. Where do you \expndtw-5 keep the drink?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'In the well outside. Where else?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I mean the ale, or the wine, or even the malt spirit?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We have none here.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'None?' asked Beltzer, eyes widening. 'None at all?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Not a drop,' answered Maggrig, smiling. 'Now how \expndtw-8 lucky do you feel?' His face was white and sweat dripped \expndtw0 into his eyes. He tried to stand, but sank back in his \expndtw-12 chair.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What's the matter with you?' said Finn, rising and \expndtw-8 moving to the younger man.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi197\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Maggrig shrugged. 'I don't . . . feel. . .' He sagged \expndtw-9 sideways from the chair. Finn caught him and carried him \expndtw-7 to the bed, where Chareos joined him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He has a fever,' said Chareos, laying his hand on the \expndtw-7 hunter's brow. Maggrig's eyes opened.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Room's going round . . . thirsty \expndtw40 ..."\expndtw0  Finn brought \expndtw-7 him a goblet of water and lifted his head while he drank.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall cleared his throat. 'If you boil some water, I'll \expndtw-6 make a potion for him.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn swung on him. 'What are you \expndtw40 ...\expndtw0  \expndtw-6 a magician?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I was an apothecary's assistant, and I bought some \expndtw-6 herbs and powders back in Tavern Town.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Well, come and look at him, boy. Don't just stand \expndtw-3 there!' stormed Finn. Kiall moved to the bedside. First \expndtw-11 he examined the wound on Maggrig's temple; it had closed \expndtw-6 and healed well, but his master had always told him that}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li5\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 94}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5386\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 blows to the head often shocked the system. Perhaps the \expndtw-7 second injury, caused by the leopard's attack, had caught the hunter in a weakened state. Trying to remember what \expndtw-1 Ulthen had told him of such wounds, he removed the bandage from Maggrig's arm; the cut was jagged and \expndtw-7 angry, but there was no pus or obvious sign of infection.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall filled a small copper pot with water and hung it \expndtw-1 over the fire. Within a few minutes the contents were \expndtw-2 boiling. Then he opened his pack and took out a thick \expndtw-1 package, wrapped in oiled paper. Inside were a dozen \expndtw-7 smaller packages, each decorated with a hand-drawn leaf \expndtw-4 or flower. Kiall selected two of the packets and opened \expndtw-8 them. Bruising the leaves, he dropped them into the water \expndtw-2 and stirred the brew with a spoon. Then lifting the pot \expndtw-5 from the fire, he laid it in the hearth to cool.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Smells fine,' said Beltzer.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'How would you know?' hissed Finn. 'What have you \expndtw-7 made there, boy?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It's a potion from willow leaves and comfrey. Both are \expndtw-4 good for fighting fevers, but the comfrey helps to clean \expndtw-6 the blood and give strength to a sick man.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What else is it good for?' asked Beltzer.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It helps to heal bones and reduce swellings, and stops diarrhoea. It has also - so my master told me - been used \expndtw-7 to prevent gangrene in wounds. Oh yes \expndtw44 ...\expndtw0  \expndtw-7 it is good for \expndtw-6 rheumatic pain too.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Then while you have the ingredients there, my boy,' \expndtw-8 said Beltzer, 'better make another pot. I have the rheuma\-\expndtw-5 tism in my knee. Hurts like Hades.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 When the mixture had cooled, Kiall carried it to Mag-\expndtw-3 grig's bedside and Finn held the hunter's head while he drank. At first he choked, but he swallowed half of the \expndtw-7 contents and sank back. Kiall covered him with a blanket \expndtw0 and Finn sat at the bedhead, mopping the sweat from \expndtw-2 Maggrig's brow. Beltzer strolled over and finished the \expndtw-8 brew, belching loudly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs22 For an hour or more there was no change in Maggrig's condition, but at last he drifted off into sleep. 'His colour}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb197\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-18\f1\lang1033\fs22 95}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5411\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri19\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 is a little better,' said Finn, looking to Kiall for confir\-\expndtw-8 mation. The youngster nodded, though he could see little \expndtw-6 change. 'Will he be all right now?' Finn asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We'll see tomorrow,' answered Kiall cagily. He stood \expndtw0 and stretched his back. Looking around, he saw that \expndtw-1 Beltzer had fallen asleep by the fire and Chareos was \expndtw-10 nowhere in sight. The back-room door was open and Kiall \expndtw-9 wandered through. It was colder here, but not uncomfort\-\expndtw-4 able. Chareos was sitting at the work-bench examining \expndtw-9 sections of wood shaped for a long-bow.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'May I join you?' asked the villager.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos looked up and nodded. 'How is Maggrig?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I don't really know,' whispered Kiall. 'I have only been \expndtw-3 working with Ulthen for a few months. But the potion \expndtw-7 will reduce the fever. I'm not sure, though, about the arm \expndtw-5 wound. Perhaps the cat had something trapped beneath \expndtw-3 its claws - dung, rotting meat . . .'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri29\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Well, he has two choices - live or die,' said Chareos. \expndtw-6 'Keep an eye on him. Do what you can.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 There's nothing much I can do at the moment. That's \expndtw-2 a thin bow, isn't it?' he went on, looking at the slender \expndtw-7 length of wood in Chareos' hand.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is just a section: one of three. Finn will bond them \expndtw-5 together for more flexibility. You know what wood this \expndtw-13 is?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is yew. A curious wood. When you slice it there are two shades - light and dark. The light is flexible, the dark \expndtw-6 compactable.' He lifted the piece and showed it to Kiall. \expndtw-1 'You see? The light wood is used for the outer curve, \expndtw-3 where maximum flexibility is needed; the dark for the \expndtw-5 inner, where it compacts. It is beautiful wood. It will be \expndtw-8 a splendid weapon.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I didn't know you were an archer?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Nor am I, Kiall, but I was a soldier and it pays a soldier \expndtw-5 to understand the workings of all weapons of death. I'm getting cold in here - and hungry.' Chareos replaced the \expndtw-9 wood and strolled out into the main room where Finn was}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5363\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri38\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 asleep beside Maggrig, while Beltzer lay unmoving on the \expndtw-6 floor. Chareos stepped over the giant and added wood to \expndtw-5 the fire, then he took dried meat and fruit from his pack \expndtw-6 and shared it with Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri58\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Thank you for agreeing to help me,' said Kiall softly. 'It means much to me. Finn told me you were gallant.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri34\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos smiled and leaned back in his chair. 'I am not \expndtw-1 gallant, Kiall. I am selfish, like most men. I do what I \expndtw-5 want, go where I want. I am answerable to no one. And do not thank me until we have freed her.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why \i did \i0 you come with me?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why must there always be answers?' countered \expndtw-2 Chareos. 'Perhaps I was bored. Perhaps it was because \expndtw-5 my mother's name was Ravenna. Perhaps it is because I \expndtw0 am secretly a noble prince who lives to quest for the impossible.' He closed his eyes and was silent for a moment. 'And perhaps I do not know myself,' he \expndtw-11 whispered.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi0\sb437\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 By mid-morning Maggrig's fever had broken and he was \expndtw-3 awake and hungry. Finn showed no relief, gathered his \expndtw-2 bow and quiver and, with Chareos and Beltzer, set off \expndtw-7 into the snow to scout the trail to the Valley of the Gate\-\expndtw-8 way. Kiall remained with the younger hunter; he prepared \expndtw-5 a breakfast of oats and honey and built up the fire. Then \expndtw-7 he dragged a chair to Maggrig's bedside and the two men \expndtw-6 sat and talked for much of the morning.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri14\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Maggrig would not speak of the battle at Bel-azar, but \expndtw0 told Kiall how he had been a student at a monastery. \expndtw-4 He had run away on his sixteenth birthday and joined a \expndtw-3 company of bowmen from Talgithir. He had spent two \expndtw-6 months with them before being sent to the fortress; there \expndtw-4 he had met Finn and the others.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He is not the friendliest man I have known,' said Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Maggrig smiled. 'You learn to look beneath the harsh \expndtw-4 words and judge the deeds. Had I not met him, I would \expndtw-9 not have survived Bel-azar. He's canny and a born fighter.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li29\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 97}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5410\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 There's more give in a rock than Finn. But he's never \expndtw-10 liked company much. Having you all here must be driving \expndtw-7 him insane.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall glanced around the cabin. 'How do you stand it? Living here, I mean? You are days from civilisation and \expndtw-8 the mountains are savage and unwelcoming.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Finn finds cities savage and unwelcoming,' said Mag-\expndtw-8 grig. 'This is a good life. Deer are plentiful, and mountain sheep. There are pigeons and rabbits, and many roots and \expndtw-9 tubers to spice a broth. And you should see the mountains \expndtw-8 in spring, ablaze with colour under a sky so blue it would \expndtw-6 bring tears to your eyes. What more could a man need?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall looked at the blond hunter - at the clear blue \expndtw-6 eyes and the handsome, almost perfect features. He said \expndtw-10 nothing. Maggrig met his gaze and nodded, and an under\-\expndtw-9 standing passed between them.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Tell me of Ravenna,' invited Maggrig. 'Is she \expndtw-10 beautiful?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes. Her hair is dark and long, her eyes brown. She is long-legged and her hips sway when she walks. Her \expndtw0 laughter is like sunlight after a storm. I will find her, \expndtw-5 Maggrig . . . one day.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I hope that you do,' said the hunter, reaching out and \expndtw-5 patting Kiall's arm, 'and I also hope that you will not be \expndtw-3 disappointed. She may be less than you remember. Or \expndtw-8 more.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I know. She may be wed to a Nadir warrior and have babes at her heels. It does not concern me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You will raise them like your own?' enquired Maggrig. \expndtw-7 His expression was hard to read and Kiall reddened.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I had not thought of it. But . . . yes, if that is what \expndtw-8 she wished.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And if she wishes you to leave her be?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What does that mean?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I am sorry, my friend - it is not my place to criticise. But, as I understand it, the lady turned you down once. \expndtw-10 Perhaps she will do so again. When a woman has children \expndtw-1 she changes; they become her life. And if their father}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb197\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-18\f1\lang1033\fs22 98}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5385\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 loves them - and the Nadir are fond of their children -\expndtw-4 then she may wish to remain with him. Have you con\-\expndtw-7 sidered that possibility?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No,' answered Kiall honestly, 'but how much must I \expndtw0 consider? She could be dead, or sold as a whore. She \expndtw-4 could be diseased. She could be wed. But whatever the \expndtw0 situation, short of death, she will know that someone cared enough to come after her. That is important, I \expndtw-2 think.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Maggrig nodded. 'You are correct in that, my friend. \expndtw0 You have a wise head on those young shoulders. But \expndtw-8 answer me this, if you can: does the lady have any virtues \expndtw-5 other than beauty?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Virtues?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Is she kind, loving, understanding, compassionate?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I \expndtw42 ...\expndtw0  \expndtw-1 I don't know,' admitted Kiall. 'I never thought \expndtw-2 of it.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'A man should not risk his life for beauty alone, Kiall, for that fades. You might as well risk it for a rose. Think \expndtw0 on it.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi0\sb442\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn walked around the deserted camp-site. The snow was packed tight by heavy boots, and there were three \expndtw-8 abandoned shelters.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'How many men?' asked Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I'd say around seven, maybe eight.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'How long ago?' questioned Beltzer.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Last night. They moved off to the east. If they come \expndtw-1 across our tracks, they will be led straight back to the \expndtw-7 cabin.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Can you be sure they are Nadren?' Chareos asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'There is no one else up here,' said Finn. 'We should \expndtw-7 be heading back. Maggrig is in no condition to fight, and \expndtw-6 your villager is no match for them.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li38\ri0\fi0\sb413\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall stood in the doorway, feeling the warm sun on his}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li38\ri0\fi0\sb178\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-19\f1\lang1033\fs23 99}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5385\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri48\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 face. The long icicles hanging from the roof were dripping \expndtw-7 steadily. He turned back inside.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri43\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'How bizarre,' he said to Maggrig, who was slicing \expndtw0 venison into a large iron pot. 'The sun is as warm as \expndtw-6 summer and the ice is melting.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri38\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is only autumn,' Maggrig told him. 'The blizzard was \expndtw-8 a foretaste of winter. We often get them. The temperature \expndtw-7 plummets for several days, and then it is like spring. The snow will clear within a day or two.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri38\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall pulled on his boots and took up the sabre Chareos had given him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Where are you going?' asked Maggrig.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri34\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall grinned. 'Before they get back, I'd like to practise \expndtw-3 a little with this blade. I am not much of a swordsman, \expndtw-8 you know.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Nor I. I could never master it.' Maggrig turned back to the broth, adding vegetables and a little salt. Having \expndtw-5 hung the pot over the fire, he sank back into a chair. He \expndtw-7 felt weak and dizzy and his head was spinning.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall stepped out into the sunshine and slashed the air \expndtw0 with the sabre, left to right. It was a fine blade, keen-\expndtw-6 edged, with a leather-covered hilt and an iron fist-guard. \expndtw-8 Many was the time during his youth when he had walked \expndtw-7 alone in the woods holding a long stick, pretending to be \expndtw0 a warrior knight - his enemies falling back from the \expndtw-8 demon blade he carried, dismayed by his awesome skills. \expndtw-1 He hefted the sabre, cutting and lunging at imaginary \expndtw-7 opponents: three, four, five men died beneath the glitter\-\expndtw-6 ing steel. Sweat dripped from his back, and his arm was \expndtw-8 growing tired. Two more opponents died. He spun on his \expndtw-6 heel to block a thrust from behind \expndtw42 ...\expndtw0  \expndtw-6 his blade clanged against an arrow-head, shattering the shaft. Kiall blinked \expndtw-7 and gazed down at the ruined missile on the snow.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Then he looked up and saw the Nadren at the edge of \expndtw-4 the undergrowth. One man held a bow, his mouth open \expndtw-3 in surprise. There were seven men in all - four of them \expndtw-10 with bandaged wounds to head or arms. All were standing \expndtw-8 silently, gazing at the swordsman.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li29\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex79\f1\lang1033\fs23 100}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5390\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall stood frozen in terror, his mind racing.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 That was a pretty trick,' said one of the newcomers -\expndtw-7 a short, stocky man, with a black and silver beard. 'I have \expndtw-4 never seen an arrow cut in flight, nor believed any man \expndtw-8 could move so swiftly.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall glanced once more at the arrow and took a deep \expndtw-3 breath. 'I was wondering when you would show your\-\expndtw-5 selves,' he said, surprised that his voice was smooth and \expndtw-16 even.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I did not tell him to shoot,' said the Nadren leader.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It does not concern me,' replied Kiall loftily. 'What do \expndtw-8 you want here?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Food. That's all.' He saw the man's eyes flicker to his \expndtw-4 right and glanced back. Maggrig now stood in the door \expndtw-6 of the cabin with his bow in his hands, an arrow notched \expndtw-5 to the string. An uneasy silence developed. The Nadren \expndtw-7 were tense, hands on their weapons.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 One warrior eased himself alongside the leader and \expndtw-2 whispered something Kiall could not hear. The leader \expndtw-7 nodded; he looked at Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You were one of the swordsmen back in the town. You \expndtw-5 were with the tall one - the ice warrior.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes,' admitted Kiall. 'It was quite a battle, was it not?"}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He cut us to pieces. I have never seen the like.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi216\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He is quite skilled,' said Kiall, 'but a hard taskmaster \expndtw-6 for a student like myself.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He is your Swordmaster?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes. It would be hard to find a better.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I can see now why you find it so easy to cut an arrow \expndtw-2 from the air.' The Nadren spread his hands. 'However, \expndtw-1 since we must fight or starve, I think it is time we put \expndtw-5 your skills to the test.' He drew his short sword from the \expndtw-6 leather scabbard at his hip.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri5\fi206\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Is this wise?' asked Kiall. 'There are four of you wounded. It does not seem much of a contest - and \expndtw-7 warriors should fight over something more valuable than \expndtw-3 a pot of broth.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li38\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex75\f1\lang1033\fs23 101}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5395\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri29\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 The man said nothing for a moment, then he smiled at Kiall. 'You would allow us inside?' he asked softly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Of course,' Kiall told him. 'But naturally, as a token \expndtw-8 of good manners you would leave your weapons here.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Ha! And what then would stop you from butchering \expndtw-12 us?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What stops me now?" countered Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You are a cocky young snipe,' snapped the leader. 'But \expndtw-6 then I've seen you in action, and I guess you've reason to \expndtw-8 be.' He slammed his sword back in its scabbard, loosened \expndtw0 the buckle on his belt and dropped the weapon to the \expndtw-8 ground. The other Nadren followed his lead. 'Now where \expndtw0 is the broth?' Kiall sheathed his blade and gestured \expndtw-2 towards the cabin. Maggrig stepped back inside. Kiall \expndtw-7 took a deep, slow breath, calming himself, then followed \expndtw-12 them.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 At first the atmosphere within the cabin was tense. Maggrig sat back on the bed, honing a hunting-knife \expndtw-9 with long, rasping sweeps against a whetstone while Kiall \expndtw-6 ladled out the broth. It was undercooked, but the Nadren \expndtw-7 wolfed it down. One of the men seemed weaker than the \expndtw-3 others. He had a wound to the shoulder; it was heavily \expndtw-2 bandaged, yet still blood seeped from it steadily. Kiall \expndtw0 moved to him. 'Let me see that,' he said. The Nadren \expndtw-7 did not complain as Kiall gently unravelled the bandage. \expndtw-1 The flesh was sliced back, the cut angry and swollen. \expndtw-8 Kiall replaced the bandage and took herbs from his pack. \expndtw-2 Selecting the leaves he needed, he walked back to the \expndtw-17 man.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What is that?' grunted the warrior. 'It looks like a \expndtw-10 weed.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It has many names,' Kiall told him. 'Mostly it is called \expndtw-4 Fat Hen. It is used to feed chickens.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Well, I'm no chicken!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It also heals festering wounds. But it is your choice.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You are a surgeon, too?' asked the leader.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 'A warrior needs to know of wounds, and ways of heal\-\expndtw-6 ing them,' replied Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li34\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 102}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5376\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Let him do it,' said the leader and the warrior settled \expndtw-4 back, but his dark, slanted eyes fixed to Kiall's face and \expndtw-6 the young man felt the hatred in his stare. He pushed the flap of skin in place and stitched the wound, then he laid \expndtw-8 the leaves on top of it. Maggrig brought a section of linen \expndtw-6 for a new bandage, and this Kiall applied.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 The warrior said nothing. He moved to the wall and \expndtw0 curled up to sleep on the floor. The Nadren leader \expndtw-1 approached Kiall. 'My name is Chellin,' he said. 'You \expndtw-4 have done well by us. I thank you for it.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I am Kiall.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I could use a man like you. If ever you travel south \expndtw-5 past the Middle Peaks, ask for me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Til remember that,' Kiall said.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 The tension in the room eased and the Nadren settled \expndtw-6 back. Kiall built up the fire, and helped himself to a little \expndtw-4 broth. He offered food to Maggrig, who shook his head \expndtw-9 and smiled.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 As the afternoon sun began its slow descent towards \expndtw0 the western mountains, Chellin roused his men and \expndtw-8 walked with Kiall out into the sunlight. Just as they gath\-\expndtw-5 ered their weapons Chareos, Finn and Beltzer appeared. \expndtw-6 Chareos had his sabre in his hand.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri29\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall waved to them casually, then turned to Chellin. \expndtw-6 'Good luck on your journey,' he said.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And you. I am glad the ice warrior was not here when \expndtw-7 we arrived.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall chuckled. 'So am I.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 The warrior whose arm Kiall had treated approached \expndtw0 him. 'The pain has mostly gone,' he said, his face \expndtw-1 expressionless. He held out his hand and gave Kiall a \expndtw-10 golden Raq.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'That is not necessary,' Kiall told him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is,' retorted the man. 'I am no longer in your debt. \expndtw0 Next time I see you I will kill you - as you killed my \expndtw-3 brother during the raid.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 When the Nadren had gone Kiall wandered back to the \expndtw-5 cabin. Chareos' laughter came to him as he mounted the}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li43\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex78\f1\lang1033\fs23 103}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5405\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 three steps to the doorway. Inside Maggrig was regaling \expndtw-3 them with the tale of Kiall the Arrow-slayer. Kiall flushed. \expndtw0 Chareos rose and walked to him, clapping a hand to his \expndtw-4 shoulder.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You did well,' he said. 'You thought fast and took control. But how did you deflect the arrow?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It was an accident - I didn't even know they were there. I was practising with the sabre and I spun round. The arrow hit the sword-blade.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos smiled broadly. 'Even better. A warrior needs luck, Kiall, and those Nadren will carry the tale of your skill. It could hold you in good stead. But it was an enormous risk. Maggrig told me how you threatened to kill them all single-handed. Let's walk awhile.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 Together the Swordmaster and the young villager walked out into the fading sunshine. 'I am pleased with you,' said Chareos, 'but I think it is time I gave you a little instruction. Then perhaps the next time you face armed men, you will not need to bluff.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 For an hour Chareos worked with the villager, showing \expndtw0 him how to grip the sabre, how to roll his wrist, to lunge and parry. Kiall was a swift learner and his reflexes were good. During a break from the exercise, Chareos and his student sat on a fallen log.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'To be skilful requires hard work, Kiall, but to be deadly requires a little more. There is a magic in sword-play that few men master. Forget the blades, or the foot\-work - the battle is won in the mind. I once fought a man who was more skilful than I, faster and stronger. But he lost to a smile. He thrust, I parried and, as our blades locked, I grinned at him. He lost his temper, perhaps feeling that I mocked him. He came at me with great frenzy and I killed him . . . just like that. Never let anger, or outrage, or fear affect you. That is easy advice to give, but hard to follow. Men will bait you, they will laugh at you, they will jeer. But it is just noise, Kiall. They will hurt the people you love. They will do anything to make you angry or emotional. But the only way you can make}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li48\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\expndtw-17\f1\lang1033\fs23 104}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5390\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li0\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 them suffer is to win. And to do that you must remain \expndtw-4 cool. Now let us eat - if the Nadren left us any broth.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi0\sb442\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos sat beneath the stars, his cloak wrapped loosely \expndtw-8 around his shoulders, the night breeze cool upon his face. Inside the cabin all was silent, save for Beltzer's rhythmic \expndtw-9 snoring. A white owl soared and dived. Chareos could not \expndtw-8 see its prey, nor whether the owl made a kill. A fox eased \expndtw-4 itself from the undergrowth and loped across the snow, \expndtw-7 ignoring the man.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi187\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Memories crowded into Chareos' mind, days of youth \expndtw-9 and ambition, times of wonder and glory, nights of despair \expndtw-7 and dark melancholy. What have you achieved, he asked himself? Indeed, what was there to achieve? He remem\-\expndtw0 bered the parting from his parents and the long, cold \expndtw-4 journey that followed it; that had been hard on a young \expndtw-1 boy. The memories were jagged, and he pushed them \expndtw-8 away. His adolescence in New Gulgothir had been lonely \expndtw0 - despite the friendship and guidance of Attalis, his \expndtw-3 Swordmaster and guardian. Chareos was never at ease \expndtw-4 among the boys of his own age but, worse than this, he \expndtw0 could not adapt to the curious lifestyle of the Gothir \expndtw-9 nobility. It was on a journey north that he began to under\-\expndtw-5 stand them. He had passed a village that nestled against \expndtw-8 a mountain. Above the settlement was a monstrous over\-\expndtw-7 hang of rocks and boulders.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'That looks perilous,' Chareos observed to Attalis and \expndtw-7 the old man nodded.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It will fall one day,' he said. 'Few will survive it.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Then why do people live there?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 They always have, lad. And after a while they don't \expndtw-4 notice it any more. You can only live with fear so long, \expndtw-5 then you absorb it and it loses its power.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Gothir were like that, living always with the threat \expndtw-5 of a Nadir invasion they could not prevent. The nobility \expndtw-3 organised endless feasts, banquets, dances and diverse \expndtw-2 entertainments: keeping only a token army to man the}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li48\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex78\f1\lang1033\fs23 105}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5395\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 ramparts of Bel-azar. Chareos had come to manhood in \expndtw-6 those days of apathy and instant gratification. An expert \expndtw-3 swordsman, thanks to the tutelage of Attalis, he won a \expndtw-6 commission to the Sabres - the elite force formed by the \expndtw-4 Lord Regent. He recalled now with embarrassment his \expndtw-8 pride when the white cloak and silver sabre had first been \expndtw-5 presented to him. He had stood with two hundred other \expndtw-6 young men before the gallery, his back straight, his eyes \expndtw-2 fixed on the Lord Regent on his ebony throne. He felt \expndtw-7 like a man, and destiny was smiling upon him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Two weeks later his world lay in ashes. Attalis, always \expndtw-4 a proud man, became involved in a minor dispute with Targon, the Lord Regent's champion. The dispute fes\-\expndtw-10 tered into a blood feud and Targon challenged the old man \expndtw-6 publicly. The duel was fought in the Royal Courtyard. It \expndtw0 did not last long. Chareos, on patrol with the Sabres, \expndtw-6 heard of it two days later. Attalis had been crippled by a \expndtw-8 piercing thrust to the shoulder and had fallen to his knees, \expndtw-9 his sword clattering to the stone. Targon had then stepped \expndtw-7 forward and sliced open the old man's throat.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri19\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos asked for compassionate leave to attend the \expndtw-8 funeral and this was granted. He used his meagre savings \expndtw-7 - and a pledge against next year's pay - to purchase a plot \expndtw-5 of ground, a marble sarcophagus and a statue above the \expndtw-2 grave. This done, he sought out Targon. The man was \expndtw-8 taller by a head than Chareos, and whip-lean; he was fast, \expndtw-2 and confident of his talents. Once more, the duel took \expndtw-8 place in the Royal Courtyard.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri19\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 Targon had flashed a mocking grin at the young officer. \expndtw-7 'I hope you'll offer more sport than the old man,' he said. \expndtw-4 Chareos did not reply. His dark eyes fixed on Targon's \expndtw-8 swarthy features as he drew his borrowed rapier. 'Fright\-\expndtw-5 ened, boy?' asked Targon. 'You should be.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Lord Regent lifted his arm and both men presented \expndtw0 their swords. The duel began in a blistering series of \expndtw-10 thrusts, parries and ripostes. Chareos knew within seconds \expndtw-7 that he was outclassed but he remained calm - sure in the \expndtw-6 knowledge that, no matter what, his blade would find its}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex78\f1\lang1033\fs23 106}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5386\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 home in the flesh of the man he faced. Back and forth \expndtw-7 across the courtyard the two warriors fought, their blades \expndtw-4 shimmering in the early morning sunlight. Three times \expndtw-3 Chareos felt his opponent's sword nick his skin - twice \expndtw-1 on the upper arm, once on the cheek. A thin trickle of \expndtw0 blood dripped to his chin. But Targon could find no \expndtw-7 opening for the killing thrust. Beginning to lose patience, \expndtw-1 he attacked with greater fury, but his young opponent \expndtw-6 blocked him at every turn.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 The two men stepped back from one another, sweat on \expndtw-4 their faces. 'You take a long time to die, boy,' remarked \expndtw-11 Targon.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos smiled. 'You have the sword skill of a Nadir \expndtw0 tent-wife,' he said. Targon flushed red and launched \expndtw-8 another attack. Chareos blocked the blade, rolled his wrist \expndtw-4 and lanced his rapier deep into Targon's right shoulder, \expndtw0 slicing the muscles and tearing through ligament and \expndtw-6 sinew. Targon's rapier fell from his hand and for the first \expndtw-2 time fear showed in his pale eyes. For several seconds \expndtw-6 Chareos stood watching his opponent, then his blade cut the air with a hissing slash to rip across Targon's throat.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Lord Regent's champion staggered back, clutching \expndtw-5 the wound. Blood bubbled through his fingers as he fell \expndtw-8 to his knees. Chareos walked forward and placed his boot \expndtw-3 against the dying man's chest. With one contemptuous \expndtw-2 push, he hurled Targon to his back. There was silence among the spectators and then the Lord Regent called \expndtw-5 Chareos forward, while pages ran to Targon, seeking to \expndtw-8 stem the bleeding.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You took not only his life, but his dignity,' said the \expndtw-7 Lord Regent.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'If I could, my lord, I would follow him into Hell and \expndtw-7 destroy his soul as well,' Chareos told him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 That afternoon Chareos had stood alone by Attalis' \expndtw-5 tomb. 'You are avenged, my friend,' he said. 'He died as \expndtw-4 you died. I don't know if that is important to you. But I \expndtw-8 remembered your teaching and I did not allow my hatred \expndtw0 to control me. You would have been proud of that, I}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li58\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex79\f1\lang1033\fs23 107}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5400\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 think.' He was silent for a moment, and his eyes filled \expndtw-6 with tears. 'You were a father to me, Attalis. I never told \expndtw-4 you how much you meant to me, nor ever thanked you \expndtw-6 for your friendship and your company. But I do so now. \expndtw-7 Rest easy, my friend.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 A quarter of a century later, outside Finn's cabin, \expndtw-7 Chareos the Blademaster wept again for the old man, for \expndtw-6 the ruin of his hopes and the failure of his dreams.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri19\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 It had always been Attalis' wish that one day they would \expndtw-3 return home and restore all that had been lost. Without \expndtw-2 the old man Chareos had viewed that dream with cold \expndtw-6 logic - and ruthlessly pushed it aside.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi192\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Now he dried his eyes with the edge of his cloak. 'What \expndtw-1 would you think of this quest, Attalis?' he whispered. \expndtw0 'The hunt for the pig-breeder's daughter? Yes, I can \expndtw-7 almost hear your laughter.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi197\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 He stood and entered the cabin where the fire was low, \expndtw-5 the room warm and cosy. Kiall and Beltzer were asleep \expndtw-6 before the hearth, Maggrig deep in dreams in the bed by \expndtw-4 the far wall. Lantern light was streaming from the back \expndtw-5 room and Chareos walked quietly across the cabin floor \expndtw-8 and looked in. Finn was sitting with his feet on the work\-bench, idly cutting flights for new arrows.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi211\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I couldn't sleep,' said Chareos, moving in to sit \expndtw-7 opposite the black-bearded hunter.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri29\fi197\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn swung his legs to the floor and rubbed his eyes. \expndtw-5 'Nor me. What happened to us, eh?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi197\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos shrugged. In the lantern light Finn looked \expndtw-9 older, his face seemingly carved from teak. Deep shadows \expndtw-3 showed at his eyes and neck, and silver hairs glistened \expndtw-7 within his matted beard. 'You seem to have found peace, \expndtw-5 my friend,' said Chareos. 'Up here in the mountains you \expndtw-7 have freedom and more land than some kings.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri10\fi202\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Not much of a life for the boy - though he doesn't \expndtw-10 complain.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri0\fi197\sb10\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The \i boy \i0 must be thirty-six years old. If he doesn't like \expndtw-5 the life he is old enough - and man enough - to say so.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex77\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 108}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5371\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri53\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Maybe,' said Finn, unconvinced. 'And then again, \expndtw-6 maybe it is time to move on.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You'll find nowhere more beautiful, Finn.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I know that,' snapped the hunter, 'but there's more to \expndtw-5 it. I'm no youngster, Chareos, I feel old. My bones ache in winter, and my eyes are not what they were. One day \expndtw0 I'll die. I don't want to leave the . . . Maggrig \expndtw40 ...\expndtw0  up \expndtw-4 here alone. I don't like people much - nasty minds, foul \expndtw-3 manners, always looking to steal, or lie or slander. But \expndtw0 maybe that's just me. Maggrig, he gets on with folks, \expndtw-10 likes company. It's time he learned how to live with people \expndtw-8 again.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri43\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Think about it some more, Finn,' advised Chareos. \expndtw-5 'You are happy here.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I \i was. \i0 But nothing lasts forever, Blademaster. Not life, \expndtw0 not love, not dreams. I reckon I've had more than my \expndtw-4 share of all three. I'm pretty much content.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What will you do?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn looked up and met Chareos' gaze. 'I never had \expndtw-2 many friends. Never needed them, I reckon. But you -\expndtw-4 and that fat pig - are the closest I got to family. So we'll come with you - if you want us, that is.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You don't need to ask, Finn.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri29\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Good,' said Finn, rising. 'That's a burden off my heart. Maybe we'll even find the girl. Who knows?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi0\sb610\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tsudai watched the auction with little interest. He had \expndtw-5 no taste for these pale-skinned Gothir women with their \expndtw-8 cold blue eyes and their huge cow-like breasts. He swung \expndtw-1 away from the window and looked at the dark-haired \expndtw-7 woman seated on the satin-covered divan. Now here was \expndtw-8 a \i real \i0 Nadir beauty.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li43\ri10\fi197\sb10\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 The first time he had seen her was when Tenaka Khan \expndtw-4 brought her to Ulrickham. She had been fourteen years \expndtw-5 old, her skin golden, her eyes proud. Tsudai had always \expndtw-7 believed proud women were the devil's curse and he had}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li77\ri0\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex84\f1\lang1033\fs22 109}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5410\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 longed to take a whip to her, to see her kneeling at his \expndtw-7 feet. Even now the memory brought a surge of arousal.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 He moved to sit beside her. As she smiled thinly and \expndtw-3 edged back from him, his face reddened, but he forced \expndtw-9 himself to remain calm.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Your brother, Jungir, sends greetings. He hopes that you are in good health,' said Tsudai. 'I will tell him that you are, for I have never seen you look more beautiful, \expndtw-6 Tanaki.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why should I not be in good health?' she asked him. \expndtw0 'Did Jungir not send me to this desolate land in order \expndtw-6 that I might enjoy the freshness of the air?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It was for your own safety, Princess. There were \expndtw-6 rumours of plots and fears for your life.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 She laughed then, the musical sound doing little to ease \expndtw-4 Tsudai's physical discomfort. Her eyes met his, and for \expndtw-10 the first time it seemed to him that she smiled with genuine \expndtw-12 warmth.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why do we play such foolish games, Tsudai? There is no one else here, and we both know why my brother sent \expndtw-2 me here. He killed his own brothers and, possibly, his \expndtw-8 own father. Why should he baulk at slaying his sister? I'll \expndtw-7 tell you why. Because I am the only hope the Nadir have \expndtw-8 for providing a male heir. For all his skill with horses and \expndtw-6 weapons, Jungir is sterile.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tsudai blanched. 'You must not say that! If I was to repeat that to the Khan . . .'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Not even you would dare to voice that, even at second hand. Now why are you really here, Tsudai?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 He swallowed his anger, feeling uncomfortable sitting \expndtw-3 here dressed in the full armour of his rank. He reached \expndtw-7 for the buckle of his black and silver breastplate.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Do not undress,' she chided him. That would not be \expndtw-11 seemly.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Seemly? What would you know of seemly? You take a \expndtw-2 succession of barbarian lovers, discarding them daily. \expndtw-8 That is no way for a person of your blood-line to behave.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tanaki stood and stretched her arms over her head.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex79\f1\lang1033\fs23 110}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5380\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Her figure was slim and lithe and the short, silken tunic \expndtw-7 rode up to show smooth golden thighs.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You do this to fire my blood,' snapped Tsudai, rising \expndtw-7 to his feet aware of arousal coursing through him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'A volcano could not fire you,' she said. 'Now, for the last time, tell me why you are here.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 He looked hard into her violet eyes and suppressed the \expndtw-2 desire to strike her, to hammer her to her knees before \expndtw-14 him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Your brother merely wishes to know of your well-\expndtw-4 being,' Tsudai said. 'Is that so hard to understand?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 She laughed, the sound rippling across his emotions \expndtw-9 like bee-stings. 'My well-being? How sweet of him! I saw \expndtw-7 your aide looking over the new slaves. The great warrior, \expndtw-2 Tsudai, now reduced to finding concubines. Have you \expndtw-6 seen any that please you, Tsudai?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I do not find any of them attractive, though there are \expndtw-3 one or two that may suit. But you wrong me, Tanaki. I \expndtw0 came here in order that I might speak with you. You \expndtw-9 know how perilous is your position. You know that at any \expndtw-7 time your death could become expedient. Four years ago you had the opportunity to become my wife. Now I offer \expndtw-6 that gift to you once more. Agree and you will be safe.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri10\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 She moved closer, her perfume washing over him. Lift\-\expndtw0 ing her hands, she rested them on his shoulders and \expndtw-7 looked deeply into his dark, slanted eyes.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Safe? With you? I remember when you sought my \expndtw-2 hand. I considered it with due seriousness. I sent spies \expndtw-4 into your palace, Tsudai. Not one of your women lacks scars from the whip. I know what you want,' she whis\-\expndtw0 pered huskily, 'and you will never have it!' Then she \expndtw-8 laughed again and stepped back. His hand lashed out. She swayed out of his reach, then stepped inside. Tsudai froze \expndtw-2 as the dagger-point touched his neck. 'I could kill you \expndtw-5 now,' she told him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 It was his turn to laugh as he pushed her hand away. \expndtw-8 'You still want to live, though, do you not? And an attack \expndtw-2 on me would bring you down. I offered you my hand,}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li53\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex74\f1\lang1033\fs23 111}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5425\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tanaki. But now I will wait. And when the day comes \expndtw-3 for you to suffer, it will be Tsudai who rides to you. It \expndtw-8 will be Tsudai to whom you will beg. And I tell you now that no pleas will be heard. When next we meet, you will \expndtw-6 not be so haughty.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 The warrior spun on his heel and stalked from the \expndtw-7 room. Tanaki returned the small dagger to its sheath and \expndtw-8 poured herself a goblet of wine.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 It had been foolish to anger Tsudai. As Jungir Khan's most trusted adviser, his was a friendship it would have \expndtw-3 been wise to court. But there was something about the \expndtw-7 man, a coldness within the soul, a meanness of spirit that she could not tolerate. Her father, Tenaka, had distrusted \expndtw-3 him. 'I have nothing against a man who disciplines his \expndtw-6 household,' Tenaka told his daughter, 'but any man who \expndtw-4 needs a whip to deal with a woman has no place in my \expndtw-10 service.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tanaki swallowed hard as she pictured her father, his \expndtw-7 violet eyes full of warmth, his smile like the dawn light -\expndtw-3 welcoming, reassuring. Her stomach knotted and tears \expndtw-4 welled in her eyes. How could he be dead? How could \expndtw-7 the greatest man in the world be dead?}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Blinking away her tears, she wandered to the window \expndtw-8 and watched the auction, wondering which of the women \expndtw-7 Tsudai would purchase. Rarely did she feel sorry for any \expndtw-3 of the slaves. But today . . .}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 She saw a dark-haired young woman pulled to the \expndtw-9 block, her yellow dress stripped from her. She had a good \expndtw-7 figure and her breasts were not over-large. Tanaki's eyes flickered to Tsudai's bidder and she saw his hand rise.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 There were several other bidders, but the woman was \expndtw-7 sold to the Nadir general.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tread warily, girl,' whispered Tanaki. 'Your life \expndtw-6 depends on it.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb1085\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 112}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5391\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li1262\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs36 CHAPTER FIVE}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi0\sb461\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Maggrig's fever-induced weakness lasted a further five \expndtw-8 days, during which time Chareos continued to teach Kiall \expndtw-3 the elementary moves of swordplay. Beltzer, his mood \expndtw-6 foul, took to walking alone in the mountain woods. Finn \expndtw-2 spent much of the time in his workshop, completing a \expndtw-12 new long-bow.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 The snow all but disappeared from around the cabin, \expndtw0 and the sun shone with summer warmth over the \expndtw-9 mountains.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 On the morning of the sixth day, as the questors pre\-\expndtw-6 pared to set off for the Valley of the Shrieking Gateway, \expndtw-7 Finn called Beltzer to his workshop. The others gathered \expndtw-6 round as the hunter pulled clear a brass-bound oak chest \expndtw-5 from its hiding place beneath a bench seat. Finn opened \expndtw-3 the chest and lifted out a long object, wrapped in oiled \expndtw-2 skins. He placed it on the bench-top and cut the thong \expndtw-5 bindings with his hunting-knife. He gestured to Beltzer. \expndtw-1 'It's yours. Take it.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 The giant unwrapped the skins and there lay a gleam\-\expndtw-8 ing, double-headed axe. The haft and handle were as long \expndtw0 as a man's arm - oiled oak and reinforced with silver \expndtw-6 wire. The heads were curved and sharp, acid-etched and \expndtw-7 decorated with silver runes. Beltzer's hand curled around \expndtw-6 the haft, lifting the weapon.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Nice to have it back,' he said and, without another \expndtw-7 word, stalked from the workshop.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Ignorant, ungrateful pig,' stormed Maggrig. 'He didn't even say thank you.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn shrugged, and gave a rare smile. 'It is enough that \expndtw-4 he has it,' he said.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri29\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'But it cost you a fortune. We had no salt for two years, \expndtw-6 and precious little else.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li14\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex79\f1\lang1033\fs23 113}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5419\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Forget it. It is past.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos moved forward and placed his hand on Finn's \expndtw-7 shoulder. That was nobly done. He wasn't the same man \expndtw-6 without that axe. He sold it while drunk in Talgithir and \expndtw-8 never knew what became of it.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I know. Let's be on our way.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi197\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 The journey to the Valley took three days. They saw no sign of any Nadren, and only once caught sight of a \expndtw-2 single rider far to the south. The air was thin here and \expndtw-5 the questors talked little. At night they sat beside camp-\expndtw-7 fires, but slept early and rose with the dawn.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall found it a curious time. It was an adventure, full \expndtw-9 of promise - yet these men, these comrades of war, hardly \expndtw-8 spoke at all. When they did it was to discuss the weather, or the preparation of food. Not once did they mention the Gateway, or the Nadir, or the quest. And when Kiall tried \expndtw-2 to introduce such topics to the conversation they were \expndtw-8 brushed aside with shrugs.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Valley proved an anti-climax to Kiall. It was just like several others they had journeyed through, its pine-cloaked flanks dropping away into a deep cleft between \expndtw-3 the mountains. There were meadows at the base, and a \expndtw-8 stream ran along its length. Deer moved across the gentle \expndtw-7 hills, and there were sheep and goats grazing close by.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi202\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn and Maggrig chose a camp-site, removed their \expndtw0 packs, took up their bows and moved off to hunt for \expndtw-4 supper. Chareos climbed a nearby hill and scanned the \expndtw-9 surrounding countryside while Beltzer prepared a fire and sat, watching the flames flicker and dance.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi211\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall seated himself opposite the bald giant. 'It is a \expndtw-7 beautiful axe,' he said.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 The best,' grunted Beltzer. 'It is said that Druss the \expndtw-10 Legend had an axe from the Elder Days that never showed \expndtw-2 rust, and never lost its edge. But I don't believe it was \expndtw-4 better than this one.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You carried that at Bel-azar?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer glanced up, his small, round eyes fixing to Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li29\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex78\f1\lang1033\fs23 114}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5395\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What is this fascination you have with that place? You weren't there - you don't know what it was like.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri38\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It was glorious. It is part of our history,' said Kiall. \expndtw-5 The few against the many. It was a time of heroes.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It was a time of survivors - like all wars. There were good men there who died on the first day, and cowards \expndtw-8 who lasted almost until the end. There were thieves there, \expndtw0 and men who had raped or murdered. There was the stench of open bowels, and split entrails. There was screaming and begging, and whimpering. There was \expndtw-6 nothing good about Bel-azar. Nothing.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'But you won,' persisted Kiall. 'You were honoured \expndtw-4 throughout the land.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Aye, that was good - the honour, I mean. The parades \expndtw-4 and the banquets, and the women. I never had so many women. Young ones, old ones, fat ones, thin ones: they \expndtw-2 couldn't wait to open their legs for a hero of Bel-azar. \expndtw-4 That was the real glory of it, boy - what came after. By the gods, I'd sell my soul for a drink!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Does Chareos feel as you do - about Bel-azar, I mean?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer chuckled. 'He thinks I don't know \expndtw53 ...\expndtw0  \expndtw-1 but I \expndtw-6 know. The Blademaster had a wife,' he said, twisting his \expndtw-4 head to check that Chareos was still high upon the hill. \expndtw-3 'Gods, she was a beauty. Dark hair that gleamed like it \expndtw-6 was oiled, and a body shaped by Heaven. Tura, that was \expndtw-4 her name. She was a merchant's daughter. Man, was he glad to be rid of her! Anyway, Chareos took her off his \expndtw-8 hands and built a house for her. Nice place. Good garden. \expndtw-5 They'd been married maybe four months when she took \expndtw-2 her first lover. He was a scout for the Sabres - just the \expndtw-6 first of many men who romped in the bed Chareos made \expndtw-10 for her. And him? The Blademaster, the deadliest swords\-\expndtw-4 man I ever saw? He knew nothing. He bought her pre\-\expndtw-9 sents, constantly talked about her. And we all knew. Then \expndtw-6 he found out \expndtw37 ...\expndtw0  \expndtw-6 I don't know how. That was just before \expndtw0 Bel-azar. Man, did he try to die! He tried harder than \expndtw-4 anyone. But that's what makes life such a bitch, isn't it? \expndtw-9 No one could kill him. Short sword and dagger he carried,}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li43\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex78\f1\lang1033\fs23 115}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5424\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri19\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 and his life was charmed. Mind you, he had me alongside \expndtw0 him and I don't kill easy. When the Nadir rode away \expndtw-8 you've never seen a man so disappointed.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall said nothing but gazed into the fire, lost in \expndtw-11 thought.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Shocked you, did I, boy?' said Beltzer. 'Well, life's full \expndtw-5 of shocks. It's all insane. There never was a better hus\-\expndtw-3 band. Gods, he loved her. You know where she ended \expndtw-9 up?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall shook his head.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 'She became a whore in New Gulgothir. The Blademas-\expndtw-7 ter doesn't know that but I saw her there, plying her trade \expndtw-5 by the docks. Two copper coins.' Beltzer laughed. 'Two \expndtw-7 of her front teeth were gone, and she wasn't so beautiful. I had her then. Two copper coins' worth. In an alley. She \expndtw-5 begged me to take her with me; she'd go anywhere, she \expndtw-3 said. Do anything for me. She said she had no friends, \expndtw-7 and nowhere to stay.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What happened to her?' whispered Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'She threw herself from the docks and died. They found \expndtw-8 her floating among the scum and the sewage.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why did you hate her?' asked Kiall. 'She did nothing \expndtw-7 to you.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Hate her? I suppose I did. I'll tell you why. Because \expndtw-10 in all the time she was cuckolding Chareos, she never once \expndtw-5 offered it to me. She treated me like dirt.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Would you have accepted?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Sure I would. I told you, she was beautiful.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall looked into Beltzer's face and remembered the \expndtw-8 song of Bel-azar. Then he looked away and added fuel to \expndtw-11 the fire.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Don't want to talk any more, young Kiall?' asked \expndtw-13 Beltzer.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri14\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Some things it is better not to hear,' said the villager. 'I wish you hadn't told me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Whores' lives don't make pretty stories.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No, I suppose they don't. But I wasn't thinking of her; \expndtw-9 I was thinking of you. Your story is as disgusting as hers.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li34\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex78\f1\lang1033\fs23 116}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5385\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall rose and walked away. The sun was fading, the \expndtw-10 shadows lengthening. He found Chareos sitting on a fallen \expndtw-9 tree, gazing at the sunset. The sky was aglow, red banners flowing over the mountains.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is beautiful,' said Kiall. 'I have always enjoyed the \expndtw-6 sunset.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You are a romantic,' stated Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Is that bad?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No, it is the best way to live. I felt that way once -\expndtw-7 and I was never happier.' Chareos stood and stretched his \expndtw0 back. 'Hold on to your dreams, Kiall. They are more \expndtw-6 important than you realise.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I shall. Tell me, do you like Beltzer?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos laughed aloud and the sound, rich and full of \expndtw-8 good humour, echoed in the valley. 'No one likes Beltzer,' \expndtw-5 he said. 'Least of all Beltzer.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Then why do you have him with you? Why did Finn \expndtw-8 buy his axe?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You are the dreamer, Kiall. You tell me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I don't know. I can't imagine. He is so gross; his \expndtw-2 speech is vile, and he doesn't understand friendship or \expndtw-8 loyalty.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos shook his head. 'Don't judge him by his words, \expndtw0 my friend. If I was standing alone down there in the \expndtw-2 valley, surrounded by a hundred Nadir warriors, and I \expndtw-3 called his name, he would come running. He would do \expndtw-5 the same for Finn, or Maggrig.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I find that hard to believe,' said Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Let us hope you never see the proof of it.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri14\fi0\sb442\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 At dawn the next morning the questors moved north into \expndtw0 the shadowed pine woods, following a deer trail that \expndtw-10 wound down to a shallow stream. This they waded across, \expndtw-3 climbing a short, steep slope to a clearing beyond. The wind gusted and an eerie, high-pitched scream echoed \expndtw0 around them. Finn and Maggrig leapt from the trail, \expndtw-10 vanishing into the undergrowth. Beltzer lifted his axe from}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li48\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex79\f1\lang1033\fs23 117}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5410\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri48\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 the sheath at his side, spat upon his hands, and waited. \expndtw-9 Chareos stood unmoving, hand on sword-hilt.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall found his limbs trembling and suppressed the \expndtw-1 urge to turn and sprint from the clearing. The scream \expndtw0 came again, an ululating howl that chilled the blood. \expndtw-11 Chareos walked on, Beltzer following. Sweat dripping into \expndtw-10 his eyes, Kiall could not bring himself to move. He sucked \expndtw-7 in a deep breath and forced himself forward.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 At the centre of the clearing, some fifty paces away, \expndtw-8 stood a huge stone edifice and before it, on lances decor\-ated with feathers and coloured stones, were two severed \expndtw-14 heads.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall could not tear his eyes from the shrunken faces. \expndtw-3 The eye-sockets were empty, but the mouths trembled \expndtw-4 with each scream. Maggrig and Finn stepped back into \expndtw-19 view.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Can we not stop that noise?' hissed Beltzer and Chareos \expndtw-1 nodded. He walked swiftly to the first lance and held \expndtw-3 his hand behind the severed head. The scream stopped \expndtw-1 instantly. Chareos lifted the head and placed it on the \expndtw-8 ground, then repeated the action with the second. All was \expndtw-7 silent now, save for the gusting wind. The other questors \expndtw-6 approached. Chareos squatted down and lifted the silent \expndtw-2 head, turning it in his hands. Taking his hunting-knife he plunged it deep through the scalp, peeling back the \expndtw-8 skin, which stretched impossibly before snapping clear of \expndtw-4 the wooden skull beneath. Chareos stood and lifted the \expndtw-8 wood to his lips - immediately the blood-curdling scream \expndtw0 sounded. He tossed the object to Finn. 'It is merely a \expndtw-1 kind of flute,' said the former monk. 'The winds enter \expndtw-4 through the three holes in the base, and the reeds set in \expndtw-7 the mouth supply the sound. But it is beautifully crafted.' \expndtw-2 Stooping, he gathered the skin, lifting it by the hair. 'I do not know what this is,' he said, 'but it is not human \expndtw-6 flesh. See, the hair has been stitched in place.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall picked up the second head and looked closely at it. It was difficult to know now why it had inspired such \expndtw-2 fear. He turned it. The wind whistled through it and a}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li14\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex77\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 118}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5391\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 low moan came out. Kiall jumped and dropped the head, \expndtw-8 cursing himself even as the others laughed.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos moved on to the edifice. There were two stone \expndtw-2 pillars, twelve feet high and three feet square, covered \expndtw-4 with an engraved script he did not recognise. An enor\-\expndtw-6 mous lintel sat above the pillars, creating the impression \expndtw-8 of a gateway. Chareos squatted before it, running his eyes \expndtw-6 over the script.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall moved around to the rear. There are symbols \expndtw-1 here,' he said, 'and the stone seems a different colour. \expndtw-8 Whiter, somehow \expndtw35 ..."\expndtw0  \expndtw-8 He stepped forward.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Stop!' yelled Chareos. 'Do not attempt to pass \expndtw-4 through.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why?' Kiall asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos picked up a round pebble. 'Catch this,' he said, \expndtw-3 tossing it through the opening. Kiall opened his hands, \expndtw-1 but the stone vanished from sight. 'Throw one to me,' \expndtw-2 commanded the Blademaster. Kiall obeyed. Again the \expndtw-9 pebble disappeared.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Well, do we go through?' asked Beltzer.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Not yet,' Chareos told him. 'Tell me again all that \expndtw-7 Okas told you of the Gateway.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'There was precious little. It leads to another world. \expndtw-3 That is all.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Did he not say it leads to many worlds?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes,' admitted Beltzer, 'but we do not know how the \expndtw-9 magic works.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Exactly,' said Chareos. 'Did Okas give an indication \expndtw-4 of when he would pass through the Gateway. Daytime, \expndtw-6 midnight, sunset?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Not as I recall. Is it important?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Did he say which side he entered, north or south?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No. Let's just go through and see what we find,' urged \expndtw-13 Beltzer.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos stood. 'Take my hand, and hold to it tightly. \expndtw0 Count to five, then draw me back.' He moved to the \expndtw-5 entrance and held out his arm. Beltzer gripped his wrist \expndtw-9 and Chareos leaned forward, his head slowly disappearing}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li53\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex79\f1\lang1033\fs23 119}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5401\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri48\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 from view. Beltzer felt the body sag - he did not count, but dragged Chareos back. The Blademaster's face was \expndtw-9 white, and ice had formed on his moustache; his lips were \expndtw-8 blue with cold. Beltzer laid him down on the grass, while \expndtw0 Finn began rubbing at the frozen skin. After a while \expndtw-8 Chareos' eyes opened; he stared angrily at Beltzer.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I said count to five,' he said. 'Not five thousand.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri43\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You were in there for only a few heartbeats,' Finn told \expndtw-6 him. 'What did you see?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Heartbeats? It was an hour at least on the other side. \expndtw-7 I saw nothing, save snow and ice blizzards. Not a sign of \expndtw-5 life. And there were three moons in the sky.' He sat up.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What can we do?' asked Beltzer.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri38\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Build a fire. I'll think on it. But tell me everything you can remember about Okas and his tribe. \i Everything.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer squatted down on the grass beside Chareos. 'It's \expndtw0 not a great deal, Blademaster. I never had much of a \expndtw-9 memory for detail. They call themselves the People of the \expndtw-6 World's Dream, but I don't know what that means. Okas \expndtw-4 tried to explain it to me, but I lost hold of it - the words \expndtw-6 roared around my head like snowflakes. I think they see \expndtw-2 the world as a living thing, like an enormous god. But \expndtw-9 they worship a one-eyed goddess called the Huntress, and \expndtw-5 they see the moon as her blind eye. The sun is her good \expndtw-4 eye. That's all.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn lit the fire and joined the two men. 'I have seen them,' he said. 'In the mountains. They move at night -\expndtw-2 hunting, I think.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Then we will wait for moonlight,' said Chareos. 'Then we shall try again.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi182\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 The hours passed slowly. Finn cooked a meal of ven\-\expndtw-1 ison, the last of the choice cuts he had taken from the \expndtw-8 deer killed the previous evening. Beltzer wrapped himself \expndtw-9 in his blankets and slept, his hand on his axe. Kiall wand\-\expndtw-6 ered away from the fire, walking to the crest of a nearby \expndtw-3 hill. There he sat down alone and thought of Ravenna, \expndtw-8 picturing the surge of joy she would feel when he rode to \expndtw-7 her. He shivered, and depression struck him like a blow.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li19\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex78\f1\lang1033\fs23 120}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5372\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri43\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Would he ever ride to her? And if he did would she just \expndtw-8 laugh, as she had laughed before? Would she point to her \expndtw-4 new husband and say, 'He is my man. He is strong, not \expndtw-7 a dreamer like you'?}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri38\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 A sound came from behind and Kiall turned to see Finn walking towards him. 'You wish to be alone?' asked Finn.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No, not at all.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri24\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn sat down and stared over the rugged countryside. \expndtw-3 'This is a beautiful land,' he said, 'and it will remain so \expndtw-5 until people discover it and build their towns and cities. \expndtw-2 I could live here until my dying day - and never regret \expndtw0 it.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Maggrig told me you hated city life,' said Kiall. The \expndtw-6 hunter nodded.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I don't mind the endless stone and brick - it's the \expndtw-7 people. After Bel-azar we were dragged from city to city \expndtw-9 so that crowds could gawp at us. You would have thought \expndtw0 we were gods at the very least. We all hated it - save \expndtw-2 Beltzer. He was in a kind of Heaven. Chareos was the \expndtw-6 first to say, "No more". One morning he just rode away.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He has had a sad life, I understand,' said Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Sad? In what way?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'His wife. Beltzer told me about it.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Beltzer has a big mouth, and a man's private business \expndtw-8 should remain so. I saw her in New Gulgothir three years \expndtw-5 ago. She is happy at last.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'She is dead,' said Kiall. 'She became a street whore \expndtw-6 and killed herself.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn shook his head. 'Yes, Beltzer told me that but it's \expndtw-5 not true. She was a whore, but she married a merchant -\expndtw-6 bore him three sons. As far as I know they are still toge\-\expndtw-7 ther. She told me she had seen Beltzer - it was the lowest \expndtw0 point of her life. That I can believe. Every time I see \expndtw-8 Beltzer I feel the same way. No, Beltzer heard of a whore \expndtw-7 who drowned and the rest was wishful thinking. She was \expndtw0 happy when I saw her - for the first time in her life. I \expndtw-6 was pleased for her.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li259\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You did not hate her, then?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li72\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex74\f1\lang1033\fs23 121}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5425\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why should I hate her?' asked Finn.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'She betrayed Chareos,' Kiall answered.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'She was sold to him by her father. She never loved \expndtw-4 him. She was fey and high-spirited - reminded me of a \expndtw-8 fawn I saw once. I was hunting and the creature saw me. \expndtw-1 It did not recognise a bow or a hunter, it had no fear. \expndtw0 When I stood with bow bent, it trotted towards me. I \expndtw-6 dropped the arrow and the fawn nuzzled my hand. Then \expndtw-4 it went its way. Tura was like that. A fawn in search of a hunter.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You liked her, then?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn said nothing but stood and walked back down the \expndtw-3 hill. The sun was setting, and a ghostly moon could be \expndtw-8 seen shimmering behind the clouds.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi0\sb614\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos waited as the moon rose higher. Silver light \expndtw-8 bathed the clearing and the ancient stone Gateway shim\-\expndtw-3 mered and gleamed like cold iron. He stood and rolled his head, stretching the muscles of shoulder and neck, \expndtw-4 trying to ease the tension born of fear. Something deep \expndtw-9 within him flickered, a silent voice urging him to beware. \expndtw-5 He sensed himself on the verge of a journey that would \expndtw-6 take him where he did not want to go, on pathways dark and perilous. There were no words of warning, merely a \expndtw-10 feeling of cold dread.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Are you ready then?' asked Beltzer. 'Or would you like \expndtw-5 me to try it?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi197\sb10\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos did not reply. He walked to the Gateway and \expndtw-4 held out his arm. Beltzer gripped his wrist as he leaned \expndtw-10 forward, half his body disappearing. Seconds later he drew \expndtw-17 back.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi192\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I do not know if that is the place, but it fits the descrip\-\expndtw0 tion. There is jungle beyond. The sun is bright.' He \expndtw-4 swung towards Maggrig and Finn. 'I need only Beltzer \expndtw-6 with me. The rest of you should stay here and await our \expndtw-4 return.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex77\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 122}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5381\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I get bored just sitting,' said Finn. 'We'll come with \expndtw-7 you.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos nodded. 'Then let us go, before good sense can \expndtw-6 assert itself.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 He turned - and was gone from sight. Beltzer followed \expndtw-4 him, Maggrig and Finn stepped through together. Kiall \expndtw-8 found himself alone in the clearing. His heart was beating \expndtw-9 wildly and fear surged through him. For several heartbeats he stood rooted and then, with a wild cry, he leapt through \expndtw-7 the Gateway - cannoning into Beltzer's back and sprawl\-ing to the mud-covered trail. Beltzer swore, leaned down \expndtw-5 and hoisted Kiall to his feet. Kiall smiled apologetically \expndtw-7 and looked around. Huge trees festooned with vines sur\-\expndtw-5 rounded them. Plants with leaves like spears, and heavy \expndtw-9 purple flowers, grew at their bases. The heat was oppress\-\expndtw-8 ive and the questors began to sweat heavily in their winter \expndtw-4 clothes. But what impressed Kiall most was the smell -\expndtw-3 overpowering and cloying, decaying vegetation mixed \expndtw-5 with the musky scent of numberless flowers, plants and \expndtw-8 fungoid growths. A throaty roar sounded from some dis\-\expndtw-7 tance to their left, answered by a cacophony of chittering \expndtw-5 cries in the trees above them. Small, dark creatures with \expndtw-8 long tails leapt from branch to branch, or swung on vines.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Are they demons?' whispered Beltzer.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-11\f1\lang1033\fs23 No one answered him. Chareos looked back at the Gate\-\expndtw-5 way. On this side it shone like silver and the runic script \expndtw-1 was smaller, punctuated by symbols of the moon and \expndtw-4 stars. He gazed up at the sun.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is near noon here,' he said. 'At noon tomorrow we \expndtw-9 will make our way back. Now, I would suggest we follow \expndtw-5 this trail and see if we can locate a village. What do you \expndtw-3 think, Finn?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is as good an idea as any. I will mark the trail, in \expndtw-9 case any should become lost.' Finn drew his hunting-knife and carved an arrow-head pointing at the gateway. Beside \expndtw-5 it he sliced the number 10. 'That represents paces. I will \expndtw-4 swing a wide circle around our trail, marking trunks in \expndtw-1 this manner. If we do become separated, seek out the}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li77\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex78\f1\lang1033\fs23 123}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5420\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri19\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 signs.' Aware that Finn was directing his remarks to him, \expndtw-11 Kiall nodded.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 The group set off warily, following a meandering trail \expndtw-5 for almost an hour. In that time Finn disappeared often, \expndtw-3 moving to the left and reappearing from the right. The \expndtw-1 small, dark creatures in the trees travelled with them, \expndtw-7 occasionally dropping to the lower branches, where they \expndtw-3 hung from their tails and screeched at the newcomers. \expndtw-10 Birds with glorious plumages of red and green and blue sat \expndtw-6 on tree-limbs preening their feathers with curved beaks.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 At the end of the hour Chareos called a halt. The \expndtw-3 heat was incredible and their clothes were soaked with \expndtw-5 perspiration. 'We are travelling roughly south-east,' \expndtw-6 Chareos told Kiall. 'Remember that.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 A movement came from the undergrowth to their right. \expndtw-1 The spearlike leaves parted . . . and a monstrous head \expndtw-5 came into sight. The face was semi-human and black as \expndtw-4 pitch, the eyes small and round. It had long sharp fangs \expndtw-2 and, as it reared to its full height of around six feet, its \expndtw-3 enormous arms and shoulders came into view. Beltzer \expndtw-5 dragged clear his axe and let out a bellowing battle-cry. \expndtw-6 The creature blinked and stared.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Move on. Slowly,' said Chareos. Warily the group con\-\expndtw-4 tinued on the trail, Chareos leading and Finn, an arrow \expndtw-7 notched to his curved hunting bow, bringing up the rear.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What an obscenity,' whispered Kiall, glancing back at \expndtw-6 the silent creature standing on the trail behind them.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'That's no way to talk about Beltzer's mother,' said \expndtw-8 Maggrig. 'Didn't you notice the way they recognised each \expndtw-4 other?' Finn and Chareos chuckled. Beltzer swore. The \expndtw-1 trail widened and dropped away towards a low bowl-\expndtw-2 shaped depression, cleared of trees. There were round \expndtw0 huts there, and cooking-fires still burned. But no one \expndtw-3 would use them. Bodies lay everywhere - some on the \expndtw-5 ground, some impaled, others nailed to trees at the edge of the village. Huge, bloated birds covered many of the \expndtw-7 corpses or sat in squat and ugly rows along the roofs.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I think we've found the Tattooed People,' said Finn.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li10\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 *}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li29\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex78\f1\lang1033\fs23 124}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5386\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall sat on the slope above the devastated village and watched his companions moving about the ruins. Finn \expndtw-5 and Maggrig skirted the round huts, reading sign, while Beltzer and Chareos walked from hut to hut looking for survivors. There were none. Kiall felt a sense of despair creeping over him. This was the third time in his young \expndtw0 life that he had seen the results of a raid. In the first \expndtw-2 Ravenna had been taken, but other, older, women had \expndtw-7 been raped or abused. Men had been slain. In the second \expndtw-1 he had witnessed - and taken part in - a wild, frenzied \expndtw-4 slashing of swords and knives, his blood hot, fired by a \expndtw-2 need to kill. Now here was the third - and the worst of \expndtw-1 all. From his vantage point he could see the bodies of \expndtw-3 women and children, and even his unskilled eye could \expndtw-5 read the mindless savagery which had taken place here. \expndtw-2 This was no slave raid. The Tattooed People had been \expndtw-10 exterminated.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 After a while Maggrig shouldered his bow and strode \expndtw-6 up to sit alongside Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is revolting down there,' said the hunter. 'It seems \expndtw-1 that nothing was taken in the raid. Some two hundred \expndtw-4 warriors surrounded the village earlier today, moved in \expndtw-9 and killed almost everyone. There are some tracks leading \expndtw0 north and it looks as if small groups of the Tattooed \expndtw-3 People fought clear and fled. Maybe a dozen. But they \expndtw-10 were followed.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why would anyone do this, Maggrig? What is gained by it?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi192\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 The hunter spread his hands. 'There is no answer I can give you. I took part in a raid on a Nadir camp once. We \expndtw-4 had found several of our men tortured over camp-fires, \expndtw-3 their eyes burned out. We followed the raiders to their \expndtw-4 village and captured them. Our officer, a cultured man, \expndtw-6 ordered all the children to be brought out to stand before \expndtw-7 the captives. Then he slew them in front of their parents. \expndtw-3 After that the Nadir were hanged. He told us the Nadir \expndtw-9 did not fear death, so to kill them was no real punishment.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li77\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex77\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 125}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5420\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri14\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 But to butcher their children before their eyes - that was \expndtw-9 justice.' Maggrig fell silent.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall looked back at the village. 'There is no justice in any of it,' he said. The others joined them and the group \expndtw0 moved back from the slope to make camp. Finn was \expndtw-9 unable to light a fire because the wood was too damp, and \expndtw-6 the questors sat in a circle, saying little.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Was Okas among the dead?' asked Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos shrugged. 'Difficult to tell. Many of the corpses \expndtw-5 have been stripped almost clean, but I saw no tattooes I \expndtw-11 could remember."}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Have we arrived in the midst of a war between them?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No,' answered Finn. 'The Tattooed People are small, \expndtw-6 and pigeon-toed. The tracks of the raiders show them to \expndtw-3 be tall. I found this,' he went on, pulling a broken gold \expndtw-6 wristband from the pocket of his deerskin jerkin. Behzer \expndtw-9 gasped as he saw it.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Sweet Heaven!' he exclaimed. 'How heavy is it?' Finn \expndtw0 tossed it to him. 'It must be worth around a hundred \expndtw-6 Raq,' said the giant.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The owner threw it away when it broke,' said Finn. \expndtw-6 'Gold cannot be worth that much here.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It isn't,' agreed Chareos, producing a small, barbed \expndtw-7 arrow-head - it too was gold.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I am beginning to like it here,' remarked Beltzer. 'We could go back to Gothir as rich men.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Let us be content to be going back as \i live \i0 men,' \expndtw-12 snapped Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I am with you on that,' whispered Finn, holding out his \expndtw-6 hand to Beltzer, who reluctantly returned the wristband.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos rose. 'It is coming on towards dusk,' he said. \expndtw-3 'I think we should make our way back to the Gate and camp there.' He shouldered his pack and led the others \expndtw-2 towards the north-west. They moved warily, stopping \expndtw-5 often while Finn scouted the trail ahead, and Kiall grew \expndtw-11 increasingly nervous. There would be little chance of hear\-\expndtw-9 ing the approach of a legion of enemy warriors, not above \expndtw-8 the cluttering of the dark creatures in the trees, the distant}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li14\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex79\f1\lang1033\fs23 126}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5386\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 roar of hunting cats and the rushing of unseen rivers and \expndtw-3 streams. He kept close to Chareos, Beltzer bringing up \expndtw-6 the rear with his huge axe in his hands.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi192\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Up ahead Finn dropped to his haunches, raising his \expndtw-5 arm and pumping his fist three times in the air. Then he \expndtw-3 rolled to the left and out of sight. Maggrig ducked into \expndtw-10 the undergrowth, followed swiftly by Chareos and Beltzer. \expndtw-2 Kiall stood for a moment alone on the trail. Three tall \expndtw-7 warriors came into sight, dragging a young woman; they \expndtw-3 saw Kiall and stopped, perplexed. They were tall men, \expndtw-5 bronze of skin with dark, straight hair. Gold glittered on \expndtw-4 their arms and ankles. Two of them carried weapons of \expndtw-6 dark wood, while the third had a long knife of burnished \expndtw-1 gold. They wore necklets of coloured stone, and their \expndtw-7 faces were streaked with many colours. The woman was small, her skin copper-coloured. On her brow was a blue tattoo. She wore only a loincloth of animal skin.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi206\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Slowly Kiall drew his sabre. One of the warriors scre\-\expndtw-3 amed a war-cry and ran at him, his wooden club raised \expndtw-9 high. Kiall dropped into the sideways crouch Chareos had \expndtw-2 taught him, then sprang forward, the sabre lancing the man's chest. The bronze warrior staggered back as the \expndtw-5 sword slid clear. He looked down at the wound, saw the \expndtw-6 blood burst from it and slumped face first to the ground. \expndtw-8 The young woman tore herself free of her captors and ran \expndtw-6 down the trail towards Kiall who stepped aside to let her pass. The remaining warriors stood, uncertain. But from \expndtw-7 behind them came a score more of their comrades.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri10\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall plunged left into the undergrowth as the hunters \expndtw-9 rushed forward. The ground dropped away and he lost his footing, slipping and sliding down a mud-covered slope to \expndtw-6 land in a sprawling heap at the bottom.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri10\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Half winded, he struggled to rise. Gathering his sabre \expndtw-3 he glanced up: the bronze warriors were coming down \expndtw0 towards him. Spinning on his heel, he raced down a \expndtw-9 narrow trail. Broad, overhanging leaves lashed at his face, \expndtw-5 thorn-covered branches ripping at his clothes. Twice he}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li53\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex78\f1\lang1033\fs23 127}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5420\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri24\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 slipped and fell, but the bloodcurdling cries of the pursu\-\expndtw-7 ing hunters fed his panic, giving strength to his flight.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-16\f1\lang1033\fs23 Where were his friends? Why were they not helping \i0 Aim?}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-11\f1\lang1033\fs23 He forced his way through a last section of dense under\-\expndtw-7 growth and emerged on the muddy bank of a great river, \expndtw-6 wider than the lakes of his homeland. His breathing was \expndtw-7 ragged, his ears filled with the drumming of his heart.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i\cf1\charscalex80\f1\lang1033\fs23 Where can I go?}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 He had lost all sense of direction and thick, lowering \expndtw-3 clouds obscured the sun. He heard shouts from his left \expndtw-6 and swinging to the right, he ran along the river-bank.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 A huge dragon reared from the water, its elongated \expndtw-8 mouth rimmed with teeth. Kiall screamed, and leapt back \expndtw-4 from the river's edge. A spear sliced the air by his head \expndtw-3 and he turned in time to see a bronze warrior diving at him. The warrior crashed into Kiall, hurling them both \expndtw-7 back towards the river-bank. His sabre knocked from his \expndtw-6 hand, Kiall surged up and crashed his fist into the man's \expndtw-8 face, knocking him sideways. The warrior sprang upright \expndtw-3 but Kiall leapt feet-first, his boots thudding against the \expndtw-7 man's chest and propelling him back into the dark water. \expndtw-9 As the warrior struggled to the surface and began to wade \expndtw-4 ashore, the dragon's head reared behind him, the mon\-\expndtw0 strous jaws clamping home on his leg. He let out an \expndtw-10 agonising scream and began to stab at the monster's scaled \expndtw-3 hide with a golden knife. Blood billowed to the river's surface and Kiall watched in horror as the warrior was \expndtw-9 dragged from sight.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall tore his eyes from the scene and took up his sabre. \expndtw-2 He scanned the trees for sign of the enemy. A sudden \expndtw0 movement behind made him spin round with sword raised. It was the young woman and she waved him \expndtw-4 towards where she was hidden in the undergrowth. He ran to her, dropped to his knees and crawled inside the \expndtw-2 spike-leaved bushes. Carefully she eased leaves back \expndtw-11 across the opening.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri5\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-11\f1\lang1033\fs23 Within seconds more of the enemy arrived on the scene. \expndtw-1 They stood at the river-side, watching the struggle}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li14\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex77\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 128}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5380\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 between the dying warrior and the dragon. When it was \expndtw-2 over the hunters squatted in a circle and^spoke in low voices; one pointed up the trail, and it seemed to Kiall \expndtw-6 they were arguing about which direction to take. A large \expndtw-5 spider, hairless and bloated, crawled on to Kiall's hand. \expndtw-1 He stifled a scream. The girl swiftly leaned over him, \expndtw-6 plucking the insect from his skin and carefully placing it \expndtw-9 on a leaf.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 The hunters rose and moved off into the jungle.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall lay back and smiled at the young woman. She did \expndtw-4 not respond in kind, but touched her hand to her breast, \expndtw0 then to her brow, then pressed her ringers to Kiall's mouth. Not knowing how to respond, Kiall lifted her \expndtw-5 hand and kissed it. She settled down beside him, closed \expndtw-7 her eyes and slept.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 For some time he lay awake, too frightened to leave the \expndtw-1 sanctuary of the undergrowth. Then he too drifted off \expndtw-7 into a light doze - and awoke with the moon shining high \expndtw-5 above the trees. The woman sat up and crawled into the open. Kiall followed. She whispered something to him, \expndtw-7 but it was a language he had never heard.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Okas?' he asked. Her head tilted. 'I am looking for \expndtw-7 Okas.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 She shrugged and trotted off along the river-bank. He \expndtw-9 followed her through the moonlit jungle, up over hills and \expndtw-3 rises, down through vine-choked archways and on to a \expndtw-2 wide cave where she stopped outside and held out her hand. He took it and was led inside. Torches flickered \expndtw-8 and he saw more than thirty of the Tattooed People sitting around fires built within circles of stone. Two young men \expndtw-5 approached them. After the woman had spoken to them \expndtw-6 for a few moments, he was led further into the cave.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri19\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 An old man, near toothless, sat cross-legged on a high \expndtw-4 rock. His body was completely covered in tattooes and his lower face was stained blue, as if emulating a beard \expndtw-7 and an upturned moustache.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri29\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 The woman spoke to the old man, whose face remained \expndtw-9 expressionless throughout. Finally she turned to Kiall and}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li48\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex78\f1\lang1033\fs23 129}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5405\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri38\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 dropped to her knees. Taking his hand she kissed it twice, then rose and was gone.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I am Okas,' said the old man.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I am . . .' Kiall began.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I know who you are. What do you want of me?"}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Your help.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why should I seek to aid the soul of Tenaka Khan?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri38\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I do not know what you are talking about,' said Kiall. \expndtw-5 'I am seeking to rescue a woman I love - that is all.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Where is fat Beltzer?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I lost them when we were attacked.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'By the Azhtacs, this also I know! Give me your hand.' \expndtw-4 Kiall reached out and Okas took his hand and turned it \expndtw-6 palm upwards. 'You lost your woman - and yet not your woman. And now you are on a quest you do not under\-stand, that will determine the fate of a people you do not \expndtw-7 know. Truly, Kiall, you are a part of the World's Dream.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'But will you help me? Chareos says you can follow \expndtw-4 spirit trails; he says that without you we will never find \expndtw-10 Ravenna.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi178\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 The old man released his hand. 'My people are finished \expndtw-10 now, the day of the Azhtacs has dawned. But soon another \expndtw-4 day will dawn, and the Azhtacs will see the destruction \expndtw-8 of their homes, the torment of their people. Yet that gives \expndtw-6 me no pleasure. And I do not wish to be here when they \expndtw0 come for my children. I had thought to die tonight, \expndtw-7 quietly, here on this stone. But now I will come with you \expndtw-2 and die on another stone. Then I will join the World's \expndtw-8 Dream.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I don't know how to thank you,' said Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Come,' said the old man, dropping to the floor beside \expndtw-10 him, 'let us find the \i ghosts-yet-to-be.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li43\ri0\fi0\sb442\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos dragged his sword clear of the dying Azhtac and \expndtw-11 swung to see if any of his companions needed help. Beltzer \expndtw-10 was standing over a dead warrior with axe raised. Maggrig \expndtw-5 and Finn had sheathed their knives and notched arrows}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li43\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex78\f1\lang1033\fs23 130}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5381\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri38\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 to their bows. Nine dead Azhtacs lay sprawled around \expndtw-6 them. Chareos glanced up at the sun; it was almost noon \expndtw-9 and the silver-grey Gateway beckoned him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Where in Bar's name is Kiall?' hissed Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri38\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn joined him. 'I marked as many trees as I could, \expndtw-5 Chareos. I think he must be dead.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer dropped to his knees beside a corpse and began \expndtw-3 to tug at the gold circlet the man wore on his brow. At \expndtw-10 that moment Maggrig shouted a warning and a large group \expndtw-8 of Azhtacs raced from the trees. 'Back!' shouted Chareos. \expndtw-4 Beltzer cursed and rose. Maggrig and Finn ran through \expndtw-9 the Gateway. Beltzer raised his axe and bellowed a battle-\expndtw-5 cry and the Azhtacs slowed. Beltzer turned and sprinted \expndtw-8 through the Gate, followed by Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 The moonlight was bright on the other side, and the \expndtw-3 cold was numbing after the heat of the jungle. A spear \expndtw-8 flashed through the Gateway, striking the ground and half \expndtw-5 burying itself in the snow. Beltzer moved to one side of the Gateway; when an arm and a head showed through, \expndtw-6 his axe smashed into the head, catapulting the man back \expndtw-7 through the opening. Then there was silence.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'All that gold,' said Beltzer, 'and I didn't get a single \expndtw-5 piece of it.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You have your life,' Finn told him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer swung on him. 'And what is that worth?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Enough!' roared Chareos. 'We have a comrade on the other side. Now cease your arguing and let me think.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 Within a circle of boulders, within sight of the Gateway, \expndtw-3 Maggrig lit a fire and they all gathered around it. 'You \expndtw-8 want to go back, Blademaster?' asked Maggrig.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I don't know, my friend. We were lucky to escape the \expndtw-5 first time. I should think they would place guards on the Gate - and that makes it doubly perilous.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I think we should go back,' said Beltzer. 'I'm willing \expndtw-2 to risk it.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li250\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'For the boy or the gold?' asked Maggrig.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li250\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'For both, if you must know,' Beltzer snapped.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li245\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos shook his head. 'No,' he said, 'that would be}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li38\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex75\f1\lang1033\fs23 131}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5395\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri24\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 foolhardy. Kiail is alone there, but he is a resourceful lad. \expndtw-9 Finn marked the trees and if he still lives Kiall will follow \expndtw-6 the trail back to the Gate. We will wait for him here.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And what if you are right about guards, eh?' enquired \expndtw-7 Beltzer. 'How will he get past those?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'My guess is that they will be watching the Gate to see \expndtw-5 who passes from this side. He may have an opportunity \expndtw-2 to run at it.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Aren't you forgetting something, Chareos?' asked Mag-\expndtw-5 grig. 'If he chooses the wrong time, there is no knowing \expndtw-6 where the Gate will take him.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'As I said, he is resourceful. We wait.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 For some time they sat in silence. The wind picked up, \expndtw-1 gusting the snow around them; the fire spluttered and \expndtw-7 little heat seemed to emanate from it. 'We could freeze to \expndtw0 death waiting here,' grumbled Beltzer. 'At least it is \expndtw-6 warmer on the other side.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is colder than it ought to be,' remarked Finn sud\-denly. 'When we left the thaw had set in. The weather \expndtw-7 should not have turned so swiftly.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It has not necessarily been swift,' said Chareos, draw\-\expndtw-5 ing his cloak more tightly about his frame. 'When I first \expndtw0 looked beyond the Gate I seemed to be there, frozen, \expndtw-5 unable to move, for an hour at least. You said it was but \expndtw-9 a few heartbeats. Well, we were beyond the gate for a day \expndtw-4 - that could be a week here, or a month.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It better not have been a month, Blademaster,' said \expndtw-5 Maggrig softly. 'If it is, we are trapped in this valley for \expndtw-6 the winter. And there is not enough game.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Rubbish!' snorted Beltzer. 'We would just pass \expndtw-8 through the Gate and wait for a few of their days, return\-\expndtw-4 ing in spring. Isn't that right, Chareos?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Blademaster nodded.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Well, what are we waiting for?' asked Beltzer. 'Let's \expndtw-7 go back and find the lad.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li43\ri0\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn bit back an angry response as Beltzer pushed \expndtw-4 himself to his feet. Just then a spark lifted from the fire \expndtw-6 and hung in the air, swelling slowly into a glowing ball.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li38\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex77\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 132}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5390\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer's mouth dropped open and he took up his axe. \expndtw0 Chareos and the others stared at the floating sphere -\expndtw-1 watching, astonished, as it grew to the size of a man's \expndtw-7 head. The colour faded until the globe was almost trans\-\expndtw-3 parent and they could see the Gate reflected there, and \expndtw-10 the snow gusting around it. Finn gasped as two tiny figures \expndtw-7 showed inside the sphere, stepping through the miniature \expndtw-17 Gateway.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is Okas,' said Beltzer, peering at the ball. 'And the \expndtw-5 lad with him.' He spun round, but the real Gateway was \expndtw-4 empty. The scene inside the floating sphere shimmered \expndtw0 and changed; now they could see Finn's cabin, and a \expndtw-6 warm fire glowing in the hearth. Okas was seated cross-\expndtw-4 legged before the blaze, his eyes closed. Kiall sat at the \expndtw-11 table.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 The sphere vanished.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He found the old boy,' said Beltzer. 'He found Okas.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes, and arrived back before us,' continued Finn.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 The four men stood. Chareos doused the fire and they \expndtw-7 set off through the snow.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li14\ri0\fi0\sb446\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 In the cabin Okas opened his eyes. 'They come,' he said.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I had begun to give up hope,' replied Kiall. 'Twelve \expndtw-5 days is a long time to be trapped in that jungle.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Okas chuckled. They left before we did. But I know \expndtw-1 how to use the Gate.' He stood and stretched. A small \expndtw-8 man, no more than five feet tall, he was round-shouldered \expndtw-5 and pot-bellied. He could have been any age from sixty \expndtw-3 to a hundred, and looked as if a stiff breeze could snap \expndtw-7 his bones. Yet he had walked through the snow clad only \expndtw-6 in a loin-cloth and had appeared to suffer no discomfort, \expndtw-7 neither through cold nor exhaustion. And he left barely a print on the snow, as if his weight was no more than that of a bird. He looked up at Kiall. 'So tell me all you know \expndtw-5 about the Great Khan.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why are you interested? I don't understand,' said \expndtw-11 Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li53\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex79\f1\lang1033\fs23 133}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5400\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I was here when he led his armies into Drenai lands,' \expndtw-3 Okas told him. 'And again when they marched against \expndtw-8 Bel-azar. Strong man, the Khan. Great man, perhaps. But he is dead, yes?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I don't know much about him. He conquered the \expndtw-5 Drenai and the Vagrians. He died some years ago; he is buried in the tomb of Ulric.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No, he is not,' said Okas. 'He is buried in an unmarked \expndtw-6 grave. But I know where it is. How did he die?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I do not know. His heart gave out, I would suppose. \expndtw-4 That is how most people die - even kings. Are you sure \expndtw-10 Chareos is coming?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Okas nodded. He poured himself a goblet of water. 'I \expndtw-4 sent them a message. They come. Fat Beltzer is disap\-\expndtw-3 pointed. He wanted to go back through to the jungle to find you - and to be rich. Fat Beltzer always wanted to \expndtw-4 be rich.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He is your friend?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'All men are my friends,' said Okas. 'We are all of the Dream. But, yes, I like very much fat Beltzer.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why? What is there to like?' Kiall asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Ask me again in half a year. I will sleep now. I am \expndtw-5 older than I look.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall thought that barely credible, but he said nothing. \expndtw-7 Okas sat down before the fire, crossed his arms and slept \expndtw-2 upright. Kiall blew out the lantern and lay back on the \expndtw-8 bed by the wall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 The others were coming. The search for Ravenna was \expndtw-11 under way.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 He slept without dreams.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi0\sb442\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 It was a further two days before the exhausted travellers \expndtw-5 reached the sanctuary of the cabin. Beltzer was the first \expndtw-2 inside. He hoisted Okas into a bear-hug and spun him \expndtw-9 round until the little man laughed delightedly. 'How come \expndtw-6 you still live, fat man?' he asked. 'How come no one kill \expndtw-11 you yet?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li34\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex79\f1\lang1033\fs23 134}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5381\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 They do keep trying,' replied Beltzer. He put the old \expndtw-1 man down and stared closely at his wrinkled skin and \expndtw0 rheumy eyes. 'By the Source, you look all but dead \expndtw-8 yourself.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Soon,' said Okas, smiling. 'The Dream calls. But I will \expndtw0 stay a little while with my old friends.' He turned to \expndtw-2 Chareos, who had shed his ice-covered cloak and was \expndtw-3 stripping his wet clothes from him and standing before \expndtw-8 the fire shivering. 'You and I, we speak,' Okas said. 'Back room good place.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'This minute?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes,' answered Okas, moving through to the work\-\expndtw0 shop. Chareos pulled a fresh tunic from his pack and \expndtw-4 dressed, then he walked to where Okas waited. The old \expndtw-6 man reached out and took his hand, holding it firmly for \expndtw-2 several seconds. 'Sit down,' he ordered, 'and tell me of \expndtw-4 quest.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos explained about the raid on the village, and Kiall's love for Ravenna. The others are coming along \expndtw-8 for different reasons. Beltzer is a lost soul, down from the \expndtw-7 mountain. Finn fears his death will leave Maggrig alone.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And you?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Me? I have nothing better to do with my life.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Is that true, Chareos? Do you not carry a dream?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Another man's dream. It was never my own.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Okas clambered up on the edge of the work-bench, and sat down, his short legs dangling less than half-way to the \expndtw-9 floor. He looked closely at Chareos. 'Not your dream, you \expndtw-5 say. So, you also do not understand nature of this quest, \expndtw-8 nor where it take you. Tell me of Tenaka Khan, and gate-\expndtw-6 tower night.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos smiled. 'Do you know everything, Okas?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No, that is why I ask.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He climbed up to sit with us and we talked of many \expndtw-9 things: love, life, power, conquest, duty. He was a knowl\-edgeable man. He had a dream, but he said the stars stood \expndtw-6 in his way.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What did he mean by it?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li48\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex78\f1\lang1033\fs23 135}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5405\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri38\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I don't know. He was no youngster then. Perhaps he \expndtw-8 meant death.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'How did he die?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri38\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'As I understand it, he collapsed at a feast. He was \expndtw-6 drinking wine and his heart gave out.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li202\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What happened then? After feast?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos spread his hands. 'How would I know? They \expndtw-6 buried him in Ulric's tomb. It was a great ceremony and \expndtw0 thousands witnessed it. Our own ambassadors - and others from Ventria and the east - attended. Then his eldest son, Jungir, became Khan. He killed all of his \expndtw-2 brothers and now rules the Nadir. What has this to do \expndtw-7 with our quest? Or are you merely curious?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Okas lifted his hand, the index finger pointing up, and spun it in the air. Golden light streamed from the ringer, \expndtw-5 forming a circle. Other circles sprang up, criss-crossing \expndtw-4 the first until a sphere hung there. He dropped his hand \expndtw-3 and traced a straight golden line. 'This line is how you \expndtw-1 see your quest; flat, straight, start, finish. But this,' he said, raising his eyes to the globe, 'is how it really is. \expndtw-7 Your line is touched by many others. I know your secret, Chareos. I know who you are. You are son of last Earl of \expndtw-4 Dros Delnoch. You are heir to Armour of Bronze. And \expndtw0 that makes you blood relative of Tenaka Khan and \expndtw-2 descendant of both Ulric and Earl Regnak, the second \expndtw-8 Earl of Bronze.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi202\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'That is a secret I hope you will share with no one else,' \expndtw0 whispered Chareos. 'I have no desire to return to the \expndtw-6 Drenai, and I want no one seeking me out.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi197\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'As you wish . . . but blood is strong and it calls across the centuries. You will find it so. Why did Tenaka Khan \expndtw-9 let you live?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I don't know. Truly I don't.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-14\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And the \i ghosts-yet-to-be?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri14\fi202\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Just another riddle,' answered Chareos. 'Are not all \expndtw-7 men the ghosts of the future?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes. But in the Nadir tongue the phrase could be}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex78\f1\lang1033\fs23 136}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5372\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-211\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-11\f1\lang1033\fs23 translated as \i Companions of the ghost, \i0 or even \i Followers of \expndtw-7 the ghost. \i0 Is that not so?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri62\fi211\sb19\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I am not skilled in the nuances of the Nadir tongue. \expndtw-7 What difference does it make?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Okas jumped down to the floor, landing lightly. 'I will \expndtw-8 take you to Nadren village where Ravenna and the others \expndtw-6 were held. Then we see.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Is she still there?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I cannot say. I will pick up the spirit-trail at her home.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Okas returned to the main room, where Kiall had lifted \expndtw-9 a heavy bundle to the table-top. When he opened it golden \expndtw-1 objects fell across the wooden surface, glinting in the \expndtw-5 lantern light. There were armbands, necklets, brooches, \expndtw-6 rings, and even a belt with solid gold clasp.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri24\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Oh, joy!' cried Beltzer, dipping his huge fingers into \expndtw-7 the treasure and lifting a dozen items clear. 'Chareos said \expndtw-5 you were resourceful, but he didn't do you justice.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'With this we should be able to buy back Ravenna,' \expndtw-9 said Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri24\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'With this you could buy a hundred women,' countered \expndtw-5 Beltzer. 'When do we share it out?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We don't,' Kiall stated. 'As I said, this is for Ravenna.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri14\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer reddened. 'I worked for this too,' he said, 'and \expndtw-3 you must have stripped it from the bodies of the men I \expndtw-9 slew at the Gateway. Part of it is mine. Mine!' He scooped \expndtw-4 up a handful of golden objects and began to cram them \expndtw-6 into his pockets. Kiall stepped back and drew his sword, \expndtw-7 but Beltzer saw the move and swept up his axe.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri10\fi202\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Stop this foolishness!' roared Chareos, moving between \expndtw0 them. 'Sheath the blade, Kiall. And you, Beltzer, put \expndtw-6 back the gold.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'But Chareos . . .' began Beltzer.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li245\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Do it now!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer slammed the gold back to the table, and stalked \expndtw-2 off to sit by the fire. Chareos turned his angry eyes on Kiall. There is truth in what he said. Think on it!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li250\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall stood silently for a few moments, then he relaxed.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li67\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex81\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 137}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5429\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You split it fairly, Chareos,' said the young man. 'I will \expndtw-7 use my share to buy Ravenna.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn stepped to the table, lifted a single ring and slipped \expndtw-3 it on his finger. 'This will do for me,' he said. Maggrig \expndtw-8 chose a wristband. Chareos took nothing.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer stood and glared at the others. 'You will not \expndtw0 shame me,' he hissed. 'I will take what is mine!' He \expndtw-3 shovelled a number of items into his deep pockets and \expndtw-6 returned to the fire.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We leave at first light for Tavern Town,' said Chareos. \expndtw-6 'We will buy extra horses there. Since you are now rich, \expndtw0 Beltzer, you can buy your own - and all the food and \expndtw-7 supplies you will need.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li34\ri0\fi0\sb5770\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 138}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5377\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li1382\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs35 CHAPTER SIX}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi0\sb470\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You tell me I face great danger - and yet you do not \expndtw-1 know from whence it comes?' asked Jungir Khan, his \expndtw-9 manner easy, his voice cold. He lounged back on the ivory \expndtw-1 inlaid throne and stared down at the shaman kneeling \expndtw-9 before him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 Shotza kept his eyes on the rugs below him, considering \expndtw-2 his words with great care. He was the third shaman to \expndtw-1 serve Jungir Khan; the first had been impaled and the \expndtw-6 second strangled. He was determined there would be no \expndtw-4 fourth. 'Great Khan,' he said, 'there is a magic barrier at \expndtw-5 work which will take me time to pierce. I already know \expndtw-7 where the magic originates.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And where is that?' whispered Jungir.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'From Asta Khan, sire.' Shotza risked a glance to see \expndtw-6 the effect the name had on the man above him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Jungir's face betrayed no emotion, but his dark eyes \expndtw-3 narrowed. 'Still alive? How can this be? He was an old \expndtw-1 man when my father became Khan. He left the city of \expndtw-5 tents to die more than twenty years ago.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'But he did not die, lord. He lives still in the Mountains \expndtw-2 of the Moon. There are many caves there, and tunnels \expndtw-4 that go through to the centre of the world.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Jungir rose to his feet. He was tall for a Nadir, as his \expndtw-9 father Tenaka had been. He had jet-black hair drawn back \expndtw-1 in a tight topknot, and a short, trimmed trident beard. \expndtw-7 His eyes were slanted and dark, betraying no evidence of \expndtw-3 his half-breed ancestry. 'Stand up,' he ordered the little \expndtw-5 shaman and Shotza rose. He was just over five feet tall, \expndtw-4 wiry and bald. Less than sixty years old, the skin of his \expndtw-7 face hung in wrinkled folds.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri29\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Jungir looked into the shaman's curiously pale eyes and \expndtw-7 smiled. 'Do you fear me?" he asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li43\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex81\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 139}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5391\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'As I fear the winds of death, lord.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Do you love me?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Love? You are my Khan. The future of the Nadir rests \expndtw-3 with you,' answered Shotza. 'Why would you need my \expndtw-12 love also?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I do not. But the answer is a good one. Now tell me \expndtw-9 of Asta.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi192\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Khan returned to his throne and sat with his head \expndtw-6 back, gazing up at the silken roof which gave the throne \expndtw-2 hall the appearance of a vast tent. The silks were gifts \expndtw-7 from the Eastern kingdom of Kiatze, dowry for the bride \expndtw-6 they had sent him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri19\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'After Asta left the Wolves, he passed from the knowl\-\expndtw-7 edge of men,' began Shotza. 'We all thought he had died. \expndtw-5 But at the last full moon, when I tried to trace the Silver \expndtw-4 Thread of your destiny, I found a great mist had settled \expndtw-1 over the sign of your house. I tried to pierce it, and at \expndtw-2 first had some success. Then it hardened into a wall. I \expndtw-7 flew high, but could not find the top. Using all the arcane \expndtw-9 powers my masters taught me, I finally breached the wall. \expndtw-7 But all too briefly. Yet I saw the face of Asta Khan. And \expndtw-6 I sensed the perils that await you in the coming year.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri14\fi206\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Shotza licked his lips and once more considered his \expndtw-1 words. 'I saw gleaming Armour of Bronze, floating \expndtw-5 beneath a star, and a swordsman of great skill. But then \expndtw-4 Asta became aware of me - I was.thrown back, and the \expndtw-8 wall sealed itself once more.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And that is all you saw?' asked Jungir softly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi216\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'All that I could see clearly,' Shotza answered, wary of \expndtw-7 offering a direct lie to his king.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri29\fi192\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Khan nodded. 'Find Asta Khan - and kill him. Take a hundred of my Guards. Scour the mountains. \expndtw-7 Bring me his head.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri10\fi202\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'With respect, Great Khan, you could send a thousand \expndtw-5 men and not find him. Asta was the greatest of shamen; \expndtw-6 he cannot be taken by men.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li245\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'His magic is stronger than yours?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex79\f1\lang1033\fs23 140}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5381\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri38\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Shotza closed his eyes. 'Yes, lord. There is not one man alive who could overcome him.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri43\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is not my way, Shotza, to have inferior men serve \expndtw-5 me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri38\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No, lord. But there is a way in which I could defeat \expndtw0 him. I have six worthy acolytes. Together - and with \expndtw-8 certain necessary sacrifices - we could overcome Asta.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-11\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Necessary sacrifices?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Blood kin of Asta Khan, sacrificed on the night of \expndtw-7 Midwinter.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'How many such sacrifices?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Twenty at least. Maybe thirty. Each one will weaken the old man.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri29\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And you, of course, know the whereabouts of Asta's \expndtw-12 family?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I do, lord.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Then I leave the preparations to you, Shotza. Now this \expndtw0 peril from the Armour of Bronze - does it herald yet \expndtw-6 another Drenai uprising?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I do not think so, lord. I saw the image of the armour, and yet the star was in the north. There can be no Drenai \expndtw0 threat from the lands of the Gothir. But once I have \expndtw-2 breached Asta's wall, I will know more. I will know it \expndtw-5 all.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Shotza bowed deeply. Jungir waved him away and the \expndtw-8 shaman made his way to his chambers and sat down on a \expndtw-7 silk-covered divan. Free from the piercing eyes of Jungir \expndtw-8 Khan, he lay back and allowed his fear to show. His heart \expndtw-9 was palpitating and he found it difficult to breathe. Slowly \expndtw-6 he calmed himself, thanking the gods of the Steppes that Jungir had not pressed him about the other images.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 He had seen a babe, wrapped in a cloak, lying on a \expndtw-10 cold stone floor.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 And hovering over the child was the grim ghost of \expndtw-6 Tenaka Khan, Lord of the Wolves.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li19\ri0\fi0\sb413\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Jungir watched the little man leave, then sat in silence for}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex74\f1\lang1033\fs23 141}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5405\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 several minutes. He could smell Shotza's fear and knew \expndtw-1 full well there was more the shaman could have said. \expndtw-7 None of these sorcerers ever gave the whole truth. It was \expndtw-3 against their natures. Secretive, deceitful and cunning, \expndtw-2 they were weaned on subtlety and guile. But they had \expndtw-5 their uses. Shotza was the best of them and it must have \expndtw-3 taken great courage to admit that Asta Khan was more \expndtw-1 powerful. Jungir rose and stretched. He walked to the \expndtw-6 hanging tent wall which masked the window and pulled \expndtw-9 it aside.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 The new city of Ulrickham stretched out before his \expndtw-7 eyes, low single-storey dwellings of mud-dried brick and \expndtw-5 stone. Yet inside all of them were the tent hangings that \expndtw-9 meant home to the Nadir. Nomads for ten thousand years, \expndtw-1 they were ill-suited to cities of stone. Yet Tenaka had \expndtw-3 insisted on the building of the cities, with their schools \expndtw-9 and hospitals.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It ill behoves the world's greatest nation to live like \expndtw-3 savages,' he had told Jungir. 'How can we grow? How can we fasten our grip on the events of the world if we \expndtw-6 do not learn civilised ways? It is not enough to be feared \expndtw-7 on the battlefield.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Such talk had made him unpopular with the older Nadir \expndtw-3 warlords, but how could they turn on the man who did \expndtw-7 what the mighty Ulric could not? How could they betray \expndtw-8 the man who had conquered the round-eyed southerners?}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Jungir stepped back from the window and wandered \expndtw0 into the Hall of Heroes. Here, after the fashion of the \expndtw-2 conquered Drenai, were the statues of Nadir warriors. \expndtw-6 Jungir paused before his father's likeness and stared into \expndtw-3 the cold, grey eyes. 'Just how I remember you, Father,' \expndtw-4 he whispered. 'Cold and aloof.' The statue was expertly \expndtw-8 carved, showing the lean power of the Khan, the fine jaw \expndtw-5 and the noble stance. In one hand he held a long-sword, in the other the helm of Ulric. 'I loved you,' said Jungir.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi192\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 A cool breeze caused the torches to flicker and shadows danced on the stone face, seeming to bring it to life. Jungir \expndtw-10 could almost see the stone eyes gleaming violet, the mouth}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li19\ri0\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex77\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 142}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5391\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-11\f1\lang1033\fs23 curving into that long-remembered cynical smile. He shiv\-\expndtw-1 ered. 'I did love you,' he repeated, 'but I knew of your \expndtw-2 plan. You trained me well, Father. I had my spies too. \expndtw-7 No man should think to live forever . . . not even Tenaka \expndtw-8 Khan. And had you succeeded, where would Jungir have \expndtw-7 found a place? The eternal heir to a living god? No. I too \expndtw-2 am of the blood of Ulric. I had a right to rule, to make \expndtw-8 my own life.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 The statue was silent. 'How strange, Father. There is \expndtw-8 no difference in talking to you now, from when you were \expndtw-5 alive. It was always like speaking to stone. Well, I wept \expndtw-4 when you died. And I almost stopped you drinking that \expndtw-9 poison. \i Almost. \i0 I reached out my hand to you. You looked \expndtw-5 into my eyes, and you said nothing. A single word from \expndtw-9 you and I would have stopped you. But you looked away. \expndtw0 Did you know, I wonder, as the poison touched your \expndtw-2 soul? In those last moments, as you lay upon the floor \expndtw-7 with me kneeling by you, did you know that it was I who \expndtw-5 put the black powder in your wine? Did you?' He gazed \expndtw-3 once more into the cold eyes. 'Why did you never love \expndtw-7 me?' he asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 But the statue was silent still.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi0\sb446\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 The twelve days lost beyond the Gate cost the questors \expndtw-5 dear, for a savage blizzard kept them trapped within the cabin for eighteen days. Food ran short and Finn almost \expndtw-8 died after setting off to hunt for meat. After killing a deer, he was caught in a second blizzard and had to take refuge \expndtw-5 in a cave. An avalanche blocked the entrance and it was \expndtw0 only through the magic of Okas that Chareos and the \expndtw-7 others found the hunter and dug a tunnel through to him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 The winter storms eased off on the nineteenth day, but \expndtw-10 even then it took another three weeks before the exhausted \expndtw-6 group topped the last rise before Tavern Town.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer led the way down to the inn, pounding on the \expndtw-3 door and calling for Naza. The little man shouted with \expndtw-7 delight when he saw the giant and embraced him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li62\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex79\f1\lang1033\fs23 143}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5400\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi221\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I feared you dead,' he said. 'Come in, come in! Mael \expndtw-6 has just lit the fire. It will soon be warm. Come in!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Where is everyone?' asked Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'They don't fell the timber at this time of year,' replied \expndtw-8 Naza. 'There will be no one here for another two months. \expndtw-2 Most of the passes are blocked. Sit down by the fire. I \expndtw-11 will fetch you some wine.' His smile faded as Okas entered \expndtw-4 the tavern. 'He's . . . he's . . .' stammered the innkeeper.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes, he is,' said Chareos swiftly. 'He is also a friend \expndtw-6 who, like us, last ate three days ago.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Wine first,' grunted Beltzer, throwing his arm around \expndtw-8 Naza's shoulder and leading him back towards the cellar.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 The flames took hold of the logs and began to rise, but \expndtw-3 even so it was cold inside the inn. Chareos pulled up a \expndtw-9 chair and sat. His eyes were dull, and purple rings showed \expndtw-3 under them. Even the hardy Finn was exhausted. Only \expndtw-5 Okas and Kiall seemed none the worse for the ordeal in \expndtw-6 the mountains. The old man had been untroubled by the \expndtw-8 cold, and the youngster had grown in strength as the days \expndtw-14 passed.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We're too old for this,' said Finn, reading Chareos' \expndtw-4 thoughts. Chareos nodded, too tired to reply. Returning with wine, Beltzer thrust a poker deep into the fire and \expndtw0 waited until the iron glowed red and bright. Then he \expndtw-5 plunged it into the wine pitcher. He poured five goblets and handed one to each of the questors. He downed his \expndtw-4 own swiftly and refilled the goblet. Naza brought them \expndtw-8 bread, smoked cheese and cold meat.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 After the meal Chareos slowly climbed the stairs to the \expndtw-2 upper guest room, pulled off his boots and was asleep \expndtw-6 almost as soon as his head touched the bolster. Maggrig \expndtw-4 and Finn took a second room, while Okas lay down on \expndtw-6 the stone hearth and slept before the fire.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer and Kiall sat together, the giant calling out for \expndtw-7 a third pitcher of wine.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li43\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Mael brought it. 'I take it you still have no money?' \expndtw-12 she asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li254\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Oh yes, he has,' said Kiall. 'Pay the bill, Beltzer.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li58\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex78\f1\lang1033\fs23 144}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5367\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri38\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer muttered a curse and dipped into his pocket, \expndtw-1 producing a thick gold ring. Mael took it, judging the \expndtw-3 weight. 'That should settle about half of what you owe \expndtw-6 Naza,' she said, leaving her hand extended.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You are a hard woman,' grumbled Beltzer. He fished \expndtw-3 around in his pocket, seeking a small token, but he had \expndtw0 only larger items. Finally he produced a wristband. \expndtw-4 'That's worth ten times what I owe,' he told her.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Mael laughed at him, as she took the band and exam\-\expndtw-5 ined it. 'I have never seen workmanship like it, nor gold \expndtw-3 as red as this. Naza will give you a fair price - and you \expndtw-5 are right. It is worth far more than you owe. I will see to \expndtw-4 it that you are reimbursed.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Don't bother,' said Beltzer, flushing. 'Keep it. I'll \expndtw-4 probably come back one day, with not a copper coin to \expndtw-8 my name.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 There's truth in that,' she told him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri24\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 After she had gone Beltzer turned to Kiall. 'What are \expndtw0 you staring at, boy? Never seen a man settle a debt \expndtw-10 before?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri34\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall had drunk too much wine and his head was light, his thoughts serene. 'I never thought to \i seeyou \i0 settle one.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What does that mean?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I took you for a selfish, greedy pig,' said Kiall, smil\-\expndtw-8 ingly oblivious to Beltzer's growing anger.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I pay my debts,' declared Beltzer.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Truly? You didn't even thank Finn for buying back \expndtw-4 your axe - and that cost him dear.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'That is between Finn and me. You don't count, boy. \expndtw-4 Now curb your tongue - before I cut it out!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall blinked and sobered swiftly. 'And you are a liar,' \expndtw-7 he said. 'You told me Tura was dead, drowned in a dock. \expndtw-4 All lies. And I don't fear you, you fat-bellied pig. Don't \expndtw-7 threaten me!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer lurched to his feet and Kiall rose, scrabbling \expndtw-6 for his sabre, but not before Beltzer's ringers grabbed the \expndtw-7 front of his jerkin and hoisted him into the air. As Beltz\-\expndtw-5 er's fist rose Kiall's foot lashed up into his groin and the}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li67\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex77\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 145}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5410\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 giant bellowed with pain, dropping the younger man and \expndtw0 staggering back. Now Kiall drew his sabre. Beltzer \expndtw-6 grinned at him - and advanced.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What are you going to do with that, boy? You going \expndtw-7 to stick old Beltzer? Are you?' Kiall backed away, aware \expndtw0 that the situation had careered out of control. Beltzer \expndtw-8 lunged at him, slapping the sabre aside. Kiall hit him with \expndtw-6 a straight left that slammed into Beltzer's face. The giant \expndtw-2 ignored the blow and struck Kiall's jaw open-handed, \expndtw-1 cartwheeling the younger man across the floor. Half-\expndtw-5 stunned, Kiall came to his knees and dived head-first at \expndtw-2 Beltzer's belly. Beltzer's knee came up with sickening \expndtw-3 force, snapping Kiall's head back . . .}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 He awoke to find himself in the chair by the fire with \expndtw-8 Beltzer sitting opposite him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Want some wine?' Beltzer asked. Kiall shook his head. \expndtw-6 Hammers were beating inside his skull. 'You are a game \expndtw-3 fighter, boy, and one day you may even be a wolf. But \expndtw-6 wolves know better than to tackle a bear.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Til remember that,' Kiall promised. 'And I'll have that \expndtw-10 wine now.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi197\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer handed him a goblet. 'I love old Finn. And he knows how much it meant to me to have that axe back; \expndtw-1 he didn't need any words. Back at Bel-azar, Finn was \expndtw-6 dragged from the ramparts by the Nadir. Chareos, Mag-\expndtw-5 grig and me, we jumped down to haul him clear. It was \expndtw0 I who carried Finn on my back, and cut a path to the \expndtw-3 gate-tower. He didn't thank me then; he didn't need to. \expndtw-8 You understand?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I believe I do.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It's the drink. It makes me talk too much. You don't \expndtw-7 like me, do you?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall looked at the flat, ugly face under the shining bald \expndtw-7 head; he stared into the small round eyes. 'No, not much,' \expndtw-8 he admitted.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer nodded solemnly. 'Well, don't let it concern you. I don't like myself much, either. But I was on the \expndtw-6 mountain, boy. No one can take that away from me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li34\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex79\f1\lang1033\fs23 146}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5381\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li0\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I was on the mountain too,' said Kiall. \expndtw-6 'Not \i my \i0 mountain. But maybe you will, one day.' 'What is so special about it?' \expndtw-5 'Nothing,' replied Beltzer. \expndtw-4 Then why should I wish to go there?' \expndtw-7 Beltzer looked up from his wine. 'Because that's where \expndtw-5 your lady is, Kiall.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi0\sb451\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Moonlight bathed the grey stone walls, and a hunting owl \expndtw-6 swooped low over the deserted ramparts. Chareos could \expndtw-7 hear the screams of the wounded and the dying, yet there \expndtw-5 were no bodies sprawled on the stone, no blood pooling \expndtw-3 by the gate-tower steps. As he sat down on the edge of \expndtw-5 the crenellated battlement, staring out over the valley of Bel-azar, the screams faded into the echoes of memory. \expndtw-8 The land was now empty of life. Where Nadir camp-fires \expndtw-7 had lit the valley like fallen stars, now there was only the \expndtw-3 shimmering grass, the lonely boulders and a long-dead \expndtw-7 lightning-struck tree.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos was alone. He could not remember travelling \expndtw-2 to Bel-azar, but that did not seem to matter. He felt, in some strange way, that he was home - safe among the \expndtw-6 ghosts of the past.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Safe? Dark shapes moved at the edge of his vision, \expndtw-9 vanishing into the shadows as he swung to confront them. \expndtw-10 He backed away to the rotted gate-tower door and climbed \expndtw-5 the spiral steps to the circular battlement. There he drew \expndtw-1 his sword and waited. He could hear the scratching of \expndtw-8 talons on the stairway, smell the fetid odours of the dwel\-\expndtw-7 lers in the dark: slime on fur, the sweet, sickly stink from \expndtw-6 mouths that fed on corpses.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li14\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 He slammed shut the top door. There was no bolt and \expndtw-3 he dropped his sword into the catch, wedging the door \expndtw-6 shut. Heavy bodies beat upon the wood. 'Beltzer!' called Chareos. 'Help me!' But there was no answer. 'Maggrig, Finn!' \expndtw-2 'It would seem you are alone, kinsman,' said a quiet}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li29\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex78\f1\lang1033\fs23 147}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5391\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri53\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 voice and Chareos turned slowly, knowing whom he \expndtw-6 would see. The tall man sat on the battlement's edge, his \expndtw-1 black hair tied at the nape of the neck, his violet eyes \expndtw-9 seeming grey in the moonlight.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Will \i you \i0 help me?' whispered Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri48\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Blood always aids blood, my friend. Are you not my \expndtw-11 kinsman?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes. Yes, I am. Will you help me? Please?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri58\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 The door splintered and a taloned hand broke through, \expndtw-8 ripping at the wood.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri43\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Begone!' shouted Tenaka Khan. The hissing cries \expndtw-7 beyond the doorway faded into silence and the hand slid \expndtw-11 back from view.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Are they your creatures?' Chareos asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri38\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No, but they know a voice of power. And they can \expndtw-5 smell fear like a lion smells blood. Why are you afraid, \expndtw-13 Chareos?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I don't know how I came here. I am alone.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri34\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'That is not an answer. Fear brought you, but what \expndtw-8 caused the fear?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi182\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos laughed, but there was no humour in the \expndtw-5 sound. 'You can ask that? You who slew my father and \expndtw0 mother and made me an outcast? I should hate you, \expndtw-9 Tenaka. Once I thought I did. But then you climbed alone \expndtw-2 to this tower, and you sat and talked with us.' Chareos \expndtw-6 stared at the man before him. He was dressed exactly as \expndtw-2 he had been on that night so many years ago, in black riding-boots and leather leggings, topped by a shirt of \expndtw-7 black silk embroidered with silver. 'You called me kins\-man,' whispered Chareos. 'You know who I am?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri29\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I knew you when first I saw you on this tower,' answ\-\expndtw-7 ered Tenaka. 'Blood recognises blood.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I should have killed you!' hissed Chareos, 'for all the \expndtw-10 pain. I was twelve when they sent me from Dros Delnoch. \expndtw-8 The night when your hordes finally stormed the last wall, \expndtw-6 I was taken from the fortress and brought to the lands of \expndtw-5 the Gothir. My father's last words to me were, "Avenge \expndtw-8 me, my son. And remember the Drenai". My mother was}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li10\ri0\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex78\f1\lang1033\fs23 148}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5386\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 already dead. And for what? So that a treacherous cur \expndtw-6 like you could take Nadir savages into the last bastion of \expndtw-9 civilisation. What caused my fear? You dare ask me that?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I still ask it,' replied the Khan smoothly. 'And all you \expndtw-6 tell me is a history I already know.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-11\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You were descended from the Earl of Bronze and raised \expndtw-6 by the Drenai. How could you destroy them?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'How indeed?' replied the Khan. 'If you truly knew the \expndtw-4 story of my life, you would not ask such a question. As \expndtw-7 you know, I was raised by the Nadir until I was fourteen. \expndtw-8 You think you were the only child who ever suffered pain \expndtw-5 and rejection? I was hated for being part Drenai. Then I was sent, as part of my mother's marriage agreement, to \expndtw0 live among the Drenai. Were they different from tie \expndtw-3 Nadir? No. To them I was a savage from the Steppes -something they could bait and torture. Yet I learned to \expndtw-6 live among them. And I fought for them. I rode with the \expndtw0 Dragon. I even made a few friends among them. But \expndtw-6 when the mad emperor Ceska brought terror to the land, I risked my life and my soul to aid the Drenai. I paid my \expndtw-5 debt to them. I brought the Nadir to crush the emperor's \expndtw-2 army, and I allowed Rayvan and your father to form a \expndtw-5 new republic. Why did I take Dros Delnoch years later? \expndtw-3 Because I was the Khan! Because the day of the Nadir \expndtw-4 had dawned. Yet if I can be accused of treachery, what of you? Why did you not obey your father's command? \expndtw-6 Why did you not return home?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'For what purpose?' shouted Chareos. 'To die? Achiev\-\expndtw-9 ing what?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'So that is your fear?' responded Tenaka Khan. 'You \expndtw-5 were afraid to try. Afraid to fail.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri5\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Don't you dare to judge me!' Chareos stormed. 'I will not be found wanting by a murderous traitor.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tenaka Khan spread his hands. 'And who did I betray, \expndtw-2 Chareos? I was the Khan of the Nadir. I had saved the \expndtw0 Drenai once. I gave them good warning that I would \expndtw-3 return. But you - you betrayed your father and all your \expndtw-9 ancestors back to Regnak, second Earl of Bronze. He held}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li72\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex78\f1\lang1033\fs23 149}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5419\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Dros Delnoch against seemingly insurmountable odds. \expndtw-7 Generations of Drenai warriors have died to protect their \expndtw0 homeland, but not you. No, you would be content to \expndtw-6 marry a whore and win a little battle here at Bel-azar.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos dragged his sword from the bolt latch of the \expndtw-8 door and swung on Tenaka.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Is this how you repay me for saving your soul?' asked \expndtw0 Tenaka, mildly. 'Only a few moments ago, you were \expndtw-6 asking for my help against the beasts of the night.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos lowered his sword. 'Am I a coward then?' he \expndtw-12 whispered.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 'There are many forms of cowardice, Chareos. One man \expndtw-12 can face a score of enemies with a sword, but not a sickness \expndtw-10 which paralyses him. Another can face death with a smile, \expndtw-4 yet fear the years of hardship and toil which are living. \expndtw-10 Are you a coward?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos sat down on the battlements, staring at the \expndtw-6 sword in his hand. 'I have never feared an opponent. But \expndtw-5 yes, I am a coward. I did not have the strength to return \expndtw-2 to the Drenai \expndtw38 ...\expndtw0  \expndtw-2 I still haven't.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You found the Tattooed Man?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes. Yes, we found him. And he will come with us on \expndtw-2 our . . . journey.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You feel this quest is below you?' asked the Khan.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We are seeking to rescue a pig-breeder's daughter, \expndtw-4 taken by Nadren raiders. Will the sun fall from the sky \expndtw-10 if we fail?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tenaka stood and placed his hands on Chareos' shoul\-\expndtw0 ders. 'I returned to the lands of the Drenai to kill a \expndtw-8 madman. Instead I found a friend, and a love, and a home \expndtw-10 I never knew I had lost. From being the Prince of Shadows \expndtw-7 I became the Great Khan, and I took the Nadir to heights \expndtw-3 undreamed of. Do not judge your quest until you have \expndtw-8 completed it. You remember that other night on this very \expndtw-13 tower?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'How could I forget? You let us live.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'One day soon, you will know why.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos awoke. The fire had died, the room was cold;}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li34\ri0\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex79\f1\lang1033\fs23 150}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5381\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 he shivered and pulled the blankets over his chilled frame. \expndtw-5 He could still picture the slanted violet eyes and feel the \expndtw-6 strength of the grip on his shoulders.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 The door opened and Okas stepped in. He moved sil\-\expndtw-4 ently to the bed and sat upon it.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 The dawn is up,' said Okas. 'Your quest awaits.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I had a dream, Okas.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I too. I dreamt of a bed of rushes and a soft woman.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And I of Tenaka Khan.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Was he at Bel-azar?' enquired the Tattooed Man.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes.' Chareos sat up. 'How do you know that?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I did not,' replied Okas, blinking. 'It was a question.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'But why did you ask it?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 The old man was silent for a moment. 'There is a \expndtw-7 mystery here. Tenaka Khan was buried with his ancestor Ulric in the Great Tomb. It was sealed by his son, Jungir, \expndtw-4 and a thousand spells were cast upon it so that it should \expndtw-6 never be opened.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I know all this,' snapped Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You do not know,' said Okas, 'or you would solve \expndtw-5 mystery. I understand magic that is hidden in the world; \expndtw-3 I can read hearts of men. Yet the Source of All Things \expndtw0 has his own secrets, and I cannot read those. Tenaka \expndtw-4 Khan died and was buried - this we know. His son was anxious that no one should enter the tomb; this also we \expndtw-6 know. But here is the mystery, Chareos: why do Tenaka \expndtw-7 Khan's bones lie hidden at Bel-azar?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 That is impossible. It would be sacrilege.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Indeed so.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos shook his head. 'Our quest has nothing to do with Tenaka Khan. We will be travelling nowhere near \expndtw-10 Bel-azar.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Are you sure?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I will stake my life on it.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Okas said nothing.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li34\ri0\fi0\sb859\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 151}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5401\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li1080\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-22\f1\lang1033\fs36 CHAPTER \b0 SEVEN}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi0\sb466\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien-tsu was not a man who liked to travel. He did not \expndtw-1 like the dust of the Steppes, nor the arid, inhospitable \expndtw-8 country; most especially he abhorred the squat dwellings, \expndtw-7 the stench of the towns and the barely concealed hostility \expndtw0 of the Nadir. It was said, back in Hao-tzing, that the \expndtw-2 Nadir were closely related to the people of the Middle \expndtw-7 Kingdom. Chien-tsu doubted it - despite the similarity of \expndtw-6 skin colour and language, he could not believe that their \expndtw-10 origins were identical. He put forward the entirely reason\-\expndtw-2 able view that the gods made the Nadir first and then, \expndtw-8 realising the ghastly flaws inherent in the species, created \expndtw-4 the perfect people and gave them the Middle Kingdom \expndtw-9 for their own. This hateful visit only confirmed his theory. \expndtw-3 The Nadir did not seem disposed towards bathing, and \expndtw-7 their clothes remained unwashed from season to season -\expndtw-6 in fact, probably from decade to decade, he thought.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 And what a country! Though he travelled light, which \expndtw-4 did not befit an ambassador from the Supreme City, he \expndtw-6 still found it difficult to obtain lodgings for his forty-two \expndtw-2 servants, eleven concubines and sixty members of the \expndtw-8 Guard Royal. He had been reduced to purchasing sixteen wagons to carry necessities like tents, beds, tables, chairs, \expndtw-7 soft linen sheets, harps, flutes, two enamel baths and five \expndtw-9 full-sized mirrors. And he had brought a mere twenty-five \expndtw-5 chests of personal luggage containing his own - entirely \expndtw-7 inadequate - travelling wardrobe.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien-tsu found it curious that the Emperor should \expndtw-7 have allowed one of his daughters to wed a savage, but a \expndtw-2 wise man did not question the decisions of the Divine \expndtw-7 One. And Chien-tsu, as all civilised men knew, was wise \expndtw-8 far beyond his thirty-two years.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 He reined in his horse before the city, and sighed. The}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex77\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 152}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5381\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 buildings were in the main unlovely, and the palace which \expndtw-7 towered at the centre - despite having an arrogant, almost \expndtw-6 primal simplicity - lacked any sense of aesthetic beauty. \expndtw-10 There were six square towers and a crenellated battlement. No banners flew. Chien-tsu halted the wagons and ordered \expndtw-4 his tent pitched. Once this was done, he had his mirrors \expndtw-9 assembled and a bath prepared. His hand-maidens washed \expndtw-6 the dust from his body and massaged him with aromatic \expndtw-9 oils; his long dark hair was carefully greased and combed, \expndtw-1 drawn back from the brow and held in place by ivory \expndtw-7 combs. Then he dressed in leggings of gold-embroidered \expndtw0 blue silk, and shoes with golden straps. His shirt was \expndtw-2 of the whitest silk, and over this he placed a lacquered \expndtw-5 breastplate of wood and leather decorated with a golden \expndtw-9 dragon. His long, curving sword hung between his shoul\-der-blades, and two knives in gleaming wooden scabbards \expndtw-8 were carefully placed within the satin sash tied around his \expndtw0 waist. He ordered the presents for Jungir Khan to be \expndtw-5 carried forward: there were seventeen chests - matching the age of the new Queen of the Nadir. It would, Chien-\expndtw-4 tsu decided, be pleasant to see Mai-syn once more. The \expndtw-6 youngest of the Emperor's legitimate daughters, she was \expndtw-3 quite breathtakingly beautiful and could play the nine-\expndtw-7 stringed harp with exquisite style.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 He stepped into the saddle and led his entourage of five footmen and thirty-four bearers down towards the palace.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 They were greeted by twenty soldiers, led by an officer \expndtw-9 wearing a silver chain who inclined his head in a perfunc\-\expndtw-6 tory bow. Chien-tsu stiffened, for the bow was some six \expndtw-8 inches short of politeness. Raising his head, he looked the \expndtw-2 officer in the eye . . . the silence grew. It would not be \expndtw-8 good manners to speak first, but Chien-tsu found his irri\-\expndtw-9 tation growing.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Well?' snapped the officer at last. 'What do you want?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien-tsu was taken aback but controlled his rising \expndtw-5 temper. It would not be seemly to kill a man on his first \expndtw-6 day in the city.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li245\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I am Chien-tsu, ambassador of the Supreme Emperor}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li62\ri0\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex79\f1\lang1033\fs23 153}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5419\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 to the court of Jungir Khan. I have come with suitable \expndtw-5 gifts on the anniversary of the Queen's birthday. Kindly \expndtw-7 take me to the royal presence.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 As Chien-tsu expected, the man's expression changed; \expndtw-2 he bowed once more, this time exceeding the distance \expndtw-7 required. Then he barked out a command and the twenty \expndtw-6 soldiers turned. 'Follow me,' he told Chien.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 There was no open courtyard within the great gates, \expndtw-4 merely a maze of tunnels. They emerged swiftly into a \expndtw-9 large shrub garden to the east of the gate. A line of stables \expndtw-8 stretched to the right and Chien-tsu dismounted, allowing \expndtw-3 his horse to be led away. The party was passed on to a \expndtw0 second officer - taller than the first, he wore a silver \expndtw-5 breastplate and helm. He bowed correctly to Chien and \expndtw-15 smiled.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Welcome, ambassador. The Lord Khan was not \expndtw-9 expecting you so swiftly.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Is this not the day of the anniversary?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 The man seemed confused. 'Please follow me,' he said. \expndtw0 Chien and his party moved on into another intricate \expndtw-7 system of tunnels and corridors that opened on to a wide \expndtw-6 hallway before huge double doors of oak, mounted with \expndtw-13 silver.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Four guards stood before the doors. They stepped aside \expndtw-8 as the officer approached and the doors swung open.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Inside, to Chien's surprise, the main hall resembled a \expndtw-8 giant tent with curtains and hangings of the finest silk. At \expndtw0 the far end, on a raised dais, the Great Khan lounged \expndtw-7 on a satin-covered divan. Chien entered and bowed low, holding the pose for the obligatory ten heartbeats.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Khan waved him forward. 'Welcome, ambassador, this is an unexpected pleasure.' The man's voice was deep \expndtw-3 and powerful. He rose, and stepped from the dais. 'We \expndtw-6 did not expect you until tomorrow.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien lifted his hands and clapped them and the thirty-\expndtw-5 four bearers moved forward to place the chests in a line \expndtw-7 before the Khan. The men backed away with heads low, \expndtw-2 eyes averted. Chien bowed once more. 'Great Khan, I}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex79\f1\lang1033\fs23 154}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5367\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri48\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 have come bearing gifts from the Divine Lord of the \expndtw-9 Golden Realm, to celebrate the first year of your marriage \expndtw-4 and to enquire, on behalf of His Majesty, whether Mai-\expndtw-6 syn has continued to bring exquisite joy to your hearth.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri48\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Indeed she has,' answered Jungir. 'Now to the chests, \expndtw-7 if you please.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-12\f1\lang1033\fs23 This was not the response which Chien had been expect\-\expndtw-4 ing, but he hid his consternation and opened the first of \expndtw-6 the silver-bound chests. Lifting clear a handsome coat of \expndtw-1 silver silk, decorated with pearls, he held it before the \expndtw-11 Khan.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Pleasant,' commented the Khan. 'Are they all clothes?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri34\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No, Great Khan,' said Chien, forcing a smile. He \expndtw-8 opened the second chest, which was filled with emeralds, \expndtw-7 some the size of a man's fist.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri34\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What is this worth in your land in, say, horses and \expndtw-5 men?' asked the Khan.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri29\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'A man could equip an army of ten thousand lances for a full summer,' Chien answered.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Good. I like them. And the others?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Some contained gold, others perfumes and spices or \expndtw-7 articles of clothing. The last chest produced the strongest \expndtw-5 response from the Nadir warlord. From it Chien lifted a sabre of dazzling brightness. The hilt-guard was of gold \expndtw-8 inset with gems, and the hilt was bound with gold thread. \expndtw-5 But the pommel-stone was milky-white and carved into \expndtw-7 the head of a wolf.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Jungir took the blade and slashed the air. 'It is perfect,' \expndtw-3 he said, his eyes shining. 'The balance is beyond belief \expndtw-2 and the edge is remarkable. Truly I am pleased. Relay my thanks to your king; tell him I had not realised his \expndtw-4 lands delivered such wealth. When will you be starting \expndtw-6 back - tomorrow?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li245\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'As you wish, Great Khan.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Tomorrow would be good for you, for the winter will \expndtw0 be closing in on the ports and I would not like your \expndtw-7 journey to be uncomfortable.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li250\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is kind of you to concern yourself over my comforts;}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li53\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex78\f1\lang1033\fs23 155}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5405\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 but His Majesty has required me to see his daughter, and to carry her a message of his love and devotion.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I will give her that message,' said Jungir loftily.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And I do not doubt, Great Khan, that you would \expndtw-5 deliver it more skilfully than I. But my king ordered me \expndtw-8 to see her and, as I am sure you will agree, a subject must \expndtw-7 always obey the order of his liege lord.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Indeed,' said Jungir, 'but I fear that will not be poss\-\expndtw-3 ible. The . . . Queen is at my palace in the south. It is a \expndtw-6 two-month journey. I am sure your king will understand \expndtw-7 that you could not fulfil his wishes.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'But I can, Great Khan. I will travel to the south, and \expndtw-7 then journey home. With your permission, of course?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Jungir's face darkened, but his expression remained \expndtw-1 friendly. 'It would not be advisable, ambassador. The \expndtw-6 lands of the Steppes are-. . . perilous for outsiders. Many \expndtw-4 tribes continue to harass . . . foreigners.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I understand, sire. Even within the Middle Kingdom \expndtw-5 there are bandits and rogues who disobey the Emperor's \expndtw-7 will. But I am sure my soldiers will be a match for them. \expndtw-6 And I much appreciate your concern over the safety of a \expndtw-8 humble ambassador.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Jungir gave a tight smile and stepped back to the dais. \expndtw-4 'Quarters will be allocated to you, ambassador, and my \expndtw-9 chamberlain will furnish you with the guides and supplies \expndtw-6 you will need for your journey. And now I have matters \expndtw-7 of state to occupy me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien bowed - but not low. He straightened. 'I cannot \expndtw-9 thank you sufficiently, sire, for the time you have allowed \expndtw-6 me.' He backed seven paces, instead of ten, and turned.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 As the great doors swung shut Jungir turned to a broad-shouldered warrior at his side. 'You will guide them south \expndtw-7 for a week. Then there will be an attack on them. No one survives. You understand, Kubai?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I do, sire.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And see that they do not move around in the palace. \expndtw-7 I want no one to mention the yellow-faced bitch.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'As you wish, Lord Khan.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li14\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 *}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li43\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex78\f1\lang1033\fs23 156}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5381\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 The chamberlain led Chien through the maze of tunnels \expndtw-4 to three large, square adjoining rooms. Windows in the \expndtw-6 west walls looked out over an exquisitely ugly garden of \expndtw-3 shrubs. In the first room was a bed, four chairs, a table \expndtw-4 and three lanterns. The second contained only a narrow \expndtw-5 bed and a single lantern, while the third boasted a metal \expndtw-6 bath, three barrels of water and several thin towels.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is almost too luxurious,' said Chien, without a hint \expndtw-9 of mockery. The chamberlain gave a thin-lipped smile and \expndtw-1 left. Chien turned to his manservant, Oshi, a wiry ex-\expndtw-8 slave who had served Chien's family for forty years. 'Find \expndtw-3 the spy-holes,' ordered Chien, using an obscure Kiatze \expndtw-8 dialect. Oshi bowed and moved around the room for sev\-eral minutes.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'There are none, lord,' said Oshi finally.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Is there no end to their insults?' snapped Chien. 'Do \expndtw-6 they feel I am not important enough to spy on?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'They are savages, lord.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Go and find where they have put Sukai and the others. \expndtw-6 Send Sukai to me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'At once, lord. Or should I prepare your bath first?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I will bathe tomorrow. I would not put it past these \expndtw-2 Nadir to have urinated in the water-barrels.' Oshi \expndtw-9 chuckled and left the room. Chien pulled a linen handker\-\expndtw-8 chief from his pocket and dusted one of the chairs. A dark \expndtw-1 shape scuttled across the room behind him and Chien \expndtw-8 swivelled, his hand snapping a small throwing-knife from \expndtw-1 his sleeve. The blade flashed across the room and the \expndtw-5 black rat died instantly, almost cut in half.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Minutes later, as Chien stood at the window staring \expndtw-7 down at the grey-green shrubs in what passed for a royal \expndtw-5 garden, there came a discreet tap at the door.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Enter!' he commanded.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Sukai marched into the room and bowed as low as \expndtw-8 his lacquered leather breastplate would allow. The officer carried his iron helm against his chest. He was neither tall nor especially formidable in appearance, yet his skill with \expndtw-7 the long, curved \i chantanai \i0 blade was known throughout}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li77\ri0\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex78\f1\lang1033\fs23 157}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5404\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 the Middle Kingdom. He had served Chien for eleven \expndtw0 years - and not once in that time had Chien seen him \expndtw-8 without his hair combed, oiled and lacquered. Now it was hanging lank about his shoulders.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why do you come here looking like the basest peasant?' \expndtw-7 asked Chien, still using the Kiatze dialect.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'A thousand apologies, noble lord,' Sukai replied. 'I \expndtw-2 was preparing for my bath - I did not think you would \expndtw-6 wish to wait for me to dress properly.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You are correct in that, Sukai. But it was improper to prepare to bathe without first ascertaining whether I had \expndtw-9 need of you. However, in a city of barbarians it is difficult \expndtw-5 to retain hold of civilised behaviour. Have you checked \expndtw-10 your room?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I have, lord. There are no passageways hidden, and no secret hearing tubes.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Disgraceful!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'They are an insulting people.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Oshi entered silently, bowed twice - then saw the dead \expndtw-3 rat. He retrieved Chien's knife and removed the corpse \expndtw0 by the tail. 'It has fleas,' he said, holding the body at \expndtw-7 arm's length.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Throw it from the window,' ordered Chien. 'If we \expndtw-1 leave it here, we will probably find it served to us for \expndtw0 supper.' Oshi hurled the rat to the gardens below and \expndtw-5 wandered off to the back room to clean the knife, while \expndtw-6 Chien turned back to the warrior. 'Tomorrow we will be \expndtw-7 leaving for the south.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes, lord.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien hesitated and closed his eyes. His concentration \expndtw-10 hardened and he felt the floating presence of a spirit within \expndtw-4 the room. He smiled. So, he thought, they are not quite \expndtw-8 such savages. His fingers flickered against his belt; Sukai \expndtw-3 read the message, and smoothly moved from Kiatze to \expndtw-11 Nadir.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Will the Lord Khan be supplying us with guides, sir?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'But of course. He is a noble king, of a noble line. But \expndtw-8 I do not think we should all presume upon his hospitality.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li19\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex79\f1\lang1033\fs23 158}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5357\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri43\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 You will arrange for a guard of twenty men to take the \expndtw-2 women and all manservants bar Oshi back to Kiatze. I \expndtw-4 will send a message to the Divine Emperor, telling him \expndtw-9 of the success of our mission and the kind words of Jungir \expndtw-7 Khan. The journey south would be too hard on my girls.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes, lord.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri58\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We will take only one wagon - with gifts for the Queen. \expndtw-7 All my goods will go back to Kiatze.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'With the exception of your tent, my lord?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri34\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No, that also. I will take my paints and brushes, that is all. There may be some interesting flowers along the \expndtw-6 way.' His ringers appeared to brush a speck of dust from \expndtw-11 his sleeve.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Sukai bowed. 'I have noticed many red blooms, sir.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You will see many more."}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri34\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Sukai's face hardened. 'May I be permitted to write to \expndtw-8 my family, lord?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Of course. Now leave me. I will see you at dawn.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 As the officer departed Oshi returned to the room with \expndtw-8 Chien's freshly cleaned knife in his hands. Chien returned \expndtw-6 the blade to the oiled sheath in his sleeve.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri24\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Oshi moved the cleaned chair to the window and Chien \expndtw-3 sat, seemingly lost in thought. He focused his mind on \expndtw-4 the intrusive spirit in the room and saw a thin, wrinkled \expndtw-9 old man with pale eyes and a weasel face. He was floating \expndtw-2 just below the high ceiling. Chien sat silently until the \expndtw-8 watcher's presence faded.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Oshi!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li245\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes, lord?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri0\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Go to the kitchens and find some bread. They will have \expndtw-7 no fish, but choose me some dried meat that is not full of \expndtw-6 corruption.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li250\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'At once!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li43\ri14\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien folded his arms and thought of Mai-syn. To \expndtw-5 her this place must have seemed worse than squalid. He \expndtw-3 concentrated on the beauty of her face, trying to com\-\expndtw-1 municate with her spirit. But there was only a cosmic}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li48\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex79\f1\lang1033\fs23 159}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5396\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri58\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 silence. Perhaps she is too far from here, he thought. \expndtw-6 Perhaps not, the darker side of his nature told him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri38\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 The chamberlain knocked at the door and told Chien \expndtw0 that the Lord Jungir Khan had arranged a feast in his \expndtw-4 honour. It would be this evening at moonrise. It would \expndtw-9 be acceptable if the Lord Ambassador wished to bring the \expndtw-8 Chief of his Guards. Chien bowed and accepted.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri38\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 What new humiliation will the savages plan for tonight, \expndtw-11 he wondered?}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi0\sb446\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 The great hall was packed with warriors, seated around a \expndtw-6 score of bench tables pushed together to make an enor\-mous open square. Jungir Khan - in tight-fitting tunic of \expndtw-3 black leather embroidered with gold thread - sat at the \expndtw0 southern end of the hall, the throne dais behind him. \expndtw-1 Chien was seated at his right hand and to his right sat \expndtw-4 Sukai, ill at ease and eating little. To Jungir's left was a \expndtw-5 wizened man whom the Khan introduced as Shotza, the \expndtw-3 court shaman. Chien inclined his head to the man. 'We have heard much of the skills of the Nadir shamen,' he \expndtw-13 said.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'As we have of the court magicians of the Kiatze,' responded Shotza. 'Is it true they make tiny golden \expndtw-6 machines that fly in the air, imitating birds?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The Divine King has three,' answered Chien-tsu.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Shotza nodded, but seemed unconvinced.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 The feast involved eating an extraordinary amount of \expndtw-8 meats which, back in Kiatze, would have been refused by \expndtw-6 the court dogs. In the main, it was high beyond the point \expndtw-8 of rotting. To offset this, the guests covered the food with \expndtw-2 spices. Chien ate sparingly and drank less. The liquor \expndtw-6 being consumed by the Nadir was distilled, he was told, \expndtw-7 from rancid goats' milk. 'How clever,' he remarked. How \expndtw-6 apt, he thought.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Between the interminable courses there were perform\-\expndtw-5 ances by jugglers or acrobats. They were not especially \expndtw-8 skilled, though Chien applauded politely.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li19\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex79\f1\lang1033\fs23 160}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5395\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We have heard much,' said Jungir Khan suddenly, 'of \expndtw-9 the martial skills of the Kiatze. Would your officer honour \expndtw-7 us with an exhibition?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Of what kind?' enquired Chien.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Swordsmanship.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi206\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'With respect, Lord Khan, that is not possible. The \expndtw-2 soul of a warrior partly resides in his blade. It is not to be drawn unless to take blood - and that, I fear, would \expndtw-6 not represent an exhibition of skills.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Then let him fight to the death,' said the Khan.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I am afraid I do not understand you, sire. Is this a jest \expndtw-7 of some kind?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I never jest about war, ambassador. I merely ask that \expndtw-7 your man shows me the skills of the Kiatze. I would take \expndtw-6 it badly were you to refuse me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I hope, my Lord Khan, that you will not interpret my \expndtw-3 words as a refusal. I merely ask you to reconsider. Is it \expndtw-5 not bad fortune for there to be a death at a feast?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'That depends on who dies,' answered the Khan coldly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri10\fi197\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Very well, sire,' said Chien, turning to Sukai. 'The \expndtw-3 Khan wishes to see the battle skills of a Kiatze officer. \expndtw-7 Oblige him.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi197\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'As you order,' answered Sukai. He rose and vaulted \expndtw-2 the table. He was not a tall man, nor did he have great \expndtw-5 width of shoulder. His face was broad and flat, his eyes \expndtw-10 dark; he was clean-shaven, but for a thin moustache which \expndtw-1 drooped to his chin. He drew his long curved double-\expndtw-6 handed sword and waited; his fingers brushed his chest. \expndtw-7 Chien read the signalled question and found it difficult to \expndtw0 keep the pride from his eyes. 'Do you require me to \expndtw-5 die?' Sukai had asked. Chien lifted his hand to touch his \expndtw-7 carefully lacquered hair. Sukai understood - and bowed.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi192\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Jungir Khan pointed to a warrior at the far end of the \expndtw-5 hall. 'Show our guest how a Nadir fights,' he called, and \expndtw-6 the man leapt into the square.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Excuse me, sire,' said Chien, his face expressionless.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What is it?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li48\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex77\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 161}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5406\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri48\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It seems hardly fair to have only one man face Sukai. \expndtw-8 He will be mortally offended.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi182\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Khan's face darkened and he held up one hand. \expndtw-3 Silence fell. 'Our guest, the ambassador for the land of Kiatze, has said that one Nadir warrior is no match for \expndtw0 his champion.' An angry murmur began. Again the \expndtw-4 Khan's hand cut the air and silence followed the move. \expndtw-5 'Can this be true?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No!' came a roar from the feasters.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'But he also says that his champion will be insulted if \expndtw-2 he faces only one opponent. Should we insult so fine-\expndtw-7 looking a warrior?' There was no response and the Nadir \expndtw-8 waited for the lead from their Khan. 'No, we cannot insult \expndtw-4 our guests. Therefore you, Ulai, and you, Yet-zan, will join your comrade.' The two Nadir warriors clambered \expndtw0 into the square. 'Let the battle commence,' Jungir \expndtw-10 ordered.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Nadir warriors spread out in a circle around the \expndtw-4 still, motionless figure of Sukai, his great sword resting \expndtw-6 lightly on his shoulder. Suddenly the first Nadir ran for\-\expndtw-3 ward, the others following. Sukai spun on his heel, his \expndtw-7 sword slicing out and down to cleave through the collar\-\expndtw-1 bone and chest of the first attacker. He swivelled and \expndtw-2 blocked a thrust, cut the head from the sword wielder, \expndtw-4 dropped to one knee and rammed his blade through the \expndtw-6 belly of the third man.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Sukai returned the great sword to its scabbard on his \expndtw-7 back, and waited with hands on hips. At his feet lay three \expndtw-8 corpses, their blood staining the mosaic floor.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He is a fine warrior,' said Jungir Khan, his voice cut\-\expndtw-8 ting the silence.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Not especially, my lord,' replied Chien, masking his \expndtw-1 delight. 'I thought the last thrust sloppily executed. A \expndtw-6 fourth man might well have killed him at that moment.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Jungir Khan said nothing but waved his hand. Servants \expndtw-7 moved into the square and the tables were pulled back to \expndtw-10 allow the bodies to be dragged from the hall. Sawdust was \expndtw-8 spread on the blood.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 162}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5382\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 The feast continued for another hour, but Jungir did \expndtw-10 not speak again to the ambassador from the land of Kiatze.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Towards midnight the feasters began to drift away. \expndtw-4 Chien stood and bowed to Jungir. 'With your leave, my \expndtw-8 lord?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Khan nodded. 'Good fortune follow you on your \expndtw-6 journey,' he said.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I am sure that if you will it, then it will be so,' answered \expndtw-1 Chien. 'My thanks to you for the feast. May the Gods \expndtw-7 bring you all the blessings you deserve.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 With Sukai following, Chien-tsu marched from the hall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Back in his rooms he turned to Sukai.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri34\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I apologise,' he said, 'for the affront to your dignity. \expndtw-5 It was unseemly to have agreed to the Khan's request.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Sukai bowed low, dipping his head three times. 'No \expndtw-6 apology is necessary, lord. I live to serve you.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien entered his rooms to find that Oshi had stripped \expndtw-2 the Nadir linen from the bed and covered the mattress \expndtw-3 with sheets of fine silk and a coverlet filled with goose \expndtw-4 down. The servant himself was asleep at the foot of the \expndtw-15 bed.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi197\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien removed his clothes and carefully folded them, \expndtw0 placing them on the chair by the window. Then he climbed into bed and lay back, wishing that he could \expndtw-6 enjoy a hot, scented bath.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Oshi rose from the foot of the bed. 'Is there anything \expndtw-6 you require, my lord?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Nothing, thank you.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Oshi settled down on the floor once more, and Chien \expndtw-5 stared out of the window at the bright stars. In all prob\-\expndtw-10 ability Mai-syn was dead. He could sense no warmth from \expndtw-2 her spirit. No more would her laughter be heard under \expndtw-9 Heaven, no more would her sweet singing grace the night. \expndtw0 But he could not be sure and therefore would have to \expndtw-2 begin, at least, his journey to the south. Yet if she was \expndtw-5 dead, then once away from the city Chien had no doubt \expndtw-8 the party would be attacked and slaughtered. Jungir Khan \expndtw-4 would have no wish for news of his daughter's death to}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li34\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex79\f1\lang1033\fs23 163}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5400\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 reach the Emperor. No, Chien's murder would be put \expndtw-4 down to robbers or bandits, and thus the flow of costly \expndtw-7 presents would continue for at least one more year.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri24\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 There had to be a way to thwart the Khan. Honour \expndtw-9 demanded it.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 For several hours he lay awake. At last a smile touched \expndtw-11 his face.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 And he slept.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi0\sb442\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 Despite the closeness of the midwinter solstice the warmth \expndtw-9 of an early spring was in the air as the questors rode down \expndtw-2 the long hills into the valley of Kiall's settlement. The \expndtw-8 young man found his emotions torn as he gazed down on \expndtw-10 the wooden buildings and the new stockade. He was home \expndtw-5 - and yet he was not home. All his dreams of childhood were resting here, the ghosts of his youth still playing in \expndtw0 the high woods. He knew every bend and turn of the \expndtw-7 trails, all the secret places, the fallen trees and the hidden \expndtw-10 caves. Yet the village was changed. The burned-out build\-\expndtw-6 ings were no longer in evidence, and twelve new houses \expndtw-2 stood on the outskirts. Tanai the baker had been killed \expndtw0 in the raid, his house and bakery gutted. Now a new \expndtw-6 bakery stood on the site, and Kiall felt that someone had \expndtw-4 reached into his memories with a hot knife, cutting and \expndtw-8 hacking at images dear to him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos led the small group down into the settlement \expndtw-6 and on through the unfinished stockade wall to the main \expndtw-8 square. People stopped their work to watch the riders and \expndtw-3 a tall, fat man in a tunic of green wool - a wide leather \expndtw-4 belt straining to hold his bulging belly - marched out to \expndtw-2 stand before them with brawny arms folded across his \expndtw-12 chest.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What do you want here?' he asked, his voice deep, his \expndtw-10 tone pompous.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos stepped down from the saddle and approached \expndtw-5 him. 'We are looking for shelter for the night.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Well, there's no welcome here for strangers.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li34\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex79\f1\lang1033\fs23 164}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5385\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall could stand no more; he lifted his leg over the \expndtw-5 pommel of his saddle and jumped to the ground. Tm no \expndtw-6 stranger?' he stormed. 'But who, in Bar's name, are you? \expndtw-4 I don't know you.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Nor I you,' said the man. 'State your business - or \expndtw-7 suffer the consequences.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Consequences?' snorted Beltzer. 'What is he talking \expndtw-8 about?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He's talking about the bowmen hidden in the alleyways \expndtw-5 around us,' explained Finn.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Oh,' said Beltzer.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi192\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos glanced around and saw the archers. They \expndtw-9 seemed nervous and frightened, their fingers trembling on \expndtw-7 the drawn bowstrings. At any moment an accidental shot \expndtw-2 could turn the square into a battlefield, Chareos knew. \expndtw-3 'We are not Nadren,' he said softly. 'I came here on the night of the raid and tried to aid the people. The young \expndtw-6 man here is Kiall, who is of this village.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Well, I don't know him and I don't believe I care to,' \expndtw-6 retorted the man sourly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'My name is Chareos. It would at least be polite if you told me yours.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I don't need to be polite to the likes of you,' said the \expndtw-6 man. 'Be off with you!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos spread his hands and stepped closer. Suddenly he seized the man's tunic with his left hand, dragging him \expndtw-4 forward. His right hand flashed up holding his hunting-\expndtw-5 knife, the blade point resting against the man's throat.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I have an abhorrence for bad manners,' he said quietly. \expndtw-3 'Now order your men to lower their weapons, or I will \expndtw-4 cut your throat.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 The man swallowed hard, the action causing his flabby \expndtw-3 skin to press on the knife point. A thin trickle of blood \expndtw-5 traced a line to his tunic.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Put . . . put down your weapons,' the leader \expndtw-12 whispered.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Louder, fool!' hissed Chareos and the man did as he \expndtw-11 was told.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li53\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex78\f1\lang1033\fs23 165}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5386\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri48\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Reluctantly the archers obeyed, but they crowded in to \expndtw0 surround the group. Still holding on to the fat man, \expndtw-7 Chareos turned to the crowd. 'Where is Paccus the Seer?' \expndtw-8 he called. No one answered him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri38\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall stepped forward. 'Does no one remember me?' he \expndtw-5 asked. 'What about you, Ricka? Or you, Anas? It's me -\expndtw-8 Kiall.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri38\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Kiall?' said a tall, thin man with a pockmarked face. \expndtw-6 He moved closer to peer at the young warrior. 'It is you,' \expndtw-5 he said, surprised. 'But you look so different. Why have \expndtw-11 you come back?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'To find Ravenna, of course.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why?' asked Anas. 'She'll be some Nadir's wife by \expndtw-5 now - or worse.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall reddened. 'I will find her anyway. What is going \expndtw-7 on here? Who is this man? And where is Paccus?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Anas shrugged. 'After the raid a lot of families chose \expndtw-2 to move north, to settle nearer Talgithir. New families \expndtw-7 moved in. He is Norral; he's a good man, and our leader. \expndtw-2 The stockade was his idea - as were the bows. We are \expndtw-3 going to defend ourselves in future, Kiall. The Nadren \expndtw-7 will not find us an easy target the next time they ride into Gothir lands.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What about Paccus?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He died three days ago.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 In the background, Chareos sheathed his knife and \expndtw-1 pushed Norral away from him. Beltzer and the others \expndtw-11 dismounted.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall looked at the rest of the crowd. 'We are not raiders,' he said. 'I am of this village, and we will be \expndtw-4 leaving come morning to seek the women stolen in the raid. We will bring them back. These warriors with me may not be known to you by sight, but you do know of \expndtw-3 them. This one is Chareos the Blademaster, and this is Beltzer of the Axe. The man with the dark beard is the \expndtw-8 famed archer Finn, and beside him is his friend Maggrig. \expndtw-3 They are the heroes of Bel-azar, my friends. The other \expndtw-4 man is a mystic from the lands of die Tattooed People;}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li14\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex81\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 166}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5391\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 he will follow the spirit trail that leads us to the saving of \expndtw-6 our people.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li202\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Anas stared hard at Beltzer. \i 'He \i0 is the famous axeman?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes I am, goat brain!' thundered Beltzer, drawing his \expndtw-8 axe and holding the shining blade under Anas' chin. 'Per\-\expndtw-6 haps you'd like to see more proof?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Not at all,' said Anas, stepping back.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Norral stepped alongside Chareos. 'A thousand apolo\-\expndtw0 gies,' he whispered. 'I didn't know, of course. Please \expndtw-3 make my home your own. I would be honoured if you \expndtw-5 would spend the night at my house.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos nodded. 'That is kind,' he said at last, forcing \expndtw-3 a smile. 'I also must apologise. You were quite right to be concerned at the appearance of six armed men, and \expndtw-8 your precautions were commendable.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Norral bowed.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 The food he supplied them was excellent, cooked by \expndtw-6 his two plump comely daughters, Bea and Kara. But the \expndtw-1 evening was dominated by Norral, who told them the \expndtw0 story of his largely uninteresting life in great detail, \expndtw-6 punctuating it with anecdotes concerning famous Gothir \expndtw0 statesmen, poets or nobles. Each story had the same ending: how the famous complimented Norral on his \expndtw-8 sagacity, wit, far-sightedness and intelligence.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-11\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer was the first to grab a jug of wine and wander out \expndtw-6 into the cool night air. Maggrig and Finn soon followed. Unconcerned by the stream of sound from Norral, Okas curled up on the floor to sleep.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos and Kiall sat with the fat farmer until after \expndtw-8 midnight, but when he showed no sign of fatigue Chareos \expndtw-1 yawned theatrically. 'I must thank you,' he said, 'for a \expndtw-4 most entertaining evening. But we will be leaving soon \expndtw-7 after dawn and, if you will excuse me, I will leave you in \expndtw-4 Kiall's company. He is younger than the rest of us, and \expndtw-6 I am sure will learn much from you.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Rigid with boredom, Kiall contained his anger and set\-\expndtw-2 tled himself for more of Norral's history. But with the \expndtw-8 last of the heroes of Bel-azar gone, Norral had no wish to}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li67\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex78\f1\lang1033\fs23 167}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5400\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri43\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 converse with a former villager. He excused himself and \expndtw-8 took to his bed.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall stood and walked out into the night. Only Beltzer remained awake and Kiall sat down beside him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri38\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Did the old windbag run out of stories?' the giant \expndtw-15 asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No. He ran out of listeners.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'By the Gods, he doesn't need a stockade; he could just \expndtw-6 visit a Nadren village for an evening. The raiders would \expndtw-7 avoid this place like a plague pit.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall said nothing, but sat with his chin resting on his \expndtw0 hands staring at the homes around him. Golden light showed in thin beams from the closed shutters of the \expndtw-17 windows.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What ails you, boy?' asked Beltzer, draining the last \expndtw-10 of his wine.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is all changed,' replied Kiall. 'It's not my home any \expndtw-8 more.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Everything changes,' said Beltzer, 'except the moun\-tains and the sky.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'But it was only a few months ago. Now . . . it's as if \expndtw-9 Ravenna never existed.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'They can't afford to stay in mourning, Kiall. Look \expndtw-2 around you. This is a working village; there are crops \expndtw-3 to be planted, cultivated, harvested; animals to be fed, \expndtw-5 watered, cared for. Ravenna was last year's crop. Gods, man, we're all of us last year's crop.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It shouldn't be that way,' argued Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri14\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Wrong, boy. It is the only way it \i can \i0 be.' He picked \expndtw-1 up the empty jug and passed it to Kiall. 'What do you \expndtw-14 see?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What is there to see? You finished it all.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri10\fi206\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Exactly. The wine was good, but now it isn't here any \expndtw-3 more. Worse, I'll piss it against a tree tomorrow - then \expndtw-7 no one could tell if it was wine or water.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri14\fi206\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We're not talking about wine - we're talking about \expndtw-8 people. About Ravenna.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex77\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 168}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5382\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 There's no difference. They mourned . . . now they're \expndtw-7 living again.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Soon after dawn Okas vanished into the hills to seek \expndtw-2 the spirit trails. Kiall wandered in search of Ravenna's \expndtw-8 sister and found her at the house of Jar el. She smiled and invited him inside where Jarel was sitting by the window, \expndtw0 staring out over the mountains. Karyn poured Kiall a \expndtw-9 goblet of watered wine.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is good to see you again,' she said, smiling. She \expndtw-5 looked so like Ravenna that his heart lurched - the same \expndtw-7 wide eyes, the same dark hair gleaming as if oiled.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And you,' he replied. 'How are you faring?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I'm going to have Jarel's child in the autumn,' she told \expndtw-12 him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I congratulate you both,' he said.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri14\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Jarel swung from the window. He was a strongly built \expndtw-3 young man with black, tightly curled hair and deep-set \expndtw-11 blue eyes.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why must you pursue this business?' he asked. 'Why \expndtw-7 chase after the dead?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Because she is not dead,' answered Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'As good as,' snapped Jarel. 'She is tainted . . . finished \expndtw-9 among civilised people.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Not for me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Always the dreamer. She used to talk of you, Kiall; \expndtw-5 she used to laugh at you for your silly ideas. Well, don't \expndtw-6 bring her back here, she won't be welcome.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall put the goblet down on the table-top and rose, \expndtw0 his hands shaking. 'I will say this once to you, Jarel. \expndtw-8 When I bring her back, if there is one evil word from you \expndtw-5 I will kill you.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li250\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You?' snorted Jarel. 'Dream on, Kiall.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall walked forward to where Jarel stood with hands \expndtw-7 on hips, grinning. He was a head taller than Kiall and far \expndtw-2 the heavier. Kiall's fist slammed into the bigger man's \expndtw-6 face, rocking him back on his heels. Blood spurted from his smashed lips and his jaw dropped, then anger blazed in his eyes and he sprang forward - only to jerk to a stop}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li86\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex81\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 169}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5410\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 as he saw the long hunting-knife in Kiall's hand. Fear \expndtw-7 touched him then.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall saw it and smiled. 'Remember my warning, Jarel. \expndtw-7 Remember it well.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Til remember,' said the farmer, 'but you remember \expndtw-2 this: no one here wants the women back. So what will \expndtw-1 you do? Build a new place for them? Two of the men \expndtw-4 whose wives were taken have remarried. Twenty other families have gone, and no one knows where. What do \expndtw0 the captives have to come back to? No one cares any \expndtw-8 more.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I care,' said Kiall. 'I care very much.' He turned to \expndtw-7 Karyn. 'Thank you for your hospitality.' She said nothing as he sheathed his knife and walked out into the sunlight.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li62\ri0\fi0\sb5554\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 170}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5391\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li1114\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs36 CHAPTER EIGHT}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi0\sb466\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-12\f1\lang1033\fs23 Okas sat cross-legged beneath a spreading elm and concen\-\expndtw0 trated on the village below. His vision swam and the \expndtw-5 buildings blurred and faded like mist under sunlight. He \expndtw-3 had no control now, and time ceased to have meaning. \expndtw0 He saw mountains of ice swelling on the land, filling \expndtw-5 the hollows, rearing from the peaks. Slowly, reluctantly \expndtw-7 though the centuries, the ice gave way and the long grass \expndtw-8 grew. Huge lumbering creatures moved across the face of the valley, their massive limbs brushing against new trees \expndtw-9 and snapping the stems. Aeons passed and the grass grew. \expndtw-7 The sharp hills were smoothed by the winds of time. The \expndtw-4 first oak tree took root on the southern hill, binding the \expndtw-10 soil. Birds flocked to its branches. Seeds in their droppings \expndtw-3 caused other trees to grow and soon Okas saw a young \expndtw-7 forest stretching across the hills.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 The first group of men appeared from the west, clad in \expndtw-5 skins and furs and carrying weapons of bone and stone. \expndtw0 They camped by the stream, hunted the great elk and \expndtw-12 moved on.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Others followed them, and on one bright day a young \expndtw-11 man walked the hills with a woman by his side. He pointed \expndtw-10 at the land, his arm sweeping to encompass the mountains. \expndtw-5 He built a home with a long sloping roof. There was no \expndtw-3 chimney; two holes were left at the points of the roof's \expndtw-4 triangle and Okas saw the smoke drifting from them as \expndtw-5 the snows fell. Other travellers settled close by over the \expndtw-7 years and the young man, now a leader, grew old.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 A savage tribe entered the valley, slaying all who lived \expndtw-6 there. For some time they took over the homes but then, \expndtw-4 like all nomads, they moved on. The houses rotted and \expndtw-7 fell to feed the earth; grass grew over the footings.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Okas watched as the centuries slid by, waiting with}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li38\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex75\f1\lang1033\fs23 171}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5409\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 limitless patience, judging the passage of time by the \expndtw-7 movement of the stars. At last he saw the familiar build\-\expndtw-6 ings of the near present and moved his spirit close to the \expndtw-5 village. Focusing on Kiall, he found himself drawn to a \expndtw-3 small house on the western side. There he watched the \expndtw0 birth of a boy, saw the proud smile on the face of the \expndtw-3 weary mother, saw the happiness in the eyes of KialPs \expndtw-7 father as he tenderly lifted his son.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Okas relaxed and let the vision flow. He saw Kiall's \expndtw-9 mother die of a fever when the boy was first walking, saw \expndtw-6 the father injured in a fall and losing his life to gangrene \expndtw-4 from the poisoned wound. He watched the boy - raised \expndtw-1 by strangers - grow tall. Then he saw the dark-haired \expndtw-9 girl, Ravenna.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 At last he came to the raid, the Nadren thundering into \expndtw-8 the village with bright swords and gleaming lances.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Okas pulled his gaze from the slaughter and waited until the raiders had taken their captives back into the \expndtw-8 hills, where wagons stood loaded with chains and \expndtw-15 manacles.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 He followed them for a hundred miles to a stockaded \expndtw-6 town, but there the vision faded.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 He opened his eyes and stretched his back, suppressing \expndtw0 a groan as the ligaments above his hip creaked and \expndtw-8 cracked. The wind was cold on his skin and he was mor\-\expndtw-7 tally tired.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi192\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Yet still there was another flight to be made. The call was still strong and he allowed himself to link to it, his \expndtw-7 spirit lifting from his body to be drawn swiftly across the \expndtw-6 Steppes. The mountains were beautiful from this height, cloaked in snow and crowned with clouds. His spirit fell towards the tallest peak, passing through it deep into the dark. At last he entered a cavern where torches flickered \expndtw-7 on the walls and an old man sat before a small fire. Okas \expndtw-6 looked at him closely. He wore a necklace of lion's teeth \expndtw-5 around his scrawny throat, and his thin white beard had \expndtw-2 no more substance than woodsmoke. When the man's dark eyes opened and fixed on Okas there was pain in}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex77\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 172}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5390\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri38\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 them, and a sorrow so deep that Okas was almost moved to tears.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Welcome, brother,' said Asta Khan. The Nadir \expndtw-7 shaman winced and cried out.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi216\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'How can I help you?' asked Okas. 'What are they \expndtw-7 doing to you?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'They are killing my children. There is nothing you can \expndtw-5 do. Soon they will send their forces against me and that \expndtw-8 is when I shall require your aid. The demons will fly, and my strength will not be enough to send them fleeing back \expndtw-4 to the pit. But with you I have a chance.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Then I shall be here, brother . . . and I will bring \expndtw-3 help.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Asta Khan nodded. The \i ghosts-yet-to-be.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Will they come if you ask it?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I think that they will.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 They will face nightmares beyond description. The \expndtw-6 demons will sense their fears - and make them real.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 They will come.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why do you do this for me?' asked Asta. 'You know \expndtw-6 what I desire. You know everything.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Not everything,' said Okas. 'No man knows it all.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Asta screamed and rolled to the floor. Okas sat quietly \expndtw-6 and waited until the old shaman pushed himself upright, \expndtw-5 wiping the tears from his eyes. 'Now they are killing the little ones; I cannot block out their anguish.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Nor would you wish to,' said Okas. 'Come forth and \expndtw-5 take my hand.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi197\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 The spirit of Asta Khan rose from the frail body. In \expndtw-2 this form he seemed younger, stronger. Okas took the \expndtw-5 outstretched hand and allowed his own strength to flow \expndtw-7 into the shaman.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why?' asked Asta once more. 'Why do you do this for \expndtw-14 me?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li245\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Perhaps it is not for you.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li250\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Who then? Tenaka? He was not your lord.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li67\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex78\f1\lang1033\fs23 173}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5411\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li5\ri0\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is enough that I do it. I must return to my flesh. \expndtw-6 When you have need, I will be here.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi0\sb610\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall's anger was short-lived. As the questors waited on \expndtw-9 the edge of the woods for Okas, the young man sat beside \expndtw-8 Chareos and vented his rage.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos cut across his words. 'Follow me,' he said \expndtw-9 sharply. The Blademaster stood and walked away into the \expndtw-4 trees, out of earshot of the others. Once there he turned \expndtw-6 on Kiall, his dark eyes angry, his face set.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Do not waste your self-righteous wrath on me, boy. \expndtw0 I'll not have it. When the raiders came, you - and all \expndtw-3 these villagers - did nothing. Of course they \i think \i0 they \expndtw-8 don't want the captives back. And why? Because it would \expndtw-11 be like looking in a mirror and seeing their own cowardice. \expndtw-9 They would have to live every day with that mirror. Every \expndtw-6 time they passed a former prisoner, they would see their \expndtw-7 own shortcomings. Now stop whining about it.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why are you so angry?' Kiall asked. 'You could have just explained it to me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Explained . . . ?' Chareos threw back his head and \expndtw-7 stared at the sky. He said nothing for several seconds and \expndtw-4 Kiall realised he was fighting for control of his temper. \expndtw-5 Finally he sat down and indicated that Kiall should join \expndtw-6 him. The young man did so. 'I don't have time to explain everything, Kiall,' said the older man patiently, 'and I do \expndtw-2 not have the inclination. I have always believed that a \expndtw-3 man should think for himself. If he relies on others for \expndtw-5 his thoughts and his motives, then his brain becomes an \expndtw-4 empty, useless thing. Why am I angry? Let us examine that for a moment. How do you think the Nadren know \expndtw-9 which villages to hit, where attractive young women live?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I don't know.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Then think, damn you!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'They send out riders to scout?' ventured Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Of course. How else?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li34\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex79\f1\lang1033\fs23 174}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5385\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri43\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'They listen to traders, merchants, tinkers who pass \expndtw-8 through such villages?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Good. And what do you think they are listening for?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi216\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Information,' Kiall answered. 'I do not understand \expndtw-5 where this is taking us.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Then give me time. How does one village know what \expndtw-7 is going on at another village?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Traders, travellers, poets - all carry news,' said Kiall. \expndtw-7 'My father said it was one way in which they encouraged \expndtw-3 trade. People would gather round their wagons to hear \expndtw-6 the latest gossip.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Exactly. And what \i gossip \i0 will the next trader carry?"}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall reddened and swallowed hard. 'He will tell the \expndtw-6 tale of the heroes of Bel-azar who are hunting Ravenna,' \expndtw-9 he whispered.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi216\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And who will hear of this band of heroes?' asked \expndtw-7 Chareos - his eyes narrowing, his mouth a thin tight line.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi216\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Nadren,' admitted Kiall. 'I'm sorry. I didn't \expndtw-2 think.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi206\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No, you did not!' stormed Chareos. 'I heard of your \expndtw-3 dispute with the farmer and your threat with the knife. \expndtw-7 Bear this in mind, Kiall, that what we do is easy. Under\-\expndtw-3 stand that. Easy! What the villagers do is hard. Hoping \expndtw-6 and praying for just enough rain to make the seeds grow \expndtw-5 and just enough sun to ripen the harvest; never knowing \expndtw-2 when drought, famine or raiders will destroy your life \expndtw-4 and take away your loved ones. Do not ever ask me for \expndtw-6 explanations. Use your mind.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri5\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn pushed through the undergrowth. 'Okas is back. \expndtw-8 He says we have a hundred miles to travel. And it's rough \expndtw0 country, for the most part. I've sent Maggrig back to \expndtw-6 purchase supplies. Is that all right, Blademaster?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri10\fi211\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes. Thank you, Finn. We'll set off once he's back \expndtw-6 and camp away from here. I couldn't stand another night with that sanctimonious bore.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri5\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Just think, Blademaster. Tonight he'll be entertaining \expndtw-7 the villagers with how you complimented him. You'll be}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li58\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex79\f1\lang1033\fs23 175}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5385\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri34\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 remembered in future times as Chareos, the friend of the \expndtw-6 great Norral.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri43\fi216\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'There's probably truth in that,' agreed Chareos, \expndtw-11 chuckling.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 He strode through the undergrowth to where Okas was \expndtw-5 sitting quietly with Beltzer. The old man looked dread\-\expndtw-12 fully weary.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Would you like to rest for a while?' Chareos asked \expndtw-12 him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi216\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No rest. It is a long journey ahead. I will sleep tonight. \expndtw-4 There is a good camping place some four hours' ride to the south.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Is the girl alive?' asked Chareos. Kiall moved in behind \expndtw-14 him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'She was when they took her to the fort town,' said \expndtw-1 Okas. 'I could not see beyond that; the distance is too \expndtw0 great for me. And I have no hold on her - but for the \expndtw-6 love of Kiall. It is not enough. Had I known her, I would \expndtw-7 be able to find her anywhere.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'How long for the journey?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Maybe three weeks. Maybe a month. It is rough coun\-\expndtw-7 try. And we must move with care. Nadir tribesmen, out\-\expndtw-4 laws, Wolfsheads, Nadren. And . . . other perils.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What other perils?' asked Beltzer.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Demons,' answered Okas. Beltzer made the Sign of \expndtw-5 the Protective Horn on his brow and chest, and Finn did \expndtw-14 likewise.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi211\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why demons?' Chareos asked. 'What has sorcery to do \expndtw-6 with this quest?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi202\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Okas shrugged his shoulders and stared down at the \expndtw-5 ground. He began to trace circular patterns in the dust.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi202\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos knelt beside him. 'Tell me, my friend, why \expndtw-12 demons?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Okas looked up and met Chareos' dark eyes. 'You asked \expndtw-3 me here to help you,' he said. 'I help you. What if I ask \expndtw-7 you to help me?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You are a friend,' replied Chareos without hesitation.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex78\f1\lang1033\fs23 176}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5390\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri38\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'If you need me - or any of us - you have only to ask. \expndtw-7 Are the demons hunting you?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No. But there is old man - enemy of Jungir Khan. He \expndtw-2 lives alone in mountains far from here. He is the one I \expndtw-1 am pledged to help. But if I go alone, I will die. Yet I \expndtw-6 must go.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Then I shall go with you,' declared Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And I,' echoed Beltzer, clapping his large hand on \expndtw-8 Okas' shoulder.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Okas nodded, then returned to tracing his patterns in \expndtw-6 the dust. He spoke no more and Chareos left him alone.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall moved alongside Chareos. 'I need to speak with \expndtw0 you,' he said, walking away from the others. Chareos \expndtw-5 followed him to a shaded spot beneath a spreading elm. \expndtw-4 'How does this help us find Ravenna?' asked the young \expndtw-17 man.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It doesn't, Kiall. We may die here.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Then why? Did we come so far for nothing?' Kiall \expndtw-11 stormed.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Friendship is not \i nothing. \i0 That old man will die with\-\expndtw0 out us. What would you have me say? There are few virtues in this world, boy, but friendship is one that I \expndtw-3 prize. But if you want a reason which has naught to do \expndtw-8 with honour, then consider this: What chance do we have \expndtw-10 of \lang2057 f\lang1033 inding Ravenna \i without \i0 Okas?' Chareos gripped Kiali's \expndtw-5 shoulder. 'I have no choice, my friend. None at all.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall nodded. 'I shall go too,' he said.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Maggrig returned with supplies of food - dried meats, oats, salt and a sweet tisane made from dried honey and \expndtw-8 turmeric root. The questors set off towards the south with \expndtw-4 Okas and Chareos riding at the front, Kiall, Beltzer and Maggrig following. Finn galloped off into the distance, \expndtw-7 scouting for sign of raiders or outlaws.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall rode alongside Maggrig. 'The thought of fighting \expndtw-8 demons terrifies me,' he confided.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And me,' owned Maggrig. 'I saw the stuffed corpse of a \expndtw-11 Joining once, when we were in New Gulgothir. A wolfman \expndtw-8 some ten feet high - he was killed by Ananais, the Drenai}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li29\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex81\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 177}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5406\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 hero, during the Ceska wars decades ago. But no demons. \expndtw-2 Finn had a friend killed by them, so he told me. They \expndtw-12 were hunting him in his sleep and he would awake scream\-\expndtw-7 ing. One night he screamed but did not wake. There was \expndtw-5 not a mark upon him.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall shivered.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi197\sb10\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer dropped back to ride alongside them. 'The \expndtw-5 Nadir shamen summon the creatures,' he said. 'I knew a \expndtw-2 man once who survived an encounter with them. He'd \expndtw-3 robbed a Nadir shrine. Then the dreams began; he was \expndtw-5 being hunted through a dark wood; he had no weapons, \expndtw-6 and the beasts came closer to him on each night.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What did he do?' Maggrig asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He journeyed to a Temple of the Thirty near Mashra-\expndtw-5 pur. They made him pass over the ornament he'd stolen}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 - a goblet, I think it was. Then two of the warrior priests \expndtw-8 sat with him while he slept. He dreamt of the wood again}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 - but this time the priests were with him, all dressed in \expndtw-7 silver armour and carrying swords which blazed brighter \expndtw-4 than lanterns. They fought off the demons and took the \expndtw-1 man's spirit to the Nadir shaman that sent them. They \expndtw-5 agreed to return the goblet and the dreams stopped.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He was a lucky man,' said Maggrig.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Not really. He died soon after in a fight over a tavern \expndtw-9 whore.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer spurred his mount forward and followed \expndtw-8 Chareos and Okas over a small rise.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi192\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Ahead of them was a long valley, and beyond that \expndtw-2 the seemingly arid, windswept landscape of the Nadir \expndtw-13 Steppes.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi0\sb610\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tanaki rose from her bed, stretched and walked to the window, opening the shutters and staring out over the \expndtw-9 empty square.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li24\ri0\fi197\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Movement from behind made her turn and she smiled \expndtw-9 at the newcomer.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex78\f1\lang1033\fs23 178}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5381\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is considered polite to announce yourself, Harokas,' \expndtw-8 she told the hawk-faced assassin.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 He shrugged. 'Not in my line of work,' he said, with \expndtw-6 a broad grin.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I had not expected you for some weeks. Tell me you \expndtw-6 rode day and night to feast your eyes on my beauty.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Would that I could, Princess. But I did bring news that will interest you. There is a group of men riding here, intent on rescuing one of the slave women. It is \expndtw-6 likely your life will be in some danger from them.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'How many?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Six.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 She chuckled. 'You think I should fear six men? I could \expndtw-7 probably tackle that many myself on a good day.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'These men are special, Princess. They are led by \expndtw-5 Chareos the Blademaster. Among them is Beltzer of the \expndtw-6 Axe - also the bowmen of legend, Finn and Maggrig.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The heroes of Bel-azar? What interest can they have \expndtw-8 in a peasant woman?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What, indeed?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'How did you hear of this?' Tanaki asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'They bragged about their mission in a village. The \expndtw-6 whole of the area is alive with the story.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'But there is something you are not telling me,' she \expndtw-6 said, a trace of a smile on her face.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You are quite correct, Princess,' he replied, opening \expndtw-6 his arms to her. She stepped in to him and he kissed her; \expndtw-8 then she pulled away.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Later,' she told him. 'First tell me all.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Oh, no,' he said, sweeping her from her feet and carry\-\expndtw-5 ing her into the square bedroom at the rear of the hall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 They made love for more than an hour; finally he lay \expndtw-7 back on the bolster and closed his eyes.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Now tell me,' she said, raising herself on one elbow \expndtw-8 and looking down at him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri14\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You know that if I was the sort of man to fall in love, \expndtw-9 it would be with you, Princess. You are strong, intelligent, \expndtw-7 courageous and quick-witted. And in bed \expndtw36 ..."}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li48\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex81\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 179}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5380\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li245\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes, yes. I compliment you also. But tell me!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri48\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And you are so single-minded. I admire that.' Her face \expndtw0 darkened. 'All right, all right,' he said, smiling. 'The Earl \expndtw-2 has commissioned me to kill Chareos.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And you would like me to do it for you?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Well, I am getting old and tired.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri48\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I noticed that,' she said, sitting up. 'And now I have work to do.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri38\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why was Tsudai here?' he asked and she turned back \expndtw-2 to him, wondering if the concern in his eyes was genuine. \expndtw-1 Deciding it was not, she merely shrugged and stood.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri43\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'How is it that you hear everything, Harokas? Are you \expndtw-3 a seer?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri43\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No, I am a listener. And when Jungir Khan's general rides across the Steppes I know it is not for exercise.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He came to buy women, that was all.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri38\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Now it is your turn to hold something back. Would you like him dead, Princess?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No!' she said sharply.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'As you wish. But he hates you - you know that?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He says he loves me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Harokas grunted and rolled from the bed. 'He wouldn't know the meaning of the word.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And you do?' she asked, slipping into her tunic.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri29\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Sometimes I think I do. What will you do about \expndtw-5 Chareos?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I will send out riders today.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Send the best, Princess.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The heroes of Bel-azar will be dead by the end of the \expndtw-2 week.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Perhaps,' he said softly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi0\sb614\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\f1\lang1033\fs23 Despite its bleak appearance, the land leading to the Steppes was teeming with life and Kiall found himself fascinated by the wonder of the wild. He had spent his life in the valley and knew of the habits of deer and wild}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li10\ri0\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\expndtw-18\f1\lang1033\fs23 180}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5381\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 sheep, but out here there were creatures of rare beauty and \expndtw-7 their behaviour was sometimes both mystic and comical.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 High above them on the fourteenth day of their journey \expndtw-9 he saw great birds with long, rectangular wings, swooping \expndtw-6 and spiralling in the sky. Recognising them as vultures -\expndtw0 but of a type he had not seen before - he spurred his \expndtw-4 horse to ride alongside Finn, who was some half a mile \expndtw-7 ahead of the group.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn reined in and waited for the young man. 'Is there a problem?' asked the hunter.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No. I was watching the vultures. Does it mean some\-\expndtw-7 thing is dying?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Not death,' answered Finn, smiling. 'Life. They circle \expndtw-6 like that to find a mate. Watch them closely and you will \expndtw-7 see the males gliding around the females. Gradually their \expndtw-8 actions will become like mirror images.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi206\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 The vultures soared and wheeled in breathtaking \expndtw-11 displays.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Such beauty from creatures of ugliness,' whispered \expndtw-12 Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi206\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why ugliness?' countered Finn. 'Because they feed on \expndtw-3 carrion? They clean the land, Kiall. In many ways they \expndtw-5 keep it beautiful.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi206\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why do they mate in winter? Does the cold not \expndtw-7 threaten the eggs?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No,' Finn replied. 'When the female lays, she will sit \expndtw-5 upon the eggs for two months. After they hatch she will \expndtw0 feed the young for a further four months. It is a long \expndtw-4 period for a bird.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi187\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 The questors rode on, crossing streams that rippled \expndtw-11 down from the mountains, swollen now with melted snow. \expndtw0 Finn caught three large trout which they cooked for \expndtw-1 supper on the sixteenth day. He caught them with his \expndtw-9 hands, which impressed Kiall. The hunter shook his head. \expndtw0 'No great skill, Kiall. Even for them it is the mating season,' he said. 'They settle down in grooves on the \expndtw-3 shallow stream-bed to lay their eggs. They remain still}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li29\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex75\f1\lang1033\fs23 181}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5395\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri38\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 and, if a man is quick and certain, he can ripple his fingers \expndtw-7 against their sides and Sick them from the water.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 As the days passed more and more wildlife was seen -\expndtw-3 great crested grebes on shallow lakes; coots; herons in \expndtw-7 their comical mating dances, leaping on stick-like legs to \expndtw-3 attract the females; huge black kites swooping, diving, \expndtw-7 meeting in the air.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Okas withdrew ever more into himself, often riding \expndtw-6 with his eyes closed, lost in thought. Once he almost fell from the saddle, but Beltzer caught him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 On the afternoon of the seventeenth day Okas moved \expndtw-10 his pony alongside Chareos. 'We must find a hiding place,' he said.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why? Are there enemies close?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes, those too. But this will be the night of the \expndtw-9 demons.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos nodded and rode to Finn. The hunter galloped off towards the west, where rearing rock-faces rose from \expndtw-2 the snow-speckled ground. By dusk the questors were \expndtw-7 camped in a deep cave on the side of a hill.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 They ate in silence seated around a small, flickering \expndtw-8 fire. Okas forbade any meat to be eaten and sat with head \expndtw0 bowed, eyes closed. At last his head came up and he \expndtw-10 looked at Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 This is a night of great peril,' he said softly. 'The forces \expndtw-10 that will come against you are strong in their evil, powerful \expndtw-2 in their malice. They have been fed with the deaths of \expndtw-7 many, many people.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tell us of the old man we are to protect,' invited \expndtw-4 Chareos. Sweat shone on his face and he could feel the \expndtw-10 cool breeze of the night on his skin. Watching the swords\-\expndtw-4 man, Kiall felt his fear. Beltzer too remained silent, his \expndtw-8 small round eyes peering intently at Okas.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'His name is Asta Khan and for many years he was \expndtw0 shaman to Tenaka Khan, Lord of the Wolves. When \expndtw-6 Tenaka . . . died \expndtw45 ...\expndtw0  \expndtw-6 he left tribe and travelled - eventu\-\expndtw-4 ally - to Mountains of Moon. Tenaka's son, Jungir, and \expndtw-5 his own shaman, have decided it is time for Asta to die.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex78\f1\lang1033\fs23 182}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5391\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 They have sacrificed forty of Asia's blood kin to feed the spirits and weaken the old man. Tonight the demons will}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li0\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex85\expndtw-3\f9\lang1033\fs26 fly.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why is he such a threat to Jungir?' Finn enquired.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri48\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He knows a secret which Jungir wishes kept silent. \expndtw-5 Jungir Khan murdered his father.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And that is all?' asked Beltzer.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Not all,' admitted Okas, 'but all I know for certain.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Can we defeat these demons?' asked Beltzer. 'Can my \expndtw-8 axe cut them?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We shall be entering their world. In that place, yes, \expndtw-1 they can die. But their powers are very great. You are \expndtw-5 strong, fat Beltzer, but where we travel it is not strength \expndtw-3 of body but strength of heart which is important. It is a \expndtw-6 place of faith and miracles, a place of Spirit.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'How do we go there?' Finn asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You do not go there,' replied Okas. 'Two must remain to protect the fleshly forms of those who fly. You, Finn, \expndtw-5 are best man for this.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall's breathing became shallow and he could feel his \expndtw-8 heart fluttering like a caged moth. But he remained silent.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I will go,' declared Chareos, 'as will Beltzer.' He looked \expndtw0 at Maggrig, then at Kiall. The blond hunter smiled at \expndtw-6 Kiall, reading his terror.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I will come with you,' stated Maggrig.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No,' said Okas. 'You will remain. There are enemies \expndtw-5 who have discovered our trail and they will come in the \expndtw-6 night. Your skills with the bow are needed here.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Then,' said Kiall, his voice shaking, 'I must come?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'There is no \i must, \i0 my friend,' answered Okas with a \expndtw-6 gentle smile. 'This is a task for \i ghosts-yet-to-be. \i0 Perhaps \expndtw-8 we can win with only Beltzer, Chareos and myself.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I \expndtw40 ...\expndtw0  \expndtw-3 I will come,' said Kiall. 'I began this quest and \expndtw-7 I will walk where the dangers lie.' He swallowed hard.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos reached over and patted his shoulder. 'Well \expndtw-5 said, Kiall.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You stick close to me, boy,' Beltzer told Kiall, hefting \expndtw-6 his axe. Til see you safely home.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li53\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex77\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 183}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5386\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is time,' said Okas. 'Finn, when we have departed \expndtw-8 put out fire and watch trails. With good fortune we return \expndtw-5 by dawn.' He rose and led the three companions deeper \expndtw-3 into the cave, where they sat in a circle. Okas began to \expndtw0 chant in a hissing tongue which the others could not \expndtw-6 understand. Listening to the chant, Kiall found his mind \expndtw0 spinning. Stars swam before his eyes and the roar of \expndtw-9 rushing rivers filled his ears. Then a darkness fell, a dark\-\expndtw-3 ness so complete that all sense of being departed from \expndtw-17 him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 He came to awareness with a sudden blaze of light and \expndtw-4 found himself standing, with the others, before a fire in \expndtw-10 another cave. The body of an old man lay there, seemingly \expndtw0 asleep. The man's spirit rose from the still form and \expndtw-9 approached them.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Asta Khan said nothing, but bowed deeply to Okas. \expndtw-4 The Tattooed Man knelt and traced a large circle in the \expndtw-2 dust of the cave floor, then rose and took Asta's hand, \expndtw0 leading him to the centre of the circle. Asta Khan sat \expndtw-4 while Chareos, Beltzer, Kiall and Okas grouped them\-\expndtw-6 selves around him. Black smoke billowed from the cave \expndtw-8 walls, closing in on the questors. Beltzer lifted his axe and \expndtw-3 Chareos and Kiall drew their sabres. A sibilant hissing \expndtw-8 began from within the smoke.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Okas began to chant and was joined by the voice of \expndtw-6 Asta Khan. White light shone in the circle, blazing from \expndtw-7 the blades of the questors.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 The smoke parted and a tall figure in black armour \expndtw-2 came into view. He was wearing a dark, winged helm \expndtw-7 with the visor down, and his arms were folded across his \expndtw-12 chest.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is time to die, Asta Khan,' he declared.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi0\sb446\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn knelt beside the still forms of the departed questors, staring silently at the motionless bodies. Then he took up \expndtw-2 his bow and moved to the cave mouth where Maggrig \expndtw-10 joined him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li10\ri0\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex79\f1\lang1033\fs23 184}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5396\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 For some time the two men sat in silence there, watch\-\expndtw-7 ing the moonlight on the swaying branches of the trees.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Anything?' whispered Maggrig.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn shrugged. 'You take the trail to the left; I'll watch \expndtw-1 over the right. But do not move too far from the cave \expndtw-7 mouth.' Maggrig nodded, and smiled. Notching an arrow \expndtw0 to the string, he moved swiftly out into the open and \expndtw-4 vanished into the undergrowth. Finn waited for several \expndtw-11 minutes with eyes closed, allowing the darkness to concen\-\expndtw-1 trate his hearing. The sounds of the night were many, \expndtw-9 hidden within the whistling of the wind, the sibilant whis\-\expndtw0 pering of the leaves. He opened his eyes and slowly \expndtw-6 scanned the trail. Satisfied at last, he slipped out into the \expndtw-3 moonlight and moved to the right. Hiding places were \expndtw-6 many, but Finn needed somewhere which would supply \expndtw-7 a killing ground. The bow was not a good night weapon. \expndtw-6 Distances were hard to judge under moonlight, added to \expndtw-8 which a good defensive position could prove a death-trap unless there was also a second, safe way out.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 He crouched behind a screen of bushes and tried to \expndtw-4 locate Maggrig. There was no sign of the blond hunter, \expndtw-5 and Finn smiled. At last he was learning something! An \expndtw-4 hour passed . . . then another.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn closed his eyes and pushed his concentration \expndtw-8 through the sounds of the night - flattening them, flowing \expndtw0 with the rhythms of the land, seeking the discordant. There was nothing - and this worried him. Okas was \expndtw-1 rarely wrong, and if he said there were enemies close \expndtw-6 then enemies were close. Finn licked his lips and felt his \expndtw-7 heartbeat quicken. If he could not hear them or see them, there were only two options to consider: either Okas was \expndtw-2 wrong, or the men hunting them were as skilled as the \expndtw-3 defenders. Keeping his actions slow and smooth, Finn \expndtw-9 dropped lower to the ground and glanced back at the cave \expndtw-2 mouth. There was no movement that he could see. He \expndtw-8 stared at the rock-face, allowing his peripheral vision into \expndtw-4 play. Nothing. Just rocks, and grass, and dark scattered \expndtw-12 bushes.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li58\ri0\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex77\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 185}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn2136\margrsxn4699\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li0\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0 \f1\fs20\pvpara\phmrg\posnegx-696\posnegy8544\absw0\absh-1080\nowrap\dfrmtxtx38\dfrmtxty58 {\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f9\lang1033\fs94 L}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Easing himself back, Finn strung his bow and notched an arrow. If the enemy were skilled, then perhaps they had seen him and Maggrig move from the cave. The \expndtw-2 thought of danger to Maggrig almost made him panic, but \expndtw0 he quelled the feeling savagely. If they \i had \i0 seen them, then they would now be moving into place to make the kill. Yet Finn had chosen his route with care and his position was a good one. Boulders protected his right flank, there was killing ground ahead and to the left. \expndtw-1 Behind him was a narrow trail which cut to the right back to the rock-face. Bellying down, he moved on his elbows \expndtw0 until he was screened by the undergrowth. He had now lost the advantage of the killing ground on the left, but \expndtw-3 was protected from immediate attack and knew his enem\-\expndtw-1 ies could no longer see him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi216\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'This is nonsense,' he told himself. 'There is no one there. You are being frightened by shadows.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi197\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Think, man, think! He put himself in the place of the hunters. You have seen the quarry. What now must you \expndtw-10 do?}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 You must make him show himself for a killing shot.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 How?}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi197\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Give him a target. Let him see you. Finn risked a glance \expndtw0 to the killing ground now ahead to the right. Yes, that is where I would order a man to walk. Which would mean that Finn would have to rise in order to aim. He flicked \expndtw-1 his gaze back to the undergrowth behind him. There were \expndtw0 only two possible places for an assassin to wait: by the gnarled beech, behind the thick silver trunk, or behind the rounded boulder leading to the cave mouth. Or per\-haps both? Finn began to sweat.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi197\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 The only sensible course was to retreat. The enemy had \expndtw-3 all the advantages. But to give ground would mean fleeing \expndtw0 to the cave and that would bring him into the open. Even if he made it to the rock-face, he would then be trapped inside. And Maggrig would be stranded. Gently placing his bow on the ground, he raised his hands to his face}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li43\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex81\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 186}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5377\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 with thumbs pressed together and gave out the low hoot \expndtw-7 of a night owl four times.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li202\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 The grunting cough of a badger came from ahead.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Maggrig was still safe. Better still, he knew the danger \expndtw-6 and had spotted one of the enemy.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn dropped below the bushes and edged back, \expndtw-8 making no sound.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 A man carrying a bow moved out into the open ahead \expndtw0 of him. For Finn to make the shot he would have to \expndtw-7 stand. The man angled towards his hiding place and Finn \expndtw-4 took a deep breath and rose, drawing back on his bow\-\expndtw-7 string. Suddenly he swivelled. Another attacker appeared \expndtw-3 from behind the boulder twenty paces to the rear; Finn \expndtw-7 sent an arrow which hammered into the man's skull, then dived to the earth. Two shafts sliced the air where he had \expndtw-8 been standing. Pushing his knees under him Finn sprinted \expndtw-3 from his hiding place, hurdling bushes and boulders to \expndtw0 drop behind a fallen tree. From here he could see the \expndtw-6 body of the man he had killed.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri10\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Now the game was more to his liking. They had hunted \expndtw-6 him with great skill, arrogantly confident of their talents. \expndtw0 Now one was dead and the others would be nervous. \expndtw-4 Dropping to his belly once more he crawled back from the tree and, staying flat, notched a second arrow to his \expndtw-19 bow.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 The hunters had to attack from the front now. Was \expndtw-1 there an edge? They had seen Finn was right-handed; \expndtw-6 therefore they should come from his right. It would give \expndtw-5 them an extra fraction of a second in which to make the kill. He angled his body to the right and waited.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li43\ri0\fi182\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 A warrior carrying a long spear hurdled the fallen tree \expndtw-1 and Finn shot him in the chest. The man staggered. A \expndtw-8 second attacker came from the left . . . discarding his bow \expndtw-1 Finn rolled, came up with his hunting-knife, swerved \expndtw-8 away from the lunging spear and rammed his blade home \expndtw-4 into the man's belly. He held the dying man to him and scanned the undergrowth. He could see no one. With a \expndtw-5 curse he let the body drop and ran to his bow, scooping}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li67\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex79\f1\lang1033\fs23 187}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5409\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri24\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 it into his hand. Just as he straightened he saw a bowman \expndtw-2 rear up. Finn was dead, and he knew it \expndtw35 ...}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 An arrow from Maggrig took the bowman high in the \expndtw-4 shoulder. The man screamed and loosed his own shaft, \expndtw-3 but it flew to the left of Finn who scrambled back into \expndtw-9 the bushes.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 The cave, Finn!' shouted Maggrig, breaking all the \expndtw-2 rules. Finn swung to see three men running across the \expndtw-4 open ground. He sent an arrow after them, but the dis\-\expndtw0 tance was too great and his shot was high and wide. \expndtw-6 Hurling aside his bow, he drew his knife and raced after \expndtw-13 them.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 But they vanished within the cave, and he knew he \expndtw-8 would be too late.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi0\sb614\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Stand firm, or we are all lost,' said Okas. Kiall took a \expndtw-7 deep breath and watched the swirling smoke.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 It vanished to reveal a glittering landscape of stark \expndtw-7 mountains and tall, skeletal trees devoid of leaves. There \expndtw-8 were six scaled creatures, their huge mouths rimmed with \expndtw-10 sharp pointed fangs. They shuffled towards him with arms \expndtw-8 extended and Kiall recoiled in horror. They had no hands \expndtw-9 or paws. Instead bloated faces hung from the ends of their \expndtw-8 arms, sharp teeth gnashing and clicking inside the hollow \expndtw-6 flesh. Each of the demons was more than seven feet tall, \expndtw-8 and their horned skin appeared impervious to Kiall's own \expndtw-9 slender sabre. He glanced to his right, seeking encourage\-ment from Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 But there was no one there.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Alone, Kiall looked to his left. An open-door stood \expndtw-5 there, and through it he could see a green field carpeted \expndtw-9 with spring flowers. Children played there, and the sounds \expndtw-8 of their laughter rippled through the beckoning doorway.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi202\sb10\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 The clicking of teeth made him spin. The demons were \expndtw-4 closer now. He had only to run through the doorway to \expndtw-11 be safe.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li29\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex78\f1\lang1033\fs23 188}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5372\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri38\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Stand firm or we are all lost,' \i0 came the voice of Okas in \expndtw-7 the halls of his memory.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 He thought of Ravenna. If he died here, there would be no one to rescue her. He heard a voice from the doorway.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Quick, Kiall, run! It is safe here!' He risked a glance \expndtw0 and saw his mother, her sweet face smiling, her hand \expndtw-16 waving.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I can't!' he screamed. His sword came up. The door\-\expndtw-6 way vanished . . . the demons closed in.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi0\sb619\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer blinked in surprise. He had no idea where the \expndtw-9 others had gone, only that he stood alone before six armed \expndtw0 men. They wore black armour, and they carried long \expndtw-5 swords. There was nothing demonic about them as they \expndtw-6 waited to attack; their faces were grim, but human.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 The giant found his axe feeling heavy in his hands and \expndtw0 allowed the head to rest against the ground. Looking \expndtw-3 down at his hands, he saw that they were wrinkled and \expndtw0 covered with dark brown liver spots. His arms were \expndtw-5 scrawny and thin, his legs just bone and wasted muscle. \expndtw-7 A cool breeze touched his back and he turned slowly and \expndtw0 peered at the land behind him. It rose sharply into a \expndtw-4 towering mountain. Fresh streams flowed there and the \expndtw-8 sun shone in glory.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Go back to the mountain,' said one of the warriors. \expndtw-8 'We have no wish to slay an old man who cannot raise his \expndtw-7 axe. Go back.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Chareos?' whispered Beltzer. He licked his gums; there \expndtw-6 were no teeth there, and he felt a terrible weariness.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri0\fi206\sb10\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You will be young again on the mountain,' said the \expndtw-5 warrior. 'Then you will be able to face us. Take a single step back and feel the strength in your limbs.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li43\ri0\fi202\sb10\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer moved back a pace. It was true. He felt a quick\-\expndtw-5 ening of his muscles and his eyes cleared a little. All he \expndtw-8 needed to do was move back on to the mountain and then \expndtw-7 he would find the strength to face these warriors.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li91\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex79\f1\lang1033\fs23 189}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5409\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Stand firm or we are all lost,' \i0 came the voice of Okas in \expndtw-9 the halls of his memory.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 It needed all of Beltzer's strength to lift the axe. He \expndtw-6 looked at the grim warriors. 'Come on, then,' he said. Til move no further.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Fool!' hissed the leading warrior. 'Do you think to \expndtw-4 stand against us? We could kill you in an instant. Why \expndtw-7 not be strong again, and at least give us a good fight?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Will you talk all day?' roared Beltzer. 'A good fight? \expndtw-7 Come on, my boys, earn your pay.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 The warriors bunched together - and charged. Beltzer \expndtw-1 roared his defiance. His axe was suddenly light in his \expndtw-3 hands and he countered their charge with his own. His \expndtw-9 limbs were powerful once more, and his axe smashed and \expndtw0 sliced into their ranks. Their swords cut him, but no \expndtw-9 deep thrust slowed him. Within seconds the warriors were \expndtw-4 dead, their bodies vanished. Beltzer looked back to the \expndtw-11 mountain. It was gone and in its place was a deep, yawning \expndtw-2 pit that vanished into the depths of the earth. He stood \expndtw-6 with his back to it.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 And waited for more foes.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi0\sb446\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos stood once more on the shadowed walls of Bel-\expndtw-3 azar, moonlight streaming on the mountain slopes and \expndtw-5 glistening on the grass of the valley. The dwellers in the \expndtw-1 dark were moving up the stairwell - and there was no \expndtw-6 Tenaka Khan to help him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'This way,' came a soft, female voice and he turned to see a second stairway which led down into the valley. A \expndtw-8 woman stepped into the moonlight; her beauty made him \expndtw-17 gasp.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Tura? Sweet Heaven, Tura?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is I, my love. I cannot bear to see you die. Come \expndtw-6 with me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I cannot. I must help my friends.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What friends, Chareos? You are alone; they have left \expndtw-9 you. Come with me. I love you, I always loved you. I was}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li48\ri0\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex78\f1\lang1033\fs23 190}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5386\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 such a fool, Chareos, but it can be right again. It can be \expndtw-7 beautiful again.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 He groaned and his soul yearned for her.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 A huge taloned hand smashed the stairwell door to \expndtw-11 shards.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Come quickly!' yelled the woman.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No!' shouted Chareos. He leapt forward and lanced his \expndtw0 sword into the beast's gaping mouth, up through the \expndtw-6 cartilage beyond and into the brain.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Help me!' Chareos turned and saw a second creature \expndtw-6 had come from the staircase behind her and was hauling her back into the darkness.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Stand firm or we are all lost,' \i0 came the voice of Okas in \expndtw-8 the halls of his memory.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 He screamed in his anguish, but remained where he \expndtw-5 was. Two more creatures lunged at him; he sidestepped \expndtw-4 and killed the first with a thrust to the heart, the second \expndtw-6 with a slashing sweep that cut through its neck.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 The sound of laughter came to him and he saw the woman locked in an embrace with the monster at the \expndtw-4 stairwell. Her face turned to Chareos - it was white as a \expndtw-5 shroud, the eyes staring, the pupils slitted like those of a \expndtw0 cat. Slowly she lifted her leg, stroking it against the \expndtw-7 demon's thigh.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You never were much of a man,' she said. 'Why do \expndtw-8 you think I needed so many lovers?"}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 He swung away from her, but her words continued to \expndtw0 taunt him. 'I slept with them all, Chareos. With Finn, \expndtw-8 with Beltzer. With all of your friends. I told them all what you were like. I told them how you cried on the first night \expndtw-4 we made love . . . they laughed at that.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li245\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Leave me alone!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Another beast came through the doorway but Chareos \expndtw-9 ducked under the sweep of its talons and slashed his sabre \expndtw-5 through its belly. It fell back into the darkness.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li48\ri5\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Her voice came closer, but the words were softer now. \expndtw-2 'I said that to hurt you,' she whispered. 'I am sorry . . . \expndtw-8 I am so sorry.' Closer she came and Chareos moved back}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li58\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex74\f1\lang1033\fs23 191}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5377\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri38\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 a step. Through all that I did,' she continued, 'all the \expndtw-6 terrible wrongs I did you, you never hurt me. You could \expndtw-5 never hurt me.' Her arm-flashed up. Chareos' sabre sla\-\expndtw-8 shed through her throat and the head flopped to the floor, \expndtw0 the body toppling beside it. The small, curved knife \expndtw-8 dropped from her fingers.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li0\ri0\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No,' said Chareos, 'I could never hurt Tura. But you \expndtw-5 were not Tura.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi0\sb442\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall hacked and slashed at the monsters around him. \expndtw-5 The fang-lined paws ripped at his skin and pain flooded \expndtw-7 him, yet still his sword lanced out to force them back. He \expndtw-3 slipped and fell and the demons loomed over him. Just \expndtw-1 then a warrior in black, armed with two short swords, \expndtw-7 leapt to stand over him, driving the monsters away. Kiall \expndtw-6 struggled to his feet and watched the warrior. The man's \expndtw-8 skill was breathtaking; he spun and whirled like a dancer, yet at each move his glittering blades flickered out against \expndtw-3 the demons. The last beast died and the man walked to \expndtw-9 Kiall and smiled.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri34\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You fought well,' said the man. Kiall looked into the \expndtw-7 slanted violet eyes and the hard cruel face.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Who are you?' he asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I am a friend to Asta Khan.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri29\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Darkness loomed before Kiall's eyes and he \expndtw-2 blinked . . .}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 He was back before the fire in the cave. Okas and Asta \expndtw-8 were sitting together, Beltzer and Chareos standing guard over them.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Will they come again?' enquired Beltzer.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I do not know,' answered Okas wearily.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'They will not,' said Asta Khan, his dark eyes glittering. \expndtw0 'Now it is time for my enemies to see \i my \i0 power.' He \expndtw-6 closed his eyes . . . and vanished.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li19\ri0\fi0\sb408\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Three hundred miles away Shotza screamed. The first of}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li19\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex77\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 192}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5410\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 twelve acolytes, deep in a trance, fell back with his chest \expndtw-8 ripped open, his heart exploding. Shotza tried to run from \expndtw-1 the room, but all the doors were barred by a mist that \expndtw-5 formed like steel. One by one his acolytes died silently, \expndtw-7 until only the shaman was left.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 A figure formed in the mist and Shotza backed away. 'Spare me, mighty Asia,' he begged. 'I was acting under \expndtw-1 orders from the Khan. Only spare me, and I will help \expndtw-6 you to destroy him.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I do not need your help for that,' said Asta, floating \expndtw-1 close to the trembling shaman. Asia's spirit hand shot \expndtw-7 out, the fingers extending into long talons which slid into \expndtw-8 Shotza's chest. A terrible pain clamped the shaman's heart \expndtw-7 and he tried to cry out - but died before the scream could \expndtw-13 sound.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li72\ri0\fi0\sb5323\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 193}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5396\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li1200\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-11\f1\lang1033\fs35 CHAPTER \b0 NINE}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi0\sb485\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer awoke first. His body was stiff and'he stretched. \expndtw-1 At that moment he saw the attackers running into the \expndtw-3 cave. He rolled to his knees and came up with his axe. \expndtw-8 The fire was dead, the light poor. Beltzer bellowed a war-\expndtw-2 cry and charged. Two of the men ran at him, the third \expndtw-5 ducking and sprinting past the axeman. Beltzer ignored \expndtw0 the runner and hammered his axe into the first of the \expndtw-6 attackers. A sword plunged through his jerkin, narrowly \expndtw-8 missing the flesh on his hip. Dragging his axe clear of the \expndtw-9 falling warrior, he backhanded a cut into the second man's \expndtw-1 ribs, the blade cleaving through to the lungs. Then he \expndtw0 spun, ready for an attack from the rear. But the third \expndtw-8 man was dead, killed by Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn raced into the cave, his knife raised. He stopped \expndtw-2 as he saw Beltzer and Chareos standing over the three \expndtw-13 bodies.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Some watchman you turned out to be,' said Beltzer.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi192\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn slammed the knife back into the sheath by his side. 'We killed three and wounded a fourth,' he said, \expndtw-4 'but they doubled back on us.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri10\fi211\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'How many more are there?' asked Chareos, wiping the blood from his blade.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I don't know,' answered Finn.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Find out,' Chareos told him. Finn nodded, turned on \expndtw-7 his heel and ran from the cave.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri14\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer sat down and chuckled. 'A night to remember, \expndtw-9 eh, Blademaster?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes,' agreed Chareos absently, turning to where Kiall \expndtw-7 and Okas still slept. Kneeling, he shook Kiall's shoulder.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 The young man opened his eyes and flinched. 'Oh,' he \expndtw-8 whispered. 'Are we safe?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li48\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex79\f1\lang1033\fs23 194}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5376\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri38\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We are back at the cave,' replied Chareos. 'How safe \expndtw-6 we are remains to be seen. You did well back there.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'How do you know?' Kiall asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You are alive,' said Chareos simply.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri38\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Shouldn't we be out there helping Maggrig and Finn?' \expndtw-8 queried Beltzer.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No. The game being played is theirs. We would be a \expndtw-6 hindrance.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos took his tinder-box from his pack, cleared the ash from the fire and started a new blaze. The three men \expndtw-8 settled around it, enjoying the warmth. A scream sounded \expndtw-7 from beyond the cave and Kiall jumped.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'That could be Finn or Maggrig,' he said.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Could be,' agreed Beltzer. 'What about some food?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'A good idea,' pronounced Chareos and he turned to \expndtw-7 Kiall. 'Prepare some oats. My stomach is starting to think \expndtw-4 my throat has been cut.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What about Finn?' demanded Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He can eat when he gets here,' replied Beltzer, \expndtw-10 grinning.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall moved back to the packs and took a hide sack of \expndtw-5 oats. He glanced at Okas. 'He's still sleeping,' he said.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I doubt that,' said Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 The three questors sat in silence as the oats bubbled \expndtw0 and thickened in a copper pot hung over the fire. The \expndtw-3 thin grey light of pre-dawn brightened the sky as Kiall \expndtw-7 ladled the food into two wooden platters.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Not eating?' asked Beltzer as Kiall sat back.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No, I lost my appetite,' answered the younger man, \expndtw-4 flicking his gaze to the bloodied corpses. 'How can you \expndtw-5 think of food with a stench like that in the air?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri19\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer shrugged. 'It's only meat, boy, and bowels and guts.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri14\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn entered the cave moments later and sat down, \expndtw-7 his eyes red-rimmed and weary. Maggrig followed a few minutes after. Both men ate in silence.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Well?' asked Chareos, as the meal was finished.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'There were four more of them.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex78\f1\lang1033\fs23 195}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5400\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Did you get them all?' enquired Beltzer.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri53\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes, but it was close. They were skilled, very skilled. \expndtw-9 What do we do now?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We wait for Okas,' answered Chareos. 'You should get \expndtw-6 some sleep.' Finn nodded and moved to the /ar corner of \expndtw-9 the cave, wrapping his lean frame in a blanket and settling \expndtw-8 down with his head on his saddle.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'They almost took us,' said Maggrig. 'At least one of \expndtw-4 them had a better position. His shot missed Finn's head \expndtw-7 by a finger's width.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Did you find their horses?' Chareos asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes. We stripped the saddles and turned them loose. \expndtw-7 Finn thinks they were outriders for a larger force - prob\-ably the same group that took Ravenna.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Then they were hunting us,' said Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri34\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Of course they were hunting us,' snapped Beltzer. \expndtw-5 That's why there are bodies everywhere.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I think Chareos means us specifically,' put in Maggrig. \expndtw-4 'They weren't just trying to rob a small travelling party; \expndtw-8 they were looking for us.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'How did you reach that conclusion?' Beltzer asked \expndtw-14 Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Tell him, Maggrig,' said Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'First their skill. They were extra careful, which \expndtw-2 suggests to Finn and me that they knew our strengths. \expndtw-5 Second, they were prepared to take losses and still keep \expndtw-10 coming. If we were just a travelling party they would have \expndtw-6 no way of knowing how much we were carrying - and a \expndtw-7 few supplies and horses are not worth dying for.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'So,' said Beltzer, 'the word is out already.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It would appear so,' Chareos agreed.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi0\sb442\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is most curious,' said Chien-tsu. The Nadir shaman \expndtw-5 no longer watches over us.' Sukai reined in his grey and \expndtw-9 gazed down at the camp-site below.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li29\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Perhaps it is because they intend to attack tonight, \expndtw-4 lord,' said the soldier, dismounting. Chien-tsu lifted his}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li43\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex79\f1\lang1033\fs23 196}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5385\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 left leg over the pommel of his saddle and jumped to the \expndtw-10 ground.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No. They will anack tomorrow at dusk - at least that \expndtw-2 is the plan the man, Kubai, spoke of when he rode out \expndtw-9 to meet the killers last night.' Chien would long remember \expndtw-4 the ugly sound of Kubai's laughter as he spoke with the \expndtw-1 two Nadir outriders about the massacre of the 'yellow \expndtw-7 men'. His spirit had floated just above the trio and he had heard himself dismissed as an 'effeminate fool', a 'painted doll' man.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is galling,' said Sukai.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Galling? I am sorry, my mind was wandering.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'To be forced to meet one's death at the hands of such \expndtw-7 barbarians.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Ah yes, indeed so,' Chien agreed.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It would have been pleasant to have had a secondary \expndtw-1 option.' Below them the twenty soldiers had prepared \expndtw-6 three camp-fires. From his position on the hill-top Chien \expndtw-3 could see the scout, Kubai, sitting apart from the men. \expndtw-7 Chien unbuttoned the brocaded red silk coat and \expndtw-8 scratched at his armpit. 'I shall not be sorry to say farewell \expndtw-4 to this garment,' he said. 'It is beginning to stink.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It was part of your plan, lord,' said Sukai, smiling \expndtw-12 broadly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Indeed it was, but it is dreadfully uncomfortable. Who \expndtw-8 will wear it tomorrow?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Nagasi, lord. He is your height and build.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I must apologise to him; it is one thing to die in service \expndtw-2 to your lord - but quite another to be forced to die in a \expndtw-5 dirty coat.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is an honour for him, lord.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Of course it is, but good manners should be para\-\expndtw-6 mount. I will see him this evening. Would it be too great a privilege if we asked him to dine with us?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I fear that it would, lord.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I think you are correct, Sukai. You and I will dine \expndtw-5 together - though "dine", I fear, is too fine a description}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li62\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex81\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 197}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5386\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri43\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 for a meal of broiled hare. However I have some good \expndtw-9 wine, which we will finish.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri58\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien stepped into the saddle and waited for Sukai. \expndtw-8 The officer mounted his gelding and cursed softly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What concerns you, my friend?' asked Chien.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri43\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The man, Kubai. I would dearly like to separate his \expndtw-6 head from his neck.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri34\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'A thought I can appreciate - and share. However, it is \expndtw-7 vital that the soldiers of Kiatze commit no crime while in \expndtw-6 Nadir lands. All we can do is react.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri34\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'As you wish, lord,' muttered Sukai, touching spurs to \expndtw0 his mount and guiding the beast down the hill to the \expndtw-17 camp.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi0\sb442\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 At noon the following day the Nadir scout, Kubai, \expndtw-7 announcing that he was riding off to hunt, galloped away to the south-west. Sukai watched him go, then turned his horse and halted the column.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien-tsu rode alongside him. 'We have four, perhaps \expndtw-3 five, hours,' said Chien. 'It is time to begin.' Sukai sig\-\expndtw-4 nalled the twenty guards to dismount and they tethered \expndtw-7 their horses and stood to attention. Chien walked the line \expndtw-1 in silence, stopping only to admonish a soldier whose \expndtw-2 bronze and silver hilt-guard showed a trace of tarnish. \expndtw-7 The man reddened.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You all know,' said Chien, standing at the centre of \expndtw-4 the line, 'that treachery awaits us. The Nadir will attack \expndtw-5 at dusk. It is imperative that they believe they have sur\-\expndtw-7 prised us, therefore you will be sitting around fires when \expndtw-8 they come. You may leave your horses saddled. Once the \expndtw-2 attack begins you may fight as your hearts desire. The \expndtw-8 Nadir greed and lust for battle shows us that one day they \expndtw-5 will march on the kingdom of Kiatze itself. With this in \expndtw-2 mind, it is vital that you account for yourselves well. I \expndtw-7 would not expect any man to die until he has despatched \expndtw-4 at least four of the enemy. There will be no retreat; you \expndtw0 will die here.' Chien turned away, then swung round}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex78\f1\lang1033\fs23 198}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5390\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 again. 'It would not normally be necessary to add to what \expndtw-4 I have said, but we are standing under an alien sky and \expndtw0 far from home. So let me say this: You are the best \expndtw-10 warriors, the finest of men. If it were otherwise, you would \expndtw-7 not now be with me. I shall watch the battle from the hill \expndtw-8 yonder; then I will ascertain whether Mai-syn lives. After \expndtw-2 that, I will find Jungir Khan and cut the head from his \expndtw-5 shoulders. That is all.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi197\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien removed his brocaded coat of red silk and called \expndtw-9 Nagasi to him. The warrior shrugged out of his breastplate \expndtw-6 and pulled on the garment, then bowed to Chien.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I will see that Oshi arranges your hair in a more regal fashion,' Chien told Nagasi, then walked away to where \expndtw-6 Sukai stood close to the wagon. The warrior was staring up at the storm-threatened sky.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'How many will they send against us, lord?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I do not know. Why does it concern you?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'If it is less than one hundred we might win, and that \expndtw-7 would not be in keeping with the plan you have so care\-fully considered.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'That is true,' said Chien gravely, 'but I would imagine \expndtw-7 - following your exhibition at the banquet - that they will \expndtw-3 want to be certain of the outcome. One hundred would \expndtw-6 be the barest minimum Jungir Khan would send.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And what if we win?' Sukai asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri24\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Then you win - and we will think again,' said Chien. \expndtw-6 'Now would you be so kind as to cut my hair?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 The men will see you,' protested Sukai. 'It is not \expndtw-6 fitting.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi187\sb5\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien shrugged. 'It is important that I pass for a Nadir \expndtw-10 nomad. A gentleman of the Kiatze has no hope of survival \expndtw-5 in this barbarous land. Come now, Sukai,' and he sat on \expndtw-4 the ground. Sukai took a long pair of brass scissors and \expndtw-5 began to cut away at the heavily lacquered hair, leaving \expndtw-6 only a top-knot on the crown. Chien stood and removed his shirt and trousers of blue silk, and his high boots. He \expndtw-5 lifted the canvas from the back of the wagon and pulled}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li58\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex81\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 199}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn2424\margrsxn4417\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 out a Nadir jerkin of goatskin, leather breeches and an \expndtw-8 ugly pair of high riding moccasins.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'This has been cleaned, I take it?' he asked, holding \expndtw-6 the goatskin at arm's length.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Sukai smiled. 'Three times, lord. Not a louse nor a \expndtw-8 single flea remains alive in it.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It stinks of woodsmoke,' muttered Chien, shrugging \expndtw-5 his arms into the garment. He clambered into the pair of \expndtw-3 ill-fitting breeches and tied the rawhide belt. Lastly he \expndtw-9 tugged on the moccasins.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'How do I look?' he enquired.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Please do not ask,' said Sukai.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 The warrior summoned Oshi, who brought two horses \expndtw-10 which were unsaddled and re-equipped with Nadir saddles \expndtw-2 of rough cut leather. There were no stirrups. 'Bury the \expndtw-6 other saddles,' instructed Chien.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 The warrior nodded. 'Also,' Chien added, 'it would be \expndtw-7 better if Nagasi died having suffered facial injuries.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I have already explained that to him,' said Sukai.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Then it is time for farewells, my friend.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Indeed. May your paths be straight, and your days \expndtw-7 long.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien bowed. 'Look down on me from Heaven, Sukai.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 The warlord took hold of his horse's mane and vaulted \expndtw-3 into the saddle. Oshi scrambled to the back of his own \expndtw-7 mare and the two riders galloped from the camp-site.}\par \sect\sectd \sbknone\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn2443\margrsxn4417\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li0\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0 \f1\fs20\pvpara\phmrg\posnegx-1003\posnegy2894\absw0\absh-922\nowrap\dfrmtxtx38\dfrmtxty58 {\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f9\lang1033\fs80 I}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi0\sb451\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien and Oshi rode high into the hills, hiding the horses in a thick stand of poplar. Then they sat in silence for an hour, Chien praying, Oshi - looking ludicrous in the clothes of a Nadir warrior - wrestling with the problem of how to look after his lord in the midst of this barren, \expndtw-1 uncivilised land.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 His prayers concluded, Chien rose and moved to a rocky \expndtw0 outcrop overlooking the valley below. As ordered Sukai had cook-fires burning, the men relaxing around them. Chien allowed anger to wash over his emotions. It was}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li10\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\expndtw-13\f1\lang1033\fs23 200}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5386\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 intolerable that a warrior like Sukai should be sacrificed in such a manner; there was no honour here, in this land \expndtw-6 of treachery and barbarism. With good fortune his secret \expndtw0 messages to the Emperor, carried by his most trusted concubine, would mean no further gifts to the Khan. \expndtw-5 Perhaps also the news would encourage the Emperor to \expndtw-6 build up his army.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Oshi crept alongside Chien. 'Should we not put distance \expndtw-2 between ourselves and the action, lord?' asked the old \expndtw-11 servant.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien shook his head. 'It would be most unbecoming to allow them to die unobserved. If there is a small risk \expndtw-2 to us, then so be it.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 The sun began its slow descent and Chien saw the dust-\expndtw-5 cloud to the south-west. His heartbeat quickened and he \expndtw-3 fought for calm. He wanted to see, with a cool eye, the \expndtw-1 last moments of Sukai's life. It was his hope - albeit a \expndtw-3 faint one - that one day he could write a poem about it, \expndtw-6 and deliver it in person to Sukai's widow.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 As the Nadir force topped the hills around the camp\-\expndtw-1 site, Chien's trained eye swept over them. There were \expndtw-6 almost three hundred men in the attacking group and his \expndtw-4 pride swelled. Here, at last, was a compliment from the \expndtw-2 barbarians: three hundred against twenty. Chien could \expndtw-5 almost feel Sukai's joy, watching as the twenty men ran \expndtw-4 to their horses. Sukai took up his position in the centre, \expndtw-8 drawing both his swords. Nagasi, in Chien's red coat, was \expndtw-9 beside him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Screaming their battle cries the Nadir charged. Sukai, \expndtw0 forming the point of a wedge, kicked his horse into a gallop to meet them. Dust swirled under the horses' \expndtw-6 hooves. Chien made to stand, but Oshi tugged nervously \expndtw-8 at his jerkin and reluctantly Chien sat. He could see Sukai \expndtw-6 cutting and cleaving a path through the Nadir ranks, and \expndtw-2 could just make out the features of the traitor Kubai at \expndtw-8 the rear. Sukai almost reached him, but a spear was thrust \expndtw0 through his throat; he killed the wielder, plunged his \expndtw-2 second blade into the body of a Nadir warrior and fell}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex81\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 201}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5395\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 from the saddle. The battle was brief, but Chien waited \expndtw-3 until he could count the Nadir fallen. Almost ninety of \expndtw-7 the enemy had been killed or wounded.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kubai rode through the Nadir ranks and dismounted \expndtw-1 alongside Sukai's body, which he kicked three times. \expndtw-5 Then he hacked the head from the neck and raised it by \expndtw-9 the hair, swinging round and finally hurling it away to roll \expndtw-5 in the dust.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien backed away to the horses, Oshi following.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 They fought well, lord,' said Oshi.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien nodded and vaulted to the saddle. The Khan \expndtw-8 will pay dearly for Sukai's death. I swear this on the souls \expndtw-7 of my ancestors.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Turning his horse to the south-east, Chien led the way \expndtw-2 towards the distant mountains. His sword on his back, \expndtw-4 his hunting bow in his hand, he flicked the reins and let \expndtw-5 the stallion run. The wind was cold on his shaved head, \expndtw-6 but his blood was hot with the memory of the battle.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 The distant mountains rose jagged against the sky, awe\-\expndtw-7 some in their size, clouds swirling about their peaks.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Will we cross them, lord?' asked Oshi fearfully.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 There is a narrow pass that does not offer perils to the \expndtw-6 traveller. We will go there.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Do they have a name, these mountains? Do spirits \expndtw-8 wander there?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 They are the Mountains of the Moon . . . and spirits \expndtw-7 wander everywhere, Oshi. Do not concern yourself.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I am concerned only for you, lord. Where will I find \expndtw-8 food to prepare for you? Where will you bathe? How can \expndtw-7 I clean your clothes?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien smiled and hauled back on the reins, allowing \expndtw-2 the stallion to walk. He turned to Oshi. 'I did not bring \expndtw-3 you with me so that you could serve me. I brought you \expndtw-10 because you are an old man and a friend, Oshi. You served \expndtw-8 my father with diligence and loyalty, and me with loyalty \expndtw-1 and affection. I still remember sitting upon your knee \expndtw-2 and listening to fanciful tales of dragons and heroes. I \expndtw-7 remember you letting me drink \i seichi, \i0 and eat rice-cakes}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex82\f1\lang1033\fs23 202}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5391\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 by your fireside. It was you, Oshi, who cured me of my \expndtw-1 childhood fears: my nightmares. Do not call me lord any \expndtw-3 longer. Call me Chien, as you used to when I was a child.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You have decided to die then, lord?' whispered Oshi, \expndtw-2 blinking back tears.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I do not think that even I can hope to take on the Nadir nation and survive, Oshi. I am pledged to kill Jungir Khan. If necessary I will walk into his palace and \expndtw-2 do it before all of his generals. Do you believe I can walk away from such a deed?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You could kill him with an arrow,' ventured Oshi.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Indeed. But then he would not know for what crime \expndtw-1 he is slain. No, it will be with a sword. But first we must ascertain the fate of Mai-syn. Once that is accomplished, \expndtw0 we will find a ship for you to return home.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I could not leave you, lord . . . Chien. What would I do? What would you do without me? We will kill the Khan together.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Someone must take the news back to the Emperor. I will also give you letters to my wives. You will execute \expndtw-1 my will.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You have it all planned then?' asked Oshi softly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'As much as can be considered at this time. It is all subject to change. Now let us ride, and seek a good \expndtw-2 camping-site.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 They made camp in a old, dry river-bed, lighting a fire \expndtw0 against the vertical bank and eating a light meal of dried fruit. Chien was in no mood for conversation. Unrolling \expndtw-1 the blanket from behind his saddle, he wrapped it around his shoulders and settled down.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No, lord, here,' said Oshi. 'I have pushed aside the pebbles and there is soft sand beneath. I have bunched \expndtw-2 some for a pillow. You will be more comfortable.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien moved to the place Oshi had prepared; it was indeed softer, and away from the cold wind. He settled down to sleep. He dreamt of home in the ivory-white \expndtw-1 palace, with its terraced gardens and landscaped streams \expndtw-4 and waterfalls. It was a place of tranquillity. But he awoke}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li38\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\expndtw-16\f1\lang1033\fs23 203}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5410\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 sharply when he heard the sound of boots on the pebbles \expndtw0 of the river-bed. Rolling from his blanket, he rose. The moon was high, full and bright. Kubai stood staring at \expndtw-2 him with a wide smile on his face, beside him four Nadir warriors. Oshi awoke and huddled against the rocks.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Did you think I could not count?' asked Kubai. 'I \expndtw-3 searched for you among the bodies. You know why?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Pray tell me,' said Chien, folding his hands across his \expndtw-7 chest.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Because of him,' he replied, pointing at Oshi. 'His \expndtw-2 body was nowhere. So I examined the corpse we took to \expndtw0 be yours. There was a gash on the face, but not enough \expndtw-2 to fool me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Your intelligence staggers me,' said Chien. 'You are quite correct. I took you for an evil-smelling, stupid, \expndtw-1 treacherous barbarian. I was wrong; you are not stupid.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kubai laughed. 'You cannot make me angry, yellow man. You know why? Because tonight I will hear you scream. I will take your skin an inch at a time.' Kubai drew his sword and advanced but Chien stood waiting, \expndtw-3 arms still folded. 'Are you not even going to fight, yellow \expndtw-18 man?"}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien's arm flicked out and Kubai stopped in his tracks, \expndtw0 the ebony handle of the throwing-knife jutting out from his throat. Chien leapt and his foot cracked against \expndtw-1 Kubai's head, cartwheeling him from his feet. The other Nadir rushed in. Ducking under a sweeping blade Chien stabbed his hand, fingers extended, to the man's midriff. \expndtw-3 The warrior doubled over, all breath gone from his lungs. \expndtw0 Sidestepping a thrust, Chien hammered the edge of his \expndtw-2 palm into a second warrior's throat. Hurling himself for\-\expndtw0 ward, he rolled to his shoulder on the pebbles and came to his feet in one smooth motion. The remaining two Nadir came at him more carefully. Chien's hand snaked \expndtw-4 out and one of them crumpled to the ground with a dagger \expndtw-1 through his eye. The last warrior backed away, but Oshi \expndtw-3 reared up behind him, plunging a thin dagger through his \expndtw-5 heart.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri5\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex83\f1\lang1033\fs23 204}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5390\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You must not take risks,' Chien told him. 'You are too \expndtw-5 old.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I am sorry, lord.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kubai had pulled the blade from his throat and was \expndtw-8 kneeling on the stream-bed, blood gushing to his goatskin \expndtw-6 jerkin. Chien knelt before him and gathered his blade.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'In case it is of any interest,' he said, 'your lungs are \expndtw-7 filling with blood. It is said that a man can experience the \expndtw-6 most delightful visions at such a time. You, on the other hand, deserve no such joy.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien slammed the blade into Kubai's heart and pushed \expndtw-6 the body on to its back.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I was having the most wonderful dream,' said Chien. \expndtw-4 'I was in the gardens at home, and - you recall the plant \expndtw-5 we tried to train by the dry stone wall at the south gate?' \expndtw-9 Oshi nodded. 'Well, it was in bloom, and the flowers were \expndtw-6 quite the most exquisite shades of purple. And there was a fragrance I recall that put my roses to shame. I wonder \expndtw-5 if that purple plant ever took root?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I would imagine so, lord. You have a fine touch with \expndtw-10 flowers.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It pleases me to think so.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 A groan came from the Nadir Chien had winded and \expndtw0 the Kiatze warrior stood and hammered a kick to the \expndtw-6 man's temple. His neck cracked and Oshi winced.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What was I saying? Oh yes, flowers. This land could do \expndtw-9 with more flowers. Perhaps then the Nadir would become \expndtw-2 interested more in poetry than war. Saddle the horses, \expndtw-7 Oshi. This ugly place is making me melancholy.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi0\sb442\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\f1\lang1033\fs23 For three weeks the questors travelled only by night, \expndtw-1 hiding by day in woods or jagged hollows which stretched \expndtw0 across the land. The journey in darkness was taken with \expndtw-1 great care, as the land descended in giant steps from rocky \expndtw0 plateau to rocky plateau. The trails were scree-covered and treacherous, and the questors were often forced to dismount and lead their horses.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li38\ri0\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\expndtw-13\f1\lang1033\fs23 205}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5390\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri34\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 Four times Okas warned them of hunters, and twice \expndtw-3 the hidden questors saw bands of Nadren riders searching \expndtw-2 for sign. But Finn had obscured their trail and the hunters \expndtw-5 passed on.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri29\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 Water was scarce on the Steppes and they were com\-pelled to take wide detours to seek rock pools in the \expndtw-3 plateaux. Most of these were guarded and many times the \expndtw-1 questors were forced to move on, their throats dry. What \expndtw0 little water they carried was used to rinse the dust from \expndtw-1 the nostrils and mouths of their mounts.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Our enemies have all the advantages,' said Finn, as they made their third dry camp in as many days. 'They know we cannot travel without water, and they have stopped trying to track us. Now they guard all the wells \expndtw-2 and pools.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Not all,' said Okas. 'There is rock tank an hour's ride from here. The water is shallow, but good to drink.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why is it not guarded?' Chareos asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is, but not by men.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'If there are more demons,' croaked Beltzer, Td just \expndtw-1 as soon suck grass for another day.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Not demons,' said Okas. 'Lions. But do not fear; I \expndtw-2 have a way with beasts.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 With a half moon to guide them the questors set off across the plateau, their horses' hooves muffled by cloth \expndtw-2 shoes. The trail wound down at first, then cut to the right, \expndtw0 rising steeply. The horses grew increasingly nervous as \expndtw-3 the smell of lion droppings filled the air. Okas led the way \expndtw-2 on foot and the trail opened to a wide bowl-shaped arena. \expndtw-4 They saw eight lions by the pool - one male, three females \expndtw0 and four cubs. The females rose first, baring their fangs. \expndtw-3 Okas began to chant softly; he walked slowly towards the \expndtw0 beasts and sat some ten paces from them. The sound of his rhythmic song echoed in the rocks and a lioness \expndtw-1 padded towards him, circling him, her tail thrashing. She \expndtw0 pushed her face against Okas' shoulder and head, then \expndtw-1 settled down beside him. The other lions ignored the old \expndtw-8 man.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri10\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\expndtw-18\f1\lang1033\fs23 206}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5381\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Okas' voice sounded inside Chareos' mind: \i 'Lead the \expndtw-10 horses to the pool. Let them drink their fill. You do likewise and fill the water-sacks. Then withdraw. Let no one speak.' \i0\expndtw-5 Chareos turned to the others and lifted his fingers to his \expndtw-6 lips. Finn nodded, and silently they made for the water.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi192\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 The song of Okas continued as the questors led the \expndtw-4 frightened horses to.the pool. The need for water over\-\expndtw-3 came their fear and they dipped their heads and drank. Chareos dropped to his belly and filled his mouth with \expndtw0 the cool liquid. For some moments he held the water there, then he allowed it to trickle into his dry throat. \expndtw-4 Finally he drank until he felt he could contain no more. \expndtw-8 Only then did he fill the water-sacks. The others followed \expndtw-10 suit.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri29\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall ducked his head under the surface of the pool. \expndtw-5 'That was good,' he said as he sat up.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 The lion roared. The horses reared and Beltzer almost \expndtw-1 lost grip of the reins. The lion rose and padded across \expndtw-8 towards Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri34\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Make no movel' \i0 came the voice of Okas in Kiall's mind. \i\expndtw-8 'Sit still. Absolutely still.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi197\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 The lion prowled around Kiall, baring its yellow fangs. \expndtw0 The song of Okas came louder now, hypnotic in its \expndtw-3 rhythm. The lion's face loomed before Kiall's eyes, the \expndtw-5 fangs brushed his skin and he could smell the creature's fetid breath. Then the lion padded back to the pride and \expndtw-8 settled down. Kiall rose unsteadily. Chareos had gathered \expndtw-9 the reins of Kiall's mount and passed them to him silently; \expndtw-5 slowly the group retreated from the pool, down the long \expndtw-6 slope and out on to the plateau.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri10\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Okas joined them and the party rode on for an hour, \expndtw-8 camping just before daybreak in a shallow lava ditch.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri5\fi206\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn clapped Kiall's shoulder. 'Not many men have \expndtw-2 been kissed by a lion,' he said. 'It will be something to \expndtw-5 tell your children.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li245\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I thought he was going to tear my head off,' said Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li245\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I thought of doing the same,' snapped Chareos. 'Did}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li38\ri0\fi0\sb206\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex88\f9\lang1033\fs20 207}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5381\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri38\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 you not see the sign for silence? Did you take lessons in \expndtw-1 stupidity, or does it come naturally?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri38\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Leave him be, Blademaster,' said Finn. 'You were young once. Do you know why the lion nuzzled you, \expndtw-5 Kiall?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri34\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He has scent glands in his mouth. Lions often mark their territory with them. You were lucky - mostly they urinate to establish the borders of their domain.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri34\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'In that case I feel doubly lucky,' said Kiall, smiling. \expndtw-2 He turned to Okas. 'How long before we reach the Nadren \expndtw-3 settlement?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tomorrow \expndtw43 ...\expndtw0  the day after.' The old man shrugged. The hunters are everywhere. We must continue to move with care.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Will Ravenna still be there, do you think?' Kiall asked \expndtw-6 Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I would doubt it. But we'll find out where she went.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I'm sorry for that mistake,' apologised Kiall, seeing \expndtw-2 that Chareos was still angry.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 The older man smiled. 'Finn was right, we were all young once. Do not allow mistakes to become a habit. But there is something we must talk about. There is no \expndtw-2 way we can rescue all the women who may be held by the \expndtw0 Nadren - we are not strong enough - so prepare yourself for disappointment, Kiall. It will be wonderful if we can establish where Ravenna was sent, but there is no more than that to be gained. You understand?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri29\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'But if they are there, we must make the attempt, \expndtw-3 surely?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What purpose would it serve? You have seen yourself \expndtw-4 the difficulty we are experiencing just getting to the settle\-\expndtw0 ment. Can you imagine what chance we would have of \expndtw-1 getting out?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall wanted to argue, to find some compelling reason why Chareos was wrong. But he had seen the arid lands of the Steppes and knew that they would have no chance \expndtw-1 to escape, encumbered by perhaps twenty freed captives.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li10\ri0\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-16\f1\lang1033\fs23 208}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5376\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri43\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\f1\lang1033\fs23 Yet he could not bring himself to answer Chareos. He \expndtw-2 looked away and stared at the stars.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri38\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I know that you made a promise, Kiall,' continued Chareos. 'I know what that means to you. But it was a \expndtw-4 foolhardy promise. All life is compromise, and a man can \expndtw-1 do only his best.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri38\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\f1\lang1033\fs23 'As you say, I made a promise,' returned Kiall. 'And, yes, it was foolish. But perhaps I can buy them back? I \expndtw-2 have gold.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And they would sell them to you - and a day later, or \expndtw-1 even before, they would ride after you, kill you and take \expndtw0 back what they sold. We are not dealing with men of honour.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We shall see,' said Kiall. 'It may all be as you say. But \expndtw-1 let us not decide until the day comes.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'When the sun rises, the day has come,' said Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall settled down to sleep, but his thoughts were many. \expndtw0 He had dreamt of riding off like a knight in pursuit of his love; he had pictured her returning beside him, her \expndtw-2 gratitude and love sustaining him. But it was almost four \expndtw-5 months now since she had been taken and he was as likely \expndtw0 to find her wed to a savage, or dead. As for the other women, many of them he had not known too well. He had always been shy in female company, and they had laughed at his blushes. Lucia, the baker's daughter, had always been kind to him. But what could he offer her now? Her father was dead, her home burned. If he took her back she would have nowhere to live, and would \expndtw-3 probably be forced to find employment in Talgithir. Then \expndtw0 there was Trianis, the niece of Paccus the seer. Again there were no living relatives. He ran the names of the captives through his mind: Cascia, Juna, Colia, Menea \expndtw37 ...\expndtw0  so many.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos was right. How could they attempt to rescue \expndtw-4 twenty or more young women and then spirit them across the Steppes?}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li43\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Yet, if they did not at least try, then Kiall would have \expndtw-2 branded himself both a liar and a braggart.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li43\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\expndtw-17\f1\lang1033\fs23 209}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5415\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall slept fitfully into the day. Soon after dusk the questors set off, avoiding skylines, keeping to the low ground. At last Okas led them up a winding deer trail and halted within a clearing surrounded by poplar trees. There he dismounted and moved off to the brow of a low hill. Chareos and the others joined him there and found \expndtw-2 themselves overlooking a large settlement. A tall stockade \expndtw0 wall was built around the town, with four wooden turrets \expndtw-2 at each corner. Inside there were some sixty dwellings and \expndtw0 a long hall. Guards paced the battlements, and lanterns were hung over the gates.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It's more like a cursed fortress,' said Beltzer.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We're not here to attack it,' Chareos told him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Thank the gods for that," said Beltzer.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos studied the layout of the buildings and the \expndtw-2 movements of the people within the town. It was just after \expndtw0 dawn and few of the town dwellers could be seen. Two women carrying wooden buckets on yokes walked to the rear of the stockade and out through a side exit. Chareos \expndtw-1 focused his attention on this; it was shaped as a portcullis, \expndtw0 with a heavy metal block that was raised by turning two spoked wooden wheels situated on the battlements.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos eased his way back from the skyline and joined \expndtw-1 the others.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I can see no way for us to gain entry without being seen,' he told them, 'unless we have someone on the \expndtw-1 inside.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Who?' asked Beltzer.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 Til go myself,' proposed Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No,' said Kiall. 'It makes no sense to send our leader \expndtw-2 into peril. What would the rest of us do if you were taken? \expndtw0 No, I will go.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What will you tell them, boy?' chortled Beltzer. 'That \expndtw-1 you've come for your lady and they'd better surrender her \expndtw-3 or else?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri0\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Something like that,' said Kiall. He pushed himself to his feet and walked to his horse. Swiftly he emptied his saddlebag of gold, keeping only a single red gold ring,}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li10\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\expndtw-15\f1\lang1033\fs23 210}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5391\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 then he returned to the group. 'I shall tell their leader, \expndtw-5 whoever he is, that I am willing to buy back the women \expndtw-6 taken. If he is agreeable, I will signal you from the ram\-parts; I will raise my right arm and wave. If I think there \expndtw-5 is treachery in the air, I will raise my left.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What are we supposed to do then, general?' sneered \expndtw-6 Beltzer. 'Storm the citadel?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi216\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Be silent, you oaf!' snapped Chareos. 'So far the plan \expndtw-4 is sound. At midnight Finn and I will be at the southern \expndtw-7 wall. If you have not signalled in that time, we will come \expndtw0 in and look for you. Be careful, Kiall. These men are \expndtw-5 killers. Life means nothing to them.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi216\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I know,' Kiall replied. As he walked to his horse and \expndtw-6 mounted, Okas' voice came into his mind.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs22 '/ \i will be with you, seeing through your eyes.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 He smiled at the Tattooed Man and touched heels to \expndtw-8 his horse.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi202\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 The sun was bright as he headed down the grass-\expndtw-2 covered slope towards the settlement. Looking up at a \expndtw-8 sentry who had notched an arrow to his bow, Kiall waved \expndtw-9 and smiled. The gates loomed and he rode through. Sweat \expndtw-8 trickled to his back and he could not bring himself to look \expndtw-4 up at the archer. He guided the mount to a hitching-rail \expndtw-6 and dismounted. There was a well nearby and he hauled \expndtw-5 up the bucket and drank from a rusty iron ladle.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi202\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 He heard the sound of moving men and turned slowly \expndtw-5 to see four guards approaching him with swords drawn. \expndtw-4 He spread his hands. 'There is no need for violence, my \expndtw-5 friends. I am here to buy a woman - maybe two.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi211\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Let's feel the weight of your gold,' answered a tall \expndtw-17 man.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi206\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall dipped his hand into his pocket and came up with \expndtw-9 the ring. He tossed it to the man, who examined it closely.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Very nice,' he said. 'And the rest?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Hidden until we complete our business.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi211\sb14\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Hidden eh? Well, I know a few tricks that always make \expndtw-5 a man sing out his secrets.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li34\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex79\f1\lang1033\fs23 211}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5419\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I am sure that you do,' said Kiall. 'Now take me to \expndtw-7 whoever is the leader here.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'How do you know it's not me?' the man asked, \expndtw-12 sneering.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall's temper flared. 'I do not. I merely assumed the \expndtw-7 leader would have more than half a brain.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You cowson!' The man's sword came up and Kiall \expndtw-6 leapt to the right, drawing his sabre.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Leave him be!' roared a voice and the men froze. A \expndtw0 tall man, dressed in black, came walking through the \expndtw-8 crowd which had gathered beyond the group.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What's this to do with you?' asked the swordsman.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I know this man,' he answered, 'and I do not want to \expndtw-3 see him killed.' Kiall looked closely at the speaker. He \expndtw-5 was hawk-faced and lean, and a jagged scar showed on \expndtw-1 his cheek; his nose was hooked, his features dark and \expndtw-6 hard. But Kiall had never seen him before.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why push that long nose of yours into another man's \expndtw-8 business, Harokas?' sneered the swordsman.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 The man smiled coldly and drew his own sabre. 'You \expndtw-7 brainless dolt, Githa! You never saw the day dawn when \expndtw-6 you could best me with a blade.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-11\f1\lang1033\fs23 Githa swallowed nervously and backed away, aware that \expndtw-7 he had gone too far.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Enough!' bellowed Kiall, doing his best to copy the \expndtw0 authoritative tone used by Chareos. Both men froze. \expndtw-6 'You,' said Kiall, moving forward to stand before Githa. \expndtw-7 'Hand me the ring and go back to the ramparts.' The man \expndtw-6 blinked sweat from his eyes and happily obliged. He did \expndtw-5 not look at Harokas, but sheathed his sword and hurried \expndtw-2 away. With the excitement over, the crowd dispersed. \expndtw-7 Harokas grinned and shook his head.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Not bad for a farm boy,' he said. 'Not bad at all. I see \expndtw-7 that Chareos has trained you well. Is he close by?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Perhaps. Are you a friend of his?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No, but I need to see him. I have been looking for you \expndtw-6 for almost four months.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri14\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex82\f1\lang1033\fs23 212}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5385\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I have a message from the Earl,' said Harokas. He \expndtw-6 lifted a ladle of water from the bucket and sipped it. 'But what are you doing here, Kiall, so far from home?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri43\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'If you are from the Earl, then you must know already. This is where the women from my village were taken.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And you have come to win them back? How noble of \expndtw-1 you. A shame, though, that you have arrived too late. \expndtw-3 The last of them was sold off months ago. This is only \expndtw-1 a market town, Kiall. Every three months or so Nadir \expndtw-7 merchants and princes come here to buy slaves.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall swallowed back his frustration. 'How is it then \expndtw-4 that you - an Earl's man - are welcome here?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I am welcome in many strange places. Come, I will \expndtw-5 take you to the leader you enquired about. Perhaps then \expndtw-8 you will find answers.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall followed the tall man through the alleyways and \expndtw-4 out into the main square. Here was the hall he had seen \expndtw-6 from the hill. Harokas entered the building and led Kiall \expndtw-5 to a curtained area at the rear.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi197\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 A woman rose from a satin-covered divan and strode to \expndtw0 meet them. Her hair was short-cropped and dark, her eyes wide and slanted, her lips full. She wore a black \expndtw-1 tunic belted at the waist, and her long legs were bare. \expndtw0 Kiall blinked and tried not to stare at her. She stood \expndtw-2 before him, too close, and he shifted his feet, trying to \expndtw-9 put more distance between them. He looked into her eyes, \expndtw-6 noting that they were blue tinged with purple.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Well,' said Harokas, 'you have your wish, Kiall. Here \expndtw-6 is the leader you asked to meet.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi211\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall bowed, aware that he was blushing. 'I am pleased \expndtw0 to \expndtw34 ...\expndtw0  that is \expndtw39 ...\expndtw0  I \expndtw42 ..."}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Is he retarded?' she enquired of Harokas.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I do not believe so, Princess.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What do you want here?' she asked Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 He took a deep breath. 'I am seeking a woman.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Does this look like a brothel?' she snapped.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No. Not at all. I meant that I was seeking a special}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri10\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex83\f1\lang1033\fs23 213}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5400\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 woman. She was taken from my village and I want to buy \expndtw-3 her back."}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'To buy? Our prices here are high. Can you afford her?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I believe that I can. How high?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri38\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'That would depend,' said the woman, 'on how beauti\-ful she is.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Her name is Ravenna. She is the most beautiful . . .' He stumbled to a halt and found himself staring into her \expndtw-2 eyes. In that moment he realised that Ravenna could never \expndtw0 be called beautiful, not when compared with the woman before him. He felt like a traitor even to think such thoughts. 'She is \expndtw39 ...\expndtw0  I think she is \expndtw48 ...\expndtw0  beautiful,' he stammered, at last.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You are riding with the heroes of Bel-azar?' she asked. \expndtw0 Her words sent a cold chill through him. For a moment only he hesitated, considering the lie.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes,' he answered.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 She nodded. 'It is always better to be truthful with me, Kiall,' she told him, taking his arm and leading him back to the divan. With a wave of her hand she dismissed Harokas; leaving Kiall standing, she stretched herself out on the couch, her head resting on a blue silk-covered cushion. 'Tell me of the heroes,' she said.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What would you have me say? They are strong men, courageous, skilful in the ways of war.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And why would they be interested in this . . . this \expndtw-3 girl?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Merely to see her safe and restored to her . . . loved \expndtw-1 ones.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And you are a loved one?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No. Well . . . yes.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Is it no or yes? Sit by me and explain it.' He perched on the edge of the divan, feeling the warmth of her leg against his. He cleared his throat and told her of his love for Ravenna and her decision to marry the farmer Jarel.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I don't blame her. She was right, of course. I was . . . am a dreamer.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And you have no other woman?' she asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li19\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\expndtw-15\f1\lang1033\fs23 214}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5396\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No stolen kisses in high meadows, no soft touches \expndtw-6 during secret trysts?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 She moved up to sit alongside him, her arm draped \expndtw-4 over his shoulder. 'One last question, Kiall, and be sure \expndtw-5 to answer it honestly. Much depends on it. This quest of \expndtw-4 yours - have you told me the whole truth? All you seek \expndtw-7 is the girl, Ravenna?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I have told you the whole truth,' he said. 'I swear it.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 For several seconds she looked into his eyes, then she nodded and smiled. Her hand slipped from his shoulder \expndtw0 and she replaced the small dagger in its hiding place \expndtw-7 behind the cushion.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Very well, I will consider what you have said. But I \expndtw0 make no promises. Go out into the square and find \expndtw-9 Harokas. He will see that you are fed.' He rose and bowed \expndtw-4 awkwardly. As he turned to leave, she suddenly spoke. 'Tell me, Kiall, do you trust me?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I would like to, my lady. It ought to be that a man \expndtw-5 could put his faith in beauty.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 She rose smoothly and moved in to him, her body \expndtw-4 pressing against him, her arms on his shoulders and her \expndtw-6 mouth only inches from his. 'And can you put your faith \expndtw-8 in beauty?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No,' he whispered.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You are quite correct. Go now.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li38\ri0\fi0\sb2640\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 215}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5390\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li1282\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs35 CHAPTER TEN}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li5\ri0\fi0\sb466\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I am growing tired of sitting up here,' declared Beltzer. \expndtw-1 'What is he doing? Why does he not signal?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He has met the leader,' said Okas, moving in to sit by Beltzer. 'It was interesting meeting.' The old man chuckled. 'It will be more interesting yet.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why?' asked Chareos. 'Who is he?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is not a \i he, \i0 Blademaster. It is a she.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri48\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Then he is in no danger at present?' enquired Chareos. The smile faded from Okas' face.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Of that I am not certain. There was a moment when he spoke with her when his danger was great. I felt she would kill him. But something stayed her hand.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We shouldn't have sent him,' said Maggrig. 'He does \expndtw-1 not have the experience.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Not so,' said Okas, 'I believe it is lack of experience which keeps him alive down there. The woman is hard, very hard. But, whatever else, she finds Kiall \expndtw51 ...\expndtw0  of interest.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'She wants him in her bed, is that what you're saying?' put in Beltzer.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Perhaps; she is certainly a predatory woman and it is \expndtw-1 often the way that such people find innocence attractive. But there is more, I can feel it. She questioned him about all of you.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And he told her?' Beltzer hissed.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He did. That is what, I believe, saved his life.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'But if she is the leader,' said Chareos, 'then it is she who has been sending out the hunters to kill us.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Exactly,' replied Okas. 'Curious, is it not?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'There is something missing here,' said Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes,' Okas agreed. 'There is something else also. There \expndtw0 is a man in the settlement who saved Kiall. His name is}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\expndtw-18\f1\lang1033\fs23 216}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5376\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri48\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Harokas and he told Kiall he wishes to talk with you, \expndtw-9 Chareos.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Harokas? The name is not familiar to me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri43\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He says he has a message from the Earl, whatever that may mean.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri34\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Nothing good, I'll wager,' muttered Beltzer. 'So, what \expndtw-9 do we do?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We wait,' said Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'She could have armed men moving in on us,' argued \expndtw-12 Beltzer.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Indeed she could,' agreed Chareos. 'Even so - we wait.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri19\fi0\sb446\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I do not know why you are still alive, farm boy,' said \expndtw0 Harokas, as he and Kiall sat at a bench table in the \expndtw-2 crowded eating-house. 'Tanaki is not usually so gentle \expndtw-8 with enemies.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I am not her enemy,' Kiall told him, spooning the last \expndtw-5 of the hot broth to his mouth.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Are you not?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why should I be?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri19\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It was here that your beloved was dragged to the auc\-\expndtw-6 tion block. Does that not make you angry?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall sat back and stared into the cold eyes of the scarred man. 'Yes, it does. Are you saying it was . . . \expndtw-3 Tanaki . . . who led the raid?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No,' answered Harokas. 'Tanaki merely controls the \expndtw0 auctions. Nadren raiders travel here from all over the \expndtw-5 Steppes. You should see this place at market time; it's a \expndtw-8 revelation.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I still do not understand how an Earl's man is welcome \expndtw-5 here,' said Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li43\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Harokas chuckled. 'That is because you do not . . . \expndtw-2 yet . . . understand the ways of the world. But I see no \expndtw-9 harm in instructing you. You will learn soon enough. You \expndtw-8 know, of course, that the Lord Regent outlawed the slave trade a decade ago?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li259\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes. And ended the serf laws. It was good policy.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li58\ri0\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex82\f1\lang1033\fs23 217}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5415\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 That depends on your viewpoint. If you were a slave \expndtw-3 or a serf, indeed yes. But not if you were a nobleman. \expndtw-4 The wealth of the nobility used to depend on land. Not \expndtw-1 any more - not with the fear of Nadir invasion. Crops bring profits, to be sure, but then the Gothir lands are \expndtw-6 rich and food is cheap. No, the real profit was always in \expndtw-3 slaves. The Lord Regent did not take this into account \expndtw-8 with his new laws. Are you beginning to understand me?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No,' admitted Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'So slow? I took you for an intelligent man - but then \expndtw-8 you are also a romantic and that must cloud your reason.' \expndtw-6 Harokas leaned forward. 'The nobility never gave up the \expndtw-7 trade; they merely found another way of continuing. The raid on your village was sanctioned by the Earl. He takes \expndtw-8 a share of the profits and I am here to make sure his share \expndtw-5 is just.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall felt the taste of bile in his mouth. He swallowed \expndtw-2 hard and took a sip of the ale Harokas had purchased. \expndtw-5 'We pay him taxes. We look to him for protection. And \expndtw-6 he sells us out to line his pockets?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is not a nice world, is it, farm boy?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why tell me this? Why?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Harokas shrugged. 'Why not? Your chances of leaving here alive are negligible. And anyway, perhaps I am sick \expndtw-1 of it too.' He rubbed his eyes. 'I am getting old. There \expndtw-9 was a time when I believed in heroes - when I was young, \expndtw-3 like you. But there are no heroes - at least not the ones \expndtw-6 we want to see. Every man has his own reason for every \expndtw-2 deed. Usually it is selfish. Take your friends. Why are \expndtw-6 they with you? You think they care about Ravenna? No, they seek to recapture lost glories, lost youth. They want to hear their names in song again.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I do not believe that,' said Kiall. 'Chareos and the \expndtw-5 others have risked their lives for me - and for Ravenna. \expndtw-8 And you cheapen them, merely by speaking their names. \expndtw-6 Thank you for the meal.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall rose and left the table. The air outside was crisp \expndtw0 and fresh, and he strode to the battlements. The two}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri14\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 218}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5381\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 sentries ignored him as he gazed out over the land. He \expndtw-7 did not look in the direction of the camp, but waited until the voice of Okas sounded in his mind.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What do you have to tell us?' asked Okas.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Nothing,' replied Kiall. 'Tell Chareos not to come to \expndtw-5 the wall. I am waiting to see the woman, Tanaki.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Be careful in her company. She has killed before, and \expndtw-7 will kill again.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I will be careful. But she . . . disturbs me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 He felt Okas drift from him and returned to the central \expndtw-7 square. The auction platform was large, supported by six piers of round stone. He pictured Ravenna standing upon \expndtw-6 it, surrounded by Nadir men ogling her, desiring her. He closed his eyes and tried to imagine her. But all he could \expndtw-7 see were the eyes of Tanaki, wide and slanted.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 A man tapped his shoulder, making him jump.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi216\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I thought it was you,' said Chellin. For a moment Kiall \expndtw-6 did not recognise the stocky warrior, then he smiled.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You are a long way from the mountains, Chellin. I am pleased to see you made it safely.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 The man sat down on a bench seat and scratched at his \expndtw-4 black and silver beard. 'It wasn't easy. You came a long \expndtw-7 way. How are your friends?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Alive,' answered Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No mean feat, considering the number of men sent out \expndtw-4 to kill them.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I'm glad you were not with them,' said Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I was. We got back this morning. Still, with luck you'll \expndtw-4 sort out your difference with the Princess and we won't \expndtw-6 have to meet on a battlefield.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Princess?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Tanaki. Did you not know she was Nadir royalty?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li245\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-235\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No, I did not.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li245\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-235\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'She's the youngest child of Tenaka Khan.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li250\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-235\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What is she doing here?' asked Kiall, amazed.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-235\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chellin laughed. 'You don't know much about the \expndtw-5 Nadir, do you? To them women are nothing, worth less}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li58\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex85\f1\lang1033\fs23 219}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5405\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri24\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 than horses. Tanaki had some sort of falling out with her brother, Jungir; he had her banished here.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'She is very beautiful,' said Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri43\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'She is that - and the most desirable piece I ever saw. A man could die happy if he bedded her.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall reddened and cleared his throat. 'Where will you \expndtw-2 go from here?" he asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chellin shrugged. 'Who knows? North again. Maybe not. I'm tired of this life, Kiall. I may head south, to Drenai lands. Buy a farm, raise a family.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And have raiders descend on you to steal your \expndtw-1 daughters?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chellin nodded and sighed. 'Yes. Like all dreams, it doesn't bear close examination. I hope matters work well with you and the Princess. I like you; I hope they don't ask me to kill you.' Chellin rose and wandered away but Kiall sat where he was for another hour. Then a warrior \expndtw-2 came seeking him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You are wanted,' said the man. Kiall stood and fol\-lowed him back to the long hall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tanaki waited, as before, on the divan. She was dressed now in a short tunic of white linen, her legs and feet bare. \expndtw0 She wore no jewellery or ornament, save for the silver buckle on her wide black belt.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri19\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 As he approached she rose. 'Welcome to my hearth, Kiall. Sit and talk with me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What would you have me say, lady?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Very little. Just give me a compelling reason why I should not have you killed.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Do you kill for no reason?' he asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Sometimes,' she told him. 'Is that so surprising?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I am becoming inured to surprises, Princess. Tell me, \expndtw-1 will you help me find Ravenna?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 She took his hand and led him to the divan, sitting beside him with her arm resting on his shoulder. 'I am not sure that I will. You know I sent men out to kill you?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes,' he whispered, aware of her breath warm on his cheek and neck.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li19\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\expndtw-15\f1\lang1033\fs23 220}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5381\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I did that because I heard that a group of heroes was riding out to revenge a raid. I thought you were coming to kill me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'That was never our intention.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And then I find a tall, handsome young innocent, seek\-\expndtw0 ing a woman who does not care for him. This man intrigues me.' Her lips touched his neck and her right \expndtw-7 hand moved across his chest, sliding down over the tense \expndtw-3 muscles of his stomach. His face felt hot, his breathing \expndtw-2 shallow. 'And I wondered,' she went on, her voice low \expndtw-9 and dreamy, 'how it was that a man who has never known \expndtw-6 love could risk so much.' Her hand slid lower.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 His fingers clamped to her wrist. 'Do not toy with me, \expndtw-3 lady,' he whispered, turning in towards her. 'You know \expndtw0 that I find your beauty . . . irresistible. But I have \expndtw-3 little . . . self-worth as it is. Just tell me where Ravenna \expndtw-4 is - and let me leave you.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 For some time she held his gaze, then she pulled back. \expndtw-5 'How delightfully you turn me away - not with strength, \expndtw-6 but with admitted weakness. You put the decision in my \expndtw-1 hands. Very well, Kiall. But you do not wish to know \expndtw-3 where she is. I mean that, almost tenderly. I asked you \expndtw-2 to trust me this morning and now I ask it again. Leave \expndtw-4 this quest, and return to your home.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I cannot, lady.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You will die. Your friends will die. And it will be for \expndtw-6 nothing.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 He lifted her hand and gently kissed the palm. 'Then that is as it must be. But tell me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 She sat up. 'The girl Ravenna was bought by a man \expndtw-2 named Kubai. She was sent to a city not far from here \expndtw-4 and given as a gift to another man. Then she was taken \expndtw-6 far across the Steppes to Ulrickham.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I shall go there. And find her.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'She was given to Jungir Khan.' The words struck Kiall like knife-blades and he closed his eyes, his head bowing. \expndtw-3 'So you see,' she said tenderly, 'there is no point to this \expndtw-2 quest. Ulrickham is a fortress city. No one could enter}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li14\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex82\f1\lang1033\fs23 221}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5410\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 the Khan's harem and spirit away one of his brides. And even if you did - where could you go to escape his ven\-geance? He is the Great Khan; he has half a million men under his command. Where in all the world could you be safe from him, or his shamen?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall looked at her and smiled. 'Still I must make the attempt. And somehow it is worse now - not because of Jungir, but because of you."}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I do not understand you.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 He stood and shook his head. 'I cannot say it. Forgive me. Do I have your permission to leave?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 For a moment it seemed as if she would speak, but she merely nodded her head. He bowed and walked from the \expndtw-5 hall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 His thoughts were many as he rode from the town and a great sadness filled him. He knew now that he did not love Ravenna; she was the dream of an adolescent, the unattainable beauty. But what could he do? He had made his promise. And, though it cost him his life, he would \expndtw-1 keep it.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 He heard the sound of hoof-beats and turned in the \expndtw-5 saddle.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 Harokas cantered alongside him and drew rein. 'May I ride with you?' he asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall reined in his horse. 'I do not desire your company, \expndtw0 sir. But if you wish to meet with Chareos, then I will not stop you.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Then that must suffice,' said Harokas. Kiall spurred his horse into a run and the beast was blowing hard by the time they reached the hill-top. Harokas followed at a more sedate pace. Chareos, Beltzer and Okas were seated in the clearing, but of Maggrig and Finn there was no \expndtw-2 sign. Kiall dismounted and he started to tell Chareos about \expndtw0 Ravenna, but the Blademaster waved him to silence. 'I \expndtw-2 know,' he said, his gaze fixed on the rider following Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 Harokas slid from the saddle and bowed to Chareos. 'I have searched for you for a great length of time,' he said. 'I have a message from the Earl. You have been cleared}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri5\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\expndtw-17\f1\lang1033\fs23 222}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5395\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 of all charges - and would be welcome at any time in the \expndtw0 city of Talgithir. Captain Salida told the Earl of your \expndtw-6 valiant assistance at the Tavern Town.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Is that all?' asked Chareos coldly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Indeed it is. Now will the bowmen show themselves?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I find it hard to believe in the Earl as a forgiving man,' said Chareos, 'and I am wondering why he should send a \expndtw0 warrior in search of me. Could it be that you are an \expndtw-12 assassin?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'All things are possible, Chareos,' replied Harokas, \expndtw-14 smiling.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I think we should kill him," said Beltzer. 'I don't like \expndtw-5 the look of him.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And I do not like the look of you, you fat oaf!' snapped \expndtw-6 Harokas. 'Now keep silent before your betters.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer pushed himself to his feet and chuckled. 'Let \expndtw-5 me break his back, Chareos. Just say the word.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn emerged from the undergrowth. 'Chareos!' he \expndtw-1 called. 'You'd better see this: there's an army of Nadir \expndtw-5 warriors moving towards the town - I don't think they're here to visit.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi0\sb442\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tanaki watched the young man leave the hall and then rose, stretching her arms over her head, and arching her back. Her feelings were mixed as she wandered back into her living area. Kiall's innocence was both appealing and surprising - like finding a perfect flower growing on the \expndtw-1 edge of a cess-pit. She poured herself a goblet of wine and \expndtw0 sipped it. A young man in search of his love; a dreamer. Her eyes narrowed.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The world has some savage shocks in store for you,' she whispered. A cold breeze rustled the heavy hangings, touching the bare flesh of her legs. She shivered.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I miss you, Father,' she said, picturing again the tall lean warrior, seeing his slow smile, watching it soften his cruel face. Tanaki had been his favourite - despite her birth being responsible for the death of her mother,}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li34\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\expndtw-13\f1\lang1033\fs23 223}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5390\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kenya. Tenaka Khan had lavished all his love on his only \expndtw-2 daughter, while his sons fought for a kind word - or even \expndtw0 a nod which might \i be \i0 interpreted as praise. She thought of her eldest brother, Jungir. How he had longed to be \expndtw-2 accepted by his father.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri19\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 Now Jungir was the Khan, Tanaki's other brothers \expndtw-3 murdered, and she was merely living out her life awaiting \expndtw-4 the inevitable.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 She smiled as she remembered her last meeting with Jungir. He so wanted her dead. But the Khan's generals would never accept the complete obliteration of Tenaka Khan's blood-line and, as everyone knew, Jungir Khan was sterile. Not one of his forty wives had conceived. Tanaki chuckled. Poor Jungir. He could ride the wildest horse, and fight with lance or sword. But in the eyes of \expndtw-4 the Nadir he was suspect, because his seed was not strong.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tanaki pressed her hands to her belly. She had no doubt that she could conceive. And one day, perhaps, \expndtw-1 when Jungir grew desperate, she could be back in favour \expndtw0 and wed to one of the generals. The face of Tsudai leapt \expndtw-1 into her mind and she recoiled. Not him! Never him. His \expndtw0 touch was like the feel of lizard skin, and the memory of his tomb-dark eyes made her shiver. No, not Tsudai.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 She pushed him from her mind and thought of Jungir \expndtw-1 as she had last seen him, sitting on the throne and staring \expndtw0 down at her. 'You are safe, bitch - for the moment. But know this . . . one day I will see you humbled. Live for that day, Tanaki.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 So instead of death Tanaki was banished here, in the \expndtw-5 desolate wastelands of the south. There were few pleasures \expndtw-3 to be found in this land, save for the heady joys of alcohol \expndtw-2 and the succession of young men she took to her bed. Yet even these pleasures soon palled. Bored with her life, she had watched the inefficiency of the slave trade - alternat\-\expndtw0 ing between glutted markets, with the price low, or no trade at all. Added to this, there was no central point \expndtw-2 where slaves could be auctioned and prices guaranteed. It \expndtw0 had taken Tanaki less than four months to establish the}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri14\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\expndtw-18\f1\lang1033\fs23 224}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5372\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 market town, and within a year she also coordinated all raids into Gothir territory. Prices had stabilised, the new, \expndtw-2 improved, market was buoyant and enormous profits were \expndtw0 being made. The gold meant little to Tanaki, who had spent her childhood surrounded by the wealth of conqu\-ered nations. But the trade kept her agile mind busy, and \expndtw-1 away from thoughts of Jungir's revenge.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri29\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 No matter how great the pressure from the generals, she knew there would come a time when Jungir would feel strong enough to have her killed. So strange, she realised, that she did not hate him for it. It was so easy to understand what drove him. He had yearned for his father's affection and, failing to win it, had come to hate that which his father loved.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri29\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tanaki pulled aside a velvet curtain and gazed out of a \expndtw-3 narrow window.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He left you nothing, Jungir,' she whispered. 'He con\-\expndtw-2 quered most of the world; he united the tribes; he founded \expndtw0 an empire. What is there left for you?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Poor Jungir. Poor sterile Jungir!}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Her thoughts turned to the young man, Kiall. His face \expndtw-3 loomed in her mind, the grey eyes gentle, yet with a hint of \expndtw-1 steel. And there was passion there too, raw and unmined, \expndtw-3 volcanic and waiting.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It would have been pleasant to swallow your inno\-cence.' She smiled, and her expression softened. 'No, it would not,' she realised with sadness.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Princess! Princess!' yelled Chellin, running the length of the hall. 'Nadir warriors!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 She stepped out to meet him. 'What of it?' she enquired. There are always Nadir warriors near here.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Not the Royal Wolves, Princess,' said Chellin. 'And Tsudai is leading them.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tanaki felt her mouth go dry. 'Is the gate shut?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is, lady. But there are three hundred of them, and \expndtw-1 we have less than fifty. And most of those will run, given \expndtw0 the chance.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tanaki moved to a chest of dark oak and lifted the}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li10\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-16\f1\lang1033\fs23 225}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5405\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\f1\lang1033\fs23 heavy lid. She took out a wide belt, from which hung two short swords. 'We cannot fight them, lady. Why are they \expndtw-1 here?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\f1\lang1033\fs23 She shrugged and did not reply. So, she thought, the day has come. No more to see the blue of the sky, the eagle riding the wind currents over the mountains. No more men to possess her, and in possessing her to give away their souls. Anger flared. Ignoring Chellin she walked from the hall and on to the wall, climbing to the ramparts to watch the approach of the Khan's Wolves. As Chellin had said, there were more than three hundred warriors, their pointed silver helms ringed with wolfskin, \expndtw-1 their silver breastplates edged with gold. They rode seem\-\expndtw0 ingly without formation and yet, at a single order, they could wheel and charge in a flying wedge or break into three units. Their discipline was incredible. Tenaka Khan had formed the royal guard a quarter of a century before, and trained them to a degree never before experienced among the Nadir. Among the tribesmen it was still regarded as a badge of honour to be accepted into the \expndtw-2 Wolves. For every hundred applicants, only one was given \expndtw0 the helm and the Wolfhead embossed breastplate.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\f1\lang1033\fs23 And there at the centre rode Tsudai, a fighting man without equal, a general without peer.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri24\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\f1\lang1033\fs23 Men gathered around Tanaki. 'What shall we do?' \expndtw-2 asked one.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why are they here?' asked another.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\f1\lang1033\fs23 They are here to kill me,' said Tanaki, surprised that \expndtw-1 her voice remained calm.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Will they want to kill the rest of us?' asked a burly \expndtw-3 warrior.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Shut your damned mouth!' roared Chellin.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri5\fi182\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tanaki raised her hands for silence. 'Get your horses and leave by the iron gate. Do it swiftly! They will kill \expndtw-1 all they find here.' Some of the men ran from the ramparts but Chellin stood firm.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li254\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\f1\lang1033\fs23 Til not let them take you while I live.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li259\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\f1\lang1033\fs23 She smiled and placed her hands on the old warrior's}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li29\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\expndtw-15\f1\lang1033\fs23 226}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5376\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri38\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 bearded cheeks. 'And you cannot stop them. But it would please me to see you survive, Chellin. Now go!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri38\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 For a moment only he stood, then he cursed and ran \expndtw-2 for his horse.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Nadir were closer now and the face of their general \expndtw0 could be clearly seen by Tanaki. Tsudai was smiling. He raised his hands and riders swept out on either side of him in a skirmish line.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What do you want here?' Tanaki shouted.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri34\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We want you, whore!' called back Tsudai. 'You are to be brought to Ulrickham for trial.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tanaki's anger rose, but she fought for calm. 'By what right do you call a daughter of the Great Khan a whore, \expndtw-1 you who were suckled by a scabrous goat?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tsudai chuckled. 'I have here three hundred warriors, \i Princess. \i0 Each one of them will use your body between here and Ulrickham. Now the journey will be sixty days. Even my simple mind tells me that five men a day will get to enjoy the pleasures you bestow so freely on the foreigners and scum you surround yourself with. Think of it, \i Princess, \i0 three hundred men!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why warn me, you foul-mouthed whoreson?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It could be that you will not wish to suffer such humili\-\expndtw0 ation. Surely someone of the blood of the Great Khan \expndtw-1 would sooner take her own life?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Through her fear Tanaki forced a laugh. 'My esteemed \expndtw-1 brother would like that, would he not? No, Tsudai. Come \expndtw0 and take me. I'll survive. And when the generals hear of my treatment at your hands, I will live to see the skin \expndtw-1 flayed from your foul body.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 He spread his hands. 'As you wish, \i Princess, \i0 but do not \expndtw0 expect too much support from the other khans. The Lord Jungir will shortly be celebrating the birth of an heir. All the omens say it will be a boy.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li245\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You lie! Jungir is sterile.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri10\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I never lie, Tanaki! You know that. One of the Khan's wives is pregnant.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li250\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Then she had a lover,' snapped Tanaki, before she}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li48\ri0\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-16\f1\lang1033\fs23 227}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5424\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri14\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 could stop herself. But her heart sank. The Khan's concu\-\expndtw-5 bines and wives were kept in a walled palace, patrolled \expndtw-10 by eunuchs. There was no way a man could infiltrate such \expndtw-8 a fortress. And even if by some miracle he did, the scores \expndtw-5 of spies among the concubines would carry word to the \expndtw-15 Khan.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Will you come out - or will we come in after you?' \expndtw-10 shouted Tsudai.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Come in!' she yelled. 'Why not come yourself?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tsudai chuckled and waved his arm and twenty riders \expndtw-6 raced for the walls, hurling ropes which looped over the \expndtw-5 pointed stockade timbers. As the Nadir leapt from their \expndtw-7 saddles and swiftly clambered up the walls, Tanaki drew \expndtw-9 her swords. The first man to show himself died, his throat \expndtw-2 ripped open. The second fell, his lung pierced. As the \expndtw-7 others came in sight Tanaki waited, blood dripping from \expndtw-9 her silver blades as they advanced from left and right. She \expndtw-8 leapt and spun, killing a man with a reverse sweep across \expndtw-6 the neck, then jumped from the battlement into a wagon \expndtw-8 loaded with sacks of wheat. Scrambling clear, she ran for \expndtw-6 the hall. Four men moved to cut her off but she swerved \expndtw-7 into an alley, then doubled back and waited. Six warriors \expndtw-10 raced into view. She charged into them, cutting and cleav\-\expndtw-6 ing, breaking through their line.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi182\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 On the battlements knelt a warrior holding a sling. He \expndtw0 whirled it round his head and let fly, the small round \expndtw-4 stone cracking into Tanaki's temple. She staggered and \expndtw-1 almost fell. A man ran at her . . . spinning, she hurled \expndtw-2 her right-hand sword. It punched into his chest and he \expndtw-10 fell back, scrabbling at the blade. A second stone screamed \expndtw-2 past her. Ducking she stumbled to a barn, pushing her back against the door. Her head was swimming and a \expndtw-9 terrible dizziness overcame her. Two more Nadir warriors \expndtw-4 came into view. She half fell and they leapt at her. Her \expndtw-8 sword came up, part severing a man's arm. A fist cracked \expndtw-10 against her skull and her swords were torn from her grasp. \expndtw-4 Twice more the fist pounded at her face. She fell to her \expndtw-5 knees. Men were all around her now, tearing at her clo-}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri14\fi0\sb197\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex84\f1\lang1033\fs22 228}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5400\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 thes. They dragged her into the barn, hurling her naked \expndtw-9 to the straw-covered floor.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Well, well, we do not look like a princess now,' came \expndtw-7 Tsudai's voice, cold and mocking. She struggled to stand \expndtw-6 but a foot was pushed against her face and she fell back. \expndtw-5 'I said five men a day, but these twelve warriors have at \expndtw-2 least fought for you, Princess. I will leave you in their \expndtw-5 tender care.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 She gazed up through swollen eyes and watched the \expndtw0 men untying their rawhide belts, saw the lust in their \expndtw-7 faces. Something inside her quivered and snapped. Tears \expndtw-6 ran to her cheeks.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi216\sb10\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Make her scream a little,' said Tsudai, 'but do not \expndtw-6 mark her unduly. There are many more men waiting.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 The general walked out into the sunlight, where he \expndtw-6 stood for a while listening to the sounds of grunting men \expndtw0 and the low moans which came from the once proud \expndtw-5 princess. Then she screamed, long and piercing. Tsudai \expndtw-4 allowed himself a smile. He had waited a long time for \expndtw0 this moment. Four years since the haughty princess \expndtw-2 Tanaki had first spurned his offer of marriage. He had \expndtw-7 given her a second chance mere months before. Now she \expndtw-3 would begin to understand the depth of his hatred. The \expndtw0 scream sounded again. More animal than human, he \expndtw-5 thought. Curious how so much despair could be carried \expndtw-2 in a sound with no words . . .}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi0\sb610\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 The screams drifted on the breeze, carrying high into the mountains. 'Dear Gods, what are they doing to her?' said \expndtw-5 Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What the Nadir always do,' hissed Beltzer. 'They're raping her. My guess is they'll kill her soon after.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Shame,' commented Harokas. 'Good-looking woman.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We must do something,' said Kiall, pushing himself to \expndtw0 his feet. Chareos grabbed his belt, hauling him back.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Good idea,' agreed Beltzer. 'Why don't we saddle up}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li38\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-16\f1\lang1033\fs23 229}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5415\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri43\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 and charge all three hundred of them? Grow up, Kiall. \expndtw-2 She's finished.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Kiall is right,' said Okas softly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer turned to him, his jaw dropping. 'You think we \i\expndtw-3 should \i0 charge them?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri38\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No, my friend. But she is part of this . . . this quest. I know it. I feel it.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We're here to rescue a farm girl,' said Beltzer.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Not any more,' said Okas.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What do you mean?' asked Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 Okas rubbed his tired eyes. 'It is coming together now, my friends. All the threads. And I can see them. The girl Ravenna was sold to Jungir Khan. He has bedded her, and it is she who now carries his child. He has made her the Kian of Wolves, the Queen. You are seeking to steal the Nadir Queen.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer began to laugh. 'Better and better. In that case \expndtw-1 we \i should \i0 charge them. It'll be good practice for when we \expndtw0 take on the entire Nadir army!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The woman down there is Tenaka Khan's daughter, Jungir's sister. She will know the palace. She will be of great help to us,' Okas said.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi206\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Help?' said Chareos. 'We can't go on with this. It is \expndtw-1 madness now to even consider it."}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi202\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 There is more to this quest than you realise, Chareos Blademaster,' Okas continued. 'Far more. Can you not \expndtw-1 see it? The dream of Bel-azar, the ghost of Tenaka Khan? \expndtw0 It is all part of a great whole.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What part?' asked Finn, kneeling by the Tattooed \expndtw-8 Man.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi192\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The child,' answered Okas. 'He will be born early . . . twelve weeks from now. The stars show that he will be great king, perhaps greatest who ever lived. He will be blood-line of Ulric and Tenaka Khan, and of Regnak, Earl of Bronze. He will be warrior and statesman. As Nadir Khan, he will take his armies across the world.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Are you saying we should kill the babe?' Beltzer asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri14\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\expndtw-15\f1\lang1033\fs23 230}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5386\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No. I am saying you should continue with this quest - and see where it leads.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It will lead to death - for all of us,' declared Chareos. \expndtw-2 'We are no longer talking of buying or stealing back a \expndtw-5 farm girl. We are talking about the Nadir Queen!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Let me speak,' said Kiall softly. 'You are right, \expndtw-3 Chareos, it is all too \expndtw48 ...\expndtw0  \expndtw-3 too overpowering. May I then suggest we take one step at a time? Let us first think of \expndtw-7 a way to rescue Tanaki. After that we can decide what to \expndtw-4 do.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos sighed and shook his head. 'We are six men in an alien land. And you want us to consider a plan to steal \expndtw-5 a prisoner from three hundred of the fiercest warriors in \expndtw-7 the Nadir nation? Well, why not? How many ways can a \expndtw-8 man die?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You don't even want to consider that question,' said \expndtw-9 Harokas. 'In Nadir hands a prisoner could be killed slowly over a score of days, with each painful day worse than the \expndtw-5 last.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What a sack of comforts you are,' snapped Beltzer.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The sun is going down,' said Finn. 'If we are going to \expndtw0 get the girl, then tonight will be our best chance. \expndtw-9 Especially if the main force camps outside the walls. Then \expndtw0 all we have to do is get down there, sneak past them, \expndtw-7 climb the walls, kill anyone inside and carry the girl out.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Oh, that's all?' Beltzer sneered. 'And I know who gets \expndtw-3 to carry the bitch? It's me, isn't it?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Correct,' admitted Finn.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Til come with you,' said Harokas. 'I rather like the \expndtw-3 woman. You don't mind if I stick close to you, do you, \expndtw-11 Chareos?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Not at all. But stay in front of me, Harokas.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi0\sb442\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos knelt on the hillside as the sun faded into dusk. \expndtw-8 The Nadir warriors had dragged the girl out into the open \expndtw-2 and dropped her naked body in the dust of the square. \expndtw-5 She was limp as a doll. Two of the men then hauled her}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li10\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex79\f1\lang1033\fs23 231}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5380\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri48\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 up, lifting her on to the auction platform and bending her \expndtw-2 over the block. Chareos averted his eyes and switched his \expndtw0 gaze to the riders beyond the town. They had settled down in the open, setting camp-fires. The general and four of his men had entered the long hall, which left \expndtw-1 seventeen men inside the town.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 Too many . . .}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri53\fi202\sb10\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall brought Chareos a meal of dried meat and fruit, then sat in silence beside him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri38\fi197\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 What am I doing here? thought Chareos. What is this madness? The woman means nothing to me, this quest is of no consequence. What will it matter to the world in a thousand years if another Nadir Khan is born? He gazed down at the still, white form draped over the auction block and the men bearing down on her.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri38\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Do you have a plan?' whispered Kiall. Chareos turned \expndtw-1 to the pale-faced young man.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi182\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Do you think me some god of war, Kiall? We can get in - possibly without being observed. But then there will be seventeen against seven - six if you discount Okas, who is no warrior. Now, let us assume we could defeat all seventeen, could we do it silently? No. Therefore the other warriors outside would be alerted. Can we defeat three hundred? Even you will know the answer to that.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li250\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Then what do you suggest?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li43\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I don't know, boy!' snapped Chareos. 'Go away and let me think!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li43\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 The sky darkened, the moon shone bright. Idea after idea drifted into Chareos' mind, there to be examined, dissected, discarded. Finally he called Finn to him and outlined his thoughts. The hunter listened, his face \expndtw-4 impassive.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li259\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Is this the only way?' he asked, at last.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li48\ri0\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'If you can think of a better plan, I'll go along with it,' \expndtw-3 answered Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li264\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn shrugged. 'Whatever you say, Blademaster.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li62\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I say we should all go home and forget this nonsense,' \expndtw-1 said Chareos, forcing a smile.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li53\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\expndtw-17\f1\lang1033\fs23 232}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5372\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri62\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-216\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 That would win my vote,' admitted Finn. 'So why \expndtw-6 don't we?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri62\fi202\sb14\sa0\sl-216\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos shrugged and pointed down to the moonlit town, where the naked form of Tanaki was tied to the \expndtw-9 auction block.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb14\sa0\sl-216\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We don't know her,' said Finn softly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri62\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-216\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No, we do not. But we have seen her suffering. Do I \expndtw-9 sound as na'i've and romantic as Kiall?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri53\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-216\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes, but that is no bad thing, my friend. I share your \expndtw-3 view. Evil will never be countered while good men do \expndtw-6 nothing.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri43\fi206\sb10\sa0\sl-216\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Then we are a pair of fools,' declared Chareos, and this time the smile was genuine. Finn reached out his \expndtw-7 hand and Chareos took it.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri43\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-216\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Win or lose, we achieve nothing that the world would \expndtw-5 understand,' said Finn.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri38\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-216\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'But then the world does not matter,' answered \expndtw-9 Chareos, rising.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri34\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-216\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Indeed it does not,' Finn replied. 'It is good to under\-\expndtw-3 stand that.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-216\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 It was close to midnight when Finn and Maggrig rode \expndtw0 from the camp. Chareos, Harokas, Kiall and Beltzer \expndtw-9 slowly made their way down the slope towards the stock\-\expndtw-8 aded town. Okas remained in the woods, squatting cross-\expndtw-3 legged, his eyes closed. He began to chant softly and a mist rose from the grass, swirling out to cloak the four \expndtw-7 warriors as they moved into the open.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li106\ri0\fi0\sb2645\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 233}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5404\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li950\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs35 CHAPTER ELEVEN}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi0\sb470\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 The mist rolled on and down like a ghostly blanket, shim\-\expndtw-5 mering in the moonlight. Chareos reached the rear wall \expndtw-3 of the stockade and located the iron portcullis. Beltzer \expndtw-12 moved alongside.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What now?' whispered the giant.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We raise it?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 The iron grille was four feet wide and seven feet high. \expndtw-3 Beltzer handed his axe to Kiall and gripped the lowest \expndtw-8 bar. The muscles on his neck and shoulders swelled as he \expndtw0 applied pressure: the gate creaked and rose an inch. \expndtw-4 Harokas and Chareos joined him: the gate rose another \expndtw-5 foot. 'That is enough,' hissed Kiall, dropping to his back \expndtw-7 and sliding under the gate.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos turned to Beltzer. 'Can you hold it there?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 The giant grunted. Chareos ducked down and rolled \expndtw0 under to rise beside Kiall. The two men climbed the \expndtw-2 rampart steps; there were no sentries posted. Together \expndtw-8 Kiall and Chareos turned the wheel above the gate, tight\-\expndtw-9 ening the rope and relieving Beltzer of his burden. Swiftly \expndtw-2 they returned to the gateway, where Beltzer struggled \expndtw-9 through followed by Harokas.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Now we wait,' whispered Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 From beyond the town came the sound of galloping \expndtw-16 hooves.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn rode headlong into the Nadir camp, scattering two \expndtw-7 fires. Warriors surged up from their blankets as his horse \expndtw0 thundered by them. Finn swung the horse to a stop. \expndtw-2 Notching an arrow to his short hunting-bow, he sent a \expndtw-6 shaft slicing into a man's throat.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 From the other side of the camp came a wild yell and \expndtw-6 Maggrig galloped into sight through the mist. The Nadir \expndtw-5 swarmed for their horses. Finn shot a second man, then}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li14\ri0\fi0\sb197\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex89\f1\lang1033\fs22 234}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5395\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 kicked his mount into a gallop and headed off towards \expndtw-6 the south. The camp was in an uproar as warriors seized \expndtw0 their swords and ran to saddle their mounts. Within \expndtw-8 minutes the camp-site was deserted.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Inside the town Tsudai ran from the hall, mounting the \expndtw-4 ramparts to watch his soldiers splitting into two groups \expndtw-8 to hunt down the attackers. He swung to an aide who was \expndtw-7 running towards him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Get out there and find out what is happening!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 The man darted to his horse, vaulted into the saddle \expndtw-7 and galloped through the gates.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos and Beltzer climbed through the window at the rear of the long hall and crept forward. Four Nadir officers \expndtw-6 were sitting around a table, playing with dice.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos sprang into the hall, slashing his sword through \expndtw-2 the throat of the nearest man. Beltzer leapt into action beside him, his axe killing two men before they could \expndtw-6 rise. The fourth man tried to run and made it to the door, \expndtw-7 wrenching it open. Harokas' knife plunged into his chest.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Harokas stepped into the doorway, grabbing the man's corpse and lowering it to the floor.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Outside Kiall, keeping close to the shadows, crept \expndtw-8 towards the auction block where Tanaki lay unconscious. \expndtw-7 Three men ran into the square and he ducked behind two \expndtw-8 water barrels and waited.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 The men climbed to the ramparts where Tsudai \expndtw-10 watched the chase. Kiall could not hear their conversation. \expndtw-7 He moved carefully out into the open and climbed to the \expndtw-4 auction platform, where he knelt by Tanaki and cut the \expndtw-10 ropes binding her wrists. She moaned as she felt his touch.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No more,' she pleaded. Her eyes were dark and \expndtw-8 swollen, her lips cut, her body bruised and bleeding. Kiall \expndtw-1 gritted his teeth and waited. The men on the ramparts \expndtw-9 came down to the square and he heard one of them laugh. \expndtw-7 Hidden behind the block he saw a Nadir warrior point to \expndtw-1 Tanaki, then turn towards her. The others hooted and \expndtw-8 swung to Tsudai.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is still your day,' he told them.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li43\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex81\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 235}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5410\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 The first man clambered to the platform, loosening his \expndtw0 belt and dropping his troos. Kiall reared up and plunged \expndtw-1 his sword into the man's groin.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tsudai's eyes widened. 'Wolves to me!' he yelled and from the barn came a further nine men, swords in their hands. Take him!' shouted Tsudai.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 The warriors surged forward, but just as they reached the platform Beltzer came hurtling into them, his axe cleaving and cutting. Chareos and Harokas joined him. Kiall leapt from the platform, cannoning into three men and bearing them down. A sword sliced the skin of his upper arm, but then he was up, his own blade slashing at the men beneath him. Harokas ducked under a wild cut and skewered the man before him. His blade sprang \expndtw-1 clear in time to block a second thrust from another war\-rior. Chareos despatched two Wolves, then swung to aid \expndtw0 Harokas. Beltzer fought like a man berserk. Within \expndtw-2 seconds the last Nadir fighting man was cut down.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tsudai ran along the ramparts and jumped to the ground, rolling to break his fall. He seized the reins of his horse and vaulted to the beast's bare back. Chareos \expndtw-1 ran to block his escape, but the horse galloped clear.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Get the girl!' Chareos shouted.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer tossed his axe to Kiall and climbed to the plat\-\expndtw0 form. Lifting Tanaki, he draped her over his shoulder.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos led the group back to the iron gate and out into the mist-filled night. Slowly they made their way clear, judging their path by the rising ground. Within \expndtw-1 minutes they heard the sound of horses' hooves. 'Down!' \expndtw-2 hissed Chareos. The group dropped to their bellies. Hor\-semen passed them by within a few paces. Chareos rose.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Which way?' whispered Beltzer. They could hear the calling of the Nadir, but the mist had thickened into a \expndtw-4 deep fog and the sounds were distorted, muffled and eerie. \expndtw0 As Chareos led them up the slope Beltzer was breathing \expndtw-3 heavily, his face red with exertion.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I'm not as young as I was,' he said, stopping for a \expndtw-1 moment to get his breath.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri10\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\expndtw-18\f1\lang1033\fs23 236}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5391\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 A glowing sphere formed in the air before Chareos. Thank the Source!' he whispered. The sphere floated away to the right. Chareos and the others followed it and \expndtw-2 soon climbed above the mist into the relative safety of the \expndtw-1 trees. Okas was still squatting on the grass, but he opened \expndtw0 his eyes as the questors entered the clearing. 'Sit around me in a circle," he said. 'Place the girl at the centre.' Beltzer gently laid the unconscious Tanaki to the grass \expndtw-1 and they formed a circle. Okas closed his eyes and began \expndtw0 to chant once more, his voice low and rhythmic. Beltzer looked closely at him. The old man was painfully thin and his face was streaked with grey, his lips as blue as the tattooes on his chin.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer nudged Chareos and pointed to Okas. Chareos nodded. Whatever magic the old man was working was taking a terrible toll.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Nadir horsemen rode into the clearing and Beltzer jerked, and reached for his axe, but Chareos gripped his arm. The horsemen seemed insubstantial, like ghosts. They rode slowly past the questors.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall shivered and watched the wraith riders as they \expndtw-1 passed. Okas opened his eyes and sagged sideways to the \expndtw0 grass. Chareos and Kiall moved to him, but the old man \expndtw-3 waved them away and curled up to sleep. Chareos covered \expndtw0 him with a blanket as Kiall turned to the girl. Under the bright moonlight he could see her face was swollen and bruised. Her left eye was closed tight, the right darkened and discoloured. Carefully he lifted the blanket from her body. Her legs and buttocks were also badly bruised and scratched, and there was dried blood on her thighs.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer knelt on the other side of Tanaki. 'You want \expndtw-1 some help?' he asked Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No. There is nothing we can do. But a fire would help; \expndtw0 we could keep her warm.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We cannot risk that,' said Chareos. 'I don't know how powerful the magic is, nor how long it will last.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I do not know why she is still unconscious,' said Kiall. \expndtw0 'The bruising is severe, but no bones seem to be broken.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li34\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-16\f1\lang1033\fs23 237}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5405\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex102\f1\lang1033\fs22 'I have seen this before,' Chareos told him. 'It is not the injury to the body, but to the spirit. This is an ugly \expndtw-5 business, Kiall.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex102\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs22 Tanaki moaned softly and Kiall lay alongside her, strok\-\expndtw-1 ing her face. 'You are well now,' he whispered into her \expndtw0 ear. 'You are with friends. Sleep, lady. Rest.' Chareos \expndtw-6 covered her with his own blanket, while Beltzer removed \expndtw-5 his jerkin and rolled it for a pillow beneath her head. She \expndtw0 turned to one side, her hand outside the blanket. The \expndtw-4 fingers clenched into a fist, then opened and dug into the \expndtw0 earth. Kiall took her hand gently and held it. Tanaki's \expndtw-5 breathing eased, and she slept.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex102\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs22 Three times ghostly Nadir riders entered the clearing. \expndtw-1 Once a man dismounted within three paces of the que-\expndtw-5 stors, and knelt to examine the tracks. He looked puzzled and spoke to his companions, but the questors could hear \expndtw-2 no words. Then he mounted and rode away through the \expndtw-10 trees.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi197\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex102\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs22 The night passed slowly. Kiall slept fitfully alongside \expndtw-8 Tanaki, while Chareos and Beltzer sat talking in low whis\-\expndtw-1 pers. Harokas moved away to the edge of the .rees and \expndtw-7 slept alone.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex102\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs22 Dawn found Chareos and Beltzer on the hillside, scan\-\expndtw-5 ning the horizon for signs of Finn or Maggrig. The Nadir camp was deserted, the town silent.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi216\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex102\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs22 They're canny men,' remarked Beltzer. 'They'll be all \expndtw0 right.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi211\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex102\f1\lang1033\fs22 'I wish I could be sure,' said Chareos. 'The risk was \expndtw-4 too great; I should never have asked them to go.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi216\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex102\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs22 'They're grown men; they could have refused. And we \expndtw-2 did get the girl.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi192\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex102\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs22 Chareos was tired. His back ached and he stretched out \expndtw-4 on the grass. 'You should sleep for a while,' said Beltzer. \expndtw-1 'I'll stand watch for Finn.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri14\fi192\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex102\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs22 Chareos nodded. 'Keep an eye on the Earl's man also. Don't let him move behind you.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex102\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs22 'You think he's an assassin?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li19\ri0\fi0\sb197\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex86\f1\lang1033\fs22 238}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5380\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri43\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I just think he needs watching.' Chareos closed his eyes \expndtw-6 and drifted off to sleep.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi197\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 The sun climbed higher as Beltzer sat beside Chareos, \expndtw-7 his axe in his lap, his mind on the mountain. He felt alive \expndtw-6 now, almost young again. Almost. Carrying the girl had \expndtw-1 sapped his strength, as had the battle in the town. His \expndtw0 huge hand curled around the axe haft. 'There's still a \expndtw-5 skirmish or two left in us, eh?' he said.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Far off to the west he saw a rider, keeping to the low \expndtw-6 hollows. Beltzer shaded his eyes and tried to identify the man; it looked like Finn. Scanning the hills and hollows, \expndtw-7 he could see no pursuers. He thought of waking Chareos, \expndtw0 but hesitated. The Blademaster was bone-weary, he \expndtw-6 needed rest. Slowly the rider made his way up the slope. \expndtw-1 It \i was \i0 Finn. He dismounted and led the horse into the \expndtw-7 clearing, then walked back to Beltzer.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Where is Maggrig?' Finn asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He's not back yet,' Beltzer told him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn sank to the ground. 'I didn't think I'd make it; \expndtw-4 they almost had me. I killed two of them and then rode into a swirling river. I lost my bow. I thought the horse \expndtw-2 would drown and I hung on to the pommel. But he's a \expndtw-6 good beast. He swam well - and found solid ground.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Get some rest,' Beltzer advised him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn shook his head. 'I've got to find Maggrig.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Don't be a fool! The Nadir are everywhere. Maggrig \expndtw-8 is probably holed up in some cave. He'll wait till nightfall, \expndtw-6 then make it back. If you ride out there, you'll lead them \expndtw-4 to him.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn sighed. 'You are right. I'll sleep for a while. Wake me if he comes.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer nodded. 'We got the girl,' he said. 'It went \expndtw-10 well.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn did not reply but lay on the grass and closed his \expndtw-5 eyes. Beltzer sat with his back to a tree and dozed in the \expndtw-2 morning sunshine. He awoke to see Harokas kneeling beside Chareos. The hawk-nosed warrior was staring}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li43\ri0\fi0\sb197\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-16\f1\lang1033\fs22 239}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5386\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri48\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 intently at the face of the sleeping man; his expression \expndtw-7 was hard to read, but Beltzer could see he was troubled.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri48\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Don't wake him,' said Beltzer softly and Harokas \expndtw-10 looked up.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I was sent here to kill him.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I know,' said Beltzer. 'So does he.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri43\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'But there is no need, is there? You have all decided to \expndtw-5 die. And I am glad to be relieved of the task.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri38\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Harokas rose and walked away to his horse. Beltzer \expndtw-8 watched him mount and ride away.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri34\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 At the centre of the clearing Kiall awoke. He sat up \expndtw-10 and looked down at Tanaki. Her colour was better. Open\-\expndtw-6 ing his pack, he took out some comfrey leaves which he mixed with cold water. It was good for swellings and he \expndtw-8 laboured over the poultice for some time. Satisfied at last, \expndtw-6 he touched Tanaki's hand and she awoke with a start.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You are with friends,' he told her, his voice soothing. \expndtw-4 'It is me, Kiall. I have a poultice here for your eyes. Lie \expndtw-3 still.' She said nothing as he placed the cool cloth over \expndtw-5 her eyelids. He took her hand and patted it gently.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Wolves?' she whispered.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Gone.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'How did \expndtw42 ...\expndtw0  \expndtw-1 ?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Do not talk, lady. Rest. We came into the town last \expndtw-4 night and slew the men who . . . attacked you. Then we \expndtw-7 carried you here. You are safe.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri29\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Rest now. Let the poultice do its work.' He tried to \expndtw-6 release her hand, but her fingers gripped his.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why?' she asked again.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Because you were in need,' he said lamely. He sat with her for several minutes; then her fingers relaxed their grip \expndtw0 and he saw she was asleep once more. He stood and \expndtw-3 stretched. Beltzer was asleep by a tree on the crown of \expndtw-8 the hill, Chareos and Finn lying close by. Of Harokas and \expndtw-10 Maggrig there was no sign.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri24\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 The voice of Okas sounded in his mind. \i 'Kiall, can you \expndtw-16 hear me?}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri5\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex83\f1\lang1033\fs23 240}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5386\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes,' he answered aloud, looking down at the old man's sleeping form. The voice was like a whisper through time, \expndtw-5 impossibly distant and yet clear. 'I can hear you.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Tell Chareos to travel to the Mountains of the Moon. Tell \expndtw-6 him to seek out Asta Khan. Tell him I am sorry.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 The voice faded. Kiall moved to Okas and knelt by the \expndtw-6 body. It was stiff and cold.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Tattooed Man was dead.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi0\sb442\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 They buried the old man on the crown of the hill and \expndtw-2 stood silently around the grave. 'The first of us to die,' \expndtw0 whispered Beltzer, his words hanging in the air. He \expndtw-7 walked back to the camp-site and sat staring at the blades \expndtw-6 of his axe, twirling the haft in his hands.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I am sorry,' Kiall told Chareos. 'I wish I had never \expndtw-4 asked you to help me. It all seems so futile now. I don't \expndtw-8 know why.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We are free men, Kiall. We make our own choices.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I know that,' said the young man. 'It is just . . . there \expndtw-8 is so much savagery. Look at Tanaki. How could men do \expndtw-3 that to her? I don't understand.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Be glad that you do not.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Do you?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos turned away, staring out over the Steppes. \expndtw-5 'Yes, sadly I do. I would never contemplate such a deed \expndtw0 - but, yes, I understand it. It is connected with war, \expndtw-3 Kiall, and the nature of the warrior. He is competitive, \expndtw-8 and his desire is to dominate and destroy his enemies. But the word to remember is \i dominate. \i0 There is another word \expndtw-7 to consider also; \i arousal. \i0 A man can be aroused to anger \expndtw-2 as easily as he is aroused to rut. The two emotions are \expndtw-6 closely linked. Anger and lust. So the warrior is aroused \expndtw-4 in battle and fights to dominate. Tanaki, and others like her, are the victims of that. Dominated, abused, \expndtw-6 humiliated.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li245\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'They are evil,' said Kiall. 'Simply that.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li245\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Would that it were so simple. Some of those men will}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li34\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex81\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 241}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5406\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri29\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 have had wives and children. They might have been good \expndtw-11 family men; they knew love and compassion in their lives.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I would show them no compassion. I am glad we killed \expndtw-6 them.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Glad? Never be glad another man has died. Not \i ever. \i0\expndtw-4 Just be relieved that you are alive. I had a teacher once, \expndtw-2 a great man called Attalis. He told me that the path to \expndtw-8 evil often begins with righteous anger. A Nadir band raid \expndtw-2 a Gothir village; they rape and kill. A group of Gothir \expndtw-7 soldiers set out for revenge; they want to hurt the enemy, \expndtw-3 so \i they \i0 rape and kill. It never ends. Never . . . ever . . . \expndtw-5 be glad to kill.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos walked away and stood at the graveside. Kiall \expndtw-1 left him there and wandered over to Beltzer who was \expndtw-7 sitting alone. The giant's face was set, but a muscle twit\-ched in his cheek. His eyes were red-rimmed and he was \expndtw-9 blinking rapidly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall sat opposite him. 'Are you all right?' asked the \expndtw-11 younger man.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Me? I'm fine. I was just thinking we haven't eaten. I'm \expndtw-3 starved.' His mouth trembled, but he clamped his jaws \expndtw-7 tight. 'Stupid old fool,' he said. 'Stupid! He killed himself \expndtw-4 to protect us. Stupid.' Beltzer sniffed, then hawked and \expndtw-5 spat. 'Damned if I'm not getting a chill. It's this weather; \expndtw-7 cold winds and dust. Only the Source knows how people \expndtw-3 live out here. Give me a city any time . . . and taverns. \expndtw-7 What are you staring at?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I'm sorry,' said Kiall. 'I didn't mean to stare. He had \expndtw-6 a message for you, you know. He said to say farewell to \expndtw-8 old Beltzer.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Did he? Truly?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes,' said Kiall, continuing the lie. 'He didn't sound \expndtw-7 unhappy.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You know what the worst thing is, boy? Do you?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He liked me. For myself. Not because I could swing an axe, or kill a few tribesmen. But for \i me. \i0 There's not \expndtw-6 much to like, but he found it. And I'll tell you something}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri10\fi0\sb197\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex82\f1\lang1033\fs23 242}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5381\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri43\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\f1\lang1033\fs23 - laugh if you like - but I loved that old man. "Old Beltzer". That's something, isn't it? I loved him.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why would I laugh?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri43\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tears welled in Beltzer's eyes, flowing to his cheeks and \expndtw0 into the red and silver beard. He bowed his head and \expndtw-1 wept. Kiall reached out and laid a hand on his shoulder.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri34\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Get away!' said Beltzer. 'Leave me alone. Can't a man \expndtw-3 even grieve in private?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall rose and backed away. Tanaki was awake and \expndtw-2 sitting in the centre of the camp-site, a blanket round her shoulders. Her eyes were still swollen, but she could see.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall sat beside her. 'How are you feeling?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri29\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You wouldn't want to know,' replied Tanaki. 'Did you kill them all?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes. No. There was one man - the leader, I think -\expndtw-2 he escaped.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Good.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri29\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall was surprised, but he did not press the point. 'Do you wish to be alone?' he asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\f1\lang1033\fs23 She smiled, then winced as her lip split and a tiny drop of blood formed. 'No. You sit close by, I like your \expndtw-2 company. Why did you rescue me?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Does it matter?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It does to me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Is it not enough that you were alone and needed help?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\f1\lang1033\fs23 'This is not a song or a fable, Kiall. I am not one of \expndtw-2 your yellow-haired ladies trapped in a tower.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\f1\lang1033\fs23 'But you are a princess,' he said, smiling. 'One should always rescue a princess.' She ignored the smile, and \expndtw-4 annoyance showed in her eyes.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What about the others? Why did they help?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The Tattooed Man asked them to - he said you were \expndtw-1 part of our quest. Does that satisfy you?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 She nodded. 'I will repay you all.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\f1\lang1033\fs23 'There is no need.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri29\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I will judge that. I want no debts hanging over me. \expndtw-4 Where will you go now?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\f1\lang1033\fs23 'To find a man named Asta Khan.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li14\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex82\f1\lang1033\fs23 243}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5415\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 She looked at him, but he could not read her expression \expndtw-5 through the bruises she bore. 'He still lives? Surprising. \expndtw-6 My father set great store by him.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He does still,' said Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What madness are you speaking? My father is dead; \expndtw-6 he has been for years.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is hard to explain.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Try!' she snapped. 'I may be bruised, but there is \expndtw-7 nothing wrong with my brain.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 As best he could, Kiall outlined the duel with the \expndtw-2 demons, and the violet-eyed warrior who had come to \expndtw-4 his assistance. 'Okas told me it was the spirit of Tenaka \expndtw-5 Khan.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'How did he fight?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'With two short swords. He spun like a dancer; I have \expndtw-6 never seen anything like it.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 She nodded. 'That is one of the names he carried: \expndtw-8 Bladedancer. He was also the Prince of Shadows.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Chareos and Beltzer both knew him,' said Kiall, 'as \expndtw-5 did Maggrig and Finn. They are the heroes of Bel-azar; \expndtw-4 he sat with them on the last night of the battle.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I know. My father told me. They are the \i ghosts-yet-to-be:}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What does that mean?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 She shrugged. 'I do not know. My father was a secretive \expndtw0 man. He told me of the warriors of the Gothir; he said one of them was blood kin - a Drenai prince. I would guess that to be Chareos. It is inconceivable that it could be the bald, fat one.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I know what you mean. Beltzer is not exactly cultured.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 The sound of a walking horse came to them and Beltzer \expndtw0 leapt up, his axe in his hands. Kiall stood, drawing his sabre, as Harokas guided his mount into the camp and \expndtw-3 stepped down.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I thought you had gone for good,' said Beltzer.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'So did I,' answered Harokas, wearily, 'but I found your friend.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Maggrig?' Beltzer whispered.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li14\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-16\f1\lang1033\fs23 244}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5391\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn lurched to his feet and ran forward. 'Where is \expndtw-6 he?' he shouted, grasping Harokas' black jerkin.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Harokas put his hand on Finn's shoulder. 'The Nadir \expndtw-6 took him.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Oh, no! Oh, please no!' cried Finn, stumbling back. \expndtw-2 He ran to his horse, but Chareos cut him off, grabbing \expndtw-6 his arms and holding him tight.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Wait!' said Chareos softly. 'We will all go. Calm your\-\expndtw-6 self, my friend.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Finn seemed to sag in Chareos' arms, his head falling \expndtw-2 to rest on the swordman's shoulder. Chareos turned to \expndtw-5 Kiall. 'Wait here with the woman. We'll be back.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'There's no point,' said Harokas. 'The Nadir are every\-\expndtw-5 where. It's madness.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Even so,' replied Chareos, 'will you take us to the \expndtw-12 body?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It means that much to you? You'll risk your lives for \expndtw-9 a corpse?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Harokas shook his head in disbelief. 'Follow me then, \expndtw-5 but ride warily.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri10\fi0\sb451\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Trees were sparse as the questors rode in single file behind \expndtw0 Harokas, and the land spread out before them in a series of folds and gullies, like a giant's cloak carelessly tossed from Heaven.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\f1\lang1033\fs23 They moved with care for more than an hour, coming at last to a rocky rise. Harokas dismounted and led his horse up the hill, the questors following his lead. He tethered his mount to a skeletal poplar and waited. Chareos joined him. No one had spoken since they rode from the camp. Finn stood by, white-faced, expression\-less, his eyes tormented. Beltzer was beside him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Follow me,' whispered Harokas, 'and please \expndtw46 ...\expndtw0  no \expndtw-2 heroics?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\f1\lang1033\fs23 He led them to a rock-face, and on into a narrow fissure}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li34\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\expndtw-15\f1\lang1033\fs23 245}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn4858\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li557\ri19\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 which wound down to a ledge. There he squatted in the fading light and pointed to the Nadir camp below. The \expndtw-1 greater part of the three hundred Wolves were there, and \expndtw0 six camp-fires had been set. At the centre of the camp, staked out naked on the ground was Maggrig, his body covered in cuts and burns. Finn groaned and Beltzer's hand gripped the hunter's shoulder.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0\tx768 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Have you seen enough?' whispered Harokas. 'It does\line \expndtw-3 not take a warrior's eye to know the man is dead.' Chareos\line \expndtw0 nodded. Maggrig had been tortured, his skin partially\line \expndtw-2 flayed, his eyes put out.\line \expndtw-1 I\tab 'They are still searching for you,' said Harokas, 'so he\line \expndtw0 could have told them nothing. He had courage. Great\line \expndtw-4 courage.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li557\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes, he did,' agreed Chareos, glancing at Finn. 'He \expndtw-3 was a fine man.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li557\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I think his horse broke a leg,' continued Harokas. 'It was just bad luck. He almost made it to the slopes.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li557\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'There's nothing more to see,' said Chareos softly. He touched Finn's arm. 'Let us go, my friend.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li768\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes,' murmured Finn.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li562\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 Harokas backed away from the rim of the ledge and \expndtw-1 the questors clambered back through the fissure. As they \expndtw-2 reached the horses, it was Beltzer who first noticed Finn's \expndtw-7 absence.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li557\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No!' he cried. Turning, he ran back for the fissure, \expndtw-3 Chareos and Harokas behind him. They came to the ledge \expndtw-5 in time to see Finn walking slowly down the scree-covered slope towards the Nadir camp. Beltzer made as if to follow \expndtw0 him, but Chareos grabbed the neck of his jerkin, hauling \expndtw-2 him from his feet.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li566\ri5\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer hit the ground hard. He stared up into Chareos' \expndtw0 face. 'Leave it be,' said Chareos. 'He wouldn't want you there; you know that.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li576\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer tried to speak, but no words came. He rolled \expndtw-2 to his knees, gathered his axe and stumbled back through the fissure. Harokas knelt beside Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li778\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Blademaster ignored him, his eyes fixed on the}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li2938\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\expndtw-18\f1\lang1033\fs23 246}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5387\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs22 small, dark figure closing on the Nadir camp. It would be \expndtw0 so easy, thought Harokas, his hand on the hilt of his dagger . . . just slip the blade through his ribs, sliding it up into the heart. So easy. Then he could return to the Earl, claim his gold and get on with his life. But that \expndtw-2 would mean leaving Tanaki. He cursed inwardly and took \expndtw0 his hand from the hilt.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi187\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\f1\lang1033\fs22 Below them Finn reached the bottom of the slope and walked forward, back straight, head high. There was a roaring in his ears, like the distant sea, and his eyes were misted. So many years together, years of joy and fear. It never paid to love too much, he'd always known that. All \expndtw-2 life was balance. There was always a reckoning. Better by \expndtw0 far not to have loved at all. He walked past two Nadir warriors who were honing their swords; they stared at him for a moment, then rose behind him. Steadily Finn walked on. He could see Maggrig now, and the terrible \expndtw-2 cruelty they had unleashed upon him. A man seized Finn's \expndtw0 arm. Almost absently, Finn plunged his hunting-knife into the warrior's throat.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi187\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\f1\lang1033\fs22 There had been that time when Maggrig went down with the Red Plague. No one survived that, but Finn had sat with him, begging him to live. The fever had burned \expndtw-2 all the flesh from Maggrig's body, leaving translucent skin \expndtw0 stretched tightly over the bones. But Finn had nursed \expndtw-3 him to health. He remembered the day he had first realised \expndtw0 Maggrig was going to live. The sky had been grey and overcast, the mountains covered with mist. Moisture dripped from the trees and yet the day had been beautiful - so incredibly beautiful that Finn had been unable to look upon it without tears.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi192\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\f1\lang1033\fs22 A second warrior came at him. Finn killed him, but \expndtw-1 the man's sword plunged into Finn's side. There was little pain. He staggered on. Something struck him in the back, \expndtw0 but he ignored it. Close to the body now, he fell to his knees and slashed his knife through the ropes binding \expndtw-2 Maggrig's arms to the stakes. Dropping his knife, he lifted}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li38\ri0\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\expndtw-16\f1\lang1033\fs22 247}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5391\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri43\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Maggrig's head. Blood gushed into Finn's throat but he \expndtw-7 spat it clear.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri43\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You are nothing but trouble to me, boy,' he said, \expndtw-7 struggling to lift the stiffening corpse.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 A spear hammered into his back, smashing through his \expndtw-6 ribs and exiting from the chest. He felt Maggrig slipping \expndtw0 from his hands and tried, so hard, to lower the body \expndtw-6 gently to the earth.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Slowly he toppled, his head resting on Maggrig's cheat.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri29\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 If he could just get Maggrig to the mountains, all would \expndtw-2 be well. The sky would be grey and overcast, the mist \expndtw-8 clinging to the trees.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 If he could just. . .}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Swords and knives plunged into Finn's body, but he \expndtw-7 did not feel them.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 High on the ledge Chareos watched it all. His hands \expndtw-10 were trembling and he tore his eyes from the scene, staring \expndtw-1 down at the ground. He sucked in a deep breath, then \expndtw-10 leaned back. For several minutes he sat in silence, remem\-\expndtw-4 bering Finn and Maggrig as they had been back at Bel-\expndtw-6 azar. Then he turned to Harokas. 'You had your chance,' \expndtw-4 he said softly. 'It will not come again. Why did you not \expndtw-9 kill me?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Harokas spread his hands and said nothing. Chareos \expndtw-5 backed away from the ledge and returned to the horses. \expndtw-9 Beltzer was sitting on a rock, his axe on the ground beside \expndtw-15 him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Did he die well?' asked the giant.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri14\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes . . . whatever that means,' answered Chareos. He \expndtw-4 stepped into the saddle. 'Let's get back.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri10\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What are we going to do, Blademaster?' Beltzer asked. \expndtw-3 'Yesterday seems so far away now. Okas is dead. Finn \expndtw-7 and Maggrig are dead. Do we go on?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What do we have to go back to? We go on.' Touching \expndtw-9 heels to the grey, Chareos rode out of the clearing. Beltzer \expndtw-8 gathered his axe, mounted and followed him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 For some time Harokas waited. Finally he vaulted into}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li14\ri0\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex83\f1\lang1033\fs23 248}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5420\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 the saddle and rode after them. Chareos heard him coming \expndtw-8 and reined in as the assassin came alongside.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Well?' asked Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You can't take on the Nadir army with three men,' \expndtw-10 said Harokas.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What do you suggest?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Four would even the odds.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li96\ri0\fi0\sb7104\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 249}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5401\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li917\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs36 CHAPTER TWELVE}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi0\sb461\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien-tsu opened his eyes. Around him the mountains \expndtw-7 reared like the spears of the gods, looming and threaten\-\expndtw-6 ing. An icy wind howled through the crags. His servant, \expndtw-9 Oshi, was huddled by a small fire, his face blue with cold. \expndtw-10 Chien shivered.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'She is dead,' he said, picturing Mai-syn as he had last \expndtw0 seen her, radiant and happy, her dress of yellow silk \expndtw-7 shining in the sunlight.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'As always then, lord, you were correct,' said Oshi.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I had hoped to be wrong. Come, let us find a cave.' \expndtw-4 Oshi was reluctant to leave even the illusory warmth of \expndtw-6 the small fire, but he rose without complaint and the two \expndtw-3 men led their horses along the winding mountain path. \expndtw-1 There were no trees at this height, only an occasional \expndtw-5 stunted shrub cloaked in snow. The walls of the moun\-\expndtw-6 tains rose sheer to the left and right of the travellers, and \expndtw-7 there was no sign of a cave or shelter of any kind beyond \expndtw-9 shallow depressions in the rock-face. Oshi was convinced \expndtw0 they would die here. It was three days since they had \expndtw-2 eate.i - and that had been a stringy hare brought down \expndtw-8 by an arrow from Chien's bow.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 They walked on. Chien did not feel the cold; he closed \expndtw-5 his mind to it, and thought instead of the beautiful Mai-\expndtw-2 syn. He had spirit-searched the land, seeking her soul, \expndtw-6 listening for the music of her spirit.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 His mood was dark now, and colder than the mountain \expndtw-15 winds.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 The trail dropped into a narrow valley, then rose again. \expndtw-10 For a while they rode, but it seemed colder to sit immobile \expndtw-7 on a saddle and they dismounted. Oshi stumbled and fell \expndtw-6 and Chien turned. 'Are you weary, old man?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'A little, lord,' he admitted.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li5\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 250}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5391\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien moved on. He could not stop the servant from \expndtw-8 addressing him with his title, and had long since given up \expndtw-7 the effort.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 They rounded a bend in the trail and saw an elderly \expndtw-8 man sitting cross-legged on a rock. He seemed incredibly ancient, the skin of his face weathered like sandstone. He was wearing only a loin-cloth of pale skin and a necklace \expndtw-7 of human teeth; his body was emaciated, the bones sharp \expndtw-2 and jutting, like knife-blades under leather. Snow had \expndtw-7 settled on his skeletal shoulders.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Good evening, old father,' greeted Chien, bowing.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 The old man looked up and as Chien met his gaze he shuddered inwardly. The eyes were blacker than night, \expndtw-10 and cold with an ancient malice. The man smiled, showing \expndtw-8 several blackened teeth.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 His voice whispered out like a breeze across tomb\-\expndtw-3 stones. 'Mai-syn angered Jungir Khan. He threw her to \expndtw0 his Wolves, who used her and threw her back. In her \expndtw-6 despair she cut her throat with a pair of silver scissors. It \expndtw-5 happened less than a month after her arrival.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien felt his stomach heave, but he fought to keep all \expndtw-9 expression from his face.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'A simple "good evening" would have been sufficient \expndtw-3 to open the conversation, old father. But thank you for \expndtw-6 the information.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I do not have the time for pleasantries, Chien-tsu, nor \expndtw0 the elaborate and inane rituals of the Kiatze.' The old \expndtw-2 man laughed. 'Look around you - this is Nadir land. It \expndtw-6 is cold, inhospitable. Only the strong survive. Here there are no green fields, no verdant pastures. A warrior is old \expndtw-4 by the time he is thirty. We have no energy to spend on \expndtw0 pretty words.' He waved one hand. 'But that is of no \expndtw-1 matter. It is important only that you are here, and that \expndtw-6 your desire for vengeance is strong. Follow me.' Nimbly \expndtw-7 he leapt from the rock and walked away into the snow.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He is a demon,' wailed Oshi. 'That loin-cloth is human \expndtw-4 skin.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I do not care for his lack of sartorial elegance,' said}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li34\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex79\f1\lang1033\fs23 251}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5391\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri43\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs24 Chien. 'If he is a demon I will deal with him, but let us \expndtw-12 hope he is a demon with a warm cave.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri38\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs24 They followed the old man to what seemed a sheer \expndtw-13 rock-face. He disappeared and Oshi began to tremble, but \expndtw-12 Chien walked to the rock wall and found a narrow open\-\expndtw-8 ing, almost invisible from the outside. He led his horse \expndtw-13 within and Oshi followed him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi192\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs24 Inside it was dark and cold. From somewhere in the \expndtw-10 shadows Chien heard a soft chanting. Torches sprang to \expndtw-9 life in rusted brackets on the walls. His horse reared but \expndtw-5 he calmed the beast, stroking its neck and whispering \expndtw-10 soothing words. The travellers moved on into a torch-lit \expndtw-13 tunnel that branched out into a deep cave where a fire was burning without wood.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs24 'Sit,' said Asta Khan. 'Warm yourselves.' He turned to \expndtw-8 Oshi. 'I am not a demon; I am worse than demons. But \expndtw-11 you have no need to fear me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-11\f1\lang1033\fs24 Thank you, sir. Thank you,' said Oshi, bowing deeply.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri19\fi197\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-14\f1\lang1033\fs24 Asta Khan ignored him, locking his gaze to Chien. 'And \expndtw-9 you do not fear me at all, man of Kiatze. That is good. I \expndtw-8 am not comfortable around fearful men. Sit! Sit! Make \expndtw-11 yourselves comfortable. It is long since I had visitors.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri14\fi211\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs24 'How long have you been here?' Chien asked, settling \expndtw-13 himself by the magical fire.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri14\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs24 'I came when my lord was murdered. He was Tenaka \expndtw-2 Khan, the Khan of Wolves, the Prince of Shadows,' \expndtw-10 related the old man, his eyes shining with pride. 'He was \expndtw-9 the Great One, the heir of Ulric.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri5\fi211\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs24 'I believe I have heard the name,' said Chien. Anger \expndtw-12 flashed in Asta's eyes, but he masked it and smiled thinly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri0\fi197\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs24 'All men have heard it, even the soft-bellied Kiatze. \expndtw-10 But let it pass. Your people are renowned for cynicism -but I watched you fight, Chien-tsu. I saw you kill Kubai \expndtw-9 and the others. You are skilful - and fast. Very fast.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li254\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-11\f1\lang1033\fs24 'And you have need of my skills, old father?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li43\ri0\fi216\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs24 'I see your mind works as swiftly as your body. Yes, I \expndtw-13 have need of you. And you have need of me. It makes for}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li34\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex79\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs24 252}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5395\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs22 an interesting debate, I think. Which of us needs the other \expndtw-6 more?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri38\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Not at the moment,' replied Chien. 'As matters stand I need you not at all.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri43\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Then you know how to get into the Khan's palace?' \expndtw-5 asked Asta.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Not yet. But I will find a way.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 'No,' said Asta, 'you will not. But I can take you on a path which leads to the throne room. Alone you would \expndtw-3 not survive, for there are the Dwellers in the Dark to stop \expndtw0 you. I will give you Jungir Khan. I will give you the \expndtw-5 means of vengeance.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 'And in return, old father?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs22 'You will aid the \i ghosts-yet-to-be.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Explain further.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs22 Asta shook his head. 'First we will eat. I can hear your \expndtw-1 servant's belly rumbling. Take your bow and walk from the cave. A deer is waiting there - kill it.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs22 Chien rose and walked back to the cave entrance. The \expndtw0 old man was right for a doe stood trembling near the entrance, her eyes open and unblinking. Chien notched an arrow and stood for a moment looking at the beast, \expndtw-1 then he turned and retraced his steps.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Oshi, take a knife and despatch the beast. There is no \expndtw0 sport there.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi149\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 .Asta Khan cackled loudly, rocking back and forth on \expndtw-4 his haunches.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs22 Chien ignored him. 'Tell me of Tenaka Khan,' he said and the old man took a deep breath.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 'He was the sun and moon of the Nadir people - but \expndtw-5 he was cursed with tainted blood. Half Drenai, half Nadir, \expndtw0 he allowed himself to love a woman. I do not mean to \expndtw-4 take her for his own - although he did this. But he surren\-dered his soul to her. She died giving birth to his daughter \expndtw-1 Tanaki, and in dying she took part of the Khan's soul to \expndtw-4 Hell or Heaven. He ceased to care about his life, allowing \expndtw-3 the years to drift by. His son, Jungir, poisoned him. That \expndtw-2 is Tenaka Khan. What more do you wish to know?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li38\ri0\fi0\sb197\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex86\f1\lang1033\fs22 253}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5395\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You were his shaman?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I was and I am. I am Asta Khan. I placed the Helm \expndtw-3 of Ulric on his head. I rode beside him when he conquered \expndtw0 the Drenai, and the Vagrians, when the armies of the Nadir rode into Mashrapur and Lentria. He was the fulfilment of our dreams. He should never have died. He \expndtw-1 should have lived for ever, like a god!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And what do you seek, Asta Khan?' asked Chien. 'Not \expndtw-4 merely vengeance?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Asta's eyes shone for a moment, then he looked away. 'What I desire is of no concern to you. It is enough that I can give you that which you desire.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'At this moment I desire nothing more than a hot bath.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Then you shall have one,' said Asta, rising. 'Follow me.' The old man rose and walked to the back of the cave, where a shallow pool had filled with melted snow from a fissure above. Asta knelt by it, dipping his hand to the water. He closed his eyes and spoke three harsh-sounding words which were lost on Chien. The water began to bubble and hiss, steam rising.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri43\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'A hot bath for the Kiatze lord,' said Asta, standing. 'Is there anything else you require?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'A young concubine to read me the works of Lu-tzan?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Make do with the hot bath,' Asta told him, striding \expndtw-12 away.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi125\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 jChien stripped his clothes and slid into the pool. The water was hot but not uncomfortable, despite having \expndtw-2 reached boiling point. He recalled the story of Hai-chuan, \expndtw0 a young man accused of stealing a royal gem. Hai-chuan had pleaded innocence, and was sentenced to trial by \expndtw-3 ordeal. He had to place his hands in a pot of boiling water. \expndtw0 If he was innocent, the gods would protect his flesh; if guilty, his skin would blister and burst. He was from the mountains and he begged the magistrate to allow him to suffer his ordeal directly under the gaze of the All-father in Heaven. Touched by his piety, the magistrate agreed and Hai-chuan was taken to the top of a high mountain. There they boiled a pot of water and he placed his hands}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri24\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-16\f1\lang1033\fs23 254}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5386\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 within it. There was not a mark upon him - and he was \expndtw-9 freed. Later he sold the gem and lived like a prince. Chien \expndtw-6 smiled. It was due to the altitude, he knew. Water boiled at a much lower temperature in the mountains.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri38\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 He lazed for a while in the water, then climbed out and \expndtw-6 returned to the fire to sit, naked, by the flames.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri38\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Oshi had cut the best pieces from the loins of the doe, \expndtw-8 and the smell of cooking meat filled the cave.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Now tell me of the \i ghosts-yet-to-be,' \i0 said Chien.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi0\sb442\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tanaki watched the men ride away, then eased herself to her feet, stifling a groan as pain roared through her. \expndtw-3 Unsteadily she rose and straightened her back. Nausea \expndtw-4 threatened to swamp her, but she forced her stomach to \expndtw-10 remain calm.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You should rest,' said Kiall, who had moved alongside \expndtw-5 her, one hand held out.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 She made no reply. Bending to one side, she gently \expndtw-4 stretched the muscles of her waist and hips. Lifting her \expndtw-8 arms over her head, she eased the tension in her neck and shoulders. Her father had taught her these exercises many \expndtw0 years before. 'The warrior's body,' he had said, 'must \expndtw-6 always be supple.' More confident now, she spun on her heel and leapt, twisting in the air. She landed clumsily.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Can I help?' asked Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes. Hold out your hands.' He did so and her long leg \expndtw-3 swung up, her heel resting on his palms. She bent for\-\expndtw-8 ward, grasping the back of her ankle, holding the position \expndtw-3 for a while and then switching to the other leg. Finally \expndtw-7 she lifted the blanket from her shoulders and stood naked \expndtw-2 before Kiall. He blushed and cleared his throat. 'Place \expndtw-5 your hands on my shoulders,' she said, turning her back \expndtw0 on him, 'and gently press at the muscles with your \expndtw-4 thumbs. Where they are rounded and supple, move on. \expndtw-5 Where they are knotted and tense, ease them.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I do not know how,' he told her, but tentatively his \expndtw0 hands touched her skin. She sat down on her blanket}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li38\ri0\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex82\f1\lang1033\fs23 255}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5395\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri38\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 with Kiall kneeling behind her. Her skin was smooth and white, the muscles beneath strong and firm, as his fingers \expndtw-11 moved over her.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri38\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Relax, Kiall. Close your eyes. Think of nothing. Let \expndtw-7 your hands search.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 His fingers slid down over the shoulder-blades. The \expndtw0 muscles on the right side felt as if pebbles had been \expndtw-2 inserted into them. With great care he rubbed at them, growing more confident as the tautness faded. That is \expndtw0 good,' she told him. 'You have fine hands - healing \expndtw-6 hands.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi192\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 He could feel himself becoming aroused, and hated \expndtw-3 himself for it. After what she had been through, it was \expndtw-4 wholly wrong for a man to react to her in this way. His \expndtw-5 hands losing their sureness, he stood and walked away. \expndtw-2 Tanaki covered herself with the blanket cloak and lay \expndtw-6 back on the ground. The pain of her body was less now, \expndtw-8 but she would never forget the abject humiliation she had \expndtw-5 suffered. The memory of the sweating men, the stink of \expndtw-2 them, the pawing and the pain would remain with her \expndtw-6 always. She shivered and rolled to her feet. Kiall's horse stood tethered nearby; she saddled him and stepped into \expndtw-5 the stirrup, easing herself to his back. Kiall saw her and ran forward. 'Where are you going?' he asked, his voice \expndtw-9 full of concern.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I cannot start the rest of my life dressed like this,' she \expndtw-3 said. 'My clothes are down there in the hall. And I will \expndtw-9 need weapons.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri14\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Til come with you,' he offered, holding out his hand. \expndtw-7 She took it and he vaulted to the saddle behind her. 'This \expndtw-6 is not wise, Tanaki.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The merits cannot be decided until we are done,' she \expndtw-9 told him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 The bodies had been removed from the settlement, but \expndtw-5 dried blood still stained the ground and the wood of the \expndtw-8 auction platform. Tanaki slid from the saddle and entered \expndtw-6 the hall. Kiall tethered his horse and moved to the ram\-\expndtw-5 parts, keeping watch for Nadir warriors. As the minutes}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li19\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex83\f1\lang1033\fs23 256}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5406\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 passed, he felt his tension rise. Hearing the sound of booted feet on the steps he whirled, scrabbling for his \expndtw-1 sabre. Tanaki laughed at him. She was clad now in trou\-\expndtw-2 sers of soft oiled leather and high riding-boots. Her upper \expndtw0 body was clothed in a matching hooded tunic, and two short swords were belted at her hips. Over her shoulder was slung a fur-lined cloak of black leather, and in her \expndtw-1 hand she carried a canvas pack.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You have all you need?' he asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Not quite. I need the head of Tsudai - but that will come to me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 They rode back to the camp-site and tethered the horse. \expndtw0 Tanaki drew her swords. 'Come,' she said to Kiall, 'show me your skill.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No. I \expndtw57 ...\expndtw0  I'm not very good. I am not a warrior, you \expndtw-2 see.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Show me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Embarrassed, he drew his sabre and dropped into the stance Chareos had taught him. As she leapt forward his \expndtw-1 sabre blocked her thrust, but she spun, her second sword-\expndtw0 blade falling to touch his neck. 'You are too stiff,' she \expndtw-1 told him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I loosen up when I am afraid,' he said, with a smile.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Then be afraid!' she said, her voice low and chilling. Her sword swept towards his head and he jumped back, but she followed him in. He blocked one thrust, then a second . . . she spun, but he dropped to his knees, her blade slashing the air where his head had been. As her sword sliced down, he dived to his left and rolled. 'That is better,' she said, 'but unless you are a master - which you are not - you should fight with sabre and knife. That would double your killing power.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Sheathing her blades she walked to the brow of the hill, \expndtw0 staring out over the land.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall joined her. 'You still intend to rescue your lady?' \expndtw-2 she asked him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes, if I can. But she is not my lady, she never was. I know that now.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li38\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex82\f1\lang1033\fs23 257}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5377\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You blame me for that, Kiall.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri58\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I blame you for nothing, Princess. I was foolish. I had \expndtw-5 a dream, and I thought that dream was real.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri53\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We are full of dreams,' she said. 'We long for the \expndtw-8 unattainable. We believe in the nonsense of fables. There \expndtw-5 is no pure love; there is lust and there is need.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I do not believe that, Princess.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Another dream you think is real?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri53\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I hope not. There is so much sadness and hate in the \expndtw-8 world. It would be a terrible thing if love was an illusion.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri53\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why did you walk away from me earlier, when you \expndtw-9 were touching me?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I \expndtw45 ...\expndtw0  \expndtw-1 I don't know.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri43\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You lie, Kiall. I could feel the growing warmth in your \expndtw-6 hands. You wanted to bed me, did you not?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri38\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No!' he replied instinctively, then looked away, redd\-\expndtw-2 ening. 'Yes, I did,' he said angrily. 'And I know it was \expndtw-10 wrong.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri24\fi192\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Wrong? You are a fool, Kiall. It was honest lust - do \expndtw0 not be ashamed of it, but do not write poems about it \expndtw-4 either. I have had fifty lovers. Some were geriile, some \expndtw-7 were cruel, and some I even grew fond of. But love? If it \expndtw-6 existed, I would have found it by now. Oh, Kiall, do not \expndtw-8 look so shocked. Life is short. Joy is everything. To deny \expndtw-5 that is to deny life.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You have the advantage of me,' he said softly. 'I do \expndtw-8 not have your experience of life. I was raised in a village, \expndtw-1 where we farmed and we raised cattle and sheep. But \expndtw-4 there were people there who had been together for half \expndtw-2 a lifetime. They were happy; I believe they loved one \expndtw-6 another.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li48\ri14\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 She shook her head. 'A man and a woman are drawn \expndtw-9 together by animal passions; they stay together for secur\-\expndtw-4 ity. But if a better, perhaps richer man comes along, or \expndtw-5 a younger, more beautiful woman, then - and only then - can you test their \i love. \i0 Look at you, Kiall. Three days \expndtw-10 ago you loved a woman enough to risk death for her. Now}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li29\ri0\fi0\sb197\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex86\f1\lang1033\fs22 258}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5376\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri58\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs22 you say you did not love her after all. And why? Because \expndtw-2 I appeared. Does that not prove my point?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri58\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs22 He remained silent for several seconds, staring out over \expndtw-2 the horizon. Finally he spoke. 'It proves only that I am a \expndtw0 fool. That is not hard to do.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri53\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 Tanaki moved to him. 'I am sorry, I should not say \expndtw-6 these things. I thank you for rescuing me. I will be grateful \expndtw0 to you all the days of my life. It was noble of you - and \expndtw-3 courageous. And I thank you also for walking away back \expndtw-1 there; that was considerate. But give me a few days and \expndtw-3 I will teach you joy.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 'No!' he said. 'I do not want to learn that kind of joy.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri43\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Then remain a fool,' she snapped, turning and stalking \expndtw-5 away to sit alone.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri29\fi0\sb437\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\f1\lang1033\fs22 For almost three weeks the questors journeyed more deeply into the lands of the Nadir, moving across the desolate Steppes towards the far, grey mountains. Occasionally they stayed in small Nadir tent settlements, but mostly they camped in hidden gulleys, caves or hol\-lows. There was no sign of pursuit, and they saw nothing of the soldiers of Tsudai.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri19\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\f1\lang1033\fs22 Chareos said little during their journey. His face was set and grim, his eyes haunted. Beltzer too had little to say. Harokas proved adept with the bow and twice brought down deer. But mostly their food came from the land in the shape of long, twisted roots, purple in colour, which made a thin but nourishing soup.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\f1\lang1033\fs22 Tanaki recovered well and often entered into bantering conversations with Harokas, but Kiall saw the fear in her eyes when any of the questors came too close, watched her flinch at a touch. For some days he said nothing of it. He treated her with courtesy, though she ignored him for most of the time; he guessed she was still angry at what she saw as his rejection of her.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li48\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\f1\lang1033\fs22 But one night she awoke screaming, rolling from her blankets and scrabbling for her swords. Beltzer was up}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li58\ri0\fi0\sb197\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\expndtw-13\f1\lang1033\fs22 259}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5386\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri43\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 instantly, his silver axe in his hands. Chareos and Kiall \expndtw-2 moved to her.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri38\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is all right,' said Chareos, reaching out. 'It was only a dream.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Get back! Don't touch me!' screamed Tanaki. Her \expndtw-3 sword snaked out and Chareos leapt back, the blade miss\-\expndtw0 ing him by a finger's breadth.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri43\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tanaki?' said Kiall softly. 'All is well. You were dream\-\expndtw0 ing. You are with friends. Friends.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 She stepped back, her breathing ragged, her violet eyes \expndtw0 wide and frightened. Gradually her breathing grew more calm. 'I am sorry,' she whispered, and turning on her heel, she walked from the camp-site. Beltzer returned to his blankets, grumbling. Kiall walked after Tanaki, coming upon her sitting on a flat rock. Her moonlit face \expndtw-1 was pale as ivory, and he was struck anew by her beauty. \expndtw0 For a moment he said nothing, then he sat beside her.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri34\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 She swung to face him. They must think me weak,' \expndtw-4 she said.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri29\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No one thinks that,' he assured her. 'But I do not know how to help you, Tanaki. I can heal bruises, stitch wounds, prepare herbs that will bring down fevers. But I cannot deal with your pain.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I have no pain,' she said. 'I am healed.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri24\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I do not think so. Every night you toss and turn. Often you cry out, and sometimes you even weep. It hurts me to see you in pain.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Suddenly she laughed and stood with hands on hips, facing him. 'I know what you want,' she said. 'You want what those soldiers wanted. Admit it. Be a man! Do not come to me with your, "It hurts me to see you in pain." You don't care for me. And why should you? As far as you are concerned I'm just another Nadir bitch, to be used when you desire it.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 That's not how I see you,' he said. 'Yes, you are beauti\-\expndtw0 ful. Yes, any man would desire you. But I was talking of friendship - and I do care.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-16\f1\lang1033\fs23 260}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5405\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Well, I don't want your pity either," she snapped. 'I'm \expndtw-5 not some colt with a broken leg, or a blind puppy.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why are you so angry with me? If I have said - or \expndtw-5 done - anything to upset you, then I apologise.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 She seemed about to speak, but her breath came out in a long sigh and she sagged back to the stone beside him. 'I am not angry with you, Kiall.' She closed her eyes and leaned forward, her elbows resting on her knees. 'It is not you,' she repeated. 'I cannot put it behind me. Every time \expndtw-1 I close my eyes I can see their faces, feel their hands, \expndtw-2 their . . . Every time. When I sleep, they come for me. \expndtw-7 And in my dreams I think that the rescue was the dream, \expndtw0 and \i this \i0 is the reality. I keep thinking about it. It isn't \expndtw-2 the rape itself, or the beating, it is . . .'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Her voice faded for a moment and Kiall said nothing, \expndtw-8 allowing the silence to grow. 'I have always known about \expndtw-9 such atrocities, but until you suffer you cannot understand \expndtw-8 the enormity of it. And worse, you cannot explain it. Two of those men were once palace guards at Ulrickham. One \expndtw-5 of them used to carry me on his shoulders when I was a \expndtw-6 child. So I ask myself, how could he do that to me? And \expndtw-4 why would he want to? I feel as if the world was never \expndtw-6 how I saw it - as if a gossamer veil hung before my eyes \expndtw-4 which they ripped away, leaving me to see the vileness \expndtw-9 that is reality. Only a few weeks ago I would see that look \expndtw-4 in Harokas' eye, and I would take it as a compliment. It \expndtw-6 would make me feel good. Now? Now it is like the look a fox gives a chicken, and it terrifies me.' She looked up \expndtw-5 at him. 'Do you understand any of this?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I understand \i all \i0 of it,' he told her. He held out his \expndtw-6 hand but she backed away from it. 'Fear,' he said gently, \expndtw-5 'is usually good. It stops us from being reckless; it gives \expndtw-3 us caution. But Chareos says that fear is a servant who longs to be the master. And he is a terrible master who must be fought, held in thrall. You are strong, Tanaki. \expndtw-5 You are iron. You are proud. Take my hand.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I don't think that I can,' she said.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Think back to the woman I first met. You are still her.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li14\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex81\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 261}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5391\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs22 You have suffered, but you are still the Princess Tanaki, \expndtw0 daughter of Tenaka Khan. In you is the blood of \expndtw-5 greatness.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri43\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs22 He held out his hand and her fingers lifted towards it, \expndtw-3 fell away, then rose swiftly to hold tightly to his.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri38\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs22 Tears welled in her eyes and she sank forward against \expndtw-4 him. He put his arm around her and sat with her for some \expndtw-3 time, neither of them speaking. At last she pulled away.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Then we are friends?' she asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Always,' he told her, smiling.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Together they walked back to the camp where Chareos \expndtw-2 was sitting alone, staring up at the eastern sky. He did \expndtw-8 not seem to notice them and Kiall wandered over to him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs22 'How are you faring?' he asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri34\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs22 Chareos looked up. 'I do not need to be comforted,' he \expndtw0 said, with a wry smile. 'You did well by her. You are a \expndtw-4 good man.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs22 'You followed me?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri43\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Yes. But I did not stay long. She's a fine woman, Kiall. \expndtw-3 Strong and beautiful.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs22 'I know that,' said the younger man, uncomfortable.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 'If you were to ask me for advice - which you won't -I would tell you to take her away from here. Return to \expndtw-2 the lands of the Gothir, marry and raise tall sons.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs22 'And what would you do?' asked Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs22 'I would continue this mad quest,' answered Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri38\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Yes, I know. You cannot stop now,' said Kiall sadly. \expndtw-2 'Now that it has cost the lives of three of your friends.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 'You are a gifted young man, Kiall. Intuitive and \expndtw-3 intelligent.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 'I wish I had never asked you for aid. I mean that truly.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs22 'I know. Sleep well, boy.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi0\sb446\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs22 During the weeks which followed Tanaki found herself constantly watching Kiall - enjoying his hesitant, nervous smile, the tilt of his head as he spoke. She had not com-}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri5\fi0\sb197\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\expndtw-13\f1\lang1033\fs22 262}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5400\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 pletely lost her nervousness with the others, but Kiall's friendship had given her strength to battle her fears. During the long evenings Tanaki would walk away from the others and sit with her back to a rock, or a tree, and watch the men. They talked little, but in their movements there was much to read. Beltzer was a bear, a great ambling powerhouse filled with a bitterness he could not voice. Yet his actions were sure and confident, and his speed belied his bulk. Chareos was the timber-wolf, lean and canny, always checking the back-trail, always think\-\expndtw-1 ing, always aware. Harokas was the leopard, sleek and yet \expndtw-9 savage.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 And Kiall?}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 He was the strongest of them all, confident enough to \expndtw-2 be gentle, humble enough to be wise. His was the strength \expndtw0 born of caring, where the others had built their fortresses upon their talent for violence.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 But what animal, she wondered? She sat back and \expndtw-3 closed her eyes, allowing her mind to relax into memories. \expndtw-1 She was back in the cold palace of Ulrickham. Jungir was \expndtw0 playing with a set of carved soldiers, setting them out in battle formation, while she was sitting on a bearskin rug snuggled up against Nameas, the huge warhound. He had been a gift to Tenaka from the Gothir regent, and he followed the Khan on every hunt. Nameas was a killer in \expndtw-2 war, his terrible jaws rending and tearing, yet in the palace \expndtw0 he was soft and gentle, turning his great head every now and then to lick at the infant curled up beside him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 Yes, that was Kiall. The warhound.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 Often Tanaki would smile and beckon Kiall to her and they would sit long into the evening talking. She would reach out her hand and he would take it, and they would sit beneath the stars.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 One evening, in the third week of travel, she was sitting \expndtw0 alone when a shadow fell across her. She thought it was Kiall and looked up, smiling.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'May I join you, Princess?' asked Harokas, sitting down beside her.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li38\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\expndtw-15\f1\lang1033\fs23 263}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5390\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri48\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 She swallowed hard and held the smile in place. 'I did \expndtw-2 not expect you to join this quest,' she said. 'I have always thought of you as a man who looks out only for himself."}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri43\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'As always you are correct, Tanaki,' he said. 'The quest \expndtw0 means nothing to me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Then why are you with us?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri38\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 That should be obvious,' he told her, reaching out to \expndtw-2 touch her arm. She shrank back instinctively and his face \expndtw-3 darkened.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri38\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You were not so coy back in the settlement, as I recall. \expndtw0 Many was the time you invited me to your bed on cold \expndtw-2 winter evenings.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri34\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'That was then,' she said, holding her back stiff against \expndtw-1 the tree.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And what has changed? We were good together, Tanaki. You were the best I ever had. And did I not \expndtw-5 satisfy you?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi221\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes, you did. You are an unselfish lover, Harokas. You \expndtw0 know how to wait. But I have changed.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 He laughed and shook his head. 'Changed? No, not \expndtw-2 you. You are a lusty wench, and in any civilised land you \expndtw0 would be the king's courtesan. No, don't fool yourself. You will never change.' He moved back from her, his \expndtw-1 dark eyes scanning her face. 'At first I thought it was the \expndtw0 rape, but it's not, is it? It's the farm boy. Tanaki of the Blades has fallen for a virgin!' He chuckled. 'There's a \expndtw-1 story to liven a dull evening.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Be careful, Harokas,' she warned him. 'My patience is \expndtw0 not much spoken of - and with good reason. Leave me \expndtw-3 alone.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri24\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 He shook his head and his face grew grave. 'I could \expndtw-1 never do that, Princess. You are in my blood. I want you \expndtw0 more than I ever wanted anything.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 For a moment she said nothing, then she rose. 'What \expndtw-1 we had was good. It was more than good. But it is in the \expndtw0 past; there is no more to be said.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 He pushed himself to his feet and bowed elaborately. \expndtw-3 'I think you are wrong, Tanaki. But I will not push myself}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\expndtw-18\f1\lang1033\fs23 264}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5400\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 at you; I will be here when you come to your senses. The farm boy is not for you, he never could be. What does he \expndtw-4 know? I have seen you holding hands. Sweet! But take \expndtw-5 him to your bed and he'll rut like the peasant he is. And without his innocence what will he be, save yet another \expndtw-4 farmer? You know what the attraction is for you, don't \expndtw-3 you? It has been the same since the beginning of time, \expndtw-5 my love: the desire of the experienced for the innocent, \expndtw-1 the magnetic lure of virginity. There is an excitement \expndtw-5 there, you become the first and therefore unforgettable. \expndtw-4 But what then? No, Tanaki, it has not all been said yet. \expndtw-6 Good night to you.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi0\sb442\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien-tsu watched the small group as they angled their \expndtw-9 horses across the pass. He noted that the lead rider paused \expndtw-4 often to study the trail: left and right, front and back. A \expndtw0 careful man, then. Chien nodded in appreciation. He \expndtw-5 stood, beckoned Oshi and walked out to meet the riders \expndtw-7 as they reined in. A huge man on a sway backed gelding \expndtw-3 lifted a double-headed axe in both hands and slid from \expndtw-4 the saddle, but Chien ignored him. He reached the lead \expndtw-2 rider and gave a bow which was a fraction lower than \expndtw-9 required.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You would be Chareos the Blademaster,' said Chien, \expndtw-6 looking up into the man's dark eyes.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And you are from Kiatze,' responded Chareos, step\-\expndtw-7 ping down to stand before the small warrior.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien was both gratified and annoyed. It was good to \expndtw-2 be recognised as a superior human being, but the man \expndtw-5 had not returned his bow and that spoke of ill-breeding. \expndtw-4 'Yes, my name is Chien-tsu. I am the ambassador from the court of Kiatze. The shaman, Asta Khan, asked me \expndtw-6 to guide you to him.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri10\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I don't like the look of him, Blademaster,' said Beltzer, \expndtw-11 moving alongside Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And I am not overly impressed with you,' remarked \expndtw-7 Chien. 'Save for the smell, which is truly awe-inspiring.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li38\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex83\f1\lang1033\fs23 265}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5415\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi221\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You have a large mouth for such a little man,' Beltzer \expndtw-5 hissed.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Better that than to be a giant with a brain the size of a pebble,' replied Chien, stepping back and dropping into \expndtw-2 a hand-fighting stance.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Be silent, Beltzer,' said Chareos, 'we have enough enemies without adding more.' He turned to Chien and bowed deeply. 'It is a pleasure to meet you, ambassador. \expndtw-2 You will forgive, I hope, the words of my companion. We \expndtw0 have been riding for weeks, with little food, and we have lost three of our comrades. We are short on provisions, on stamina, and on courtesy.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien nodded. 'A graceful apology, sir. Perhaps you would follow me, and then we can see to the introduc\-tions? There is venison and a warm fire in the cave.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien spun on his heel and marched off, followed by Oshi. Beltzer grinned. 'Plucky little game-cock, isn't he? I'm damned if I don't like him.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'That is just as well,' said Chareos softly. 'Had you attacked him he would have killed you.' Without another word Chareos stepped into the saddle and touched his heels to the grey.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 At the cave the questors finished the venison with a speed that, to Chien at least, was more gorging than \expndtw-1 dining. Still, they were barbarians after all, and little more \expndtw0 could be expected of them.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Where is Asta Khan?' asked Chareos, wiping the fat from his fingers on to the front of his shirt.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Sleeping,' answered Chien. 'He will join us this eve\-ning. Perhaps we could complete the introductions?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Of course. Well, that is Beltzer.' The giant grinned and thrust out a hand. Chien looked down at it with some distaste. It had all the aesthetic appeal of a shovel: the fingers were thick and short, ingrained with dirt, and there were grease stains on the skin. Chien sighed and gripped the hand briefly. Harokas merely nodded, as did Tanaki, but Kiall also offered his hand. This one at least \expndtw-5 was clean.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri14\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\expndtw-15\f1\lang1033\fs23 266}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5409\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'So why is an ambassador from the east dressed as a \expndtw-7 Nadir rider?' asked Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien told him of the bridal gift, and of the attack upon his party. 'Unfortunately treachery is a way of life among \expndtw-4 the Nadir,' he said.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Not only the Nadir,' put in Tanaki, her face blushing. \expndtw-9 'The Gothir too have a long history of betrayal and broken \expndtw-8 promises.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I am sorry, Princess,' said Chareos. 'You are of course \expndtw0 correct; it was a discourteous comment. But tell me, \expndtw-9 ambassador, what are your plans? Why have you not tried \expndtw-6 to reach a port for a ship home?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'All in its own time, Chareos,' answered the warrior. \expndtw-6 'But for now I have offered my aid to Asta Khan, and he \expndtw-4 is willing to help you. That, I believe, makes us \expndtw-10 companions.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You are more than welcome to travel with us, but I \expndtw-4 would appreciate knowing your purpose. It does not sit \expndtw0 well with me to have a comrade whose plans are a \expndtw-8 mystery.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'That I can understand. But I will follow your lead and \expndtw-5 even your instructions as leader of the group. You need \expndtw-7 know no more. When my own plans are more stone than \expndtw-6 smoke, I will inform you - and we will part company.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien moved to the rear of the cave and settled down \expndtw-2 alongside a second fire, built for him by Oshi. He was \expndtw-4 more relaxed now. Chareos was almost civilised, and a \expndtw-8 thinking man. Beltzer was obviously no great thinker, but \expndtw-7 he wielded the huge axe as if it was no weight at all. The \expndtw-8 woman was unusual - great facial beauty, but with a body \expndtw-2 too stringy and boylike for Chien's taste. Yet her eyes \expndtw-3 radiated strength and purpose. Chien could identify no \expndtw-6 weak point within the group, and that pleased him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 He settled down to sleep.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos wandered to the cave-mouth, looking up at the stars. There were few clouds and the vault of Heaven was \expndtw-7 enormous, breathtaking in its scale.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Welcome to my hearth,' said a sibilant voice and}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb197\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs22 267}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5419\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs22 Chareos felt the hairs at the nape of his neck stiffen. He \expndtw-4 turned slowly. Squatting in the shadows was an old man, wearing a thin loin-cloth of skin and a necklace of human \expndtw-6 teeth.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Thank you, Asta Khan,' replied Chareos, moving to \expndtw-2 sit opposite the old man. 'I am glad to see you well.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Your aid was vital. I will not forget it.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Okas is dead,' said Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs22 'I know. Protecting me was a great trial for him and he had little strength left. Now I shall aid you. I know a way \expndtw0 into the city - into the bowels of the palace. There you \expndtw-3 can rescue the woman.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Why would you do this, shaman? And do not tell me about paying a debt: that is not the Nadir way. What do \expndtw-3 you hope to gain?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs22 'What does it matter?' asked Asta, his face a mask, his \expndtw-4 eyes cold and impenetrable.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs22 'I do not enjoy playing another man's game.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Then let me say this - I have no interest in the woman. You may take her. That is what you want, is it not? There is nothing else you desire?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 'That is true enough,' answered Chareos, 'but now I \expndtw-3 have two men with their own secret plans.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs22 Asta cackled and the sound made Chareos shiver. 'The \expndtw0 Kiatze? He wishes only to kill Jungir Khan. No more. \expndtw-3 When the time is right, he will leave you. Now you have only one man to concern yourself with.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 Chareos was uneasy, but he said nothing. He did not \expndtw-2 like Asta Khan and knew there was more to be said. Yet \expndtw0 he could find no words. The old man watched him, his eyes unblinking. Chareos had the feeling his mind was \expndtw-6 being read.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs22 'You must rest tonight,' said Asta. 'Tomorrow we walk the Path of Souls. It will not be an easy journey but, with luck and courage, we will pass through.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 'I have heard of this Path,' whispered Chareos. 'It is between worlds and it is said to be inhabited by evil \expndtw-3 creatures. Why must we walk it?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li10\ri0\fi0\sb197\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex84\f1\lang1033\fs22 268}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5444\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Because even as we speak the general Tsudai is riding \expndtw-4 towards us. He will be in the mountains by dawn. But, \expndtw-8 of course, you may prefer to fight three hundred men . . .'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Three of our party are dead already. I wish to see no \expndtw-6 more die.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Sadly, Chareos, such is the fate of the \i ghosts-yet-to-be.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li110\ri0\fi0\sb7330\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 269}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5414\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li749\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs35 CHAPTER THIRTEEN}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi0\sb466\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer could not sleep. He lay back in the flickering torchlight and closed his eyes, but all he could see were the faces of Finn, Maggrig and Okas. Rolling to his side, he opened his eyes. His axe was resting against the cave wall beside him and he looked at his reflection in the \expndtw-2 broad blades.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 You look like your father, he told himself, remembering \expndtw-1 the grim-faced farmer and his constant, unrelenting battle \expndtw0 against poverty. Up an hour before dawn, in bed at mid\-night, day in day out, engaged in a war he could never hope to win. The farmland was rocky, near barren, but somehow his father had fought the sterile environment, producing enough food to feed Beltzer and his five bro\-thers. By the time Beltzer was fourteen three of the bro\-thers had gone, run away in search of an easier life in the city. The other two had died with his mother during the Red Plague. Beltzer stayed on, working alongside the bitter old man until at last, while guiding the plough-\expndtw-1 horses, his father had clutched his chest and sagged to the ground. Beltzer had been felling trees in the high meadow \expndtw0 and had seen him fall. He had dropped his axe and sprinted down to him, but when he arrived the old man \expndtw-3 was dead.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer could not remember one kind word from his father, and had seen him smile only once, when he was drunk one midwinter evening.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 He had buried him in the thin soil and had walked from \expndtw0 the farmhouse without a backward glance.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 Of his brothers he heard nothing. It was as if they had \expndtw-2 never been.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 His mother was a quiet woman, tough and hardy. She too had rarely smiled, but when he thought back he}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri5\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\expndtw-15\f1\lang1033\fs23 270}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5405\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 realised she had had little to smile about. He had been \expndtw-6 beside her when she died. Her face had lost its perennial \expndtw-7 weariness; she had been almost pretty then.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer sat up, feeling melancholy. Looking around, he \expndtw-5 saw Chareos asleep by the dying fire. He rose and took \expndtw-4 his axe, wanting to see the stars, feel the night wind on \expndtw-11 his face.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 He missed Finn. That night on the gate-tower when \expndtw-9 the Nadir dragged the bowman from the walls Beltzer had \expndtw-10 leapt in among them, cleaving and killing. He was amazed to find Chareos and Maggrig beside him. Stooping, he had \expndtw-5 lifted Finn to his back and run for the gate.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Later, when Finn recovered consciousness, his gashed brow bandaged, Beltzer had gone to him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'How do you feel?' he had asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I'd be a damn sight better if you hadn't rapped my \expndtw-6 head against that door-post,' grumbled Finn.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 By all the gods in Heaven, that was a time to be alive!}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer felt the breeze on his face and strolled into the \expndtw-7 last tunnel.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 He stopped in his tracks . . .}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 There before him were scores of Nadir warriors, creep\-\expndtw-4 ing in through the entrance. They had not seen him and \expndtw-7 quickly he stepped back into the shadows.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 He thought of his friends, sleeping peacefully some \expndtw0 thirty paces away. The Nadir would be upon them in \expndtw-14 seconds.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 But if he stayed where he was, he could be safe. He \expndtw0 could live. He had the gold he had buried near Finn's \expndtw-7 cabin; that would keep him for years.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Sweet Heaven, I don't want to die!}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 He stepped out to stand before the Nadir, the torchlight \expndtw0 glinting on his red and silver beard, his axe shining \expndtw-12 crimson.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Nadir!' he bellowed, the sound echoing through the \expndtw-7 tunnels. They drew their swords and charged. Never one \expndtw-1 to wait he lifted his axe, shouted a war-cry and ran to \expndtw-10 meet them. The blades sliced down and wounded warriors}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li14\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex81\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 271}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5395\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri29\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 screamed in agony as the giant cut and clove them aside \expndtw-1 in the narrow tunnel. Swords pierced his flesh, but he felt \expndtw0 no pain. A man loomed before him and Beltzer slammed \expndtw-1 the axe forward, the tips of the butterfly blades skewering \expndtw0 his chest. The Nadir fell back. Beltzer staggered, but remained upright.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri38\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Well, my boys," he said. 'You want to be on my moun\-\expndtw0 tain? You want to see the sky?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri29\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 A warrior drew his bow and let loose a shaft. Beltzer's axe came up and the arrow glanced from the blades, ripping the skin of Beltzer's temple. The Nadir charged \expndtw-2 once more, but in the narrow tunnel they could only come \expndtw0 at him three abreast. He roared his anger and lifted the bloodied axe. Four more died, then another three, before \expndtw-2 they fell back again.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 Back in the chamber Chareos had gathered his sword and was sprinting back towards the tunnels, Harokas and the others behind him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 Asta Khan stepped into his path. 'You can do nothing!' hissed the old man.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He is my friend,' protested Chareos, reaching out to brush the shaman aside.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I know!' whispered Asta. 'That is why he is dying for you: to give you a chance. Don't let him down now. It would break his spirit if you were to die also. Can't you understand that?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos groaned. He knew it was true, and the pain of that knowledge was too much.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Follow me!' said Asta, moving off into the darkness. He took the questors to a second chamber, smaller than the first; there he knelt and raised his hands, palms out\-wards. No words were spoken, but the chamber grew cold, and colder still. Tanaki shivered and leaned in close to Kiall, who lifted his cloak around her shoulders. A deeper darkness formed before the old man and he rose. 'Follow,' he commanded. He stepped into the black \expndtw-5 doorway.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 And disappeared . . .}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\expndtw-15\f1\lang1033\fs23 272}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5396\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri38\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 For a moment the questors stood rooted to the spot; \expndtw-6 then Harokas walked after Asta, followed by Chien and \expndtw-7 the trembling Oshi.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Now you,' said Chareos to Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri38\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 The younger man looked at Chareos, reading the intent in his eyes.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No, Chareos. We will go through together - or back \expndtw-6 together.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I don't want you to die, boy!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Nor I you - but the shaman is right. Beltzer would not \expndtw-5 want you there. This is his victory - that we escape.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tears stung Chareos' eyes as he leapt through the door\-\expndtw-8 way. Tanaki and Kiall followed.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 The darkness closed around them.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 In the tunnel Beltzer found his strength slowly fading. \expndtw-9 A dagger was jutting from his belly, and blood was pour\-\expndtw-7 ing from a terrible wound in his upper left arm. The limb \expndtw0 hung uselessly at his side and he knew the bone was \expndtw-1 smashed. Yet still he hefted the axe in his right hand, \expndtw-2 defying the warriors before him. The tunnel floor was \expndtw-5 slippery with blood, and the moans of the dying echoed \expndtw-8 around him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 Again they charged, forcing him back. A sword plunged \expndtw-4 into his side, breaking his ribs. His axe hammered back \expndtw-6 to smash a warrior from his feet. Blades licked out at his \expndtw-2 flesh, piercing him. He roared at the enemy and fell to \expndtw-1 his knees. They swarmed over him, but he surged up, \expndtw-5 scattering them. Blood was gushing from his throat and \expndtw-8 chest, and one eye was closed and bleeding.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Nadir fell back again - but not in fear.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 The giant was dying. No warrior needed to die now to \expndtw-3 clear the path. They stood, staring at the axeman, their \expndtw-7 dark eyes reflecting both hatred and respect.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Had enough, have you?' croaked Beltzer, spitting blood from his mouth. 'You don't want old Beltzer's \expndtw-9 mountain? Come on? What are you afraid of? It's only . . . \expndtw-4 death.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 He looked up at the men before him and realised he}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li53\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex83\f1\lang1033\fs23 273}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5405\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 was on his knees, his axe fallen from his hands. He tried \expndtw-3 to reach for it but the floor rose up to meet him and he \expndtw0 lay quietly for a second or two, trying to gather his \expndtw-6 strength. Then his arm stretched towards the axe. It was \expndtw-11 too far away.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 But it meant so much. A Nadir warrior knelt beside \expndtw-6 him, took the axe and placed it in Beltzer's hand.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li202\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer looked up at the man.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Watch for me on the mountain,' he said.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi197\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 The man nodded. The last breath rattled from Beltzer's \expndtw-6 throat and the Nadir rose and loped off down the tunnel, \expndtw-7 leaving Beltzer with the eighteen men he had killed.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi0\sb614\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\f1\lang1033\fs23 The shock of Beyond brought a scream from Kiall. It was as if black ink had been poured into his eyes, penetrating his skull, covering his brain and his soul with a dark, dark shroud. On the verge of panic he felt Tanaki's hand gripping his, warm and alive.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\f1\lang1033\fs23 Then a golden light grew, emanating softly from the hands of Asta Khan, and Kiall saw that they stood on a narrow pathway of shining silver. The light did not pen\-etrate far into the blackness around them, and it seemed to Kiall that they stood in a spherical cave whose walls pressed down with the weight of worlds.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Do not stray from the path,' whispered Asta. 'This is a place of consummate evil. Those who stray . . . die! No rescue. The only safe way is the Silver Path. Follow me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\f1\lang1033\fs23 Asta moved carefully forward, Chien and Oshi follow\-ing and behind them Harokas, Chareos, Kiall and Tanaki.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\f1\lang1033\fs23 At first the journey was uneventful, but soon a sibilant whispering grew out of the darkness, closing in on them, and hundreds of shining eyes glinted from all around. The path was too narrow for Kiall to keep holding Tanaki's hand, but he kept glancing back to see her face, drawing strength from her presence.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\f1\lang1033\fs23 To the right of the trail white wolves loped into view}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li10\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex91\expndtw-13\f1\lang1033\fs23 274}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5406\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 and sat staring at the travellers. They were monstrous \expndtw-8 beasts, as large as ponies.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Suddenly the creatures howled and hurled themselves \expndtw0 forward and Kiall started to back away, but Tanaki \expndtw-1 grabbed his jerkin. 'Stay on the path,' she hissed. The \expndtw-9 beasts came closer - but stopped, fangs bared, inches from the Silver Pathway.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 The party moved on into the endless dark. From close \expndtw-7 by came a scream, then the sound of laughter, manic and \expndtw-3 shrill. But they saw nothing. The rustle of wings came \expndtw0 from above, but when Kiall looked up he saw only \expndtw-10 darkness.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Then there was silence for a while.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos walked on, oblivious to his surroundings. \expndtw-9 Beltzer was dead. Maggrig and Finn were slain. His mind \expndtw-10 reeled back from the tragedies, seeking solace in memories \expndtw-5 of better times as he followed Harokas blindly, \expndtw-8 unthinking.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 A voice sounded from the left of the path. 'Chareos, \expndtw0 help me.' The Blademaster glanced to his left where \expndtw-8 Beltzer was staggering towards them, wounded but alive. \expndtw-4 As Chareos stepped from the path the skin peeled back \expndtw-2 from Beltzer's frame and a scaled creature leapt at the \expndtw-13 swordsman.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos did not move.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall dived at him, hooking an arm around his waist \expndtw-9 and hurling him from his feet. But the scaled beast moved \expndtw-4 with terrifying speed, twisting and looming over them. \expndtw-7 The small figure of Chien-tsu hurdled the fallen men, his silver sword slicing through the creature's neck. Harokas \expndtw0 and Tanaki pulled Chareos back on to the path, Kiall \expndtw-2 scrambling after them, as Chien backed slowly to join \expndtw-12 them.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Asta stared down at Chareos and shook his head. These \expndtw-4 fools would never learn, he thought. Their judgements, \expndtw-6 their reason, were built on emotions: love, honour, duty, \expndtw-2 friendship. The Nadir also understood the value of all \expndtw-5 four, but viewed them differently. Instead of love of the}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li29\ri0\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex86\f1\lang1033\fs22 275}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5419\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 individual, there was love of tribe. Honour and duty were \expndtw0 not abstracts but realities, earned by serving the chosen \expndtw-2 leader. And friendship, forged in war, was the least of all. \expndtw0 On the word of a khan one friend would cut the head from another. There would be regret, but not a moment's hesitation. No Nadir warrior would have stepped from \expndtw-1 the Silver Path. Asta walked on.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 The darkness closed in around them, then Asta's voice \expndtw-1 sounded. 'Stand very still, and wait until you see the light \expndtw0 once more. Then move swiftly, for I cannot hold the \expndtw-3 Gateway for long.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Silence followed, broken only by the rustling of wings \expndtw0 above and the stealthy padding of claws on the rocky ground beside the path. A shaft of dim grey light lit the \expndtw-1 scene, stretching, widening.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Now!' yelled Asta and the little shaman ran through the opening. Chien, Oshi and Harokas ran after him. \expndtw-1 Chareos stumbled through, followed by Kiall. Tanaki ran \expndtw0 forward, but her foot strayed from the path and instantly a hairy hand grabbed her ankle, tripping her. She rolled, drawing her sword and hacking at the limb. The hand \expndtw-1 slid away, but she saw the giant wolves bearing down on \expndtw0 her. Bunching her legs beneath her, she hurled herself at \expndtw-2 the shrinking Gateway.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 She hit the ground hard, rolled and came to her knees. The Gate had vanished, and she was kneeling on a ledge \expndtw-1 high above the city of Ulrickham.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall helped her to her feet. 'I would not wish to walk that path again,' he said. Unable to speak, she merely nodded. Chareos was sitting by himself, staring down at the ground. He looked older, more weary than Kiall had \expndtw-2 ever seen him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall walked to him. 'He was a strong man. A good friend,' he said.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He was a fool. We are all fools,' whispered Chareos. 'But I will see out the game.' He turned his gaze on the city. 'What do you think, Kiall? Shall we surround it and \expndtw-2 demand they release Ravenna?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li10\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-16\f1\lang1033\fs23 276}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5410\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Whatever you say, Chareos.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi197\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos rose and stretched his back. He smiled and \expndtw-5 clapped his hand to Kiall's shoulder. 'Life goes on, boy. \expndtw-6 Do not be too concerned for me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Asta Khan walked over to them, squatting to sit before \expndtw-5 Chareos. 'There is an underground river, below Ulrick-\expndtw-4 ham. The great Tenaka knew of it, and linked the city's \expndtw0 sewers to it. He also strengthened the side tunnels so that there would be a means of escape if the city was \expndtw-6 surrounded.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Is it guarded?' Kiall asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Not by men. It would not be much of a secret if all \expndtw-5 the soldiers in Ulrickham knew of its existence. No, the \expndtw-3 prisoners who laboured to strengthen the tunnels were \expndtw-7 slain.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi216\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'But it is guarded by something,' said Chareos and Asta \expndtw-7 looked up, his dark eyes hooded.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes, Blademaster. By something. The blood of the \expndtw-7 slain was used by me to weave a dark spell. I merged the \expndtw-5 tunnel with the Void.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Void?' queried Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You have just passed through it,' Asta told him. 'Only below Ulrickham there is no Silver Path.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi216\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We must pass through it again? I couldn't!' said \expndtw-10 Tanaki.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi216\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You can!' hissed Asta. 'It is not long - a mere twenty \expndtw-6 paces. I will lead you.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And once we are through?' asked Chareos. 'How do \expndtw-9 we reach Ravenna?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tanaki stepped forward. 'You cannot, Chareos. Asta \expndtw-5 knows this. No man could enter the Palace of Women -\expndtw-3 but I could.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No,' protested Kiall. 'No, I won't have that. It is . . .'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tanaki chuckled. 'Do not say \i too dangerous, \i0 Kiall. It is \expndtw-7 your only hope.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'She is right,' said Asta, his eyes shining now. 'She is \expndtw-2 truly of the blood of the Great Tenaka.' Chien-tsu and}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex83\f1\lang1033\fs23 277}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5409\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri29\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Harokas joined the group, listening as Tanaki outlined \expndtw-2 her plan.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The question is when,' said Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The time is now,' declared Asta. 'The journey through the Void took many weeks, though it felt like hours. \expndtw-1 Ravenna is only a few days from giving birth.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Should we not wait until after the birth?' Harokas \expndtw-5 asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No!' said Asta. 'Jungir will take the Queen and the heir around the kingdom. They will be surrounded by warriors, and there would be no way to approach them. No, it must be now. Tonight.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien said nothing, but his eyes locked to the face of the shaman. There was much here that was not being said. He did not like Asta Khan, but this quest meant nothing to the Kiatze. He would aid the questors, and then demand his payment. He stood and moved back to Oshi. The old man's face was grey, his eyes wide and staring. The walk through the Void had terrified him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Sleep for a while, Oshi,' said Chien, but the old man \expndtw-2 shook his head.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I would dream of that place, and I would never wake.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Nodding, Chien took a sharp knife from the sheath in his sleeve. 'Then be so kind as to make yourself useful. \expndtw-2 Shave me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 The little servant smiled. 'Yes, lord.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi0\sb442\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 The sun sank beyond the distant, mist-shrouded horizon \expndtw-7 and Chareos stood alone, staring down at the city below, \expndtw0 where the first lanterns of evening had been lit. He \expndtw-8 thought of his boyhood, and the dream of Attalis that one \expndtw-6 day Chareos would return to the lands of the Drenai and \expndtw-8 find the hidden Armour of Bronze.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You will be a great leader, my boy. I know. I can see \expndtw-4 it in you.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 How little you knew me, thought Chareos. You saw me \expndtw-7 through the eyes of hope. A great leader? I have brought}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri10\fi0\sb197\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex84\f1\lang1033\fs22 278}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5395\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri38\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 my greatest friends on a quest of death, and they lie unburied and far from home.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri38\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 And what did we achieve, he wondered? How has the \expndtw-1 world been changed by their deaths?}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It \i0 is \i not over yet,' \i0 whispered a voice in his mind.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri38\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Okas?' he said aloud. But there was no response, and he wondered if he had imagined the old man's voice in the whispering of the dusk breeze. He shivered.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi197\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Beltzer had saved them all, standing alone in the dark \expndtw-2 of the mountain. Chareos smiled, and a weight lifted from \expndtw0 him. He looked up at the sky. 'You were a cantankerous, foul-smelling, evil-minded whoreson, Beltzer. But you never let down a friend. May the Source take you. May you drink your fill in the Hall of Heroes.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri29\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 He turned away and saw Harokas standing close by, \expndtw-3 half hidden in the shadows. The assassin stepped forward.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri19\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I am sorry, Chareos, I did not mean to eavesdrop on \expndtw-2 your farewell.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri14\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 The swordsman shrugged. 'It does not matter. What did you want?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You intend to go into the city?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri10\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Harokas nodded. 'It strikes me that we shall have a \expndtw-2 serious problem if you succeed. We have no horses. Even \expndtw0 if you bring the woman out - how will we get away?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri10\fi206\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The wizard will think of something,' said Chareos \expndtw-6 uneasily.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes, I'm sure,' answered Harokas, dropping his voice, \expndtw-1 'but he is playing his own game - and I don't like to think \expndtw0 what it might be. But every time I have heard of Nadir \expndtw-1 shamen it is to do with death and human sacrifice. Is that \expndtw0 why he wants the woman, do you think?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri0\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 When Chareos said nothing Harokas nodded, under\-standing the silence. 'Yes, I thought you were worried about that. Look, I will not come with you. I will walk \expndtw-1 down into the city and buy ponies. I am not known there, \expndtw0 and we are not yet at war with the Nadir. Once I have}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li53\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-14\f1\lang1033\fs23 279}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5410\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex105\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs22 bought them I will ride south, then turn and meet you \expndtw-6 beyond that bluff, near the stand of poplar.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri19\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex105\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs22 Chareos looked deeply into the man's eyes. 'Will you \expndtw-7 betray us, Harokas? Will you sell us for Nadir gold?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex105\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs22 The assassin's face darkened, but he bit back an angry \expndtw-4 response. Instead he said, 'I say this for your ears only, \expndtw-1 Blademaster; I love Tanaki. I would die for her. You \expndtw-2 understand me? I would sell you in an instant, but not \expndtw-6 her. \i Never \i0 her.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex105\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs22 'I believe you,' said Chareos. 'We will meet as you say.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex105\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs22 Harokas eased past the Blademaster and climbed down \expndtw0 the ridge. Chareos watched him, but the dark-garbed \expndtw-10 figure was soon lost among the shadows.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex105\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs22 Tar be it from me to criticise a leader's decision,' said \expndtw-4 Chien-tsu, bowing low, 'but I do not believe he is to be \expndtw-5 trusted.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex105\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs22 'You move silently, ambassador.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex105\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Sometimes it is better so to do. Will we truly meet him \expndtw-8 at the place you agreed?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex105\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs22 'No. To get there he must pass the trail to the south. \expndtw-7 We will wait there.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex105\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Excellent. It may be, Chareos, that I will not be \expndtw-5 accompanying you. If that proves to be true, would you \expndtw-2 be so kind as to look after my servant, Oshi? See him \expndtw-5 safely to a port. I will leave him coin to pay his passage \expndtw-6 to Kiatze.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex105\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs22 'You intend to kill Jungir Khan? Alone?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex105\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Such is my intention. The barbarian mistreated the \expndtw-7 daughter of my Emperor. Quite rightly she took her own \expndtw-2 life. Now, I must take his. It is a question of harmony \expndtw-8 and balance.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex105\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs22 Chareos looked down at the small warrior, noting the \expndtw0 steadiness of his gaze and the proud, stern set of his \expndtw-12 features.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex105\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs22 'It seems to me, ambassador, that the life of a man like \expndtw-8 Jungir Khan would not compensate for the loss of Chien-\expndtw-2 tsu.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex105\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs22 'A graceful compliment,' said the Kiatze, surprised. He}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li14\ri0\fi0\sb197\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex86\f1\lang1033\fs22 280}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5414\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 bowed low. 'And yet the deed must be done. I will journey \expndtw-8 with you into the bowels of the earth, and I will wait until \expndtw0 the woman is rescued. After that, I shall seek out the \expndtw-5 Khan.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi0\sb446\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Asta Khan led the questors down to the edge of a fissure, \expndtw-6 a jagged tear in the land's surface. Kiall leaned over and \expndtw-7 gazed down into the inky depths.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 This is the entrance,' said Asta. 'Now we climb.' The \expndtw-3 old man nimbly dropped to his haunches and slithered \expndtw-11 over the edge. Kiall shook his head and looked to Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Blademaster unbuckled his sword-belt and hung it \expndtw-9 over his shoulders before bellying down and following the \expndtw-15 shaman.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Wait here, Oshi,' said Chien-tsu. 'And if I do not \expndtw-4 return, take note of the man Chareos. Serve him as you \expndtw-7 would me. You understand?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes, lord,' answered the servant miserably.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tanaki and Kiall were the last to begin the dark climb. \expndtw-8 The hand- and foot-holds were good, and the descent less \expndtw-9 perilous than first appeared. Asta Khan reached the lowest \expndtw-5 level, raised his arms, and a soft yellow light glowed on \expndtw-8 the walls of the cavern.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'A heavily pregnant woman will not be able to make \expndtw-6 that climb,' said Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Nor will she need to,' Asta told him. 'I have made preparations.' Moving to the wall, he reached down behind a jutting rock and lifted a coil of hemp rope. \expndtw-9 'When we have her, we will climb back to the surface and \expndtw-3 then haul her up.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Draping the rope over the rock, he set off across the \expndtw-6 dimly glowing cavern. The others followed him through \expndtw-3 a honeycomb of tunnels until, after about half an hour, \expndtw0 they reached a point where the glowing light did not \expndtw-9 penetrate.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Asta pointed to the forbidding wall of darkness. 'You \expndtw-6 all know what is beyond this point: it is the Void. I shall}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li14\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex81\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 281}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5405\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 pass through, with the woman Tanaki and the warrior Chien-tsu. You, Chareos, and your friend, will remain here.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What purpose will that serve?' asked Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'If we are pursued, you will cover our retreat. Many of them will be killed in the Void, but others might get through. Also, much could go wrong for us beyond this barrier. You will be able to hear us - and give us aid if \expndtw-3 necessary.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri38\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You said there was no Silver Pathway,' said Kiall. \expndtw-2 'How then will you cross safely?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I am not without power, child,' snapped Asta. 'But all \expndtw-4 life is perilously fragile. A man cannot live without danger, \expndtw0 no matter how much he may desire it.' He turned to Chien and Tanaki. 'Draw your swords and be ready to use them.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall touched Tanaki's arm. 'Be careful,' he said, know\-\expndtw0 ing the words were ludicrous but unable to find others. \expndtw-1 She smiled, leaned forward and kissed his cheek.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Now stand close to me,' ordered Asta, 'placing your \expndtw-2 hands on my shoulders.' Chien stood on the shaman's left, Tanaki on his right. Slowly they moved into the darkness.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Once inside, a circle of fire leapt around them like a \expndtw-2 wall. The heat was incredible and the light burned at their \expndtw-10 eyes.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I can hold this for moments only,' said Asta. 'Be ready!' \expndtw0 He began to run, the others loping alongside him. The circle of fire remained constantly with them, no matter \expndtw-1 their speed.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 From beyond the silent flames came the sounds of pad\-\expndtw-1 ding feet, talons on stone and the chilling cries of hunting beasts. Still Asta ran on, seemingly tireless.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 The flames grew thinner and Tanaki began to see shape\-\expndtw-3 less forms beyond the fire, keeping pace with them. When \expndtw0 she glanced at Chien his dark eyes met her gaze and he \expndtw-2 gave a tight smile.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 A scaled arm lashed at the flames. The skin shrivelled \expndtw-1 and a ghastly scream sounded.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li5\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-16\f1\lang1033\fs23 282}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5400\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Almost there!' called Asta.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Suddenly the fire flared - and died. .}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri48\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Asta screamed. A huge creature swooped down from \expndtw-9 above them, its leather wings knocking him from his feet. \expndtw-7 Tanaki plunged a sword into the beast's belly and pulled \expndtw-3 Asta to his feet; he tore clear of her grasp and sprinted \expndtw-19 away.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri38\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 A scaled monster leapt from the darkness. Chien's \expndtw-8 sword flashed out and down and the beast fell writhing to \expndtw-7 the ground.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'As you value your lives, RUN!' came the voice of \expndtw-11 Asta. Risking a glance back, Chien saw giant white wolves \expndtw-1 bearing down on them. The small warrior took to his heels. He saw Asta vanish ahead of him, followed by \expndtw-5 Tanaki. For a moment Chien experienced panic, feeling the hot breath of a beast upon his neck.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 A great weight landed on his back and he fell and rolled. \expndtw-9 As the wolf beast scrambled up, twisting to attack, Chien's \expndtw-4 sword slashed through its throat. The pack howled and \expndtw-10 charged. Chien spun on his heel and flung himself forward \expndtw-5 through the opening - falling to his knees before Tanaki \expndtw-8 and the shaman.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tanaki offered a hand and Chien accepted it, pulling \expndtw-7 himself to his feet. He glanced back. 'How is it the crea\-\expndtw-6 tures do not follow us?' he asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'They cannot pass through. Think of it as a lake,' said \expndtw-9 Asta. 'We can dive through the surface, but the fish cannot \expndtw-8 leave; that is their world. It is possible to make a Gateway \expndtw-9 for them, but the power needed is great and would require \expndtw-6 many hundreds of souls.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 T would not wish to sound defeatist, shaman,' said Chien, 'but upon our return I cannot see the woman \expndtw-6 Ravenna sprinting away from those wolves. It would be \expndtw-7 a great pity to rescue her, only to see her die in the Void.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri10\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'She will not die there,' said Asta. 'But my power is finite and I gave you all I could spare. With her I will \expndtw-6 hold the circle. Now let us move on.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 The tunnel widened, and for the first time it was poss-}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li38\ri0\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex83\f1\lang1033\fs23 283}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5424\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 ible to see the works of men here - the walls smoothed, \expndtw-2 reinforced with timbers. There was a stairway carved into the rock and Asta mounted it, moving up to squat beneath \expndtw0 a low ceiling. He signalled for silence and called Chien and Tanaki to him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Above us,' he whispered, 'is the throne room. It is now \expndtw0 almost midnight. There should be no one there. Are you \expndtw-1 ready, Princess?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'If the throne room is not empty - we are doomed,' \expndtw-1 said Asta, for once seeming nervous and unsure.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien chuckled softly. 'No life is without peril, shaman,' he reminded him. Asta muttered an obscene curse and lifted the flagstone above his head. It creaked \expndtw-1 and juddered. Chien helped him with the weight and they \expndtw0 twisted the stone to lay it alongside the opening. Tanaki levered herself up into the darkness of the throne room \expndtw-2 and Chien followed her.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I will wait here,' said Asta.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tanaki ran to the main doors, pressing her ear to the \expndtw-2 crack. Chien moved alongside.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'There should be no guards in the corridor,' Tanaki said. The Khan's sleeping quarters are on the other side \expndtw-2 of the palace. But the women's quarters will have sentries \expndtw0 on the outside and eunuch swordsmen within.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien nodded. 'I will come with you - and wait.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 She eased open the door and stepped into the torch-lit corridor. All was silent. Keeping to the shadows they \expndtw-1 moved on, cutting left through a narrow doorway and out \expndtw0 into a side street. Tanaki led the warrior through the deserted streets until at last they came to a broad square \expndtw-2 beyond which was a high wall; three sentries patrolled the outside of the wall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'How will you get in?' whispered Chien.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tanaki smiled. 'Distract the guards,' she said. Remov\-ing her sword-belt but keeping a curved dagger, she waited until the sentries had passed and then ran to the \expndtw-2 wall, crouching in the shadows.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li5\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-16\f1\lang1033\fs23 284}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5386\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri43\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Digging into the pocket of his breeches, Chien came \expndtw-6 up with four golden coins. Tucking them into his belt he \expndtw-8 waited for the sentries, took a deep breath and then began \expndtw-7 to sing. He staggered out into the open, belched, half fell and then ambled on towards the men.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Good evening, my brothers,' he said.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri48\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What are you doing here, fool?' asked one of the sentr\-\expndtw-5 ies, moving forward and touching the point of his spear \expndtw-7 to Chien's chest.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Fool?' repeated Chien, giggling and swaying sideways. \expndtw0 'You think I am a fool? Not me, brothers. I . . .' he \expndtw-8 looked left and right, as if fearing to be overheard. 'I have \expndtw-6 discovered the Great Secret. I learned it from a shaman. And never will I be poor again. Fool? No brothers, I am \expndtw-7 celebrating riches beyond your dreams.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Riches?' said another. 'What nonsense is this? Be off \expndtw-8 with you!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri29\fi197\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien glanced over the man's shoulders. Tanaki had \expndtw-7 begun to climb the wall behind them.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri29\fi206\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Nonsense? You don't believe me.' He waved his hand. \expndtw-4 'Give me a copper coin and I will prove it to you. I will \expndtw-2 turn it into gold before your eyes. Then we'll see. Oh, \expndtw-6 yes. We'll see.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 The men chuckled. One of them laid his spear on the \expndtw-9 ground and fished into the pocket of his jerkin. He handed \expndtw-4 Chien a rough stamped copper coin bearing the head of \expndtw-7 Tenaka Khan.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri19\fi197\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien rolled the coin in his fingers and flicked it into \expndtw-3 the air. He caught it deftly and held up his fist, then he \expndtw-1 began to chant. The words were in an obscure Kiatze \expndtw-11 dialect.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Get on with it,' said one of the sentries, losing patience.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri19\fi211\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is done,' said Chien. 'Here is your coin.' He opened \expndtw-9 his hand, and the gleam of gold was caught by the moon\-\expndtw-5 light. The man took it, his mouth dropping open.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Do one for me,' said the second sentry.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tanaki was almost at the top of the wall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li10\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex82\f1\lang1033\fs23 285}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5425\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Why is it always you first?' retorted the third. 'Do \expndtw-8 mine!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 'I will do them both together,' Chien told them. He \expndtw-3 accepted their coins, and repeated his chant.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 Tanaki clambered over the wall. 'There!' said Chien, \expndtw-3 handing them the gold coins.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'More! Do us more,' urged the first.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Tomorrow, when I have rested,' promised Chien. \expndtw-4 'Where shall we meet?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs22 'You know the Clay Pony, behind the Wolves' \expndtw-5 barracks?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Of course,' said Chien. 'But it must be only you. I \expndtw-3 could not do this for everyone; it would exhaust me. Just \expndtw-2 you three.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Yes, yes, just us. Be there at noon, yes?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Oh yes,' agreed Chien. 'I will be there. And now I am \expndtw-1 for bed. And you should be at your duties.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs22 He walked away, back into the shadows.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs22 The Princess was inside, and that was a victory.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li202\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs22 But getting out would not be so simple, he knew.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb4214\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 286}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5409\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li701\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs36 CHAPTER FOURTEEN}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi0\sb461\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tanaki rolled to the ramparts, dagger ready. There were \expndtw-1 no sentries. Swiftly she moved to the steps and ran down \expndtw0 to the courtyard below. To her left was the guardhouse; \expndtw-3 she could see lantern light through the shuttered windows, \expndtw0 and hear the sounds of men talking and laughing - these would be the eunuch guards. Straight ahead was the garden walkway and, to the right, the long, elaborately furnished rooms where the Khan's women spent their days. Here would be the baths and the pools. Beyond \expndtw-1 these were the sleeping quarters. Many of the concubines \expndtw-3 slept in dormitories, only the privileged few having rooms \expndtw-1 of their own.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tanaki crept across the courtyard and into the darkened \expndtw0 day room. Keeping to the wall she walked to the far end of the chamber, opening a door which led to a curtain-\expndtw-3 hung corridor. Several cats were sleeping here. She moved \expndtw0 on past the dormitory rooms to a set of stairs, which she \expndtw-3 ascended swiftly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Knowing the layout of the women's quarters, she tried \expndtw-1 to decide in which of the major rooms Ravenna would be \expndtw0 housed. Not the nearest to the Khan's secret corridor -that would be reserved for his latest concubine. No, \expndtw-1 Ravenna would have been moved closer to the midwives' \expndtw0 quarters in the east. She padded on, coming at last to a narrow door which led, she knew, to a suite of rooms \expndtw-2 overlooking the eastern Steppes. Here sunlight bathed the \expndtw0 rooms, bringing heat in the morning but staying cool in the afternoon. Opening the door, she slipped inside. The \expndtw-1 bed had been moved to the window and Tanaki could see \expndtw0 a young woman lying on her back. As she crept closer, it \expndtw-2 was obvious she was pregnant. Tanaki moved to the bed\-\expndtw0 side and sat down, touching the woman's arm.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li38\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-16\f1\lang1033\fs23 287}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5415\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Ravenna,' she whispered. 'Ravenna, wake up!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 The woman's eyes opened. 'What is it?" she asked \expndtw-15 sleepily.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Kiall sent me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Kiall?' Ravenna yawned. 'Is this a dream?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No. Listen to me. I am here to take you from the city. Your friend Kiall has crossed the Steppes to rescue you. \expndtw-5 For pity's sake, wake up and listen to me!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 The woman eased herself to a sitting position. 'Kiall? \expndtw-7 The dreamer?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The very same.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We could never get away from here,' whispered \expndtw-7 Ravenna. 'There are guards everywhere.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I got to you,' argued Tanaki.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Ravenna winced and put a hand to her distended belly. \expndtw-4 'He kicks hard,' she said, smiling. She was an attractive \expndtw-7 girl, Tanaki realised, but no beauty. Her chinline was too strong, her eyes too small. But her smile was radiant.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Get dressed, Ravenna. I will take you to Kiall.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why has he come for me? I don't understand.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Neither does he. Do you want to leave?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You have no idea how much I want to leave. I hate this place, I hate these people. But most of all I loathe \expndtw-6 the Khan. May a thousand curses fall on his blood-line!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Be careful what you wish for,' snapped Tanaki. 'Your \expndtw-5 babe is of that line.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Ravenna looked instantly contrite. 'I didn't mean . . .'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Just get dressed,' said Tanaki. Ravenna slipped into a \expndtw-3 long robe of soft blue-dyed wool and some silk shoes. \expndtw-8 'You have no cloak or walking shoes?' Tanaki asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Why would I need a cloak in here? They never let us \expndtw-2 out.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Follow me,' said Tanaki, leading the woman out into \expndtw-7 the corridor. Ravenna moved slowly and Tanaki glanced \expndtw-6 back, her irritation growing, but there was nothing to be \expndtw-2 done. The pregnancy was well advanced, the swelling \expndtw-15 huge.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 When they reached the door to the courtyard, Tanaki}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li10\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex83\f1\lang1033\fs23 288}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5420\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri43\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 opened it a fraction and looked out. Two sentries were \expndtw-1 now patrolling the ramparts and she cursed.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What is it?' asked Ravenna.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Guards. Two of them.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Can we get past them?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Not at the speed you move.' She opened the door once \expndtw0 more, watching the men, counting the seconds as the \expndtw-1 sentries passed by one another. Their only chance lay in \expndtw0 moving as the warriors reached the angle of the walls, before they turned back. She watched them repeat the manoeuvre three times, then seized Ravenna's arm. \expndtw-1 'Now!' she hissed.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 They moved from the doorway on to open ground and \expndtw0 crept across the courtyard to the wall. 'We'll never get \expndtw-1 out,' Ravenna whispered.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Keeping to the shadows, the two women edged closer \expndtw-3 to the postern gate. The sentries were directly above them \expndtw0 now as Tanaki ran her hands over the gate-bolts. They \expndtw-2 were rust-covered and she cursed softly - and eased back \expndtw0 the bolt. It moved no more than an inch, then creaked. \expndtw-4 Tanaki froze. But the guards had not heard and she moved \expndtw0 it again. This time the bolt slid clear. Tanaki swallowed \expndtw-3 hard, took a deep breath and pulled open the gate. Glanc\-\expndtw-1 ing outside, she saw three guards were standing no more than twenty feet away. There was no way past them, and she could not kill them all.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 Then she saw Chien-tsu. He walked across the open ground towards the guards and one of them turned and raised his spear. Suddenly the little warrior spun and launched a kick which cannoned against the sentry's \expndtw-5 temple to send the man catapulting from his feet. A second \expndtw0 guard fell with a knife in his throat. The third rushed at \expndtw-1 the Kiatze warrior, but Chien-tsu stepped aside from the \expndtw-2 thrust of the spear and rammed the blade of his hand into \expndtw0 the man's neck.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Swiftly now!' said Tanaki, leading Ravenna into the \expndtw-7 open.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\f1\lang1033\fs23 A sentry on the wall shouted an alarm as Chien raced}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li48\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex94\expndtw-16\f1\lang1033\fs23 289}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5419\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 to Ravenna, taking her arm and urging her to run. The \expndtw0 trio made it to the first alleyway, ducking into the \expndtw-9 shadows. Ravenna was breathing heavily, her face deeply \expndtw-4 flushed. 'I am sorry,' she said, sagging against a wall. 'I \expndtw-5 cannot run any further.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 They could hear the sounds of pounding feet in a paral\-\expndtw-6 lel street, and the calls of the soldiers.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 The trio moved on. Chien drew his curved sword and took the lead. The sound of the pursuing warriors faded \expndtw-6 away. They are trying to cut us off from the main gates,' \expndtw-3 said Tanaki. That's good.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien felt there was little \i good \i0 in this entire adventure, \expndtw-6 but he held his tongue. They reached the palace corridor and ran into the throne room.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi202\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Warriors raced from the shadows but Chien cut the first \expndtw-2 from his feet, ducked under a wild slice and skewered \expndtw-10 another. Tanaki hurled her dagger into the face of a charg\-\expndtw-5 ing warrior - then saw Tsudai. All thoughts of the quest \expndtw-8 vanished as she dived to the floor, scooping up the sword \expndtw-4 of a fallen warrior and rolling to her feet. Tsudai ran to \expndtw-1 meet her, screaming a battle cry. She blocked his cut, \expndtw-7 spun and rammed her sword through his chest.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Rot in Hell!' she hissed as he sagged to the floor.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi197\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien was surrounded now, and Tanaki wrenched the \expndtw-2 sword clear of Tsudai's body and ran to his aid. There \expndtw-4 were six warriors against him, but she could hear more \expndtw-5 running in the corridor outside. She stabbed one man in \expndtw-8 the back and slashed her blade across the face of another. \expndtw-9 They all fell back briefly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi197\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Asta Khan rose from the opening in the floor and \expndtw-8 uttered a weird howl. An icy wind blew across the throne \expndtw-7 room and the Nadir staggered back, screaming. The first \expndtw-9 three warriors stumbled to their knees with blood stream\-\expndtw-8 ing from their eyes.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi202\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tanaki grabbed Ravenna's arm and dragged her back \expndtw-6 to the hole in the floor. 'Down!' she ordered.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Ravenna clambered into the hole and Tanaki followed}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li10\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex83\f1\lang1033\fs23 290}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5400\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 her, leading her down the steps, Chien bringing up the \expndtw-10 rear.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi211\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Swiftly,' said Asta. 'The spell will not hold them long.' \expndtw-4 Ravenna staggered, but stayed upright, and Chien took \expndtw-8 her arm.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri29\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Behind them they could hear the Nadir pounding down \expndtw0 the steps . . .}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 They reached the darkness. Asta took Ravenna's hand and she flinched away from the shaman, but he held her tight. 'Now is the time for courage, woman,' he said, and pulled her into the Void.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 As before a circle of flames sprang up around them, \expndtw-2 and they moved across the darkness. Behind them the \expndtw-4 Nadir ran - unsuspecting - into the Void. Their screams \expndtw-8 were terrible.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi202\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 The circle of fire began to fade and the dwellers in the \expndtw-10 dark closed in. Sweat shone on Asia's brow as he struggled \expndtw-5 on. Taloned hands reached out for them, but the flames \expndtw-7 held them back. At last they reached the outer limit - and passed through. Asta collapsed to the stone floor. Seeing \expndtw-10 Ravenna, Kiall ran forward to take her in his arnib. Tanaki \expndtw-4 watched the scene and turned away, her thoughts \expndtw-12 confused.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos helped Asta to his feet.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi206\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 The old man shrugged clear of his aid. 'We must get \expndtw-4 out of here,' he said. 'Help the woman. Carry her if you \expndtw-5 must.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Back they went through the honeycomb of tunnels, \expndtw-5 arriving at last at the fissure. Kiall, Chareos, Tanaki and \expndtw-1 Chien climbed to the surface, Kiall carrying the rope. \expndtw-2 They lowered it down and Asta made a loop in which \expndtw-6 Ravenna sat. Slowly the three men pulled her to the top.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi197\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Then they began to walk towards the hills. Chareos \expndtw-4 glanced back to see that half a mile away the city gates \expndtw-1 had opened and a column of riders was galloping out \expndtw-9 towards them.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 The sound of hoofbeats came from the left. Chareos}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex79\f1\lang1033\fs23 291}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5400\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri34\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 drew his sabre and spun . . . Harokas dragged his horse \expndtw-2 to a halt, behind him a string of ponies.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs22 'You had better mount,' said the assassin. They helped \expndtw0 Ravenna into the saddle of the first, then the others \expndtw-6 mounted.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs22 There is only one place we can reach,' said Asta Khan. \expndtw0 'Follow me.' He kicked his pony into a run and set off \expndtw-1 towards the west. The questors followed him, cutting to \expndtw-5 the right through a series of narrow passes. After an hour's hard riding, with the Nadir closing on them, they emerged \expndtw-4 at last into a narrow valley.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs22 The moon was high and Chareos groaned as he saw the \expndtw0 broken tower and the stretch of battlements silhouetted \expndtw-2 against the sky. 'No!' he whispered.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs22 But they rode on into the ghostly fortress of Bel-azar.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi0\sb442\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex96\f1\lang1033\fs22 The eastern gates lay open and the questors rode their weary mounts inside. Chareos and Kiall dismounted and ran back to the gates, forcing them shut. Harokas found a thick beam which he and Tanaki wedged into the great bolt-plates. Then they mounted the rampart steps and watched from the battlements as the thirty Nadir riders drew rein outside. Asta Khan joined them. He leapt nimbly to the wall and stood looking down at the riders, letting them see him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex96\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Will they attack?' asked Kiall. Chareos said nothing.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex96\f1\lang1033\fs22 Asta Khan began to dance on the precarious footing, twisting and leaping. He howled like a wolf, the sound eerie and chilling as it echoed in the mountains. Three Nadir riders turned their mounts and rode back towards the city, but the others dismounted and sat on the rocks. Asta turned and jumped back to the ramparts, his dark \expndtw-4 eyes gleaming.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex96\f1\lang1033\fs22 'They are frightened,' he said. 'This is a haunted place. They know dark spirits walk here.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex96\f1\lang1033\fs22 In the open ground below Ravenna cried out and clut\-ched her belly. Kiall and Tanaki ran down to her, helping}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb197\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex96\expndtw-17\f1\lang1033\fs22 292}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5405\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 her into a ruined guardhouse where there was a dust-\expndtw-2 covered bed. Tanaki pulled aside a rotted blanket and \expndtw0 placed her own on the mattress; then they lowered \expndtw-8 Ravenna to it.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It's coming,' cried Ravenna. 'I can feel it.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-11\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall heard a movement behind him and saw Asta Khan \expndtw-7 standing in the doorway. The shaman's face was shining \expndtw-6 and the glint of triumph was in his eyes. It chilled Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Leave us,' Tanaki told Kiall and gladly he obeyed, \expndtw-2 easing past the shaman and moving out into the dawn \expndtw-7 light. Chareos was still on the ramparts, below the ruined \expndtw-9 gate-tower. Chien-tsu and Oshi had lit a fire near the main barracks building, and were sitting together talking in low \expndtw-2 voices. Harokas had led the ponies back to a paddock \expndtw-6 section, where he had unsaddled them and was brushing \expndtw0 their lathered frames. Kiall walked to the steps and \expndtw-8 climbed to where Chareos sat watching the Nadir.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We did it,' said Kiall. 'Whatever happens now, we did \expndtw-5 what we set out to do.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos looked up and smiled. 'Yes, we did it. We \expndtw-10 found your lady, and we brought her back to Gothir lands. \expndtw0 That is a feat in itself. But do not hold out any great \expndtw-2 hopes, Kiall. I do not wish to sound defeatist, but I do \expndtw-4 not believe five warriors and a shaman can hold off the \expndtw-5 Nadir nation.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall chuckled. 'I cannot explain it, Chareos, but I \expndtw-1 don't care any more. All my life I've been a dreamer. \expndtw-6 Now I feel that a dream has been achieved. I'm not even \expndtw-7 frightened of dying.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I am,' admitted Chareos. 'Especially here.' He pointed \expndtw-1 to the gate-tower. 'There it is, boy - the scene of great \expndtw-7 deeds. From there Beltzer leapt to win back the standard. There we sat talking with Tenaka Khan. And it was here \expndtw-12 we were dubbed the \i ghosts-yet-to-be. \i0 It is not a good feeling \expndtw-5 to be sitting here waiting for death.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And birth,' said Kiall. 'Okas told us the child would \expndtw-1 be a great king - perhaps the greatest who ever lived. \expndtw-4 That's something, isn't it?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li38\ri0\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex86\f1\lang1033\fs22 293}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5390\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri38\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos nodded and turned away. The fortress loomed \expndtw0 around him, grim and threatening, and he could feel its \expndtw-1 memories in the cold stone, hear again the screams of the \expndtw0 dying and the clash of iron blades.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri53\fi197\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tanaki joined them. 'It was a false alarm,' she said. 'She is resting now. Is there any sign?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri43\fi216\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No,' answered Kiall. 'They just sit there and wait - I don't know what for.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi197\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'They are waiting for Jungir Khan,' she said. 'They don't know why we took their queen, but they dare not risk anything that might cause her harm. Jungir will decide what to do.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri29\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 She walked off to the gate-tower door and pushed it open. Kiall followed her, mounting the cracked steps to ih^ tower itself, where she sat down and leaned her back \expndtw-3 against the wall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri24\fi206\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Well,' she said, 'you have seen your woman once more.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri19\fi192\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 He looked down at her and then knelt, taking her hand. \expndtw0 'She is not my woman, Tanaki. It was like seeing an old friend. I am not skilled in these matters, but I \expndtw51 ...\expndtw0  I want you to know, before . . \expndtw13 .'He\expndtw0  stumbled to silence.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li245\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Before we die?' she prompted.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri5\fi202\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes, before we die. I want you to know that I love \expndtw-2 you. I know you do not believe in love, but I would sooner \expndtw0 hold your hand here for a night than live a hundred years without you. Does that sound foolish?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri0\fi202\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes,' she said, reaching out and stroking his face, 'but it is wonderfully foolish. It is beautifully foolish.' She drew him towards her, brushing her lips against his. His arms circled her. 'Would you like to make love?' she \expndtw-5 whispered.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li58\ri5\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 He drew back. 'Yes, but we will not - not in this cold \expndtw-2 stone place, which reeks of death and misery. Can we just \expndtw-1 sit together, close?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li72\ri0\fi197\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'For a man of little experience, you so often say exactly \expndtw0 the right words,' she told him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li38\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\expndtw-15\f1\lang1033\fs23 294}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5381\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri48\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 The sun climbed high behind them, the sky cloudless and streaked with red. 'It will be a fine day,' he said.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 She did not reply.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri43\fi197\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Harokas saw them from the courtyard and sighed. Then \expndtw-7 he caught sight of Asta Khan, moving furtively from the \expndtw-5 main barracks building; he was carrying something. As \expndtw-2 Harokas squinted against the sunlight, he saw that the \expndtw-8 shaman was holding a bleached skull which he carried to \expndtw-6 the room where Ravenna lay. Harokas watched him slip \expndtw-12 inside.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri38\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 The assassin strolled up to where Chareos sat. 'This \expndtw-6 would be a good time to ride off deep into Gothir lands,' \expndtw-10 he said.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri34\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos shook his head. 'The woman would lose the \expndtw-6 babe. She is close to giving birth.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri29\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Harokas sighed. 'If we stay, we will all die. And women \expndtw-6 can conceive a second time, Chareos. It would not cause \expndtw-1 the world to fall in darkness were she to lose this one \expndtw-9 child?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The child is special,' insisted Chareos. 'But more than \expndtw0 that, I am meant to be here. I cannot explain it - but I \expndtw-7 have known for many years that my destiny lay here.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I think Asta Khan feels the same way. I have just seen \expndtw-5 him carrying an old skull into the woman's room. Truly \expndtw-6 the ways of shamen are beyond me - I am happy to say.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'A skull?' The words of Okas came flooding back to \expndtw-7 him: \i 'Why are Tenaka Khan's bones buried at Bel-azar?' \i0\expndtw-1 Chareos pushed himself to his feet and descended the \expndtw-8 broken steps, crossing the courtyard and opening the door \expndtw-4 to the old guardhouse. Ravenna was sleeping but at the \expndtw-1 foot of the bed was Asta Khan, sitting cross-legged, a \expndtw-6 skull in his lap.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li250\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What are you doing here?' asked Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li43\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 The shaman glanced up. 'Nothing that will harm the \expndtw-8 woman, Chareos. You have my word.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li259\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And the child?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li48\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 The child was not part of the bargain - but she will \expndtw-5 give birth to a healthy babe.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li53\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex82\f1\lang1033\fs23 295}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5405\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri29\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What is it that you are not telling me, Asta? What \expndtw-6 foulness are you planning with those . . . those relics?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Relics? If you had any idea of what these bones . . .' \expndtw-4 he stopped and forced a smile. 'I have kept my bargain \expndtw-3 with you, Blademaster. You cannot fault me. But I too \expndtw-5 have a quest - and it is worth more than my life.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You promise me you do not mean to harm Ravenna -or the child?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The child will be born,' said Asta with a secretive \expndtw-5 smile. 'He will be born strong and grow fast. He will be \expndtw-1 the Great Khan. No harm will come to him - or to the \expndtw-8 mother of his flesh.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Chareos!' came Kiall's voice. 'Come quickly!' The \expndtw-7 Blademaster turned from the shaman and ran back to the \expndtw-4 wall. Beyond, on the open plain, a horde was galloping \expndtw-8 towards the fortress. Leading them was a warrior dressed \expndtw-7 in black, riding a grey stallion.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The whoreson is riding to kill me on my own horse,' \expndtw-13 exclaimed Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'See who rides beside him,' said Harokas. 'Now there \expndtw-7 is a surprise!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 On a bay stallion, his blond hair glinting in the sunlight, \expndtw-6 rode the Earl of Talgithir.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi0\sb446\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Nadir halted some two hundred yards from the for\-\expndtw-1 tress and dismounted, while the Earl kicked his horse into \expndtw0 a canter and rode up to the walls.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Open the gate!' he called.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri14\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos leaned over the ramparts. 'For what purpose?' \expndtw-2 he asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Because I demand it!' roared the Earl, his face redden\-\expndtw0 ing. Then he recognised Chareos. 'Oh, it is you, is it, Blademaster? I should have guessed. Now open the gate - and you will all live.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I asked you for your purpose,' said Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I do not need to answer to you, swordsman. I am the Earl of Talgithir, appointed by the Lord Regent.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li14\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\expndtw-15\f1\lang1033\fs23 296}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5414\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri29\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-10\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And you have no jurisdiction at Bel-azar,' said Chareos. \expndtw-5 'Talgithir is far from here.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi202\sb10\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Earl leaned back in his saddle and laughed. 'You \expndtw-3 have been gone for some time, Chareos. I am now the \expndtw-5 Regent's envoy to the Nadir and, as such, my orders are \expndtw-7 to be obeyed anywhere in the realm. Now will you open that gate?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi211\sb10\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I do not think that I will,' said Chareos. 'I care not \expndtw-2 what appointment you have received. You are a slave \expndtw-9 trader and a traitor to your people. When the Lord Regent \expndtw-7 hears of your dealings, you will hang.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You are hardly in a position to threaten me. But I will wait.' Swinging his horse's head, he cantered back to the \expndtw-11 Nadir.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi211\sb10\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I don't understand this,' said Harokas. 'Why is he so \expndtw-13 calm?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi206\sb10\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos shrugged. 'I have an uncomfortable feeling we \expndtw-6 are going to find out.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Throughout the morning the Nadir remained where \expndtw-6 they were, but as the sun reached noon and the shadows \expndtw-9 disappeared there came from the west the sound of walk\-\expndtw-2 ing horses. Chareos and Kiall ran to the western gate, \expndtw-4 dragging it open. Three hundred lancers were riding to \expndtw-6 the fortress, led by Salida.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall cursed. 'That's why the Earl was so calm - his \expndtw0 soldiers have come to meet him. Now we are truly \expndtw-4 trapped.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Do not be so sure,' whispered Chareos. 'Salida is no \expndtw-6 lickspittle.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He's unlikely to take on a Nadir army - and his own \expndtw-5 Earl,' said Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos moved out before the riders. Salida drew rein \expndtw0 and stepped from the saddle. 'Well met,' greeted the \expndtw-5 officer. 'You do turn up in the most unlikely places.' He \expndtw-9 lifted the water canteen from his saddle and drank deeply.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri10\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The Earl is outside the fortress,' said Chareos softly. \expndtw-5 'He is with Jungir Khan and a thousand Nadir warriors.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li38\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex83\f1\lang1033\fs23 297}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5406\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri34\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\f1\lang1033\fs22 'There is a treaty being negotiated. It does not concern \expndtw-2 you,' said Salida.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\f1\lang1033\fs22 There is a \i slight \i0 problem,' Chareos told him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\f1\lang1033\fs22 Salida walked to a boulder and sat down. 'Somehow, I \expndtw-1 did not doubt it,' he said wearily. Chareos joined him and \expndtw0 swiftly outlined the journey into Nadir lands, and the \expndtw-2 secrets they had discovered concerning the Earl's dealings \expndtw0 with the Nadren. Lastly he told of the rescue of Ravenna and the imminent birth.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs22 'What is it you have against me, Chareos?' asked Salida. \expndtw0 'Why must you turn up like a bad smell, just when life is looking good? I have had a rise in pay and I now command three hundred men. We have a treaty in pros\-pect and my career is golden. Now you tell me the Earl is a traitor - and you have kidnapped the Nadir Queen. \expndtw-4 Excellent!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\f1\lang1033\fs22 'What will you do?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\f1\lang1033\fs22 'What would you have me do?' snapped Salida. 'The Lord Regent is expecting a treaty - a treaty he believes will safeguard the Gothir nation. Do you think he will \expndtw-1 risk a war because of a stolen peasant girl?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs22 'It is your decision, my friend,' said Chareos softly. 'All Jungir Khan wants is my life, and the lives of my friends. \expndtw0 Such a small price to pay for peace, is it not?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\f1\lang1033\fs22 'For the guarantee of peace I would pay more than that,' hissed Salida. The Captain stood and looked to his men. 'Dismount!' he called. 'Take the horses inside. Beris!' A young officer came forward. 'Twenty groups to the wall, eight groups in reserve. Let the others look to the horses and prepare some food.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Yes, sir. Sir?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\f1\lang1033\fs22 'What is it?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Are we here to fight? I thought we were to accompany \expndtw0 the Earl back to New Gulgothir with the treaty.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\f1\lang1033\fs22 'So did I, my boy. Isn't life full of nice surprises?' He turned back to Chareos. 'I assume you have the proof to \expndtw-1 back up your accusations?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li245\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Of course: the finest proof of all, the word of the Nadir}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li14\ri0\fi0\sb202\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\expndtw-16\f1\lang1033\fs22 298}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5419\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Queen and the man who collected the Earl's profits. And lastly, the Nadir Princess who dealt with him.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 This is insane, Chareos. You know that, don't you?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I know that you're a better man than the one you \expndtw-2 serve.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You can forget the compliments,' snapped Salida, mar\-\expndtw-2 ching into the fortress and ascending the battlement steps. Seeing Harokas, he scowled.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Welcome, Salida, old friend,' greeted Harokas. The soldier grunted and watched his men fan out along the \expndtw-9 wall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Nadir rose as the line of armoured men took up their positions. Once more the Earl mounted his bay and \expndtw-2 galloped to the wall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Good to see you, Salida,' he called. 'Arrest those people \expndtw0 and open the gate.' Behind him the Nadir had mounted \expndtw-2 and were riding slowly forward.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You have been named as a traitor,' answered Salida. 'I \expndtw0 ask you now to surrender yourself to me. You will be \expndtw-1 taken to New Gulgothir for trial before the Lord Regent.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Are you mad?' stormed the Earl. 'Who accuses me? \expndtw-1 Chareos? A man I forgave for murder?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I do,' said Harokas. 'You trafficked in slaves - and I collected your gold. The Princess Tanaki is also here. Answer that - \i my lord.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I need not answer to you. Come, Salida, think of your \expndtw-1 position. You have three hundred men. There are a thou\-\expndtw0 sand here - and a thousand thousand still to be called upon. You cannot prevail. Open the gates - and we will ignore this . . . this insubordination.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I ask you again, my lord, to surrender yourself.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Til see you dead, you miserable cur!' the Earl shouted.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Jungir Khan spurred the grey alongside the nobleman. 'Why are they not opening the gate to you?' he asked \expndtw-4 mildly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 They are traitors,' snarled the Earl. 'Kill them all!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You cannot even control your own captain,' said Jungir. 'How then can you serve me?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li38\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-14\f1\lang1033\fs23 299}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5405\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Earl started to answer, but Jungir's hand flashed \expndtw-6 up - and the curved dagger blade plunged into the Earl's \expndtw-9 heart. Slowly he slid from the saddle. Jungir rode the grey \expndtw-10 stallion forward.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Who commands this castle?' he called.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I, Salida.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I am Jungir Khan. Come down, I wish to speak with \expndtw-10 you. It is not fitting that two commanders should negotiate \expndtw-5 in this manner.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 On the wall Harokas turned to Salida. 'Don't listen to him; it is a trick. Once the gate is open, they will storm \expndtw-5 through.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 These broken walls would not stop them,' answered \expndtw-8 Salida. He strode down the rampart steps and ordered the \expndtw-6 gate to be opened. Chareos walked with him and waited \expndtw-9 in the gateway.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi192\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 As Salida walked on to the open ground Jungir touched \expndtw-5 his heels to the grey - which suddenly reared up, almost \expndtw-6 toppling him from the saddle. He clung on grimly as the \expndtw-8 stallion ducked its head and bucked. Jungir wrenched the \expndtw-3 beast's head and the horse fell - the Khan leaping from \expndtw-5 the saddle and falling to the dust. The stallion - ears flat to its skull, eyes rolling - lashed out at the Nadir leader, \expndtw-8 who fell back. The horse reared above him, hooves ready \expndtw-10 to smash his skull, as Chareos ran forward. 'Be calm, Grey \expndtw-6 One,' he called. To me!' The stallion swung to the sound \expndtw0 of his voice and trotted away from the fallen Khan. \expndtw-7 Chareos stroked the beast's long neck.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi192\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Jungir rose and brushed the dust from his breeches. He \expndtw-9 was acutely aware that his men would be avidly watching \expndtw-3 what followed. The Khan had lost face. Worse, he had \expndtw-8 been rescued by the enemy.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Are you all right, my lord?' Salida asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi197\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I am well. You!' called the Khan to Chareos. 'You may \expndtw0 keep the horse. It is a gift.' He swung back to Salida. \expndtw-9 'Now, Captain, you say the dead man was a traitor. I have \expndtw-6 dealt with him. Now I ask you to return to me my prop-}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li34\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex83\f1\lang1033\fs23 300}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5395\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri38\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs22 erty. To refuse will be taken as an act of war against the Nadir people. Is this what you wish, Captain?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri53\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs22 'No, Highness, it is not,' answered Salida. 'But you are \expndtw-5 standing on Gothir lands and Bel-azar is a Gothir fortress. \expndtw-4 Will you be so kind as to wait for me to seek orders from \expndtw0 my superiors in Gulgothir? I will send a rider - and an \expndtw-4 answer will be forthcoming within the day?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs22 'I could take this ruin within an hour,' said Jungir.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri48\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 'The Nadir are indeed a ferocious enemy,' Salida \expndtw-2 agreed. 'But allow me the day.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li0\ri0\fi178\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 For a moment Jungir was silent. He walked away, as if considering the request, and glanced at his warriors. The incident with the stallion had worried them. The tribesmen put great weight on omens; the horse had \expndtw-6 unseated the Khan and now stood in the gateway, allowing \expndtw-2 itself to be petted by the tall, dark-eyed warrior there. A \expndtw0 good shaman would find a positive omen, even in this \expndtw-6 bizarre circumstance, but Shotza was dead and Asta Khan \expndtw-1 was standing on the ramparts in full view of the Nadir. If Jungir gave the order his men would attack, but they \expndtw-6 would do so less willingly, fearing bad omens. And if they \expndtw0 should fail to take the walls swiftly there was a chance \expndtw-2 that - believing the gods were against them - they would \expndtw0 turn on their leader. Jungir thought it through. The risk \expndtw-2 of failure was remote - but on a day like this? He swung \expndtw0 back to Salida. 'Men should have time to consider their \expndtw-1 actions,' he said. 'I give you your day. But hear this: not \expndtw-5 one person is to leave the fortress - save for your messen\-\expndtw-1 ger. And all who are not soldiers will be handed over to \expndtw-3 me. Otherwise I will destroy you all. Let that message be \expndtw-1 carried to the Lord Regent.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 The Khan strode back through his lines, the Nadir \expndtw-1 flowing after him. They stopped and made camp a half-\expndtw-4 mile from the wall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li245\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs22 'You are a man with nerve,' Harokas told Salida.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 'And you will need to be,' said Salida, 'if the Lord \expndtw-2 Regent sends the message I expect him to.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li43\ri0\fi0\sb422\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 301}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5415\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 The day wore on, dusk shadows stretching across the \expndtw-7 valley. The Nadir lit camp-fires and Salida ordered most \expndtw-5 of the men back from the ramparts. The soldiers started their own cook-fires and Salida brought a bowl of thick \expndtw-8 soup to where Chareos sat on the wall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Blademaster accepted it and put it aside to cool. 'I \expndtw-10 am sorry, Salida. Once more I seem to have caused trouble \expndtw-6 for you.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Salida shrugged. 'I am a soldier, Chareos. Trouble is \expndtw-1 what I am paid for. But - and I hope you will not take \expndtw-2 this amiss - when this is over I do not want to see you \expndtw-9 again.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'In the circumstances that is understandable,' agreed \expndtw-6 Chareos with a wry smile. He looked down on the body \expndtw-4 of the Earl. 'Strange, he was a man of many talents and \expndtw-6 yet he always told me he envied my role at Bel-azar. He \expndtw-4 often said he would like to have had the chance to fight here. And he did \expndtw44 ...\expndtw0  \expndtw-4 on the wrong side.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'That \i0 is a question of perspective, Chareos. The wrong \expndtw-6 side is the losing side. We have yet to see which side we \expndtw-5 are on.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What do you think the Lord Regent will decide?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Let us wait and see,' said Salida, looking away.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'My thoughts exactly,' agreed Chareos. 'He will sell us \expndtw-3 out. Better that, I suppose, than a costly war he cannot \expndtw-8 win.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 An ululating chant began in the guardhouse and Salida \expndtw-5 shivered. 'I do not like that man,' he said. 'Like all Nadir \expndtw-6 shamen, he reeks of death.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tanaki joined them on the battlements, Kiall beside \expndtw0 her. That is a birth chant,' she said. Til go down and \expndtw-6 help.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi197\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos yawned and stretched out on the battlements. \expndtw-4 He was weary and his bones ached. Rolling his blanket \expndtw0 for a pillow, he lay down in the shadows and tried to \expndtw-16 sleep.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Defend the babe, BlademasterJ \i0 came the voice of Okas.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex89\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos awoke with a start. Salida had returned to his}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex89\expndtw-12\f1\lang1033\fs23 302}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5395\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 men and only six sentries walked the walls. Chareos sat \expndtw0 up. Asta Khan had promised him the mother and the babe would be safe. What then was the danger? He \expndtw-8 recalled again the words of Okas back in Tavern Town.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Why do the bones ofTenaka Khan lie buried at Bel-azar?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tenaka Khan - The King Beyond the Gate, the Prince \expndtw-2 of Shadows. A man Asta believed should never have died. \expndtw0 Now the shaman sat in the birth room, holding to the skull of the Great Khan. Chareos' mouth was dry and the thoughts tumbled together. What had Asta said? 'No harm will come to the mother of his flesh.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li202\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 What of his spirit, his soul?}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 He glanced down at the guardhouse. In there, at this very moment, Asta Khan was waiting to slay the child's soul. Chareos rose and ran down the rampart steps.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 He had reached the guardhouse door and was about to enter when he heard a sound from behind and swivelled, but too late. Asta's dagger slashed out to nick the skin of his face. As the little shaman jumped back Chareos tried to draw his sabre, but his limbs were sluggish and heavy.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I knew,' whispered Asta Khan, 'that you would divine my purpose. But it is too late for you, Chareos. Die in peace.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 The poison flooded his veins. His legs gave way, and he did not feel himself hit the ground.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 Asta pulled the body to the side of the building, then returned to his place at the bedside. He sat on the cold floor and closed his eyes, his spirit soaring free.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 Ravenna was moaning with the pain of the contractions, \expndtw0 Tanaki beside her. Kiall was asleep by the far wall, but he awoke and sat up. 'What is happening?' he asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Her water's broken. The babe will be born any time now,' answered Tanaki.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What can I do?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What all men do at this time - nothing,' she answered, \expndtw-3 a smile robbing the words of venom. Kiall rose and walked \expndtw0 from the room. Outside the night was fresh and clear. Most of the soldiers were asleep, save the guards on the}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li19\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex92\expndtw-17\f1\lang1033\fs23 303}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5391\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri38\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 walls. He looked around for Chareos, but there was no \expndtw-1 sign of the Blademaster. Seeing Chien-tsu rise from his \expndtw-3 blankets, Kiall strolled over to him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri38\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 The little warrior stretched and lifted his sword-belt \expndtw-2 into place, the long blade hanging between his shoulder-\expndtw-3 blades. His servant slept on, snoring softly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Where is Chareos?' asked Chien.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 'On the wall, I think.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Let us hope so,' said Chien, trotting towards the ram\-\expndtw0 part steps. They searched the wall and the gate-tower. \expndtw-2 Chien seemed anxious now. He turned to stare back into \expndtw0 the fortress, his eyes alighting on the still figure by the guardhouse wall. Both men ran to the body and Chien \expndtw-3 turned it over, feeling for a pulse.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs22 'What happened to him?' asked Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 'I do not know. I heard his soul cry out. It woke me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Look, there is a cut to his face.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs22 'It could have happened when he fell,' said Chien. 'We \expndtw-3 must get him to a fire. His body is cold, but the heart still beats.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi0\sb446\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\f1\lang1033\fs22 Chareos awoke to a bleak landscape - the sky a pitiless grey, the land devoid of life. A dead tree stood like a skeleton on the brow of a distant hill, and a light shone there. Chareos shook his head. He had no recollection of travelling to this barren land. As he walked towards the light wolves howled in the distance, the sound eerie and hollow. Chareos climbed the hill and sat by the light, which was emanating from a point just above the ground. He reached out to touch it, but a voice stopped him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\f1\lang1033\fs22 'It is fragile, Chareos, and pure,' said Okas and Chareos turned. The Tattooed Man smiled and held out his hand. Chareos took it.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\f1\lang1033\fs22 'What is the light?' asked the Blademaster.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\f1\lang1033\fs22 There are two lights,' said Okas. 'They are the souls of the twins Ravenna carries.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\f1\lang1033\fs22 'They are beautiful,' Chareos whispered.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li5\ri0\fi0\sb197\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex95\expndtw-15\f1\lang1033\fs22 304}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5405\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'All children have bright souls, but these two are spe\-\expndtw-4 cial. They will change the world, Chareos. For good or \expndtw-3 ill.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'How did you come here? For that matter, how did I \expndtw-10 come here?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Asta Khan poisoned your body. Even now you are \expndtw-6 dying in the world beyond. He plans to kill what he sees \expndtw-5 as the soul of the child.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I remember,' said Chareos. 'He wants to bring Tenaka \expndtw-5 Khan back to life. Can he do it?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes, if his timing is right. That is why the bones were \expndtw-2 at Bel-azar. That is also why Jungir placed a thousand spells on the Tomb of Ulric - not to stop robbers from \expndtw-1 getting in, but to stop Tenaka Khan from getting out. \expndtw-2 But Asta fooled him; he substituted the Khan's bones, \expndtw-6 and carried them to Bel-azar - to await the \i ghosts-yet-to-\expndtw-5 be:}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'So we fulfilled his dreams?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'We kept him alive when he was weak. But now he is \expndtw-7 strong again.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What can we do?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Okas shrugged. 'We can defend the child.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Can we succeed?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No, Chareos. But when has that ever been important?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 A cold wind blew across the hill-top and a dark mist \expndtw-8 formed. The mist hardened to become a horde of demons \expndtw-3 with dull red eyes and long talons. In their midst stood \expndtw-7 Asta and beside him Tenaka Khan, the King Beyond the \expndtw-17 Gate.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos stood and drew his sabre. It shone with a silver \expndtw-10 light.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Still you oppose me?' sneered Asta Khan. 'It will avail \expndtw-9 you nothing. Look now upon my army!" As far as the eye \expndtw-6 could see there were creatures of darkness, and Chareos \expndtw-9 could sense their lust for blood like a physical force push\-\expndtw-8 ing him back.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Step aside, Chareos,' said Tenaka Khan. 'You have \expndtw-7 done all that you were intended to do. The \i ghosts-yet-to-}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li29\ri0\fi0\sb187\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex82\f1\lang1033\fs23 305}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5410\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 be \i0 have fulfilled their quest - they have given me a second \expndtw-7 chance at life.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No, Great Khan,' replied Chareos. 'You had your life, \expndtw-5 and it ended. This child deserves to see the sky and live \expndtw-4 his own life. And I do not believe that my friends and I \expndtw-5 died for your glory. If anything, it was for the babe.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Enough of this!' shouted Asta. 'You think to stop us \expndtw-13 alone?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'But he is not alone,' said Beltzer, walking to stand beside Chareos. When the Blademaster looked at his \expndtw-7 friend, Beltzer was no longer old and fat, no longer bald. \expndtw-5 Red hair framed his face in a lion's mane, and his silver \expndtw-8 axe blazed with light.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Maggrig and Finn appeared on his left, white bows in \expndtw-8 their hands.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos felt a swelling in his throat and tears formed \expndtw-7 in his eyes. He brushed them away with the sleeve of his \expndtw-10 shirt.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Now you know, Tenaka,' he said, 'the meaning of the \i\expndtw-9 ghosts-yet-to-be. \i0 Bring on your demons. We defy you all!' \expndtw-5 Beltzer hefted his axe, Maggrig and Finn drew back on \expndtw-9 their bows. Asta raised his arm, but Tenaka held to it. The \expndtw-8 Khan walked forward, his violet eyes sad and thoughtful.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I thought you were created for me,' he said. 'I knew you had some purpose - it is why I let you live, why I \expndtw-9 scarred my life of victories with that one defeat.' He gazed \expndtw-8 down at the light and sighed. 'But you are right, Chareos. \expndtw-6 My day has passed. Let the child see the sky.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri19\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 He turned away and walked back to the demon horde. A path opened before him and he vanished from sight.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Asta walked towards Chareos, but the Blademaster \expndtw-7 blocked his way to the light.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 The shaman looked old now, wretched and desolate as he looked up at Chareos, blinking and confused.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You must let me have the babe,' he said.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I do not mean to kill it. I cannot now - not without \expndtw-7 Tenaka's blessing. But the Nadir must have a Khan. You}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li34\ri0\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex82\f1\lang1033\fs23 306}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5425\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 see that, do you not? He is of the blood of kings. Let me \expndtw-7 have him.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What do you offer, Asta Khan?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I have an antidote to the poison. You will live.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You misunderstand me. What do you offer the child?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'My life. I will defend him all the days of my life. I will \expndtw-4 teach him to be the Khan.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Then you may have him.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Asta's surprise was genuine. 'Let me see his spirit.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No. Return to Bel-azar and give me your antidote. You \expndtw-6 will see the babe when he is born.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Can I trust you, Chareos?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I am afraid that you can,' said the Blademaster.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri5\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Asta turned and vanished and the mist formed about \expndtw-9 the demons once more. The wind howled, the mist swirl\-\expndtw-8 ing away into the grey sky.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 And the heroes of Bel-azar were alone on the hill-top. \expndtw-4 The light from the twin spirits grew, touching the dead \expndtw-7 tree. Leaves sprang from the branches, blossoms of pink \expndtw-2 and white flowered into life and fragile petals fell like \expndtw-10 snowflakes around the souls.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li77\ri0\fi0\sb3979\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 307}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn4815\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li1493\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs35 CHAPTER FIFTEEN}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li605\ri14\fi0\sb470\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 For sixteen hours Chareos lay close to death, scarcely \expndtw-6 breathing. Asta Khan stayed by his side, pouring a foul-\expndtw-5 smelling potion between his lips and rubbing his limbs, \expndtw-7 forcing the blood to circulate. Chien-tsu offered his help, \expndtw-10 but Asta waved him away.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li816\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Is he doing any good?' Kiall asked the Kiatze warrior.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li605\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I have never seen anyone work harder. I could almost \expndtw-5 believe he actually cares whether Chareos lives or dies. \expndtw-9 Almost.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li605\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall returned to the guardhouse where Ravenna had \expndtw-6 given birth to twin boys, healthy and strong. Tanaki was \expndtw-3 still at the bedside, but both women were asleep. Kiall \expndtw-11 was about to leave her there when Tanaki opened her eyes; \expndtw-7 she smiled wearily and stood, moving in to his embrace.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li816\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What now?' she asked, looking up at him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li816\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Now we wait for the Lord Regent's answer.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qr\li0\ri5\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 One of the babes began to cry and Tanaki went to}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qr\li0\ri5\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 where he lay with his brother in a makeshift crib, lifting}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qr\li0\ri5\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 him clear. She carried him to Ravenna, pulled back the}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qr\li0\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 blanket and held him to Ravenna's breast. The mother}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qr\li0\ri2664\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\loch\af0\hich\af0\dbch\f1\lang1033\fs23 \'84\hich\af0\dbch\af1\loch\f0          did not stir from her sleep.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qr\li0\ri5\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0\tx821 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\loch\af0\hich\af0\dbch\f1\lang1033\fs23 \'a7\tab \hich\af0\dbch\af1\loch\f0 Tanaki rubbed the babe's back and returned him to the}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li619\ri0\fi-614\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 *         crib. The other babe awoke but did not cry. Tanaki lifted \expndtw-10 him also and carried him to Ravenna. He too drank lustily.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li0\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0\tx826 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\loch\af0\hich\af0\dbch\f1\lang1033\fs23 \'95\tab \hich\af0\dbch\af1\loch\f0 'It is a pity Ravenna was not the woman of Chareos,'\line \expndtw-6 "         said Tanaki.\line \expndtw-11 'Why?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li619\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He could have challenged Jungir Khan to single combat for her. It is the Nadir custom and the Khan \expndtw-9 could not have refused. That way, we could have avoided \expndtw-6 a war.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li835\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I could challenge him,' said Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li2990\ri0\fi0\sb202\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex84\f1\lang1033\fs22 308}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5425\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Fear flashed into Tanaki's eyes. 'You will do no such thing! I have seen you in action and you are not one half as skilful as Jungir. He would cut you into pieces.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I could strike a lucky blow,' he argued.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri29\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Luck does not enter into a contest of that nature. Put the idea from your mind.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri38\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 He paused in the doorway. 'I do love you,' he said. 'You know that?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes. I know.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 He left her then and walked to the ramparts where \expndtw-4 Salida was standing with Harokas and Chien-tsu. Glancing \expndtw-1 back at the unconscious Chareos, he saw the shaman was \expndtw-2 still beside him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I think his heart gave out,' said Harokas.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'He is not a young man,' Salida said, 'but I hope he pulls through.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Nadir began to stir, rising from their camp-fires and saddling their horses. Salida glanced at the sky. It \expndtw-3 was almost time.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri10\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 A rider came galloping through the western gate, leap\-\expndtw0 ing from the saddle of his lathered mount. He ran to Salida, handing him a scroll of parchment sealed with green wax and stamped with the Lord Regent's seal. Salida walked away from the others, removed his battle gauntlets and opened the scroll. He sniffed loudly and read the document slowly; then he rolled it once more and tucked it into his belt.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li206\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Pulling on his gauntlets, he returned to the others.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi192\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 The Nadir began to ride forward with Jungir Khan at their head. They halted below the battlements and Jungir \expndtw-3 looked up.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You have your answer, Captain Salida?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I do, Highness. I am instructed to hold this fortress in the name of the Gothir people, and to deny access to any \expndtw-2 foreign power.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Then it is war,' said Jungir, drawing his sword.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Wait!' shouted Kiall. 'May I speak, Highness?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Who are you, boy?' called Jungir.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li34\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-16\f1\lang1033\fs23 309}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5406\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\f1\lang1033\fs22 'I am Kiall. Ravenna was my woman, stolen from my village. We were betrothed. Now I demand the right of combat to decide what happens to her.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri29\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs22 Jungir leaned back in the saddle, his dark eyes fixed on Kiall. 'You wish to challenge me directly?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\f1\lang1033\fs22 'It is my right, and the Nadir custom so to do.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\f1\lang1033\fs22 Jungir glanced to his left, watching the men around him. Each of them knew the custom and he felt, with certainty, that the boy's daring appealed to them.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\f1\lang1033\fs22 'And when you lose?' called Jungir Khan. 'What then? I get my woman back - and what else?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\f1\lang1033\fs22 'I can speak only for Ravenna, sire.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Very well. Come down - and we will fight, man to man. And I promise not to kill you slowly, for you have followed your woman as a man should.' A grunt of approval came from the Nadir warriors around him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\f1\lang1033\fs22 Inside the fortress Asta Khan heard the exchange. As \expndtw-1 Kiall descended the rampart steps Asta ran to him, grab\-bing his arm.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\f1\lang1033\fs22 'What do you want?' asked Kiall, trying to pull away.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Listen to me, fool, there is no need to die! I will help you in this battle, if you trust me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\f1\lang1033\fs22 'I want no trickery, or magic,' said Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri10\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\f1\lang1033\fs22 'No tricks,' Asta assured him. 'Just say these words after me. Will you do that?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\f1\lang1033\fs22 Kiall shrugged. 'What are they?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Merely a good luck charm which will open you to a friend. Trust me, Kiall. Can you not see I am with you? I am fighting to save the life of Chareos. Does that mean nothing? I am your friend.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Speak the words,' said the former villager.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\f1\lang1033\fs22 Asta Khan closed his eyes, and began to chant:}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li1949\ri1690\fi0\sb221\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs22 Nadir we \expndtw0 Youth born, \expndtw-2 Blood letters, \expndtw-5 Axe wielders \expndtw-3 Victors still.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb197\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex97\expndtw-16\f1\lang1033\fs22 310}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5409\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li5\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall spoke the words. 'What do they mean?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri38\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Life,' whispered a cool voice inside his mind and Kiall \expndtw-6 reeled back. 'Do not be afraid,' said the voice of Tenaka \expndtw-10 Khan. 'I am the warrior who aided you against the demons \expndtw-6 and I will aid you now. I want you to relax, to allow me \expndtw-3 to live - for but a brief moment. It is all I ask, in return \expndtw-5 for the aid I gave you.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri38\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall could feel the rising tension in him, like a pressure \expndtw-8 building. 'Give way, Kiall. And let me save your friends.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'It is my fight,' he argued weakly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Jungir Khan poisoned me,' said Tenaka. 'He poisoned his own father. You must allow me my hour of revenge.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I \expndtw50 ...\expndtw0  \expndtw-1 I don't know.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri5\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Trust me. Relax,' said Tenaka and Kiall felt himself \expndtw-2 give, felt the power of Tenaka Khan flow through his \expndtw-7 veins. Their memories merged, and Kiall felt the thrill of \expndtw0 countless battles - saw the fall of the mighty Dros \expndtw-9 Delnoch, experienced the great love the Khan had known \expndtw-6 for Kenya, the Joining Child. But more than this, he felt \expndtw-10 the confidence of the warrior born. He tried to will himself \expndtw-4 forward, but found to his terror that he could no longer \expndtw-7 control his limbs. His arms stretched out, his lungs filled \expndtw-8 with air.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Oh,' came his voice, 'oh, it is good to breathe again!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri10\fi197\sb5\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Tenaka Khan moved to the postern gate. At that \expndtw-1 moment Tanaki ran from the guardhouse. 'Kiall!' she \expndtw-5 screamed, 'oh, please don't do this.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri5\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 She flung herself into his arms and Tenaka kissed the \expndtw-7 top of her head.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li230\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I will come back,' he said softly. 'He cannot beat me.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri0\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'But he \i can. \i0 He is the greatest swordsman since my \expndtw-4 father. There is not a man alive - save perhaps Chareos - who could best him.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Did you love your father?' he asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li240\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'You know that I did. More than anything.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li38\ri10\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-230\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'And do you love me?' he asked. Trapped behind his \expndtw-8 own eyes, Kiall despaired of the answer.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li34\ri0\fi0\sb182\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex79\f1\lang1033\fs23 311}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5415\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes,' she said simply. 'I am for you, Kiall. Now and \expndtw-13 always.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Your father loved you,' he said. 'You were the joy \expndtw-2 Kenya left . . . him. Watch from the battlements - and \expndtw0 fear nothing. Kiall will come back to you. I promise, \expndtw-6 Naki.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 He turned to the gate, opened the bolts and walked \expndtw-2 towards the waiting horde. For a moment Tanaki was stunned. He had seemed so different, and he had used \expndtw-9 her pet name - the name she carried as a child. She swung \expndtw-7 to Asta Khan.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri19\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What have you done?' she shouted. The old man said \expndtw-2 nothing, but returned to the still form of Chareos. The \expndtw-10 Blademaster opened his eyes.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I kept my bargain,' whispered Asta. 'Will you keep \expndtw-11 yours?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I will," answered Chareos. 'What is happening?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Kiall has gone outside to battle with Jungir Khan.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'By the Source, no,' groaned Chareos. 'Help me to the \expndtw-7 battlements.' The wiry shaman pulled Chareos to his feet \expndtw-8 and half carried him to the steps. Painfully Chareos eased \expndtw-6 his way up to the ramparts.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi197\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 Out on the valley floor Tenaka Khan strode out confi\-\expndtw-5 dently to meet his son. Jungir carried the jewelled blade \expndtw-10 given to him by Chien-tsu. Tenaka drew the cavalry sabre, \expndtw-4 tested it for weight and then hurled it aside. He walked \expndtw-6 past the surprised Jungir, halting before an old man on a \expndtw-11 grey pony.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi206\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 'They told me on the battlements that you were \expndtw-6 Subodai, the oldest friend of Tenaka Khan,' he said.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 The grim-eyed old man nodded his head.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi211\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Would you loan me one of the short swords Tenaka \expndtw-7 gave you on your last meeting.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri5\fi197\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 The old man looked closely at the figure of Kiall, at the \expndtw-6 stance and the tilt of the head, at the grey eyes that fixed to his own. He shivered and drew his sword, reversing it and handing it to the young man without a word.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li10\ri0\fi0\sb192\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex82\f1\lang1033\fs23 312}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5391\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri62\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs22 Tenaka turned and swung the blade twice. He returned \expndtw-2 to Jungir Khan.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li211\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs22 'When you are ready, Highness,' he said.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri58\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs22 Jungir launched a lightning thrust. Tenaka parried it -\expndtw0 and stepped in close. 'Did you think the poison would \expndtw-3 keep me from you, my son?' he whispered.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri34\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 Jungir blanched. His face darkened and he attacked again - and again. But each time the dazzling blade of \expndtw-3 Tenaka Khan blocked his approach. As the battle moved \expndtw-2 further from the watching warriors, Jungir aimed a wild cut. Tenaka blocked it, and stepped inside once more.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri48\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Asta smuggled my bones here years ago. Yet I can still \expndtw-2 taste the poison from your cup.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri38\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Stop it!' screamed Jungir. His sword lowered a fraction \expndtw-2 and Tenaka Khan leapt forward, twisting the blade from his grasp. It fell in the dirt ten paces away.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri38\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Pick it up,' ordered Tenaka. Jungir scrambled for the blade and ran at Tenaka, offering no defence. Before he \expndtw-6 could stop himself Tenaka instinctively rammed his sword \expndtw-3 home into his son's chest. Jungir sagged against him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri38\fi216\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs22 'I loved you, Father,' he said, 'and you never cared for \expndtw0 me. Not once.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri29\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs22 Tenaka seized his son and sank with him to the earth, \expndtw-4 tears filling his eyes. 'Oh, my son! I was so proud of you. \expndtw-2 But I wanted you to be a strong man - a Nadir man. And \expndtw-4 I never showed my feelings - save for Tanaki. Yet I loved \expndtw0 you - and your brothers. Jungir . . . Jungir!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs22 But the Khan was dead.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li19\ri24\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs22 Tenaka stood with head bowed by the body. He wren\-\expndtw-3 ched the sword clear and flung it from him, then he knelt \expndtw-4 by his dead son.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri19\fi187\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 The old general rode forward and dismounted. He \expndtw-6 walked now with a limp, but he was the same man Tenaka \expndtw-3 Khan had rescued all those years before.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li235\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs22 'Who are you?' hissed the general. \i 'Who?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li34\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs22 'I am merely a man,' said Tenaka, turning to stare at the battlements and his only daughter. The foolish boy had given him life, and he had used it to kill the last of}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li24\ri0\fi0\sb197\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex86\f1\lang1033\fs22 313}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5390\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 his sons. And he knew, in that moment, that he could not rob his daughter of her love. No, better finally to accept death and fly in search of Jungir. 'Kiall, come forth,' he said softly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri34\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall found the tension lifting from him. He stretched and turned back to the general. 'I thank you for the use of your sword, sir. The spirit of Tenaka Khan bade me ask for it.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri29\fi211\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Just for a moment . . .' said the general. He shook his head. 'It doesn't matter. Return to your fortress; you will die soon enough.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri29\fi202\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Asta Khan leapt to the battlements. 'Subodai!' he \expndtw-8 called.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What is it, warlock?'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The son of the Khan is born!'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Is this true?' Subodai hissed at Kiall.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Yes. In the night.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li221\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I will bring him to you," shouted Asta. 'Do not attack.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall walked back to the fortress, where two soldiers opened the postern gate. Asta was moving towards the \expndtw-1 gatehouse when Chareos stopped him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Wait,' he said. 'I will bring out the child.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri24\fi206\sb5\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos walked into the guardhouse, where Ravenna \expndtw-3 was awake with one child at her breast, the other sleeping.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri19\fi202\sb10\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 He sat beside her. 'I do not know how to say this, my lady. But, to avert the war, I promised one of your sons would be Khan. And now I am trapped by that promise.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li24\ri10\fi211\sb14\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 She looked at the anguish in his eyes and reached out a hand to him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li29\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\f1\lang1033\fs23 'One of them is born to be Khan. The other would be slain - it is the Nadir way,' she said. 'Let Asta have what he wants. I will raise the other.' She lifted the babe from her breast and kissed him tenderly. Take him before I change my mind.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li43\ri0\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-226\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I will help you raise him, I swear it.' He took the babe. \expndtw0 'Now let there be no sound. Asta must not know there \expndtw-5 are twins."}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li43\ri0\fi0\sb178\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex93\expndtw-16\f1\lang1033\fs23 314}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5419\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 He walked to the door and out into the sunlight. Asta \expndtw-6 ran forward, holding out his thin arms for the child.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'A new Great Khan,' he said gleefully. Chareos passed \expndtw-2 the babe to him and it began to howl, but Asta leaned \expndtw-6 down and whispered in his ear. The babe quietened, and \expndtw-11 fell asleep.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I did what I had to do,' said Asta. 'But I am grateful \expndtw-5 to you, Blademaster.' Chareos nodded, and watched the \expndtw-7 shaman walk out to the waiting army.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri10\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 Within minutes they had departed the valley. As \expndtw-10 Chareos sat down in the sunshine and sagged back against \expndtw-8 the wall, Salida joined him.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li14\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I would not have believed the Lord Regent could be \expndtw-8 so heroic,' said Chareos.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri0\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-2\f1\lang1033\fs23 'No,' said Salida, lifting the parchment from his belt \expndtw-4 and tossing it to Chareos' lap. The Blademaster opened \expndtw-8 it. The message was simple.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li216\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs22 Give Jungir Khan all he asks for.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-5\f1\lang1033\fs23 'I think we did that, don't you?' observed Salida.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li106\ri0\fi0\sb4416\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 315}\par \sect\sectd \sbkpage\pgwsxn11909\pghsxn16834\marglsxn1440\margrsxn5405\margtsxn1440\margbsxn720\cols1\colsx60 \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li0\ri34\fi0\sb0\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs35 EPILOGUE}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li0\ri24\fi0\sb466\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Kiall and Tanaki did not wait to be wed in the Gothir \expndtw-3 fashion. They cut their palms after the Nadir way, and \expndtw-2 pledged their troth before witnesses at Bel-azar. Then \expndtw-5 they rode from the fortress, back to the Steppes and out \expndtw-7 of the pages of Nadir history.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri0\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chien-tsu and Oshi journeyed back to the Empire of \expndtw-8 the Kiatze, where the ambassador was covered with gar\-\expndtw-7 lands and given lands of great wealth and greater beauty.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri19\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 Harokas journeyed with Salida to New Gulgothir, \expndtw-9 where the Lord Regent grudgingly gave the Captain a fine \expndtw-8 award and a promotion.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-1\f1\lang1033\fs23 Seven years later three riders halted before the first \expndtw-8 great gates of Castle Tenaka.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'Once, my son,' said Chareos, 'this was Dros Delnoch, \expndtw-1 the mightiest of the Drenai fortresses. In those days it \expndtw-4 was ruled by the Earl of Bronze. One day that title will \expndtw-7 be yours.'}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li5\ri14\fi197\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-8\f1\lang1033\fs23 The boy turned his violet eyes on the six massive walls \expndtw-5 rearing back along the pass. 'I will take it from the other \expndtw-7 side,' he said softly.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi202\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-4\f1\lang1033\fs23 Chareos smiled and turned to his wife, Ravenna. 'Do \expndtw-8 you have regrets?' he asked.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri14\fi211\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-3\f1\lang1033\fs23 'None,' she said, taking his hand. The boy twisted in \expndtw-6 his saddle and stared back over the northern steppes.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qj\li10\ri24\fi206\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-9\f1\lang1033\fs23 A thousand miles away another violet-eyed child stood, \expndtw-8 staring south.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-7\f1\lang1033\fs23 'What are you looking at?' asked Asta Khan.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\ql\li226\ri0\fi0\sb0\sa0\sl-221\slmult0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\expndtw-6\f1\lang1033\fs23 'The enemy,' whispered the boy.}\par \pard \plain \cbpat8\qc\li5\ri0\fi0\sb1085\sa0 \f1\fs20{\b0\i0\cf1\charscalex100\f1\lang1033\fs23 316}\par }